bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Karakterisasi Jamur Mikroskopis Pada Buah Naga Merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Sebagai Materi Pengayaan Konsep Fungi Kelas X SMA/MA
Authors: Septiana Laila Malinda , Ajizah Aulia , Halang Bunda
Published: October 2023

Buah naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) adalah salah satu buah yang populer di Indonesia karena memiliki rasa yang manis dan segar dan mengandung banyak air didalamnya.  Komposisi yang demikian berpotensi untuk ditumbuhi oleh jamur mikroskopis pada bagian buah yang rusak atau terbuka. Jamur mikroskopis merupakan jamur yang banyak dijumpai pada berbagai substrat, termasukbuah-buahan yang telah membusuk. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan jamur mikroskopis yang dapat tumbuh pada substrat buah naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) dan mendeskripsikan validitas handout tentang jenis-jenis jamur mikroskopis pada buah naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian dan pengembangan (Research and Development). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan mikroskopis yang tumbuh pada buah  naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus). Ditemukan lima jenis jamur mikrosksopis yang berasal dari dua famili yang berbeda, jenis jamur mikroskopis yaitu Rhizopus sp, Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus ochraeceus Wilhelm dan Aspergilus oryzae.  Bahan ajar yang digunakan berupa handout dengan judul “ Karakterisasi jamur mikroskopis pada buah naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) dimyataan sangat valid atau layak digunakan yang didapat berdasarkan hasil uji validitas sebesar 89,02% (sangat valid) dan hasil uji keterbacaan sebesar 89,5% (sangat valid).
Pengaruh Pengawasan dan Motivasi Terhadap Disiplin Kerja Pegawai Pada Kantor Balai Diklat Keagamaan Ambon
Authors: Khairuddin Chairunnisa , Ohoiwutun Stanilaus. K. , Patty Julia Th.
Published: October 2023

Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa pengujian secara parsial menunjukkan Pengawasan berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap Disiplin Kerja Pegawai Kantor Balai Diklat Keagamaan Ambon, dan pengujian secara parsial juga menunjukkan Motivasi berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap Disiplin Kerja Pegawai Kantor Balai Diklat Keagaaman Ambon, serta pengujian secara simultan menunjukkan bahwa Pengawasan dan Motivasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Disiplin Kerja Pegawai Kantor Balai Diklat Keagamaan Ambon.
Budaya Organisasi Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara Di Kantor Distrik Malaimsimsa Kota Sorong
Authors: Lobo Linda Sari , Purwanti Nanik , Lestari Ana , Mardlyah Uswatul , Ichwan Saiful
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui budaya organisasi dalam meningkatkan kinerja aparatur sipil negara di Kantor Distrik Malaimsimsa Kota Sorong, dan mengetahui perilaku aparatur sipil negara dalam meningkatkan kinerja di Kantor Distrik Malaimsimsa Kota Sorong. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan cara observasi, wawancara, studi pustaka dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisa data menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa budaya organisasi di kantor Distrik Malaimsimsa Kota Sorong dalam meningkatkan kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara sudah cukup baik, Kepala Distrik dalam kepemimpinannya telah menjadi teladan bagi Aparatur Sipil Negara, meskipun terkendala dengan beberapa Aparatur Sipil Negara yang masih saja tidak menjalankan tugas dan tanggungjawab mereka dengan baik dan kurangnya kesadaran Aparatur Sipil Negara dalam hal kedisiplinan waktu dan belum ada penerepan penghargaan/apresiasi kepada Aparatur Sipil Negara. Upaya yang diperlukan untuk meningkatkan kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara yaitu melalui pembagian tugas dan tanggungjawab secara rinci, penyusuanan program kerja tahunan, evaluasi secara berkala kepada kepala-kepala seksi dan staf untuk penegakan kedisiplinan dalam bekerja  serta menerapkan sistem penghargaan/apresiasi.
Pengembangan Handout Keanekaragaman Burung di Danau Sari Embun Sebagai Materi Pendukung Mata Kuliah Ekologi Ternak
Authors: Afifah Nabilla , Dharmono Dharmono , Utami Nurul Hidayati
Published: October 2023

The lack of supporting information based on local potential is one of the factors contributing to the challenges of learning with the concept of diversity. One of the areas in Tanah Laut Regency that has a diversity of bird species has the potential to be used as additional reading material in the Animal Ecology course that focuses on the region. The area is Sari Embun Lake. Plomp's research and development methodology was used in this study. The handout creation process contains the following characteristics: visually appealing display that displays original pictures of research results, and the information discussed is data based on research results. The readability test results obtained a score of 88.79% with very good criteria, while the validation test results obtained a score of 3.67 with very valid criteria. This handout product is suitable for use as additional reading in the Animal Ecology course based on the results of the trial.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Talking Stick Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas X MAN 1 Kota Bima Tahun Pelajaran 2022/2023
Authors: Olahairullah Olahairullah , Turrahman Amelia , Suryani Erni
Published: October 2023

Hasil belajar siswa yang masih rendah dan masih banyak yang tidak memenuhi KKM/tidak tuntas tersebut diakibatkan oleh kurangnya minat belajar serta keaktifan siswa dalam ruangan, Hal tersebut diakibatkan model pembelajaran yang kurang menarik yang diterapkan guru. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah: untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran Talking Stick terhadap hasilbelajar siswa kelas X MAN 1 Kota Bima tahun pelajaran 2022/2023. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasy eksperimen dengan bentuk pretest-postest, penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif,sehinga data yang diperoleh adalah data yang berupa hasil tes. Bedasarkan hasil penelitian dan pembahasan,yang dapat dikemukakan kesimpulan bahwa: penggunaan model pembelajaran Talking Stick terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelas X Man 1 Kota Bima tahun pelajaran 2022/2023 pada materi ekosistem ketuntasan dapat dilihat dari nilai rata-rata kelas eksperimen sebesar 32,4 lebih tinggi dari nilai rata-rata kelas kontrol 26,5 pada nilai pretest. Sedanglan nilai rata-rata pada posttest kelas eksperimen sebesar 79,7 lebih tinggi dari nilai rata-rata kelas kontrol sebesar 65,5. Berarti ketuntasan keberhasilan belajar telah  tercapai.
Klimaschutz ultra vires?
Authors: Habereder Tim
Published: October 2023

The fight against climate change has found its way into the monetary policy of the European Central Bank. Through the purchase of corporate sector bonds motivated by climate policy, the ECB has the ability to shift liquidity toward climate-friendly companies. But the mandate of the independent European Central Bank is narrowly circumscribed. The central bank's competencies for monetary policy, as laid down in primary law, the principles of institutional balance and democratic legitimacy, as well as European fundamental rights, set limits to the purchase of corporate bonds motivated by climate policy - and place climate policy in the hands of democratically legitimized actors.
Between Ethical Oversight and State Neutrality
Authors: Domenici Irene
Published: October 2023

Introducing ethically controversial (bio)technologies into the public healthcare system inevitably provokes societal and legal conflict. While it is often argued that these choices ought to comply with moral standards, the consideration of ethical and religious concerns raises a serious problem of legitimacy. By adopting the position that the state must act in an ethically neutral manner this book provides a critical legal analysis of the relationship between ethics and law and its implications for the public healthcare system. The ensuing examination combines a comparative, legal-constitutional perspective with the investigation of two case studies: preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
Fast Goes the Fleeting Time: The Miscellaneous Concepts of Time in Different Old Norse Genres and their Causes
Authors: Králová Kristýna
Published: October 2023

This work is concerned with time reckoning and perception in Old Norse culture. Based on an analysis of various prose and poetic works, the author reconstructs the native images of time, as well as their changes in relation to social development, namely the arrival of Christianity and feudalism to the North. The primary sources are divided into three groups. The first group comprises works that contain traces of the original domestic understanding of time, the „Poetic Edda“, „Snorri’s Edda“, legendary and family sagas. The second group includes different types of texts, all of which adopt foreign concepts of time that spread to Iceland especially through various learned treatises and the influence of the Church. Lastly, it is examined how foreign time reckoning and perception affected the temporal structure of kings’ and bishops’ sagas included in the third group of sources.

 

Biographische Informationen

Kristýna Králová (Department of Germanic studies, Faculty of Arts, Charles University) focuses on the research of the Old Norse understanding of time and fate and their literary representations, including foreshadowing. She is also interested in modern literary adaptations of Old Norse motifs and led a project, the result of which was a monograph on this topic, containing among others chapters on Czech and Slovak adaptations. She also participated in a project researching popular literature in the Middle Ages, as part of which she contributed a chapter about popular features of the Old Norse „þættir“, which was included in the final monograph of the project.

 

Reihe

Münchner Nordistische Studien - Band 39
Role of Pituitary Gland in Fertility Preservation
Authors: Risikat Kadir Eniola , Omogbolahan Hussein Abdulmalik , Sheriff Ojulari Lekan , O. Omotoso Gabriel
Published: October 2023

The pituitary gland is one of the major organs that make up the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secretes various hormones some of which acts on target organs specifically and some that act on other endocrine bodies to stimulate or inhibit production of hormones based on response to different signals in the body. The pituitary gland is also regulated by hormones released from the hypothalamus and hence, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland coalesce to form a central control unit for endocrine processes throughout the body. Of its numerous functions, the pituitary is very vital in reproduction as it regulates hormones that are necessary for reproductive functions in the body. This chapter discusses at length, the importance and role of the pituitary gland in reproduction. Basically, the pituitary gland responds to stimuli from the hypothalamus to produce hormones that act on the gonads (testes and ovaries) to produce sex hormones that are necessary for sexual maturation. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the gonads form a network for the communication via the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and it allows efficiency in stimulating and inhibiting release of hormones via a feedback mechanism. The optimum functioning of the pituitary gland is absolutely necessary to facilitate a healthy reproductive functioning and avoid reproductive complications like infertility. Conception should be a natural part of life that should occur spontaneously and approximately 15–25% of couples within the reproductive age are struggling to conceive, and require medical attention to achieve this and only about 1–2% of couples are sterile. Infertility cases that result from pituitary gland-related complications can be caused by a number of factors either congenital or acquired. Recent research inferences on the pathophysiology of infertility have identified the overproduction of reactive oxygen species as an important factor in infertility. There are various studies regarding the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (an environmental pollutant) on the reproductive functions of animals which can be through alterations in a hormonal milieu as well as reactive oxygen species. It therefore becomes imperative to look into effects of the environment on the endocrine pathways and its reflection on fertility. This chapter also looked into some of the causative factors of these disorders and the risk the pose to a reproductive health.
Cataract Surgery Complications: Vitreo-Retina Perspectives
Authors: Al-Abri Mohamed , Mal Washoo , Al-Fadhil Nawal
Published: October 2023

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful intraocular surgeries performed worldwide. However, sight-threatening complications that involve the posterior segment can occur. The incidence of such complications is relatively low, but it is important to recognize these complications early and treat them appropriately. In this chapter, we will address some of the important posterior segment complications of cataract surgery such as intraoperative complications (e.g., vitreous loss, retained lens matter, and suprachoroidal hemorrhage) and short- and long-term postoperative complications (e.g., postoperative endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema and progression of preexisting diabetic retinopathy, and/or diabetic macular edema).
The Implications of Providing Voice-Based Chatbots in Public Service for Digital Inclusion and Public Communication
Authors: Song Jinsoon
Published: October 2023

The provision of voice-based chatbot public services by the government and public sectors is a means to realize digital inclusion in ICT society by ensuring information accessibility for the socially vulnerable. This paper presented five experts with information on artificial intelligence based on interviews on the relevance and utility, efficiency, accessibility, and openness of related technologies in providing public services and voice-based services. Moreover, a small online survey confirms that citizens’ attitudes, perceptions, and expectations of public institutions ahead of voice-based service provision are positive. Then, technical aspects of the voice-based chatbot are discussed, defining its significance and necessity in public service, and the implications of the considerations of the use of voice-based services are drawn out. As an aspect of public communication for open government facilitating digital inclusion, the chatbot voice-based service in public service entails the practice of social values, affording the socially vulnerable opportunities to participate in intelligent government, to strengthen information accessibility, and to guarantee and strengthen human rights and basic rights.
Perspective Chapter: MOOCs in India – Evolution, Innovation, Impact, and Roadmap
Authors: Pratim Das Partha
Published: October 2023

With the largest population of the world and one of the highest enrolments in higher education, India needs efficient and effective means to educate its learners. India started focusing on open and digital education in 1980’s and its efforts were escalated in 2009 through the NMEICT program of the Government of India. A study by the Government and FICCI in 2014 noted that India cannot meet its educational needs just by capacity building in brick and mortar institutions. It was decided that ongoing MOOCs projects under the umbrella of NMEICT will be further strengthened over its second (2017–21) and third (2021–26) phases. NMEICT now steers NPTEL / SWAYAM (India’s MOOCs) and several digital learning projects including Virtual Labs, e-Yantra, Spoken Tutorial, FOSSEE, and National Digital Library on India—the largest digital education library in the world. Further, India embraced its new National Education Policy in 2020 to strongly foster online education. In this chapter, we take a deep look into the evolution of MOOCs in India, its innovations, its current status and impact, and the roadmap for the next decade to address its challenges and grow. AI-powered MOOCs is an emerging opportunity for India to lead MOOCs worldwide.
Magnetic Nanocarrier Based Drug Targeting: Emerging Trend for the Treatment of Glioma
Authors: Sankar Satapathy Bhabani , Panda Jnanranjan , Biswal Biswabhusan , Mishra Abhishek , Pattnaik Snigdha , Kumar Sahoo Pralaya , Gouda Anshuman
Published: October 2023

Effective treatment of glioma; the most aggressive primary brain tumor has been a worrisome medical challenge across the globe. Owing to the architectural uniqueness of the brain coupled with the presence of the blood-brain barrier hijacks the success of conventional treatment strategies. In this context, magnetic nanocarriers (MNCs) have garnered significant attention over the past decade as efficient imaging and targeted drug delivery platforms in glioma. In many recent research, ferrite-based drug carriers have shown preferential anticancer activity against glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Under the influence of an externally applied magnetic field, anticancer drug-loaded MNCs could be directed at specific tumor locations and can release the cytotoxic drugs more precisely at the tumor area, thereby reducing off-target toxic effects. Among the ferrite-based MNCs, superparamagnetic nanocarriers are considered more biocompatible. Further, the outer surface of MNCs is coated with biodegradable hydrophilic polymers like PEG to make them suitable for in vivo applications. Additionally, MNCs can be functionalized with specific ligands like monoclonal antibodies, peptides, aptamers, etc., to improve tumor-specific targeting. The chapter highlights research advancements in MNCs-based drug targeting investigated over the past years for the treatment of glioma along with key challenges on the roads of technology transfer for industrial viability.
EUS of the gallbladder
Authors: Kozai Landon , Fujii-Lau Larissa
Published: October 2023

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an increasingly used imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of biliary disease. The advantage of EUS is that it allows for a precise examination of the pancreaticobiliary system due to the proximity of the endoscopic probe within the gastrointestinal tract. As EUS becomes more prevalent within gastroenterology practice, clinicians should become familiar with the endosonographic findings of the gallbladder. This chapter will review normal endosonographic gallbladder anatomy in addition to benign and malignant gallbladder pathology. The identifying endosonographic characteristics of gallbladder lesions will be discussed. We will also provide a brief review of EUS-guided tissue acquisition of the gallbladder.
Perspective Chapter: Serial Killers – The Severest of Criminal Behaviors
Authors: Açıkgöz Ali
Published: October 2023

A serial killer is a person who kills three or more victims for a specific reason and at regular intervals (for a few days, weeks, months, or years). Serial murders are committed in all parts of the world. In the literature, serial killers are generally defined as having a faint character, being mostly white and heterosexual, suffering psychotic disorders, being sexually abused most of them as children, belonging to low socioeconomic status families, having a bad childhood with domestic violence or oppressive mother’s violence. The modus operandi of a serial killer can only be murder or sexual abuse, torture, domination, and humiliation. The leading cause of the increase in serial murders all over the world is the collapse of the traditional family structure. Following this, women became a target with the desire to own their own lives, immigration, the isolation of individuals brought about by urbanization, can be counted. Although the idea that approximately one out of every six serial killers is a woman contradicts the elegant nature of women, it is a fact. The belief that there would be no threat from women initially misled the researchers. However, both genders have a structure that can perform the same action. In this chapter, information about serial killers is given and their criminal behavior and patterns are revealed.
A Proposed Condition-Based Risk Adjustment System for the Colombian Health Insurance Program
Authors: Duncan Ian , Ahmed Tamim
Published: October 2023

Healthcare in Colombia is financed by the government through insurers (“EPSs” or Entidades Promotoras de Salud). Under the current system funds are distributed to EPSs through a risk-adjustment system using age/sex and geographic location. The current system has many short-comings that have required the development of work-arounds to ensure that EPSs are adequately compensated for high-risk members. Many countries use a condition-based risk adjustment system. We develop and test the accuracy of a total of seven different models (including two models that proxy the current Colombian system for comparative purposes). By including high-risk conditions in the risk-adjustment model the proposed system would treat all insurers and members equally and remove the need for special payments. In this chapter we explore the development of such a condition-based risk-adjustment system, discuss some of the issues that it raises and suggest ways that they may be addressed.
Preparation of siloxene-graphene 2D/2D heterostructures for high performance supercapacitors in electric vehicles
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Swaminathan Rajavarman , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: October 2023

The development of wide temperature tolerance supercapacitors (SCs) with high specific energy without compromising specific power is an area of emerging interest owing to the increasing demands for electrochemical energy storage system (EES). This chapter discusses the preparation of siloxene-graphene (rGO) 2D/2D heterostructures (via chemical methods) and examines their potential utility toward SCs for electric vehicles (EVs). The electrochemical characterization of the siloxene-rGO SC showed that they possess high specific energy (55.79 Wh kg−1), and specific power (15, 000 W kg−1). And their ability to operate over a wide temperature range (−15 to 80°C), ensuring their suitability as an EES in EVs. The additional experimental studies suggested the ability of the solar-charged siloxene-rGO SC to drive an electric car, and it can capture the regenerative braking energy during the braking process. This chapter provides a new avenue toward the use of siloxene-rGO SC as a suitable EES for next-generation EVs.
Nanofluidics for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Xue Yahui
Published: October 2023

Nanofluidics have attracted great attention for electrokinetic energy conversion. Recently the application of nanofluidic systems for thermoelectric energy harvesting has intrigued researchers with various research backgrounds. It has been shown that the equivalent Seebeck coefficient can be greatly enhanced in confined nanofluidic channels with hydrodynamically slippery boundary conditions, indicating great potential for highly efficient and environment-friendly low-grade thermal energy harvesting. In this chapter, we will first introduce the basic electrokinetic theories behind the thermoelectric response. Next, the current understanding of the thermoelectric coupling mechanism in confined nanochannels will be depicted. Strategies to improve the thermoelectric coupling efficiency will be illustrated. Then, the most recent experimental achievements in this field will be reviewed. Besides, the main challenges and prospective will also be discussed. Based on this chapter, we intend to give a fundamental introduction to the theoretical framework of nanofluidic thermoelectricity and present the opportunities and challenges facing this emerging field.
Land Use and Land Cover Simulation
Authors: Usman Ahmed Khan Hafiz
Published: October 2023

It is important to consider the dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns and how they affect society and the environment. Traditional LULC change evaluation methods can be inaccurate and require a lot of manual labor. However, AI techniques like deep learning and machine learning have shown a lot of promise for improving and automating LULC simulation processes. In this chapter, the importance of applying AI to LULC simulation is emphasized, along with the precision, efficacy, and scalability it offers. The importance of AI-based LULC simulation for making well-informed decisions in a variety of fields, including urban planning, agriculture, and natural resource management, is highlighted in the abstract’s conclusion. AI-based methods have shown great promise in LULC analysis, producing accurate classification results and paving the way for subsequent simulations. These findings demonstrate the importance. These results highlight the significance of utilizing AI approaches to assist sustainable development, solve environmental issues, and influence land management choices.
Aerial drones for Fire Disaster Response
Authors: Narendran Ramasenderan , Vinesh Thiruchelvam , Hou Cheong Soon , Xiang Yee Han
Published: October 2023

The significance of fire in human society encompasses essential functions like illumination, warmth, and cooking but also poses immense risk when uncontrolled, leading to catastrophic damage and loss of life. Traditional firefighting responses are often hindered by geographical and logistical challenges, resulting in delays that exacerbate the severity of fires. This research introduces an innovative solution through the use of an autonomous firefighting drone, designed for round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response to fire scenes. Utilizing image processing and neural networks, the drone can efficiently detect fire and smoke, serving as the first responder, and is equipped with fire extinguishing balls to initiate suppression. The work extends to explore the application of AI edge aerial drones in disaster response, not only to fires but also floods and landslides, particularly in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. By focusing on various urban, peri-urban, and rural contexts, the research delineates potential implementation strategies aimed at enhancing situational awareness for first responders and reducing response time to reach victims, thereby facilitating more effective disaster response operations. The study’s findings point to a considerable advancement in firefighting technology that could lead to decreased fire damage and saved lives, filling a critical gap in the disaster response playbook. This advancement in firefighting technology enhances response times, decreases fire damage, and ultimately, saves lives.
A Tour of Adiabatic Quantum Computing
Authors: R. Allgood Nicholas
Published: October 2023

Different types and approaches for using quantum mechanical events for computation have developed quickly with the quantum technology revolution. One of these, adiabatic quantum computing, uses the adiabatic theorem as a paradigm for computation. According to the adiabatic theorem, if conditions gradually change and a system is permitted to adjust its configuration (changing the probability density), the associated eigenstate will be of the final Hamiltonian if the system starts in an eigenstate of its initial Hamiltonian. Simply put, a quantum mechanical system that is subjected to rapidly changing and varying conditions, there isn’t enough time for a function to adapt which leaves the spatial probability density unchanged. A closely related optimization process that utilizes the adiabatic theorem known as quantum annealing, finds a global minimum over a candidate set of solutions by processing quantum fluctuations. Quantum annealing is used primarily in combinatorial optimization problems where the search space is large and discrete, containing multiple local minima.
Rehabilitation in the ICU
Authors: Chiș Monica , Copotoiu Ruxandra
Published: October 2023

Prolonged stay in the ICU comes with a variety of sequelae evolving toward chronic conditions rendering rehabilitation a challenge for the medical staff and patients’ families. Functional impairment is physical (touching mainly mobility: weakness, atrophy), cognitive or beyond (dysphagia, chronic pain, risk of falls). Properly identifying the risk factors means addressing them in a preventive manner. The curative approach, due to fragmented trajectories and the controversies related to early mobilization and the dose of physical rehabilitation, is still subject to debate. Possible barriers to implementing rehabilitation protocols were identified as well as future research themes regarding new targets for interventions to be tested in large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhu Yongling
Published: October 2023

Anxiety disorders represent a prevalent group of mental health conditions characterized by patients experiencing excessive worry, fear, and distress. The neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety disorders are complex and involve multiple neurotransmitter systems. One such system is the glutamatergic system, which plays a critical role in anxiety regulation. Over the past few decades, much evidence has been gathered, substantiating the involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in anxiety. Consequently, mGluRs have emerged as promising targets for treating anxiety disorders. This book chapter will provide an overview of the role of mGluRs in anxiety, focusing on their involvement in anxiety-related behaviors and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Airway Disorders as Predictive Factors of Exacerbations in Asthma and COPD
Authors: Kume Hiroaki , Watanabe Natsumi , Suzuki Yasuhito
Published: October 2023

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are heterogenous diseases in the respiratory system. Since wheezing, reduced FEV1, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness are observed in some patients with COPD similar to asthma, differential diagnosis is sometimes difficult in subset of these diseases. To advance the management and treatment of asthma and COPD, it is necessary to accurately classify patients with these two diseases according to distinct clinical phenotypes based on clinically meaningful outcomes such as symptoms, exacerbations, response to therapy, and prognosis. However, since several phenotypes are present in individual patients, a search for treatable traits needs to establish precision medicine for asthma and COPD. Since these diseases worsen with each repeated exacerbation, the establishment of treatment to avoid exacerbations is the most important goal of the long-term management of these diseases. Airway physiological and pathological disorders, such as reversibility in FEV1, airway hyperresponsiveness, airway eosinophilic inflammation, and upper respiratory infection, are probably considered as major predictors of exacerbations. This chapter states clinical phenotypes related to acute exacerbation to establish treatable traits for asthma and COPD.
Spatial Cloud Computing Using Google Earth Engine and R Packages
Authors: Eltayeb Elmahal Anwarelsadat , Mahmoud Ibrahim Musa Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Google Earth Engine (GEE) is an open-source spatial cloud computing platform that can be easily accessed through its native application programming interfaces (APIs), which are JavaScript and Python. In this chapter, we will introduce the R package, a non-native GEE API, as a different way to interface with and utilize the extensive statistical and visualization capabilities of the R package through the RGEE library. In addition to the fundamental concepts of spatial cloud computing, the reader will be exposed to the practical side of satellite image processing techniques, which will include, digital image processing and visualizations.
Therapeutic Exercises in Fall Prevention among Older Adults
Authors: Johnson Olubusola , Akosile Christopher , Mong Emeka , Mgbeojedo Ukamaka
Published: October 2023

Falls constitute a leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity, threatening the independence of older adults. Physical activity levels tend to decrease as the quality of life among older adults with an increasing fear of falls. Exercises of varying types are beneficial in preventing falls among older adults. Despite the assertion that therapeutic exercises are crucial in preventing falls among older adults and promoting their overall health, there is no evidence to favor any exercise type. However, exercise regimens address deficits and needs, plus recommendations exist for regular physical activity. This chapter focuses on falls among older adults. The authors discussed epidemiology, risks, and prevention of falls. Research evidence supports exercises in managing falls with increasing physical activities, quality of life, and reduced fall-related injuries and risks. The chapter highlights the benefits of multifaceted, single-intervention exercises and the Otago Exercise Programme.
The “Affordable Food” Deception: How the Real Costs of Pesticides Are Hidden, and Food Justice Is Being Obstructed
Authors: Clausing Peter , Garvey Brian
Published: October 2023

Cheapening labor is essential for firm competitiveness and profitability in a capitalist economy and, for the labor force to be constantly renewed, labor needs to eat cheaply. The widespread use of pesticides is a favored means to make food production more “cost-effective.” This is possible, however, only because a considerable part of the cost of pesticides is socialized. Our narrative review is based on research of available literature and publicly available statistics. The continued externalization of risk includes avoidance of the cost of regulatory measures and of the considerable health and environmental costs that are instead paid by public tax monies and health insurance for example. Even conservative estimates indicate hidden costs some two to three times higher than the global annual sales of pesticides (currently ca. $60 billion), while reduced “healthy life expectancy” of farmers and the general population remain a hallmark of pesticide use. This chapter, following an interrogation of the sectoral production statistics and of the costs involved in regulation and human harm, contends that pesticides impose substantial public costs that are belied by the agrochemical industry mantra of cheap food and the avowed necessity of pesticides to feed the world and its workers.
Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index and other inflammatory markers in Odontogenic Cervicofacial Phlegmons
Authors: Ioan Roi Ciprian , Roi Alexandra , Riviș Mircea
Published: October 2023

Odontogenic cervicofacial phlegmons represent a medical and surgical emergency, being characterized by a high mortality rate. The evolution of the infection toward the superficial and deep cervicofacial spaces is strongly related to the immune status of the individual. These complications are a challenge for the clinician, and a complete assessment of the case is mandatory. By integrating the value of the systemic immune-inflammatory index and other inflammatory markers determined from blood samples, a complete evaluation of the case can be provided from the beginning by assessing the individualized response of the immune system. The systemic immune-inflammatory index has proved its efficiency in assessing the relationship between the host’s inflammatory and immunological condition by integrating the values of the neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes. Also, the neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) can be an important inflammatory marker for revealing the general expansion of the infection. The ongoing treatment and the response are important steps for the outcome of the cases. The quantification of the immune response through these parameters can efficiently guide the initial diagnosis, the treatment options, the continuous monitorization, and, eventually, the prognosis of the patients.
Perspective Chapter: Using Augmented Reality (AR) in the Education of Medical Bioengineers
Authors: Corciovă Călin , Fuior Robert , Băeșu Andra , Luca Cătălina
Published: October 2023

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that combines the real world with virtual elements, providing users with an enhanced interactive experience. AR has been used in a variety of fields, including medicine and bioengineering. In terms of training medical bioengineers, augmented reality can play a significant role in improving the learning process and understanding of human anatomy, medical procedures, and medical devices. Using AR technology, medical bioengineers can benefit from the following advantages in their training: three-dimensional visualization and interaction, medical procedure simulation, real-time guidance, collaboration and communication, medical device innovation and development. Using these technologies in the training of medical bioengineers, they can practice and become familiar with performing these procedures in a safe and controlled virtual environment. This can help increase confidence and practical skills before working in real life.
Clinical Measurement as a Resource for Evidence-Based Practice in Physiotherapy
Authors: Isah Abdu Sham’unu , Hussaini Maikarfe Abduljalil , Bukar Gambo Hassan , Muhammadu Tanko Isa , Sada Sani Fatima
Published: October 2023

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the cornerstone of the twenty-first century. It is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes making decisions based on the best available evidence, combined with clinical expertise and patient values. The main goal of every healthcare professional is to have credible and reliable justification for the treatment of an individual patient. Scientific evidence should be used to influence practice in physiotherapy. The need to measure outcomes in physiotherapy practice is undisputed with the growing pressure on physiotherapy to embrace evidence-based practice. An outcome measure gives baseline data before giving any intervention, and initial outcomes may assist in establishing the path of therapy intervention. To evaluate and enhance patient care, uphold professional standards, and “do the right thing,” clinical audit is crucial.
Review of Digitalization using IoT Maturity Models: The Case of American SMEs
Authors: Salian Dharmender
Published: October 2023

This chapter plans to review studies related to IoT maturity models in manufacturing systematically. Digitalization is critical for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to have a competitive edge in the highly competitive market. Digitalization provides value-producing opportunities and new revenues for the organization. SMEs are better able to compete with larger firms and have improved customer experiences to meet market demands. American SMEs need to have a far-sighted vision and invest in digitalization efforts as benefits like reduced operational expenses and data-based insights are beneficial and invaluable to customers. This chapter evaluates the state of IoT applications in American SMEs using the assessment provided by the IoT maturity model.
The Role of Industrial Sector in Pollution Control in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hasan Rashed Abdulkarim
Published: October 2023

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) constitute an opportunity to engage the industrial sector to enhance its role in preserving the environment. The industrial sector has an essential role in economic growth, job creation, innovations, and sustainability. No matter the scale of the industry, it is small or large; thus, all companies can contribute to the SDGs toward a better future. Pollution problems are the root cause that hinders attain sustainable development in the industrial sectors. Thus, global challenges are climate change, water pollution and scarcity, air pollution, and resource depletion needs to be tackled collaboratively, and the industrial sector can contribute to the solution through pollution control and sustainable innovations. In the rapid transformations of business models and systems for the future and the fourth industrial revolution, the industrial sector has a crucial role; without it cannot save the environment and improve the economy and human health. To transform the current industrial systems toward a more feasible eco-friendly needs significant cooperation and coordination among concerned stakeholders. To do so, firstly, industries need to adjust their strategies and plans to be consistent and coherent to start the transformation process toward sustainable industrial development.
Biomechanical Basis of Bone Fracture and Fracture Osteosynthesis in Small Animals
Authors: Alexandre Nuno , Simões Gonçalo , Martinho Lopes António , Guerra Guimarães Tarcísio , Lopes Bruna , Sousa Patrícia , Catarina Sousa Ana , Damásio Alvites Rui , Colette Maurício Ana
Published: October 2023

The mastery of concepts related to biomechanics in bone fracture is crucial for the surgical success of osteosynthesis. The understanding of the basics of bone fracture is a skill fundamental to the choice of the correct method of osteosynthesis. Deep knowledge of implants, namely, their mechanic characteristics, and the correct technical use following the recommended guidelines for each type are crucial factors to decrease surgical failure and complications rate. This chapter reviews the biomechanical parameters of fracture repair that influence construct stiffness and strength. The authors also provided practical examples of the biomechanics concepts applied in clinical practice during this chapter. Metal alloys used in orthopedic implants are also fundamentally reviewed in their physical properties during this chapter. Fracture patterns vary hugely among patients and contributed to the difficult understanding of forces acting in fracture lines. However, fracture biomechanics basic knowledge and how osteosynthesis methods counteract the forces acting on fractures are key to surgical success.
Soil Evolution after Riparian Buffer Installation
Authors: Aide Michael , Braden Indi
Published: October 2023

Riparian buffers are engineered landscapes designed to protect fresh-water resources and to promote esthetics, soil and habitat health, reduce flooding, and provide economic benefits. An emerging attribute of riparian buffers is the preservation and accumulation of soil organic carbon. This review discusses riparian buffers to support and protect ecosystem services, the potential to sequester carbon, and the presentation of a case study to demonstrate soil fertility enhancement and soil organic matter accumulation. The riparian buffer involved in this study was in east-central Missouri and the stand age was approximately 18 years. Within the riparian buffer, soil organic matter averaged 3.4%, whereas in the adjacent production field soil organic matter averaged 1.7%, showing that the riparian buffer significantly supported soil carbon capture and preservation. Similarly, ammonium and sulfate concentrations were significantly greater in the riparian buffer. Habitat and soil water quality are important outcomes.
Twenty-First Century Slavery: A Psychosocial Exploration of Human Trafficking, Migrant Smuggling, and Enslavement in Africa
Authors: Olatundun Ilesanmi Oluwatoyin
Published: October 2023

This paper seeks to investigate human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and enslavement as global phenomena, public health concerns, gross violations of human rights, and crimes against humanity and the state. The twenty-first century slavery revolves around illegal control, including forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage, slavery and slavery-like practices, and human trafficking. Thus, SDG Targets 5.2 and 8.7 stipulated that immediate and effective measures should be taken by all concerns to eradicate forced labor- end modern slavery, human trafficking, sexual and other types of exploitation, as well as to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor among others. The desktop approach was used to identify the varied forms of these menaces and their perpetrators. A wide range of secondary sources of data in peer-reviewed and edited conference proceedings, workshop proceedings, and published articles in local and international journals were consulted to obtain an in-depth appreciation of the problem being investigated. The paper further highlighted the psychosocial effects of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and enslavement. The article concludes with recommendations for ending all forms of slavery in the global community in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
COVID-19 Social Lethality Characterization in Some Regions of Mexico through the Pandemic Years Using Data Mining
Authors: Luna-Ramírez Enrique , Soria-Cruz Jorge , Castillo-Zúñiga Iván , Iván López-Veyna Jaime
Published: October 2023

In this chapter, an analysis of the data provided by the Federal Government of Mexico related to the COVID-19 disease during the pandemic years is described. For this study, nineteen significant variables were considered, which included the test result for detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the alive/deceased people cases, and different comorbidities that affect a person’s health such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and pneumonia, among other variables. Thus, based on the KDD (Knowledge Discovery in Databases) process and data mining techniques, we undertook the task of preprocessing such data to generate classification models for identifying patterns in the data or correlations among the different variables that could have influence on COVID-19 deaths. The models were generated by using different classification algorithms, were selected based on a high correct classification rate, and were validated with the help of the cross-validation test. In this way, the period corresponding to the five SARS-CoV-2 infection waves that occurred in Mexico between March 2020 and October 2022 was analyzed with the main purpose of characterizing the COVID-19 social lethality in the most contagious regions of Mexico.
Review on Glass Curtain Walls under Different Dynamic Mechanical Loads: Regulations, Experimental Methods and Numerical Tools
Authors: Momeni Mohammad , Bedon Chiara
Published: October 2023

This chapter explores the behaviour and performance of glass curtain wall systems under various dynamic mechanical loads, including seismic, wind and impulsive loads. The classification of glass façade systems, comprising framed and frameless types, is first shortly discussed, along with their core components such as glass panels and frames. The challenges posed by glass material, including its vulnerability to impact, stress peaks and extreme loads, are acknowledged. The study further delves into various design standards and regulations for glass façade systems under dynamic loads, addressing seismic events and wind and impulsive loads and hence outlining parameters for assessment, performance criteria, and design considerations in use of glass curtain walls. Additionally, numerical methods are explored as effective tools for simulating and analysing the mechanical response of glass curtain walls under dynamic loads. The utility of these methods is showcased through a case study involving the Finite Element (FE) modelling of a glass curtain wall system exposed to a lateral in-plane load. The results of FE analysis are then compared with literature experimental results, which indicates its capacity to anticipate structural responses and even complex mechanisms under dynamic loads.