bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Stability of Natural Aqueous Systems
Authors: Povar Igor , Spinu Oxana , Lupascu Tudor , Duca Gheorghe
Published: March 2020

Long-term prediction of the complex chemical processes and their practical consequences is only feasible by using simulation models. The chapter presents a thermodynamic approach to the study of complex chemical equilibria in natural aqueous multicomponent systems. Its quintessence consists in the thermodynamic analysis of the conditions of various processes on the basis of derived overall thermodynamic characteristics. Ways to shift from chemical-analytical, descriptive characteristics in heterogeneous multicomponent systems “mineral – natural aqueous systems” to the quantitative study of involved chemical equilibria by thermodynamic and computer modeling are extensively described. The analyzed chemical processes include the heterogeneous interaction of minerals and aqueous solution, homogeneous reactions of hydrolysis, complex formation, and acid-base equilibria.
Contribution of the “Great Carbon Tracker” in the Dilution of Atmospheric Radiocarbon Emissions
Authors: Travin Sergey Olegovich , Gromov Oleg Borisovich
Published: March 2020

The general model of global carbon circulation (in particular 14C) have been known for half a century and includes both natural and anthropogenic sources and sinks. The main problem was the lack of information about rates of migration from one form to another. The authors made fitting of model data concerning both 12C and 14C dynamics in atmosphere and in sea water. The 70-times discrepancy between generation and decay rates for radiocarbon was explained. The main channel of 14C disappearance is not decay but dissolution in sea waters. By this reason, they deny the Suesse hypothesis because atmospheric carbon dioxide is diluted not by 14C-free substance (after burning of fossil fuels) but from the source of oceans. Multiple numeric experiments modeling 14C pulse or permanent input to the environment had demonstrated the exclusive stability of natural system. It obeys homeostatic principle and resists any attempts to shift steady state concentration. So, all speculations about extraordinary threat from technogenic 14C from nuclear industry do not have any scientific base.
Ethnobotanical Assessment of Endangered Allium stracheyi (Baker)
Authors: Payal Kusum , Rao Kottapalli S. , Maikhuri R. K. , Kandari L. S.
Published: March 2020

Ethnobotanical and economic studies endorse Allium stracheyi Baker, of the Alliaceae family, for future food and health security. The species is important to the socio-cultural, spiritual, and medicinal lives of the indigenous Himalayan people and those in the surrounding urban and peri-urban areas. The species is used by the indigenous Bhotiya people as a flavoring, spice/condiment (Jambu Faran), and a remedy for colds/coughs, jaundice, stomachaches, and various other ailments. A perennial, medicinal, and aromatic plant (MAP) species, A. stracheyi is harvested two or three times annually and is categorized as an endemic and endangered species. It has a high value and represents an important cultural element in the lives of indigenous Bhotiya folk living in the mountains of Central Himalaya, India. Among medicinal and aromatic plants, A. stracheyi is an economic indicator of the plant-based economy and tradition of Bhotiya ethnic groups in the Niti and Mana Valleys of Uttarakhand, India.
Strategies for Teaching Sustainability in Finance and Accounting
Authors: Galindo-Manrique Alicia Fernanda , Pérez-Calderón Esteban , Pache-Durán María
Published: March 2020

Universities, in their role of training and transforming people, play a key role in generating sustainable citizens to be agents of change by solving social and environmental complexities and safeguarding the future of generations. This chapter sets out the new challenges and trends of incorporating education for sustainable development into the business area, particularly in the subjects of Accounting and Finance. The incorporation of sustainability in the curricular map of universities can be implemented through curricular and university orientation. Both strategies are indispensable to generate a successful adoption in the curricula. Different conceptual frameworks on sustainability teaching are developed and pedagogical strategies are proposed to implement better learning practices.
Teaching for Leadership, Innovation, and Creativity
Authors: Iqbal Tahir
Published: March 2020

As the world enters the age of digitalization, it is demanded by time that the education curriculum be updated to the latest version. However, in the contemporary research literature, many different notable researchers and authors have established that there is a disparity which exists in the education curriculum and the educational practices especially in the business sector. This disparity is characterized by gaps in technology and knowledge which must be bridged for the business sector to reap the fruits of a global education in the contemporary timeframe. In this connection, the role of the teachers and the educators is of critical importance primarily due to the fact that they are assigned the heavy responsibility of interacting with students.
Modelling a Conceptual Framework for the Wine Tourism System
Authors: Kotur Anupama S.
Published: March 2020

Wine tourism is a synthesis of elements from the wine and tourism industries that come together to form the wine tourism experience. Several elements form a part of a much larger wine tourism system and contribute directly and/or indirectly to creating and developing a wine tourism destination. Maharashtra in India has come to be popularly known as the ‘wine bowl' of India, producing some of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed wines. This chapter aims to examine all those elements that have played a part in and are necessary to develop a competitive and sustainable wine tourism destination in Maharashtra. The singular objective of this research chapter is to propose a conceptual framework of the wine tourism system. The research largely relies on secondary data as well as results of previous empirical researches conducted by the author. The wider contribution of this chapter lies in developing and illustrating a model of wine tourism system. This system model can be instrumental in defining all those components that are most critical to the growth of a wine tourism destination.
Introduction to Tourism Security
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel
Published: March 2020

The present essay review explores the problem of terrorism and security in tourism fields. Certainly, plans and policies provided by guide-books are not being followed in disaster-contests simply chaos and disorder are the nature of emergencies. Beyond any protocol, crises and security are not properly defined by scholars. In this essay-review, we will not pay attention to define what tourism security means, lest by the lens of three senior scholars, Sevil Somnez, Abraham Pizam and Peter Tarlow, who have accomplished this task. They have explored not only the roots of terrorism but security over 20 years. Despite the criticism, they deserve recognition for this legacy. Based on substantial point of divergence, these specialists are concerned by the financial dependency of societies respecting to mass-media and its coverage of terrorist attacks.
A Review on Cyberattacks
Authors: Saini Gaganjot Kaur , Halgamuge Malka N. , Sharma Pallavi , Purkis James Stephen
Published: March 2020

Research questions remain to be answered in terms of discovering how security could be provided for different resources, such as data, devices, and networks. Most organizations compromise their security measures due to high budgets despite its primary importance in today's highly dependent cyber world and as such there are always some loopholes in security systems, which cybercriminals take advantage of. In this chapter, the authors have completed an analysis of data obtained from 31 peer-reviewed scientific research studies (2009-2017) describing cybersecurity issues and solutions. The results demonstrated that the majority of applications in this area are from the government and the public sector (17%) whereas transportation and other areas have a minor percentage (6%). This study determined that the government sector is the main application area in cybersecurity and is more susceptible to cyber-attacks whereas the wireless sensor network and healthcare areas are less exposed to attack.
Contrast Modification Forensics Algorithm Based on Merged Weight Histogram of Run Length
Authors: Yang Liang , Gao Tiegang , Xuan Yan , Gao Hang
Published: March 2020

A novel image forensic algorithm against contrast modification based on merged weight histogram of run length is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, the run length histogram features were firstly extracted, and then those of different orientation were subsequently merged; after normalization of the prior features, the authors calculated leaps in the histogram numerically; lastly, the generated features of authentic and tampered images were trained by a SVM classifier. Large amounts of experiments show that, the proposed algorithm has low cost of computation complexity, compared with some existing scheme, and it has better performance with many test databases, furthermore, the proposed algorithm can effectively detect local contrast modification of image.
Disconnects of Specialized Mobile Digital Forensics within the Generalized Field of Digital Forensic Science
Authors: Carlton Gregory H. , Kessler Gary C.
Published: March 2020

The study and practice of forensic science comprises many distinct areas that range from behavioral to biological to physical and to digital matters, and in each area forensic science is utilized to obtain evidence that will be admissible within the legal framework. This article focuses on inconsistencies within the accepted methodology of digital forensics when comparing the current best practices of mobile digital devices and traditional computer devices. Here the authors raise the awareness of this disconnect in methodology, and they posit that some specific tasks within the traditional best practices of digital forensic science are artifacts of ritual rather than based on scientific requirements.
Cyber-Security for ICS/SCADA
Authors: Pretorius Barend , van Niekerk Brett
Published: March 2020

Industrial control systems (ICS) or supervisory, control, and data acquisition (SCADA) systems drive many key components of the national infrastructure. It makes these control systems targets for cyber-attacks by terrorists and nation-states who wish to damage their target economically and socially, and cyber-criminals who blackmail the companies operating the infrastructure. Despite the high risk of leaving these systems exposed, providing adequate cyber-security is often challenging. The Stuxnet worm illustrated how vulnerable control systems potentially are when it bypassed a number of security mechanisms to cause physical damage to an Iranian nuclear facility. The article focuses on ICS/SCADA in South Africa discussing the unique challenges and legislation relate to securing control system in the South Africa. A governance and security framework for overcoming these challenges are proposed.
The Communicating and Marketing of Radicalism
Authors: McElreath David H. , Doss Daniel Adrian , McElreath Leisa , Lindsley Ashley , Lusk Glenna , Skinner Joseph , Wellman Ashley
Published: March 2020

This article considers social media as a radicalization venue within the context of terrorism. The 2016 extremist/terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida showed the potential of an ISIS type extremist organization to leverage social media toward a lethal outcome within American society. While the ISIS organization originated overseas in a culture of which mainstream American society is unfamiliar, it is in many ways remarkable the level of success they quickly achieved connecting globally. Their efforts reflect the potential of social media to market a message of radicalism worldwide toward generating murderous converts who are willing to travel to join the fight or attack at home. Given these notions, this article considers the use of social media as an extremist cyber-recruitment tool.
Cyberattacks, Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh Ranjan , Dube Sachin
Published: March 2020

This chapter describes how with growing reliance of modern society over internet and web-based services in every nook and corner of our daily lives, the threats of disruption and damage to these services has also evolved at a parallel rate. One of these threats having a potential of severe and life-threatening devastations is ‘Cyberterrorism.' Contrasting to non-lethal terms such as ‘internet vandalism' and ‘hacktivism,' cyberterrorism encompasses a daunting reach to destruction to the fabric of our modern society. Because of its nature, despite its rapid growth, contrary to conventional terror attacks, cyberterrorism still seems distant from creating a direct threat to civilian life and society. Due to this distance, there is a lack of attention and focus on counter mechanisms against cyberterrorism. By applying effective techniques and keeping our eyes open, establishments can go a long way to avert cyberterror attacks and also recover quickly in the occurrence of an attack. The conclusion of this chapter is that additional research is needed to identify the areas in which personal and professional functions on the internet are still vulnerable.
Modern Information Technology, Global Risk, and the Challenges of Crime in the Era of Late Modernity
Authors: Jegede Ajibade Ebenezer
Published: March 2020

The rapidity and efficient use of most communication technologies remain the driver of accelerated developments across the major societies of the world today. This is quite exciting when compared to what existed in the past. However, current happenings indicate that the contribution of these technologies to sporadic development of nations is fraught with recordable socio-economic risks whose effect is unprecedented and affecting the nature of trust required for social continuity in human environment. Consequently, this paper considers the nature of risks and vulnerabilities affecting e-connectivity from a modernist theoretical perspective and contextualized this in the double edged implication affecting the use of the Internet. The first section of this paper is devoted to review on the nature of affinity between the Internet and crime while the final section engages the empirical analysis of secondary data on the consequences of cyber-crime to the global economy.
A Comparative Analysis of the Cyberattacks Against Estonia, the United States, and Ukraine
Authors: Boyte Kenneth J.
Published: March 2020

This comparative international case study of cyber warfare provides a context for considering the evolution of cyber technologies as elements of hybrid warfare capable of creating confusion, disrupting communications, and impacting physical infrastructure (such as power grids and satellite-based communications and weapons systems). Expanding an unpublished paper recognized by the ASIS Foundation in its 2012 international student writing competition concerning global security, which compared the cyberattacks against Estonia in 2007 and the United States in 2012, this study re-examines and updates the original data in a broader analysis that primarily includes the cyberattacks against Ukraine during the 2013-2015 conflict, but also considers other incidents on the timeline of digitization. The study shows how cyber warfare, first reported in the 1990s, has become an integral component of war today for both state and non-state actors who use zombies and robot armies to penetrate national boundaries and firewalls via satellites.
The Roots of Terror
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel
Published: March 2020

Risk would serve as a fertile ground to move resources, otherwise would be stagnated, so that elite may centralize and solidify “extractive institutions” to enhance the economic performance. The war of all against all, predicated by Hobbes sets the pace to the war of few blocs to yield a supreme authority over the rest. The theory of globalization is reluctant to explain how the world tends to a centralization of resources and violence. Here we come across with a paradox, if the XXth century posed a lot of states making the war to forge their own identity (as it was the case in Europe and US who participated in two total wars), within the state a sentiment of nationhood persisted over other counter-reactions. Citizens not only were twinned to embrace a same history and heritage, but also suspended the internal violence against their brothers.
Copy-Move Forgery Localization Using Convolutional Neural Networks and CFA Features
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhao Yao , Ni Rongrong , Tian Qi
Published: March 2020

This article describes how images could be forged using different techniques, and the most common forgery is copy-move forgery, in which a part of an image is duplicated and placed elsewhere in the same image. This article describes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method to accurately localize the tampered regions, which combines color filter array (CFA) features. The CFA interpolation algorithm introduces the correlation and consistency among the pixels, which can be easily destroyed by most image processing operations. The proposed CNN method can effectively distinguish the traces caused by copy-move forgeries and some post-processing operations. Additionally, it can utilize the classification result to guide the feature extraction, which can enhance the robustness of the learned features. This article, per the authors, tests the proposed method in several experiments. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the method on different forgeries and quantifies its robustness and sensitivity.
Credit Card Fraud
Authors: DeFilippi Dan , Michael Katina
Published: March 2020

This chapter provides a single person case study of Mr. Dan DeFilippi who was arrested for credit card fraud by the US Secret Service in December 2004. The chapter delves into the psychology of a cybercriminal and the inner workings of credit card fraud. A background context of credit card fraud is presented to frame the primary interview. A section on the identification of issues and controversies with respect to carding is then given. Finally, recommendations are made by the convicted cybercriminal turned key informant on how to decrease the rising incidence of cybercrime. A major finding is that credit card fraud is all too easy to enact and merchants need to conduct better staff training to catch fraudsters early. With increases in global online purchasing, international carding networks are proliferating, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to be “policing” unauthorized transactions. Big data may well have a role to play in analyzing behaviors that expose cybercrime.
Cybersecurity Best Practices and Cultural Change in Global Business
Authors: Saiz-Alvarez José Manuel , Leal Guillermo Calleja
Published: March 2020

This chapter discusses how the adoption of best practices to increase cybersecurity in business affects the cultural value of the company. Primarily focused on the European Union, the chapter defines and analyzes both the impact of cyber security on the global business conducted in the European Union, and its relation to cloud computing. A brief analysis of the ISO27000 family of standards is made, to finally analyze the relationship between cybersecurity, cultural change and best practices in IT-based business. Businesses are facing now the Third Industrial Revolution characterized by real-time communications through Information and Communication Technologies, where fighting against cybercrime is essential to have safer and more reliable IT-based systems, given the negative effects emanated from cyber insecurity.
Ethos Construction, Identification, and Authenticity in the Discourses of AWSA
Authors: Gamie Samaa
Published: March 2020

The chapter explores the complex emergent feminist ethos in two virtual spaces created by the San Francisco chapter of AWSA—the Arab Women's Solidarity Association International, an Arab women's activist group. First, the chapter discusses ethos and identity construction in cyberspace. Second, the chapter analyzes AWSA's cyber discourses to uncover the characteristics of its feminist ethos and the opportunities allowed or lost for authenticity and the role of anonymity in constructing its feminist ethos. Third, the chapter questions whether anonymity allows for the critical examination of the discourses and ideologies of the powerful in addition to the creation of a sustainable counter-hegemonic discourse or whether it heightens the threat of homogeneity and streamlining in cyberspace. The chapter, in its conclusion, calls for a critical investigation of the potential of the digital domain to challenge the concentration of power in virtual spaces and uncover frameworks through which revolutionary discourses can be sustained and disseminated.
Mobile Devices in Education
Authors: Khalikova Anastassiya , Silkina Svetlana
Published: March 2020

This chapter reviewed the importance of using ICT in the educational process with the example of mobile devices. Mobile devices as teaching tools are becoming a more and more common part of the educational process in classrooms. Every day the share of mobile Internet and mobile device users are increasing. The level of introduction of mobile devices into the educational environment at the leading universities worldwide is quite high. In Kazakhstan, this system is spread slightly. However, the University of International Business implemented the application for learning the English language which is called “The UIB English.” It is obvious that the use of mobile learning in the educational process requires organizational, research and methodological work. Universities should create and implement projects to operate the mobile version of the portal; identify and develop the most popular mobile services integrated with the information system of the university; develop and implement a mobile security policy; and create its own applications.
Implementation of Multilingual Education for Sustainable Development in the Netherlands and Kazakhstan
Authors: Duisebayeva Fatima , Imasheva Assel
Published: March 2020

The chapter presents a comparative analysis of the implementation of multilingual/bilingual education in Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. The study explores the origin and role of multilingualism, for socio-economic development, relevant regional and international practices in multilingual education, the growth of trilingual instruction, English language training and the use of digital technologies (distant, e-learning programs) in the Eurasian region, Major common features and differences of implementing multilingual/bilingual teaching between the two case studies and the main findings from research trips are identified. A theoretical analysis of scholarly approaches, as well as practical and methodological implications, are made on the example of implementing multilingual instruction at the Kazakhstani agricultural higher educational institutions, particularly Kazakh National Agrarian University and Kazakh S. Seifullin Agritechnical University and Dutch counterparts - Wageningen University, and the Hague University of Applied Sciences.
Relationships in the Learning Process of Reading Comprehension in Spanish and English
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fresneda Raúl
Published: March 2020

English is one of the most studied and used languages worldwide. The process of acquiring reading is a complex task that involves mastering a set of strategies aimed at assimilating written information by the reader. Different studies have shown that the process of understanding reading in the mother tongue has certain similarities with this same learning in English because in both situations semantic and contextual information is used, but there are also several authors who point out that there are distinctions between reading models in a first and second language. This chapter delves into these relationships, which focus on analysing the variables that most influence the learning of comprehensive capacity in Spanish and English. A quasi-experimental design of comparison between groups with pre-test and post-test measurements was used. The study involved 120 students aged between 8 and 9. The results indicate that there are a number of factors that are related in learning to read in Spanish and English.
Moving Towards CLIL 2.0
Authors: Palacios Hidalgo Francisco Javier
Published: March 2020

The 21st century has evolved when it comes to the presence of technology. Internet development has entailed a revolution in human life, especially in the field of interaction. The world has moved from the first Web 1.0 to Web 5.0, which not only allows users to access information but also to interact with millions of other users from every part of the planet. This global connection has led to the increasing necessity of being communicatively and interculturally competent. In this context, European countries develop bilingual education programs based on CLIL, whose main objective is to promote proficiency in non-linguistic and linguistic subjects and foster plurilingualism and intercultural awareness among citizens. Bearing in mind the social and educational implications of the increasing power of technology and the Internet, this chapter revises the progressive transformation of the World Wide Web from a social perspective since its origins until today, and it explains why integrating social media tools in the CLIL classroom could serve as a way to improve the results of bilingual programs.
Performance-Based Assessment in CLIL
Authors: Otto Ana
Published: March 2020

Assessment is probably one of the most controversial aspects of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) mainly due to the balance between content and language, the role of language in the assessment process, and the lack of guidelines and appropriate assessment tools for the specific contexts. This chapter highlights performance-based assessment in CLIL as a powerful strategy to assess students' knowledge effectively by means of measuring competences or skills. The chapter starts with an overview on the impact of assessment in education, and conditions for performance-based assessment. After analyzing the necessary competences to express content knowledge in CLIL subjects, attention will focus on the best assessment tools in line with formative assessment, and the need to scaffold tasks and exam questions.
Foreign Language Learning Through Instagram
Authors: Andujar Alberto , Çakmak Fidel
Published: March 2020

This chapter explores the use of a flipped learning approach through the application Instagram in an English as Foreign Language (EFL) class. A case study involving 53 participants at a high school is presented. A mixed methods approach using quantitative and qualitative information is carried out where 4 different data collection instruments collected information about students' perceptions of the flipped learning model as well as the use of Instagram. Findings emphasized the app and the flipped learning methodology as motivational and useful elements to develop language learning processes. However, learner feedback indicated that the flipped learning model used in this research was not viewed as superior to traditional lecture-based instruction. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications of implementing flipped learning models that utilize mobile devices in EFL education.
Promoting Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication With Flipgrid
Authors: Lee Lina
Published: March 2020

The chapter reports a Spanish-American intercultural exchange through which L2 learners used asynchronous video discussions to exchange cross-cultural perspectives. The study involved 37 university students who carried out CMC tasks over a 14-week period. Using quantitative and qualitative data collection, the study explored the affordances and challenges of using asynchronous video discussions for intercultural learning. Findings revealed that students demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and strategies to interact with their distant partners, and gained intercultural competence. The study suggests that a personal commitment to the online exchange is essential to maximize the potential of asynchronous CMC to promote active interaction. The study concludes with pedagogical implications for practitioners interested in implementing virtual exchange projects using video discussions to develop learners' interpersonal and intercultural communicative competence.
Does the Potential Entrepreneur Need to Think Procedurally?
Authors: Rylková Žaneta
Published: March 2020

This chapter deals with factors that may affect process thinking. The author introduces chosen factors as prerequisites to think procedurally, such as the business economics knowledge, the desire for freedom and success, investment spending, and organizational skills. An analysis of these factors shows the influence on process thinking. The chapter deals with primary data collection from a recent survey conducted in the Czech Republic and a comparison with secondary resources focused on aspects, which may influence the process thinking. The results from the primary and secondary research indicated relationships between above mentioned factors and their effects on process thinking. The chapter subsequently discusses limitations and future research directions in light of findings in this research.
Social Enterprise in Developing Countries
Authors: Nova Monika
Published: March 2020

The chapter is intended to share the author's experience with social enterprise and start-ups gained in the developing countries of Africa. Relying on her ample professional practice, the author believes that many a good idea can be translated into a successful social enterprise project. The chapter will therefore provide an example of good practice. Supported by an already accomplished qualitative research and many years of relevant practice, the author argues that social enterprise and start-up may lay the groundwork for social recognition, self-determination and improved living generally. The persons involved in such enterprise will also enhance their social status and become fully or partially independent of foreign developmental assistance.
The Influence of Ethnicity on Entrepreneurship Opportunity Formation (EOF) Amongst Immigrants
Authors: Njoku Kingsley C. , Cooney Thomas M.
Published: March 2020

Recognizing and exploiting business opportunities is a critical competence for potential, nascent and existing entrepreneurs. From entrepreneurial perspectives, the meaning of the terms ‘ethnicity' and ‘entrepreneurship' have been questioned by many scholars in recent years. Hence, a disagreement over their interpretational meanings and use has arisen. This chapter does not question the validity of this debate, but instead it will explore how ethnicity influences business opportunity formation (BOF) and propose a model of analysis. This will include examining ‘ethnicity' from a three-dimensional point of view based on the works of Aldrich and Waldinger before moving to explore the relationship between ‘ethnicity' and entrepreneurship'. The work is based on primary research undertaken on 4 ethnic groups (Nigeria, Poland, Brazil, and Pakistan) in Ireland and the different approaches that were adopted by the various ethnic groups in setting up, running and managing their businesses in Dublin.
Communication as Social Influence on Academic and Developmental Growth of Today's Adolescent
Authors: Reid-Griffin Angelia
Published: March 2020

This chapter will show how growing social interactions among today's adolescents impact their academic performance and identity development. The author will explain these challenges using a historical reference to socio-ecological perspective and socio-constructivism influence in middle-level education. This chapter provides a review of research detailing the role of discourse and the practices of creating culturally and developmental relevant communications among adolescents and suggests how social opportunities geared specifically for this age level influences learner attitudes and career interests. Discussion on the social influences of the mentoring process and the way it is used to help improve academic performances in hopes that it enhances the development of adolescents in the digital age.
Theory and Application to the Digitization of Young Human Capital Support
Authors: Zabalawi Eman A.
Published: March 2020

The chapter presents a review of a variety of theories and models of adopting and adapting new technological tools such as social media for young people and the impact of their outcomes such as employment, learning at work, and communication. The chapter tries to explain the influence of digital technologies on young adult career selection. The chapter encompasses four principles including self-concepts, adult learner experience, opinion polls, and readiness to learn. As youth workers are expected to be lifelong learners, and youth work itself is an area that continues to be established in learning settings, this chapter on the values of adult learners, alongside theories, helps learners to understand and create more practical learning environments.
Quantum-Behaved Bat Algorithm for Solving the Economic Load Dispatch Problem Considering a Valve-Point Effect
Authors: Vasant Pandian , Mahdi Fahad Parvez , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio , Litvinchev Igor , Aguilar Roman Rodriguez , Watada Junzo
Published: March 2020

Quantum computing-inspired metaheuristic algorithms have emerged as a powerful computational tool to solve nonlinear optimization problems. In this paper, a quantum-behaved bat algorithm (QBA) is implemented to solve a nonlinear economic load dispatch (ELD) problem. The objective of ELD is to find an optimal combination of power generating units in order to minimize total fuel cost of the system, while satisfying all other constraints. To make the system more applicable to the real-world problem, a valve-point effect is considered here with the ELD problem. QBA is applied in 3-unit, 10-unit, and 40-unit power generation systems for different load demands. The obtained result is then presented and compared with some well-known methods from the literature such as different versions of evolutionary programming (EP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), simulated annealing (SA) and hybrid ABC_PSO. The comparison of results shows that QBA performs better than the above-mentioned methods in terms of solution quality, convergence characteristics and computational efficiency. Thus, QBA proves to be an effective and a robust technique to solve such nonlinear optimization problem.
The Politics of Public Debt Management Among Rising Hegemonies and the Role of ICT
Authors: Amu Christian Ugwueze , Nwezeaku Nathaniel Chinedum , Akujuobi Linus Ezewunwa , Ozurunba Benedict Anayo , Njie Sharon Nanyongo , Wogu Ikedinachi Ayodele Power , Misra Sanjay
Published: March 2020

While scholars like Wogu and Misra unanimously affirmed the beneficial roles of adopting AI powered ICT systems in various sectors of government and endeavours, most countries in OECD and the Commonwealth - for reasons described as ‘a political reckless attitude' - have shied away from fully adopting and implementing intelligent debt management systems for their country's financial sectors, hence, the looming debt crisis hanging over them. Premised on the Public Choice theory, the study adopts Marilyn's Ex-post facto research design and Creswell's mix-method research approaches to interrogate the arguments proffered for and against the public debt management and the benefits of ICT, with a view to identifying the nexus that exists between the politics of debt management crisis and the role of ICT for 21st-century polities. The article identified a high degree of political rascality amongst political elites and a lackadaisical will towards the full implementation of intelligent debt management systems in the countries with looming debt crisis. Viable recommendations were proffered.
Technical Interoperability to Solve Cross-Domain Issues Among Federation Systems
Authors: L'Amrani Hasnae , El Idrissi Younès El Bouzekri , Ajhoun Rachida
Published: March 2020

Digital identity management with the metamorphosis of web services enforces new security challenges. A set of identity management systems exists to deal with these identities, alongside the goal of improving user experience and gain secure access. Nowadays, one faces a large number of heterogeneous identity management approaches. This study treated several identity management systems. The federated system makes proof of it eligibility for the identity management. Thus, the researcher interest is on the federated model. Since it consists of the distribution of digital identity between different security domains. The base of security domains is a trust agreement between the entities in communication. Federated identity management faces the problem of interoperability between heterogeneous federated systems. This study is an approach of a technical interoperability between the federations. The authors propose an approach that will permit inter-operation and exchange identity information among heterogeneous federations.
13C/7Li Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study on Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Poly(Propylene Glycol)-Poly(Ethylene Glycol)/LiCF3SO3 Copolymer Electrolytes
Authors: Wei Ling , Li Da Wei
Published: March 2020

Solid-state high-resolution13C/7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study was performed on the phase structure and chain dynamics of PEG-PPG-PEGn/LiCF3SO3(n=3, 6, 12) copolymer electrolytes. PEG repeating units and Li+form PEG3:LiCF3SO3crystalline complex and PE3/Li+amorphous complex in all the samples. PPG repeating units and Li+form different complexes with respect to O:Li+feed ratio (denoted as PP/Li+-3/6/12). The13C chemical shifts and half widths of the signals from PP/Li+-3/6/12 remain unchanged, which implies the structures of PP/Li+-3/6/12 are similar at least in a very short range. The half width of the7Li signals from PP/Li+-3/6/12 becomes narrower and narrower as the Li+concentration decreases. This indicates the chain mobility of the amorphous phase increases with the decrease of ionic concentration. Moreover, neat crystalline PEG, neat amorphous PEG and neat amorphous PPG start to appear when O:Li+is greater than 3:1 and their contents increase with the increase of O:Li+. Overall, solid-state high-resolution NMR is a powerful and unique method for understanding the phase structure and chain dynamics of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), more applications of this technique to studies on SPEs is expecting.
Osa-Containing Brahma Complex Regulates Innate Immunity and the Expression of Metabolic Genes in Drosophila
Authors: Valanne Susanna , Järvelä-Stölting Mirva , Harjula Sanna-Kaisa E. , Myllymäki Henna , Salminen Tiina S. , Rämet Mika
Published: March 2020

Negative regulation of innate immunity is essential to avoid autoinflammation. In Drosophila melanogaster, NF-κB signaling–mediated immune responses are negatively regulated at multiple levels. Using a Drosophila RNA interference in vitro screen, we identified a set of genes inhibiting immune activation. Four of these genes encode members of the chromatin remodeling Osa-containing Brahma (BAP) complex. Silencing additional two genes of the BAP complex was shown to have the same phenotype, confirming its role in immune regulation in vitro. In vivo, the knockdown of osa and brahma was shown to enhance the expression of the Toll pathway–mediated antimicrobial peptides when the flies were challenged with Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus. In this setting, osa knockdown had a particularly strong effect on immune effectors that are predominantly activated by the Imd pathway. Accordingly, Drosophila NF-κB Relish expression was increased by osa silencing. These transcriptional changes were associated with enhanced survival from M. luteus + E. faecalis infection. Besides regulating the expression of immune effector genes, osa RNA interference decreased the expression of a large group of genes involved in metabolism, particularly proteolysis. Of note, the expression of the recently characterized, immune-inducible gene Induced by Infection (IBIN) was diminished in osa knockdown flies. Although IBIN has been shown to modulate metabolism upon infection, the expression of selected Osa-regulated metabolism genes was not rescued by overexpressing IBIN. We conclude that the BAP complex regulates expression of genes involved in metabolism at least partially independent or downstream of IBIN. Moreover, Osa affects the NF-κB–mediated immune response by regulating Drosophila NF-κB factor Relish expression.
Proinflammatory S100A8 Induces PD-L1 Expression in Macrophages, Mediating Tumor Immune Escape
Authors: Li Zhengshuo , Wang Jing , Zhang Xuemei , Liu Peishan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Wang Jia , Zheng Xiang , Wei Lingyu , Peng Qiu , Liu Can , Yan Qun , Shen Shourong , Li Xiayu , Ma Jian
Published: March 2020

S100A8 is a damage-associated molecular pattern protein released by monocytes, playing a decisive role in the development of inflammation. Nonresolving inflammation is viewed as a driving force in tumorigenesis, and its role in tumor immune escape also attracted attentions. PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a critical determinant of physiological immune homeostasis, and anti–PD-1 or PD-L1 therapy has becoming the most exciting field of oncology. Multiple regulation mechanisms have been contributed to PD-L1 expression modulation including inflammatory mediators. In this study we reported that S100A8 significantly induced PD-L1 expression in monocytes/macrophages but not in tumor cells. S100A8 induced PD-L1 transcription through the TLR4 receptor and multiple crucial pathways of inflammation process. S100A8 modulated the histone modification of the PD-L1 promoter in monocytes/macrophages. S100A8-pretreated macrophages had immunosuppressive function and attenuated the antitumor ability of CTLs both in vitro and in vivo. A highly positive correlation existed between S100A8 expression and PD-L1 expression in human cancer specimens. To our knowledge, our study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism for regulating PD-L1 transcription by an inflammatory mediator S100A8, and reveals the importance of comprehensive understanding the role of inflammation in tumorigenesis as well as in tumor immune escape.
STUDY ON THE GENETIC PREDISPOSITION TO BREAST CANCER AND THE DNA DAMAGE RESPONSE AT TELOMERES AND IN CELLULAR SENESCENCE
Authors: Rossiello, et al. (#) Francesca
Published: March 2020

Germ line mutations in the coding sequence of some genes, mainly BRCA1 and BRCA2, confer a high risk of developing breast cancer. However, about 70% of tumors cases are not associated with any known mutation. By screening by sequencing peripheral blood of patients and healthy controls, we identified some previously unknown germline mutations in the 3 'UTR non-coding region of the BRCA1 gene. These mutations can modify gene expression, and can therefore be useful to predict, with greater accuracy, familiar breast cancer predisposition. Subsequently, to understand the mechanisms of aging in non-proliferating cells we studied the persistent DNA damage response (DDR) signal in senescent cells, both in cell cultures and in animal tissues, and we found that these signals mainly localize to telomeres, independently from their length. The accumulation of damage at the telomeric DNA, due to the inhibition of the repair mechanisms, causes cellular and individual aging, but it is also an important anti-tumor mechanism, as it prevents the uncontrolled cell growth during the early stages of neoplastic transformation.
Quelle gestion pour une prise en charge efficiente des déchets d’activités de soins à risques infectieux en Algérie ? Cas d’Azzaba
Authors: Chaoui Salah
Published: March 2020

Algeria’s economic and social development has generated a significant amount of special waste. Despite the efforts made and the legislative texts promulgated, their management and treatment are difficult. The production of these harmful materials has become a source of problems not only of insalubrity but also of public health. Indeed, the shortcomings in the management of these special residues produced contribute globally to a degradation of the environmental quality and more precisely to a visual pollution, olfactory as well as to potential impacts on the human health. Faced with this situation and in order to minimize the environmental and health risks, a more rigorous and more rational treatment of Infectious Risk Care Activity Waste (IRCAW) is essential for all stakeholders. The purpose of this article is to try to identify the impact of this Special Waste on human health and the environment in Azzaba, a small town in eastern Algeria. This city has experienced and knows a strong demographic and economic development accompanied by a greater sanitary coverage (implantation of hospital, centers of health and care ...). At the end of the study, courses of action for Sustainable Management of IRCAW are discussed.

Le développement économique et social qu’a connu l’Algérie a généré de grandes quantités de déchets, y compris de déchets spéciaux. Malgré les efforts déployés et les textes législatifs promulgués, leur gestion et leur traitement s’avèrent difficiles. La production de ces matières nocives est devenue source de problèmes, non seulement d’insalubrité mais également de santé publique. En effet, les insuffisances dans la gestion de ces résidus spéciaux contribuent globalement à une dégradation de la qualité environnementale et plus précisément à une pollution visuelle, olfactive ainsi qu’à des impacts potentiels sur la santé humaine. Face à cette situation et afin de minimiser les risques environnementaux et sanitaires, une prise en charge plus rigoureuse et plus rationnelle des Déchets d’Activité de Soins à Risques Infectieux (DASRI) s’impose à l’ensemble des acteurs concernés. L’objectif de cet article est de contribuer à identifier l’impact de ces Déchets Spéciaux sur la santé humaine et l’environnement à Azzaba, une petite ville de l’Est algérien. Cette ville a connu et connait un fort développement démographique et économique accompagnés par une plus grande couverture sanitaire (implantation d’hôpital, centres de santé et de soins…). Au terme de l’étude, des pistes d’actions pour une Gestion Durable des DASRI sont discutées.
Éditorial n°83 Déchets Sciences et Techniques
Authors: Gourdon Rémy
Published: March 2020

Riche de près d'un quart de siècle d'existence, dans la fleur de l'âge donc, la revue DST va aborder une nouvelle phase dans son existence.Je vous l'annonçais en effet dans mon édito du n°82, l'INIST, qui héberge et diffuse DST sur sa plateforme I-Revues, a décidé d'arrêter son service de diffusion en libre accès. Cette situation que nous regrettons nous impose de trouver une autre plateforme de diffusion. Plusieurs options été étudiées et les choix définitifs n'ont pas encore été faits. Le partenariat avec une nouvelle plateforme de diffusion sera établi dans les semaines ou mois qui viennent. Nos auteurs et lecteurs seront bien évidemment informés du futur dispositif dès que le choix sera arrêté. Nous avons décidé de profiter de cette situation contrainte pour saisir l'opportunité de faire évoluer la revue. Le champ thématique et le titre de la revue vont probablement être modifiés pour mieux correspondre aux enjeux actuels des sciences et génie de l'environnement, dans cette période de transitions déterminante pour l'avenir de nos sociétés. Mais la préparation de l'avenir de la revue n'empêche pas, bien au contraire, de goûter le temps présent. Voici donc ce qui sera probablement le dernier numéro de la revue dans sa version actuelle.Bonne lecture. Je vous donne rendez-vous dans quelques mois pour la parution du premier numéro de la revue dans sa nouvelle configuration. D'ici là, vos soumissions d'articles restent les bienvenues !