bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
Authors: Bezzina Fatima , Bereksi Reguig Karima
Published: June 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complication of diabetes.Our objective was to determine the frequency of this complication in a type 2 diabetic population and identify the predictive risk factors through a cross-sectional study involving 279 diabetics (type 2).This study was conducted in Sidi Bel Abbes (north west of Algeria). DR was found in 34% of patients,14% had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 8% had diabetic macular edema (DME). In univariate analysis, age, diabetes duration, glycosylated hemoglobin ( HbA1c), high blood pressure (HT) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) were significantly correlated to this complication with respectively P < 0.001; < 0.001; 0. 005 ; 0. 012 and 0.011. A growing relationship between retinopathy and age was found. DR also increases with the duration of diabetes After 20 years, 76.5% of our patients develop retinopathy. The frequency of DR increased significantly with increasing level of HbA1c. Patients with DR had greater mean HbA1c level than those without DR with respectively 8. 37 and 7. 71%.58. 8% were hypertensive. DR prevalence was higher 40.9% in patients who had hypertension compared to 24.5% in those with normal blood pressure. DN was found in 9% of patients .DR prevalence was higher in patients with DN in comparison to patients without DN with respectively 63% ; 34 %.The evaluation of risk factors of DR and its early detection was to be necessary to delay or even prevent this complication.
Density effect on decline of Cedrus atlantica Manetti Ex Carriere in national park of Theniet El Had, Algeria
Authors: Taleb Mohamed lamine , Ouabel Habib , Haddad Ahmed , Larid Mohamed , Maatoug M'hamed
Published: June 2022

This study focuses on the study of the causal factors of Atlas cedar decline in the Theniet el Had national park, once classified as the first park in Algeria and the most beautiful cedar forest in northern Africa. Although severalstudies have been done on the causative agent of decline, none of them have confirmed the predisposing factors, thus weakening its vigor. Therefore, in this study, the search for possible relationship between dieback and ecological, dendrometric characteristics as well as the spatial distribution of trees were taken into consideration. 40 concentric circular plots of 200, 400, 500 and 1,000 m² were installed in the northern part of the park for dendrometric and edaphic surveys, in addition to rectangular plots of 200 m2 installed in the center of the  concentric plots were measured of distance between trees and of the four radii of the crown. The results obtained showed that the circumference in the reduced areas (the circular plots of 200m²) declined significantly. The spatial distribution of the trees, schematized by the AutoCAD software, was chaotic and the crowns showed deterioration influenced by their overlapping. In 76% of the rectangular plots, the maximum area of the crowns had an overlap of more than 90%. The application of Schütz's inter-individual competition index also indicated that competition  between trees was very important. This situation only explains the chaotic distribution of the trees, due to the lack of forestry work, imposes a competition between the trees causing, thus, the weakening of their vigor. Therefore, the establishment of a short- and longterm Atlas cedar decline management plan is of high recommended importance, in which adjusting the spatial distribution can promote the future strength and vitality of Atlas cedars.
Determinants of Gen Z Online Buying Behavior: A Quantitative Research
Authors: Hieu Le Quang , Loan Nguyen Thi
Published: June 2022

Online shopping is growing at the fastest rate and gradually becoming a popular and trusted shopping channel of customers around the world, in which, the customer group accounts for a large proportion and tends to lead consumer behavior. Current and future online is generation Z. Therefore, this article focuses on analyzing factors affecting online shopping behavior of Gen Z in Vietnam, thereby proposing solutions to help businesses continue to approach and conquer this group of potential customers. To achieve the goal, the study conducted an online survey of 374 Gen Z e-buyers by means of convenient sampling nationwide, combined with the use of SPSS 25.0 software in factor analysis and linear regression analysis. Research results show that, STT, TDU are the factors that have a decisive impact on the online shopping behavior of Gen Z buyers.
Discussing Marketing Strategy in Hoi An Tourist Holding Company - A Case in Tourism Industry in Vietnam
Authors: Hieu Le Quang , Tien Vu Viet , Mai Ha Thuy
Published: June 2022

Over years, Hoi An Tourism Holding Company (HOT) is not only contributes to solving local labor, contributes to the state budget, but also actively takes care of social security issues. Marketing strategy for HOT can include: Creating a package product and creating a package travel program is one important stage in the operation of companies operating in the field of tourism industry today. Fluctuation of stock price in tourism firms in developing countries such as Vietnam will reflect the business health of tourism system. The article analyzed and evaluated the impacts of multi macroeconomic factors on stock price of a tourism company, Hoi An tourism holding co. (HOT) in Vietnam in the period of 2014-2019, both positive and negative sides. The results of quantitative research, in a quantitative model, show that Sate Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and government agencies need to control inflation and GDP, not increasing too much inflation to favor of stock price.
CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF DA'WAH METHODS IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION
Authors: A Agusman , Hanif Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The da'wah method is a form of discourse and wasilah as symbols and visions and missions of da'wah or a form of amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, which must be distributed to the scope of Muslims and various homogeneous people who are basic and have different knowledge backgrounds and different methods of analyzing material and the messages conveyed by the da'i, both those aimed at the minority community still absorbing the minimal knowledge of various dimensions or vice versa. Da'wah methods and strategies in Islam must be more effective in conveying and transferring various materials or messages of da'wah through various concepts, systems. The method of delivery is done well so that people easily accept it. Islam is the last religion revealed by Allah through Prophet Muhammad SAW. As a da'wah religion, Islam always calls on its people to convey its teachings to others, so that every mature and reasonable Muslim is obliged to carry out this Islamic mission. Da'wah is all activities and activities that invite people to change from a situation that contains non-Islamic values ​​of life to Islamic values ​​of life. These activities and activities are carried out by inviting, encouraging, calling, without pressure, coercion and provocation, and not by persuading and seducing the provision of basic necessities and so on. As exemplified by the Prophet, he always conveyed the revelations he received to be conveyed to his people, in order to perfect human morals. So that the concept and development of da'wah methods in the current era of globalization is very necessary to achieve good and maximum da'wah in society.
PECULIARITIES OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AGENCY AGREEMENTS FROM A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Jurkevičius Vaidas , Pokhodun Yuliia , Bublienė Raimonda
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the legal regulation of international commercial agency agreements in selected jurisdictions. This research is conducted from a comparative perspective, explaining the problems of inter-national commercial agency agreements in civil-law and common law legal traditions. The legal regulation of interna-tional commercial agency agreements is fragmented in many jurisdictions; therefore, the general principles of agency law are applied is this research in order to propose effective solutions. The authors conclude that the lack of interna-tional regulation for commercial agency agreements leads to the application of conflicting national rules that are not sufficient in aligning the interests in all parties of such complex legal relations.
ŽEMĖS SKLYPO KADASTRINIAI (GEODEZINIAI) MATAVIMAI
Authors: Jočė Justyna , Stanionis Arminas
Published: June 2022

Svarbiausi geodezijos uždaviniai – atskirų Žemės paviršiaus taškų padėties nustatymas pasirinktoje koordinačių sistemoje ir detalus Žemės paviršių ir jame esančių vietovės elementų atvaizdavimas plokštumoje. Be geodezijos
neapsieinama sudarant topografinius planus arba žemėlapius, prireikus įvairias problemas, susijusias su žemės naudojimu ir teritorijų planavimu, įvairios paskirties statybinių objektų projektavimu, eksploatavimu ir kt. Tuo tikslu atliekami
geodeziniai matavimai. Jų metu matuojami atstumai, kampai, aukščių skirtumai nuo atraminių iki pasirinktų taškų. Šių matavimų tikslas – nustatyti matuojamųjų taškų padėtį – koordinates. Žemės sklypų kadastriniai matavimai atliekami
pagal teritorijų planavimo dokumentus – detaliuosius ar specialiuosius planus, žemės valdos projektus, institucijų, atsakingų už žemės sklypų formavimo valstybinėje žemėje organizavimą, patvirtintus žemės planus ir kt.
Analytic Light Curves in Reflected Light: Phase Curves, Occultations, and Non-Lambertian Scattering for Spherical Planets and Moons
Authors: Luger Rodrigo , Agol Eric , Bartolić Fran , Foreman-Mackey Daniel
Published: June 2022

We derive efficient, closed-form, differentiable, and numerically stable solutions for the flux measured from a spherical planet or moon seen in reflected light, either in or out of occultation. Our expressions apply to the computation of scattered light phase curves of exoplanets, secondary eclipse light) curves in the optical, or future measurements of planet–moon and planet–planet occultations, as well as to photometry of solar system bodies. We derive our solutions for Lambertian bodies illuminated by a point source, but extend them to model illumination sources of finite angular size and rough surfaces with phase-dependent scattering. Our algorithm is implemented in Python within the open-source starry mapping framework and is designed with efficient gradient-based inference in mind. The algorithm is ∼4–5 orders of magnitude faster than direct numerical evaluation methods and ∼10 orders of magnitude more precise. We show how the techniques developed here may one day lead to the construction of two-dimensional maps of terrestrial planet surfaces, potentially enabling the detection of continents and oceans on exoplanets in the habitable zone.
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https://github.com/rodluger/starrynight
3D Morphology of Open Clusters in the Solar Neighborhood with Gaia EDR 3. II. Hierarchical Star Formation Revealed by Spatial and Kinematic Substructures
Authors: Pang Xiaoying , Tang Shih-Yun , Li Yuqian , Yu Zeqiu , Wang Long , Li Jiayu , Li Yezhang , Wang Yifan , Wang Yanshu , Zhang Teng , Pasquato Mario , Kouwenhoven M. B. N.
Published: June 2022

We identify members of 65 open clusters in the solar neighborhood using the machine-learning algorithm StarGO based on Gaia EDR3 data. After adding members of 20 clusters from previous studies we obtain 85 clusters, and study their morphology and kinematics. We classify the substructures outside the tidal radius into four categories: filamentary (f1) and fractal (f2) for clusters <100 Myr, and halo (h) and tidal tail (t) for clusters >100 Myr. The kinematical substructures of f1-type clusters are elongated; these resemble the disrupted cluster Group X. Kinematic tails are distinct in t-type clusters, especially Pleiades. We identify 29 hierarchical groups in four young regions (Alessi 20, IC 348, LP 2373, LP 2442); 10 among these are new. The hierarchical groups form filament networks. Two regions (Alessi 20, LP 2373) exhibit global orthogonal expansion (stellar motion perpendicular to the filament), which might cause complete dispersal. Infalling-like flows (stellar motion along the filament) are found in UBC 31 and related hierarchical groups in the IC 348 region. Stellar groups in the LP 2442 region (LP 2442 gp 1–5) are spatially well mixed but kinematically coherent. A merging process might be ongoing in the LP 2442 subgroups. For younger systems (≲30 Myr), the mean axis ratio, cluster mass, and half-mass–radius tend to increase with age values. These correlations between structural parameters may imply two dynamical processes occurring in the hierarchical formation scenario in young stellar groups: (1) filament dissolution and (2) subgroup mergers.
Taxonomic and faunistic notes on the genus Trichotichnus from Korea (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Harpalinae, Harpalini)
Authors: Kim Dooyoung , Suh Sang Jae
Published: June 2022

TrichotichnusMorawitz, 1863 is a genus of the subtribe Harpalina, comprising more than 260 species worldwide. In Korea, nine species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed in the Korean catalogue (National Institute of Biological Resources 2019), while seven species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed to occur in Korea according to the Palaearctic catalogue (Kataev and Wrase 2017). Therefore, the checklist of the Korean species of the genusTrichotichnusneeds to be revised.

In the course of taxonomic studies onTrichotichnusspecies from Korea, two unrecorded species are identified: Trichotichnus (Bottchrus) nanus and Trichotichnus (Trichotichnus) vespertinus. In addition, the distribution of a poorly known species, T. (T.) miser, is firstly recognized in the southern part of Korea. Along with the description of the newly-recorded species, a checklist of the Korean species of the genusTrichotichnusis revised. As for the checklist, the distribution of T. (Iridessus) lucidus and T. (T.) leptopus in Korea is re-discussed, and T. (T.) leptopus is excluded from the Korean fauna. Lastly, additional distribution records for the following species are provided: T. (I.) lucidus, T. (T.) longitarsis, T. (T.) nishioi, and T. (T.) noctuabundus.
“It Made Me Think Like a Nurse”: Virtual Simulations With Interpreters
Authors: Halley Mark , Connelly Linda
Published: June 2022

Background:

Simulations are a beneficial educational exercise for nursing students and students studying interpreting. Leveraging videoconferencing software is one way to incorporate virtual experiential learning simulations into curricula.

Method:

Virtual simulations of patient education interactions were conducted with nursing and standardized patients who are deaf. The virtual consultations were mediated by interpreting students. Following the simulations, data were collected from students about their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching patterns.

Results:

Results indicated students reported myriad learning outcomes and areas of growth, as well as several logistical challenges. Students from both disciplines reported new learning experiences and development of practical skills, as well as critical thinking abilities.

Conclusion:

Virtual simulations of health care appointments between nursing students and deaf standardized patients are a worthwhile educational endeavor and lead to positive learning outcomes for all of the students involved.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(6):334–337.]
Using the ModSPICES Geriatric Assessment Tool in Undergraduate Nursing Education
Authors: Lekan Deborah , Yasin Reham
Published: June 2022

Background:

Trends in aging demographics for a growing older adult population highlights the need for Gerontologic nursing competencies to prepare future nurses to provide safe and effective person-centered care.

Method:

A geriatric assessment learning module incorporated the ModSPICES assessment tool based on geriatric syndromes in a didactic and clinical course in a prelicensure baccalaureate nursing program to facilitate nursing students' critical thinking and clinical judgment in the care of hospitalized older adults.

Results:

The ModSPICES tool fostered nursing students' critical thinking for data collection with attention to geriatric syndromes, which are highly prevalent and associated with numerous adverse outcomes but are also preventable and treatable. The tool helped to aggregate diverse clinical information and establish priorities in care.

Conclusion:

The learning module strengthened the linkage between the classroom and clinical setting, enhanced the student's capacity and confidence in the promotion of function-focused care, and facilitated refinement of their evolving assessment skills.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(6):338–344.]
Improving Nursing Student Resilience Using Online Simulation and Resilience-Based Content in a Pediatric Course
Authors: McIntosh Renae
Published: June 2022

Background:

New graduate nurse job satisfaction persistently decreases at 6 months postgraduation. To prepare future nurses for career resilience, schools of nursing are implementing resilience into their curriculum.

Method:

A large Midwestern school of nursing developed and instituted small group discussions, individual assignments, and online simulations to foster career resilience in a required specialty course. The course, offered in the last year of nursing school, included 93 nursing students and a comparison group of 93 nursing students.

Results:

The intervention showed an increase in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) scores. Online simulations were useful for classroom learning, helped students discover new ways of thinking, and increased understanding of course content. Differences in simulation techniques were found, and students reported benefitting more from faculty-guided simulations than self-guided simulations.

Conclusion:

Nurse educators implementing resilience simulation programs can increase new graduate nurse resilience using online simulation, which is an effective technique for teaching nursing students.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(6):348–351.]
Experiential Skills Laboratory Experiences in a Didactic Undergraduate Reproductive Health Course
Authors: Tsusaki Rebecca , Ethington Melissa D. , Helmreich Rebecca J. , Mullassery Daisy G. , Ramaswamy Padmavathy
Published: June 2022

Background:

Experiential learning provides undergraduate nursing students with hands-on opportunities to integrate knowledge and clinical skills. Using educational theory, nurse educators can integrate experiential laboratory experiences into didactic courses to increase comprehension of knowledge and skills required in the clinical setting.

Method:

Experiential laboratory experiences were coordinated with didactic content in an undergraduate reproductive health course, and student scores on weekly quizzes and a standardized final examination were compared for three cohorts. One cohort participated in a generic laboratory at the start of the semester, one cohort received 4 synchronized laboratory days throughout the semester, and another cohort received the same content in 2-day laboratory sessions.

Results:

Weekly quiz scores and standardized final examination scores were significantly higher among students who had synchronized experiential laboratory experiences than for students who had a generic laboratory experience.

Conclusion:

Experiential laboratory experiences are helpful in integrating clinical skills and course knowledge comprehension in didactic undergraduate courses.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(6):326–329.]
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Lee Brian , Piersante Tracy , Calkins Kara L.
Published: June 2022

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is a common phenomenon. In most cases, NH is benign and transient. However, in severe NH cases, neonates can develop encephalopathy and kernicterus. With appropriate screening and treatment, these adverse sequelae can be prevented. This article aims to provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of (1) bilirubin metabolism, (2) risk factors for severe NH, (3) NH screening and treatment, (4) various etiologies of severe NH, and (5) consequences of severe, untreated NH.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(6):e219–e227.]
Some elementary properties of Laurent phenomenon algebras
Authors: Du Qiuning , Li Fang
Published: June 2022

Let $ \Sigma $ be a Laurent phenomenon (LP) seed of rank $ n $, $ \mathcal{A}(\Sigma) $, $ \mathcal{U}(\Sigma) $, and $ \mathcal{L}(\Sigma) $ be its corresponding Laurent phenomenon algebra, upper bound and lower bound respectively. We prove that each seed of $ \mathcal{A}(\Sigma) $ is uniquely defined by its cluster and any two seeds of $ \mathcal{A}(\Sigma) $ with $ n-1 $ common cluster variables are connected with each other by one step of mutation. The method in this paper also works for (totally sign-skew-symmetric) cluster algebras. Moreover, we show that $ \mathcal{U}(\Sigma) $ is invariant under seed mutations when each exchange polynomials coincides with its exchange Laurent polynomials of $ \Sigma $. Besides, we obtain the standard monomial bases of $ \mathcal{L}(\Sigma) $. We also prove that $ \mathcal{U}(\Sigma) $ coincides with $ \mathcal{L}(\Sigma) $ under certain conditions.
Fractional Beer-Lambert law in laser heating of biological tissue
Authors: Lizama Carlos , Murillo-Arcila Marina , Trujillo Macarena
Published: June 2022

In this article we propose an alternative formulation to model a thermal-optical coupled problem involving laser heating. We show that by using the Fractional Beer-Lambert Law (FBLL) instead of the Beer-Lambert Law (BLL) as the governing equation of the optical problem, the formulation of the laser heat source changes, along with consequently, the distribution of temperatures. Our theoretical findings apply to laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK), used to reduce diopters of hyperopia. We show that the FBLL offers a new approach for heat conduction modeling of laser heating, which is more flexible and could better fit the data in cases where the BLL approach does not fit the data well. Our results can be extended to laser heating of other biological tissues and in other general applications. Our findings imply a new insight to improve the accuracy of thermal models, since they involve a new formulation of the external heat source rather than the heat equation itself.
Breeding Dynamics of Gopher Frog Metapopulations Over 10 Years
Authors: Crawford Brian A. , Farmer Anna L. , Enge Kevin M. , Greene Aubrey Heupel , Diaz Lauren , Maerz John C. , Moore Clinton T.
Published: June 2022

Populations of amphibians that breed in isolated, ephemeral wetlands may be particularly sensitive to breeding and recruitment rates, which can be influenced by dynamic and difficult-to-predict extrinsic factors. The gopher frog Rana capito is a declining species currently proposed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, as well as one of many pond-breeding amphibians of conservation concern in the southeastern United States. To represent gopher frog breeding dynamics, we applied an occupancy modeling framework that integrated multiple data sets collected across the species' range to 1) estimate the influence of climate, habitat, and other factors on wetland-specific seasonal breeding probabilities; and 2) use those estimates to characterize seasonal, annual, and regional breeding patterns over a 10-y period. Breeding probability at a wetland was positively influenced by seasonal precipitation (Standardized Precipitation Index) and negatively influenced by fish presence. We found some evidence that the amount of suitable habitat surrounding a wetland was positively correlated with breeding probability during drought conditions. The percentage of sampled wetlands (N = 192) predicted to have breeding varied seasonally, annually, and regionally across the study. Within-year temporal patterns of breeding differed across the range: in most locations north of Florida, peaks of breeding occurred in winter and spring months; whereas breeding was more dispersed throughout the year in Florida. Peaks of breeding across the 10-y period often occurred during or in the season following high rainfall events (e.g., hurricanes). These results have direct applications for site-level management that aims to increase successful breeding opportunities of gopher frogs and other associated pond-breeding amphibians, including monitoring protocol and intensity, removal of fish, and improving terrestrial habitat conditions surrounding wetlands (e.g., via tree or shrub removal and prescribed fire). The results also have implications for better-informed management through the closer alignment of breeding activity monitoring with predicted seasonal peaks. Furthermore, estimates of breeding frequency can be incorporated into population viability analyses to inform forthcoming assessments of extinction risk and designation of the species' conservation status by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Psychological Capital as an Antecedent of Employee Engagement and Its Relationship With Intention to Stay
Authors: George Ginu
Published: June 2022

Employee engagement is an evolving concept in human resources (HR). Most organizations strive to attain employee engagement because of the various organization-related outcomes. It is important for employees to feel engaged emotionally, socially, and intellectually with the work and organization. Various antecedents affect employee engagement and, in turn, result in an organization-related positive outcome. This chapter discusses in-depth PsyCap as an antecedent of employee engagement and how it relates to intent to stay regarding employees working in travel organizations in India and aims to build relevant theoretical frameworks based on the findings. The chapter also discusses some strategies organizations can implement to achieve employee engagement based on the findings.
Employee-Based Brand Equity and Competitive Advantage
Authors: Safeer Asif Ali , Khuhro Saima
Published: June 2022

Employee-based brand equity (EBBE) is a term that has recently emerged in the business world. Many organizations are placing a strong emphasis on the development of their personnel to efficiently deliver brand promises and acquire a competitive advantage over their competitors. Therefore, this chapter examines the EBBE from various perspectives to improve the firms' competitive advantages and long-term profitability. As a result, prior literature identified some critical factors as the dimensions of the EBBE, such as the employee brand knowledge effects, internal brand management, and benefits of EBBE that help the organizations in increasing their competitive advantages to sustain their businesses in competitive markets. Similarly, some critical factors help the firms in improving their employee's satisfaction. Thus, organizations should concentrate their efforts and resources on developing internal brand strategies (EBBE) in order to boost their external branding strategies (CBBE). As a result, they can develop sustainable competitive advantages in order to flourish in markets.
Impact of Leader-Member Exchange on Innovative Work Behavior
Authors: Fatima Afsheen , Nasir Hafsa , Noor Azeema Azeema , Zia Shahrukh , Ali Mohsin
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this study is to test the impact of leader-member exchange on innovative work behavior while examining the moderating role of employee-based brand equity within the financial industry including banking and insurance companies in the Rawalpindi and Islamabad regions. Two hundred thirty responses have been collected through questionnaires. The results indicate that supervisory humor and humble leadership mediate the relationship between leader-member exchange and innovative work behavior. Also, the results demonstrate that employee-based brand equity moderates the relationship between leader-member exchange and innovative work behavior.
Workplace Discrimination During International Work Assignments
Authors: Alaverdov Temuri , Chinchaladze Tamari
Published: June 2022

All people have the right to conduct their activities without equal development and discrimination, but social inequality and job subordination put the employer and the employee in an unequal situation for years. Many women have been silent for decades/centuries due to fear of losing their jobs/income and have not provided law enforcement with information about sexual acts against them. It has been about 40 years since these illegal actions were identified and fought against. These discriminatory facts remain a problem to this day and are a very topical issue not in one country but the whole world. Unlike its concept, discrimination is not a new phenomenon; it exists from the very beginning of the formation of society, and people with different signs were persecuted. Initially, there was persecution on the grounds of wealth, rank, skin color, race, and religion, but unfortunately, the number of signs of unequal treatment is increasing even in the modern era.
The Impact of Brand Experience, Service Quality, and Perceived Value on Word of Mouth and Repurchase Intentions
Authors: Manzoor Umair , Baig Sajjad Ahmad , Sami Abdul , Sajjad Ifrah
Published: June 2022

This study proposed and tested a design model that integrates brand experience (BE), service quality (SQ), the perceived value (PV) on repurchase intentions (RI), and word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations from retail-banking customers in an emerging market. The primary objective was to examine empirically the linkage between these concepts, which resulted in 12 hypotheses being postulated. The study also examines the mediating effect of loyalty on WOM and repurchase intention, with respect to the above-mentioned antecedents. A questionnaire was created using a structured survey of 180 retail-banking customers in Pakistan, and data was collected from those customers. The appropriate tests were employed to ensure the study constructs' validity and reliability. Hypotheses were tested using SmartPLS 3.0. The study findings support the proposed conceptual model, showing that BE, SQ, and PV have a significant effect on the RI and WOM recommendations of retail banking customers. Furthermore, loyalty mediates the relationships between the aforementioned antecedents, WOM, and RI.
Internet of Things
Authors: P. Payaswini
Published: June 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging computing paradigm that supports the interconnection of objects. With the rapid growth in smart technologies, IoT is gaining popularity from industry and academia focusing on communication and networking of smart objects. It is assumed that in a typical IoT application, the smart sensors are capable of directly delivering a service with no or minimal human involvement. There are many new technologies that are driving the development of IoT, which include cloud computing, wireless sensor networks, and 5G, etc. On the other hand, there are many research challenges that need to be addressed such as identity management of billions of devices connected to the internet, standardization, privacy, energy management, security of the information, space to store and process the information, etc. In this regard, the main focus of this chapter is to present IoT in a broader perspective and its associated technologies and applications along with a review of the work published in these areas.
Panic Station
Authors: Muñoz-Chávez J. Patricia , García-Contreras Rigoberto , Valle-Cruz David
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in consumer behavior, where social commerce played a relevant role. Through the theory of protection motivation as a theoretical basis, this chapter´s purpose is the analysis of consumer sentiment in the evolution of panic buying for which the authors identified the trend themes and some important influencers during the contingency. The results show that the leaders with the highest positive sentiment levels were the President of Taiwan and the Prime Minister of Australia. WHO was the influential account with the most negative sentiment during the pandemic. Relative to trending topics, the dataset with the highest positive sentiment is related to cleaning and disinfection products. The face mask data set had the highest negative sentiment and is the trending topic with the highest polarity. The trending topic on health foods, vitamins, and food supplements had the lowest polarity.
Machine Learning and Time Series Models for Consumer Behavior Prediction in the Data Analytics Paradigm
Authors: García Javier Sánchez
Published: June 2022

In the big data paradigm, everyday consumers produce an infinite amount of data with their decisions. These data are available to companies, researchers, and institutions, and it is crucial for them to process it correctly in order to understand consumer behavior. This chapter presents the core time series and machine learning models to analyze and process consumer behavior data in order to convert raw data into useful and informative analyses, predictions, and forecasts. To do that, it introduces, explains, applies, and analyzes the results of ARIMA models, regression analysis, artificial neural networks models, machine learning decision trees, bootstrap methods, and much more. Every technique is illustrated through the R programming language, and the R code is provided through the text in order to ensure replicability and serve as a hands-on manual.
An RFM Model Using K-Means Clustering to Improve Customer Segmentation and Product Recommendation
Authors: Xian Zhao , Keikhosrokiani Pantea , XinYing Chew , Li Zuoyong
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated thousands of companies' closures and affected offline retail shops. Thus, online B2C business models enable traditional offline stores to boost their sales. This study aims to explore the use of historical sales and behavioral data analytics to construct a recommendation model. A process model is proposed, which is the combination of recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) analysis method and the k-means clustering algorithm. RFM analysis is used to segment customer levels in the company while the association rule theory and the apriori algorithm are utilized for completing the shopping basket analysis and recommending products based on the results. The proposed recommendation model provides a good marketing mix to improve sales and market responsiveness. In addition, it recommends specific products to new customers as well as specific groups of target customers. This study offered a practical business transformation case that can assist companies in a similar situation to transform their business model and improve their profits.
Consumer Big Data Analytics
Authors: Gupta Princi , Khandelwal Risha
Published: June 2022

Data is generated from a variety of sources in the digital world, and the rapid adoption of digital technology has resulted in the creation of big data. The accumulation of massive datasets enables evolutionary breakthroughs in a variety of domains. Consumer behavior and analytics is a short, innovative, unique, and approachable literature that introduces new ideas, concepts, and structures to meet the current realities of analytics-driven marketing. This chapter is a groundbreaking and informative volume that connects new possibilities and techniques with existing academic consumer research. This chapter outlines the dimensions of big data and framework of consumer data analysis. This chapter also focuses on the case study of companies using big data.
Age in the Consumer Behavior Change
Authors: Vasudeva Savdeep
Published: June 2022

This chapter deals with the issue of consumer behavior change by taking the case of a digital service such as m-banking and supports the arguments with suitable data analytics. To fulfill this objective, it utilizes the two indicators of awareness and perceived value as the determinants of consumer behavior. The chapter intends to throw light on the relationship between awareness, perceived value, and usage of m-banking, and also helps to find out how the interaction of age affects this relationship. For this purpose, a sample of 524 m-banking users was utilized from the state of Punjab in India. Further, the generated data is analyzed using linear regression and moderated regression analysis. The findings reveal important implications for the banks and other researchers in terms of awareness and perceived value and also depict how the behavior of consumers can change as per their age in this socio-digital era.
Student Learning and Purchasing Behaviour Change During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Pal Kamalendu
Published: June 2022

This chapter discusses the challenges for the higher education sector during the coronavirus pandemic. It examines students' changing communication practices and shopping habits during the coronavirus pandemic. The chapter identifies research gaps, highlining the consequential effect on lesser-developed countries, the psychological effect of the transaction, and the vital role of management in handling the coronavirus pandemic. It also presents that the main objective should be to develop more resilient higher education teaching and learning provisions that are responsive and adaptive to future crises. Two case studies describe a group of undergraduate computer science students' views on digital communication channel utilization and shopping behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic. A multiple-choice questions and answers method provided the students' views regarding the relevant research agenda of this chapter. Finally, the students' feedback provides a view of higher education students' communication channel utilization patterns and purchasing behaviours.
Microplastics in the Environment
Authors: Yaranal Naveenkumar Ashok , Subbiah Senthilmurugan , Mohanty Kaustubha
Published: June 2022

Microplastics in the environment pose a significant threat to the entire ecosystem. Household activity, industrial activity, tyre wear and tear, construction, incineration, plastic litter, landfill, and agricultural activities are the major sources of microplastics in the environment. Microplastics can freely float and adapt between different environmental mediums in the ecosystem due to their lightweight and low-density characteristics. Eventually, microplastics entering the ocean from different pathways result in accumulation and widespread distribution in the marine environment. The frequent interaction between microplastic and aquatic environments accumulates the microplastics in live organisms. The microplastic accumulation and exposure to animals and humans will also affect the ecosystem. This chapter seeks to understand the sources, pathways, and abundance of microplastics in a different environment. The study also highlights the future research prospects for mitigation of plastic towards environment protection.
Analysis of Microplastics
Authors: Pandey Namrata , Krishna Kavita , Zehra Alina , Anbumani S.
Published: June 2022

The ever-growing demand and consumption of plastic has created irrevocable havoc on earth. The exponential increase in the production of plastic is expected to create 2,134 million tons of waste by 2050, which surpasses the fish mass in the oceans. With no proper reuse or recycling policies and gruesome exploitation of this persistent pollutant, plastic has started accumulating and overflowing beyond control. The prevalence and the undefined harm from micro and nano plastic pollution calls for a vigilant screening and periodic upgradation of analytical methodology for efficient and standard reporting. This chapter aims to provide a summary of currently available extraction protocols and instrumental methodologies for microplastics analysis in various environmental samples to fully understand the implications it possesses.
Microplastics Analytical Techniques in Water, Sediments, and Biota
Authors: Hewawasam Udullege Erangi Imasha , Babel Sandhya
Published: June 2022

Identification and quantification of microplastics (MPs) pollution levels in all the environmental compartments including water, sediments, and biota are an hourly need. MPs analytical techniques in water, sediments, and biota consist of several laborious steps including sampling, sample handling, and analytical techniques for identification and quantification. Studies have employed a wide variety of techniques resulting in variation in MPs abundance and characteristics. MPs reporting techniques also vary between different studies. The sampling techniques, digestion reagents, the temperature applied, density separation reagents, and the techniques utilized cause significant impacts on the recovery rate of the MPs particles from samples. 20-10 μm has become the lower reliable, practical limit for MPs due to the limitations in identification methods. Since there is many more MPs research to be done, there is an urgency of establishing reliable and efficient standard methodologies for MPs monitoring enabling comparison of studies from different parts of the world.
School Counselor Role Advocacy
Authors: Hickman Donna L. , Klassen Samantha L.
Published: June 2022

School counselors play a crucial role in the personal, academic, and career development of all students. With the delivery of a developmental, comprehensive counseling program, school counselors respond to a wide variety of student needs while supporting the school's academic vision. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), school counselors should spend the vast majority of their time at school providing direct and indirect services to students. However, school counselors are often given responsibilities that do not fall under the umbrella of appropriate activities for school counselors and have little to do with counseling. Trauma-informed school counselors must be prepared to advocate for appropriate role responsibilities with their administrators. The goal of this chapter is to prepare school counselors to establish a clear professional identity through role advocacy. Ultimately, unambiguous role definition serves to advocate for students who need the services that professional school counselors are uniquely trained to provide.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Authors: Ascencao Kristen
Published: June 2022

Individuals and school communities are often faced with unexpected events. While some unexpected events bring joy and happiness, others cause fear and helplessness. Stability is crucial during an unexpected crisis, and crisis management planning helps create processes, frameworks, and response protocols, reducing further trauma. According to the National Education Agency (NEA), schools must focus on safety to prevent incidents and a foundation of this work is supporting the community's mental health needs. Crisis management planning is critical to help reduce secondary trauma in the lives of others. School counselors should be leaders when helping their school systems prepare for these unexpected situations. They are seen as an essential resource in planning for crisis situations.
Servant Leadership
Authors: Cha Maritza , Perez Andrea
Published: June 2022

This chapter explores how school counselors are servant leaders through the MTMDSS Framework in K-12 and how they practice servant leadership skills pre- and post-pandemic. School counselors are servant leaders in their school communities. They lead with their hearts to serve students through their academics, social-emotional needs, and post-high school plans. They collaborate with staff to ensure students get the personal support needed. In addition, they develop school culture with faculty and administrators. As school counselors return to campus, they face challenges since they have large caseloads and new responsibilities, but their ability to multitask, connect with others, and provide help when needed will help guide their work. School counselors demonstrate servant leadership values in their work. As school counselors, their goal is always the greater good. School counselors are student-centered and strive to help their students be the best possible version of themselves.
Gifted and Talented
Authors: Guthrie Stacey L. , Gurskyj Corey L.
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, the authors will explore the basics of being gifted and talented: what it means, presents, and how best to support. Gifted and talented is associated as a disability and is best served under special education resources. Serving this community requires plans that will encourage and support furthering this exceptional ability. Being gifted does not protect one from experiencing trauma. The giftedness poses a challenge when processing the traumatic event. There is very little research with the combination of gifted and trauma, so more will be discussed to provide this information on how gifted children and adolescents experience trauma and cope. Developing a strong supportive relationship to motivate towards change and healing along with other tools and techniques are discussed for working with the gifted population, wrapping up with a fictional case study as an example.
Addressing Social Justice Issues in Schools Utilizing Trauma-Informed Care
Authors: Phelan Melissa P. , Butcher Jennifer T.
Published: June 2022

Trauma affects students in areas of social/behavioral skills and academic performance. This observation is supported with research. Researchers noted that traumatic exposure at home, school, or in the community has been associated with social anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and oppositional and aggressive behavior. Goodman et al. reported that trauma can have a negative impact on academic functioning, with higher symptoms of traumatic stress predicting poorer reading, math, and science achievement scores among elementary students. Trauma is indeed a social justice issue. Socioeconomic inequality, low educational level, and living in impoverished neighborhoods are major predisposing factors for exposure to a traumatic event. This chapter will provide recommendations on the utilization of trauma-informed care in addressing social justice issues in schools. Strategies to assist varied student groups will be noted in the chapter.
Sustainability of Vegetal Concrete and Means of Improving Its Weaknesses
Authors: Grădinaru Cătălina Mihaela , Șerbănoiu Adrian Alexandru
Published: June 2022

The process of concrete obtaining involves high energy consumption, significant amounts of depletable natural raw materials, and greenhouse gas emissions. A greening variant of concrete is the substitution of the mineral aggregates from its composition with vegetal aggregates made by sunflower stalks. These vegetal aggregates have advantages from health, environment protection, comfort, energy saving, thermal, and/or sound insulation points of view. The aim of this chapter is to present the results of a research on concrete with sunflower stalk aggregates by applying a method of pretreatment of plant aggregates, and then a method of modifying the cement matrix, one of accelerating the hydration reaction of cement, and then a combination of cement matrix modification in parallel with the cement hydration reaction acceleration.
Novel Process of Using Solar Thermal Energy for Improving the Mechanical Properties of Bricks
Authors: Hombal Rajmunni , Gatti Rathishchandra Ramachandra
Published: June 2022

The proposed process is a novel, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method to convert the sunburnt bricks into second-class bricks by increasing their compressive strength and other mechanical properties through the use of solar thermal energy. This is achieved by applying black lead-free paint on the whole surface of the brick and exposing it to solar radiation for about 28-30 days. As the black body absorbs radiation, there is an increased flux of radiation energy into the pores of the clay brick, and thus it increases the compression strength of brick and other its mechanical properties. Experimental samples were prepared and tested as per the prevailing industry standards. The results obtained proved that the tested samples manufactured by this novel process qualified as second-class bricks with a compressive strength of 65-70 kg/cm2. The proposed novel process is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly as there is no use of fossil fuels in the conversion process. The current invention is filed for Indian patent with application number 201941036244 as in IPO publications.