bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Visualization of Big Data Through Hadoop Streaming in RStudio
Authors: Verma Chitresh , Pandey Rajiv
Published: October 2021

Data Visualization enables visual representation of the data set for interpretation of data in a meaningful manner from human perspective. The Statistical visualization calls for various tools, algorithms and techniques that can support and render graphical modeling. This chapter shall explore on the detailed features R and RStudio. The combination of Hadoop and R for the Big Data Analytics and its data visualization shall be demonstrated through appropriate code snippets. The integration perspective of R and Hadoop is explained in detail with the help of a utility called Hadoop streaming jar. The various R packages and their integration with Hadoop operations in the R environment are explained through suitable examples. The process of data streaming is provided using different readers of Hadoop streaming package. A case based statistical project is considered in which the data set is visualized after dual execution using the Hadoop MapReduce and R script.
Customer Analytics Capabilities in the Big Data Spectrum
Authors: Hossain Md Afnan , Akter Shahriar , Yanamandram Venkata
Published: October 2021

Customer analytics plays a vital role in generating insights from big data to improve service innovation, product development, personalization, and managerial decision-making; yet, no academic study has investigated customer analytics capability through which it is possible to achieve sustainable business growth. To close this gap, this chapter explores the constructs of the customer analytics capability by drawing on a systematic review of the literature in the big data spectrum. The chapter's interpretive framework portrays a definitional aspect of customer analytics, the importance of customer analytics, and customer analytics capability constructs. The study proposes a customer analytics capability model, which consists of four principal constructs and some important sub-constructs. The chapter briefly discusses the challenges and future research direction for developing the customer analytics capability model in the data rich competitive business environment.
Big Data Analytics in Healthcare Sector
Authors: Sheik Abdullah A.  , Selvakumar S.  , Parkavi R.  , Suganya R.  , Abirami A. M.
Published: October 2021

The importance of big data over analytics made the process of solving various real-world problems simpler. The big data and data science tool box provided a realm of data preparation, data analysis, implementation process, and solutions. Data connections over any data source, data preparation for analysis has been made simple with the availability of tremendous tools in data analytics package. Some of the analytical tools include R programming, python programming, rapid analytics, and weka. The patterns and the granularity over the observed data can be fetched with the visualizations and data observations. This chapter provides an insight regarding the types of analytics in a big data perspective with the realm in applicability towards healthcare data. Also, the processing paradigms and techniques can be clearly observed through the chapter contents.
Big Data for Satellite Image Processing
Authors: Remya S.  , Somula Ramasubbareddy , Nalluri Sravani , Vaishali R.  , Sasikala R.
Published: October 2021

This chapter presents an introduction to the basics in big data including architecture, modeling, and the tools used. Big data is a term that is used for serving the high volume of data that can be used as an alternative to RDBMS and the other analytical technologies such as OLAP. For every application there exist databases that contain the essential information. But the sizes of the databases vary in different applications and we need to store, extract, and modify these databases. In order to make it useful, we have to deal with it efficiently. This is the place that big data plays an important role. Big data exceeds the processing and the overall capacity of other traditional databases. In this chapter, the basic architecture, tools, modeling, and challenges are presented in each section.
Big Data Analytics Driven Supply Chain Transformation
Authors: Feki Mondher
Published: October 2021

Big data has emerged as the new frontier in supply chain management; however, few firms know how to embrace big data and capitalize on its value. The non-stop production of massive amounts of data on various digital platforms has prompted academics and practitioners to focus on the data economy. Companies must rethink how to harness big data and take full advantage of its possibilities. Big data analytics can help them in giving valuable insights. This chapter provides an overview of big data analytics use in the supply chain field and underlines its potential role in the supply chain transformation. The results show that big data analytics techniques can be categorized into three types: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. These techniques influence supply chain processes and create business value. This study sets out future research directions.
Financing the Sustainable Development Agenda Goals
Authors: Ivo-Cruz Bernardo , Ribeiro Sónia
Published: October 2021

The 2030 Agenda is comprehensive, universal, and ambitious. To reach its goals, the world needs to invest US$5 to 7 trillion/year. To finance it, the private sector must be involved. This chapter considers the motivations of business and corporations to incorporate the SDG in their investment agenda and the role DFIs can play in providing financing to their projects. It acknowledges that the private sector is a key element for long-term sustainable development and highlights the difficulties of DFI in assessing impact in risk analysis and therefore financing private investments for sustainable development. Finally, it finds that the international community and developing countries need to work together to improve the business environment on those countries, and concludes that the international community and the banking system do not know how to assess the role and impact of business and corporations projects in the agenda, and that the risk mitigation policy does not consider the nature of DFIs. Looking into the future, the authors present future research topics needed on this subject.
Towards a SDG Compliant Framework for the Open Learning Modules
Authors: Sen Salil K. , Pookayaporn Junya K.
Published: October 2021

The implement-ability of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depend on effective Project Planning, Development & Management (PPD&M). This applied research bases on the extensive possibilities for open learning modules via distance education. The two-fold research gap addressed are content and delivery. Participants need a SDG-embedded Project Planning, Development and Management offering. This curriculum redesign initiative is in line with the book's aim to disseminate, sustain and continuously improve content and practice incorporating new tools, insights, methods, necessary for proper implementation of the SDGs. The re-designed content emphasizes the ability to inter-relate through appropriate tool-sets on challenges, priorities, themes, sectors in the project development management domain. Complex developmental concerns are best served when the participant deploys the right combination of tools. Need for re-look at the evaluation system is highlighted with an interesting proposal to engage PPD&M alumni for continuous improvement on SDG-led growth.
Social Capital Accounting
Authors: Wilson John P. , Choudhary Sonal
Published: October 2021

Sustainability accounting has become a mainstream practice for a large majority of S&P500 companies, and this reflects global society's increasing interest and concern around sustainability issues. In particular, the United Nations published its “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” and 193 countries signed up to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets. The UN also called upon companies to help this process across their supply chains and developed a natural capital protocol for assessing and valuing environmental areas and a social capital protocol (SCP) for assessing and valuing human and societal capital such as skills, knowledge, wellbeing, shared values, and institutions. This chapter systematically investigates each of the 12 steps of the social capital protocol and identifies a range of benefits and substantial challenges which companies will face if they wish to account for their social impact across the supply chain.
Zakat, SDGs, and Poverty Alleviation of Muslims in India
Authors: Intezar Mohammad Tariq , Zia Saad Bin
Published: October 2021

Muslims are the largest minority in India, yet the federal government has, in place, just a single Muslim-specific poverty alleviation scheme, which is utterly insufficient to meet their financial needs. Hence, in the face of governmental apathy and indifferent attitude, Muslims are left to fend for themselves. In this scenario, Zakāt turns out to be a more-than-handy tool to alleviate poverty among Muslims in India. Zakāt, over the years, has manifested itself as a successful means to meet out the financial needs of the developmental activities across the level including the non-Muslim countries. Zakāt possesses a robust potential to play a critical role to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to alleviate the poverty of Muslims in a Hindu-majority country like India.
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Zakat Collection and Distribution Impact on Social Welfare Through Implications of SDGs
Authors: Ashurov Sharofiddin , Alhabshi Syed Musa bin Syed Jaafar , Othman Anwar Hasan Abdullah , Habibullah Mohammad , Muhamad Yusof Mohd Sukri
Published: October 2021

Although Islamic social finance including zakat has witnessed an upsurge in development in quantum, which reached US$2 trillion in 2015 and is projected to exceed US$3 trillion by 2020, due to a lack of transparency, trust, and timely disclosure to public has resulted in inefficient of zakat collection and ineffective disbursement for the wellbeing of recipients. The reason for this could be neglecting adoption of financial technology specifically blockchain and artificial intelligence system in zakat management to enhance proper collection and efficient distributions timely and effectively reporting to public. Therefore, this research proposes an ‘Islamic Social Welfare Financial Technology' (ISW FinTech) as an innovative framework that assesses zakat institutions operational efficiency of zakat collection, transparency, and effective distribution that would lead to wellbeing of zakat recipients. This framework is based on new six clusters according to their needs and priority, which convert them from being zakat recipients into zakat payers.
Nexus Between Money Laundering and Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Janjua Laeeq Razzak , Khan Syed Abdul Rehman
Published: October 2021

Money laundering is a hot debate discussion among policymakers, as money laundering usually arises due to theft of money or other illegal activity. Such criminal activities damage every stakeholder of the economic cycle, whether it is trade, productivity, or contribution of the financial sector itself. Due to the fact money laundering makes the industrial growth process very slow and undercuts economic activities, which are essential for the development. This chapter explores the nexus between money laundering as a threat to a sustainable development goal from different angles. The discussion reveals that money laundering negatively impacts economic growth, and the fundamental pillar of sustainable development is economic growth. So can we achieve sustainable economic growth and development without controlling money laundering? The authors conclude it is not possible.
The Impact of Migration on Sustainable Development of Small Countries in Europe
Authors: Sofija Adžić
Published: October 2021

The chapter analyzes the institutional framework and the implementation of the European concept of sustainable development within migration flows. The key research method is factor analysis which is applied to describe the functioning of institutional and market initiatives in the course of establishing a sustainable development regime that absorbs migration flow. The main obstacles in this regard were: poor construction of today's market; the current public system of economic development regulation; and low efficiency in absorption of migrant flows. Small countries will have to turn to macro- and micro-reforms and policies. The framework of sustainable development requires a new approach in the context of the Agenda 2030 and will improve: (1) the socioeconomic climate for productive entrepreneurship and employment growth; (2) development of the innovation system under 3T; and (3) development of the economy overall.
Peace Promotion Through Volunteer Tourism
Authors: Gajdošík Tomáš , Sokolová Jana , Gajdošíková Zuzana , Pompurová Kristína
Published: October 2021

Tourism has been recognized as a social force that can promote international understanding, cooperation, and global fraternity among all people of the world. Volunteer tourism, as an expanding form of tourism, is becoming one of the promising tools to strengthen these values. However, the research on this topic, is so far limited. Therefore, the aim of the chapter is to analyze how volunteer tourism can promote peace and find out how the connection of tourism and volunteering through creating specific improvements in education, healthcare, environmental preservation, and community empowerment contribute to principles of peace. Following the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the chapter highlights the connection of tourism and peace, as well as the role of volunteer tourism in peace promotion. Based on the AIESEC case study, it examines the demand and supply of volunteer tourism projects aiming at implementing the SDGs.
Higher Education and Regional Integration in South-East Asia
Authors: Pandey Umesh Chandra , Pandey Varun
Published: October 2021

Harmonization of higher education institutions (HEI) has a potential to build up a cohesive South East Asia. The Kuala Lumpur declaration on higher education has provided a suggestive framework to promote collaborative activities in higher education, which can have a far-reaching impact on the geopolitical scenario of the Southeast Asia. Moreover, the growing threat of climate change, need for disaster management, promotion of lifelong learning, and the mandate for SDGs also call for increased collaborations among HEIs. A well-integrated South-East Asian region with collaborative mechanisms for student exchange, academic collaborations, collaborative research projects, and common educational programmes aimed at people to people contacts has a potential to achieve the common goal of the region. This chapter examines these possibilities, highlights some important cases, and makes recommendations.
The Role of Emerging Banking Technologies for Risk Management and Mitigation to Reduce Non-Performing Assets and Bank Frauds in the Indian Banking System
Authors: Bhasin Narinder Kumar , Rajesh Anupama
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the important risks being faced by the banks in India and the various reasons for increasing NPA and bank frauds. The paper further focuses on how the newly emerging digital banking tools can be applied with improved skills of lending/risk managers to control and mitigate risk to resolve the issue of NPA and frauds. Indian banks need to strengthen Internal Controls related to pre and post sanctioning of loans like credit appraisal and credit monitoring through the support of Advance technology, Data Analytics, and MIS Reports. Continuous training and skill development of bank employees is recommended as both lending and Technology requires experts to handle decision making and risk management. Strong Cybersecurity and firewalls to ensure the technology risk should be managed in a better way to ensure early warning signals. .
Challenges in Government Inter-Organizational Information Integration in the Context of Measles Rubella Vaccination in India
Authors: Jayan V.  , Alathur Sreejith
Published: October 2021

Most of the countries are heading to Government 3.0 with the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT). Information Integration has to be done with the support of different stakeholders for an effective e-Governance ecosystem. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-end processors had solved the issues to some extent. But the socio-political intervention is making the Government Inter-Organizational Information Integration (GIII) difficult when information turns into misinformation. Misinformation in social network sites (SNS) is increasing alarmingly and is also affecting the healthcare sector. The study is focused on the trends in decreasing vaccination rates in India during the vaccination drive. Twitter data, news reports, and social media posts during the MR vaccination program in India are taken into consideration for the analysis. The vaccine hesitancy is also associated with political, religious, Psychological, and Economic factors. Government 3.0 has got its power to overcome the misinformation in the healthcare programs.
Theory and Practice in Contingency Allocation
Authors: Jayalath Chandana , Gamage Iresha
Published: October 2021

Although contingency allocation management is widely accepted as a proactive concept rich in theories, its applications do not seem to be well embraced in many countries due to many factors. This study aims to broadly investigate this theory-practice gap concerning contingency allocation in building projects in Sri Lanka. Twelve case studies with a desk review on seven local projects were carried out to explore the contingency allocation practice at the site level. Fifteen independent consultants were interviewed to share an understanding of the practical relevance of this research while largely eliminating the need for further justification. Code-based content analysis was used to analyze data. Nearly 44 incremental approaches were found to have theoretically evolved in a history of 35 years. It was revealed that the practice of ascertaining contingency sums is ad-hoc, informal, and subjective. More than 25 gaps were detected, while nearly 50 strategies were introduced. An impression among the practitioners is that the formal methods are overly theoretical.
Understanding Agile Software Development Team Adaptation Processes
Authors: Karlsen Jan Terje , Pedersen Anders Aaraas , Trautwein Max Paul , Solli-Sæther Hans
Published: October 2021

This study is about team adaptation from a continuous change perspective. The purpose was to investigate how agile software development teams in a Nordic financial institution adapt to task-based triggers. A single case study was conducted of three software development teams in a product unit reporting that they worked in agile ways. One of the main findings is that the agile software development teams sought to define tasks to be worked on individually. The adaptation triggers occurring during taskwork mainly prompt task-related interaction. In addition, the findings support that these adaptation triggers can either prompt small adjustments to taskwork or be more severe and move the focus to evaluation and planning activities before taskwork can be continued. We propose a model describing how agile software development teams adapt to task-based triggers based on the findings.
Tax Shifting
Authors: Gunawardana Kennedy Degaulle , Garba Iliya
Published: October 2021

This paper reviewed the theoretical and empirical literature on tax shifting as an innovative approach to environmental tax policy, because time has come for the policymaker to reform their environmental policy in such a way that it will promote environmental protection and discourage environmental degradation. Since tax generally decreases consumption of the items taxed, a commonsensible strategy, and it is welfare improving to tax undesirable activities more and desirable activities less in more efficiently and convenience way. Musgrave’s theory of fiscal incidence and its measurement has been reviewed. The study applies a mixed method approach where qualitative data was collected from individual’s tax workers and the data was analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM).
Network Structure and Collaborative Management in Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Authors: Said Muhammad , Kusumasari Bevaola
Published: October 2021

Collaborative management is one approach to the management of common pool resource at the local level. Study of collaborative management is expected to offset the weakness of the hierarchical and market approach that is also existent in natural resource management. This study describes the conceptual framework and discourse of the collaborative approach of network structure-based natural resource and environmental management at the local level. Using literature review, this paper critically summarizes the views of researchers and academicians about network structure based collaborative management. This study concludes that network structure based collaborative management can address the dilemma and challenges in sustainable natural resource and environmental management. Sustainable development in the context of natural resource and environmental management is the resilience to environmental degradation, social vulnerability of local communities and the capacity to protect and adapt, along with the conservation of natural resources through innovations and revitalizations.
Application of Multilevel and Panel Data Statistical Techniques in Modelling the Amount of Rainfall in Selected Locals in the Greater Accra Region
Authors: Asare Isaac Ofori , Yeboah Joy Okai
Published: October 2021

This study assessed the factors that affects the amount of rainfall in Ghana. Knowing the factors that influence the amount of rainfall in a given geographical area is very important for planning and decision-making purposes. In this study, temperature, relative humidity, locality and the seasons that these factors occur were considered in determining the amount of rainfall received on land. Multilevel and panel data analysis techniques were used to analyze the data gathered from 2001-2015. The study reveals that temperature has effect on rainfall whiles relative humidity has no significant effect on the amount of rainfall experienced in the selected areas used for the study. The result shows that rainfall is maximized when temperature and relative humidity are at high levels and few rainfalls is expected when both parameters are at low levels. The study also highlighted on the importance of the study variables on food production in Ghana.
Developing a Sustainable Supply Chain for Climate Change-Resilient Agriculture in Uttarakhand State of India
Authors: Trivedi Shantanu , Anand Neeraj , Sunder Raju Ganesh , Negi Saurav
Published: October 2021

Uttarakhand, a critical part of India's Himalayan system, is most vulnerable to climatically mediated risks. Most of the population in this state is based on the agriculture sector for their livelihoods and with continuous rises in global average temperature, those dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods are expected to face changes in local weather patterns beyond their present ability to cope. Therefore, this study is an attempt to understand the issues & challenges facing agriculture due to climate change in the Uttarakhand-A Himalayan State of India and to discuss the measures to develop a climate-resilient and sustainable supply chain for agriculture in the state. This research highlights numerous remarkable innovations in various flows of the supply chain i.e. product flow, information flow, and financial flow with reference to agriculture and allied sector worldwide and particularly in Uttarakhand, which could be replicated on a broader scale to develop and encourage the Uttarakhand agricultural ecosystem.
The Ethical Consumption Within the Price Sensitivity Moderation
Authors: Toukabri Maher Taib , Gharbi Abderrazak
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the confidence role in the engaged consumption of the local product. In this framework, we also tested the moderating roles of the sensitivity to the prices of organic products in the engaged consumption process. The empirical part was made in two exploratory and confirmatory studies. The results enabled us to confirm the research hypotheses. Then, the confidence in the organic product induct to the engaged consumption. In this relationship, the sensitivity to the prices of organic products plays a positive moderating role. Then, this causal link between confidence and engaged consumption is stronger when the consumer favorably sensitive to the organic price. This research has improved the theoretical background related to local and organic food. Moreover, it provides marketers with the real tools to promote organic food.
Seaside Community Industrial Hubs
Authors: Mdlalose Methembe
Published: October 2021

While coastal zones are appreciated globally, not only for their ontological topographies but also for their innumerable resources beneath the water, they show the highest development dichotomies. South African coasts are a clear example of such economic fragmentations, largely as a result of the ubiquitous vestiges of apartheid era spatial planning. Previously, small formerly 'white' towns benefited through the doctrine of separate development, whereas rudimentary 'black' peripheral coastal towns remained underdeveloped thus contributing to low levels of industrialization and high degrees of poverty and unemployment. This paper analyses the socio-economic impact of ocean industrialization on five rural coastal municipalities in two South African provinces. In tone with the rapidly growing concept of Blue Economy, the study proposes the concept of Seaside Community Industrial Hubs. The goal is to catapult an entrepreneurial state capable of leading a blue-collar economy through bespoke market-creating innovations adept to trigger sustainable development across all coastal regions.
Effect of Tower Height and Collector Radius on Performance of Solar Updraft Tower Power Plant
Authors: Negi Ipsita , Pal Kirti
Published: October 2021

A renewable energy resource like solar energy that is abundant in nature and eco-friendly, is a better alternative for electricity generation. Solar energy is already being used to produce electricity with the help of photo-voltaic panels and among many other technologies solar updraft power plant is a noble promising technology which can be used to supply power to countries with large wastelands or unused desert lands. In this study, the temperature and velocity values that affect the performance of solar tower are analyzed for different chimney height and collector surface areas. The simulation of the Solar Updraft Tower was performed with Energy2D software based on computational physics. It was analyzed that the increase in tower height and collector surface area significantly increased the temperature and velocity values of the air flowing from the collector mouth inlet to the center. As a result, when different solar updraft tower models were compared, the most important factor affecting the performance of the solar chimney was the chimney length and the collector surface area.
Applying Niche Theory to Measure Uses and Gratifications of Social Media in Malaysia
Authors: Hwang Ha Jin , Kim Haeng Kon , Mahmood Monowar , Dawi Norazryana Mat
Published: October 2021

Niche theory provides a comprehensive framework to measure uses and gratifications of social media in terms of competitive superiority and overlapping capabilities. Despite various researches were conducted to measure how social media play roles of availability for tasks using media richness theory, there are not many researches, conducted on the differences in the gratification of social media reflecting unique characteristics of social media. This study is designed to investigate how well social media can represent the characteristics of communication, and how richness of media affects the communication on social media. It was observed that one type of social media does not completely replace another but rather becomes integrated in dealing with various communication needs. From the perspective of niche theory, the comparative utility of social media to fulfil users’ needs and provide them with gratification opportunities is essential to its survival and growth in this industry.
Union Filesystem Source Directory Protect Architecture
Authors: Han Sung Hwa , Jwa Min Hye , Jeong Sang Bin , Gim Gwangyong
Published: October 2021

Union filesystem has the advantage of providing a single integrated view of files on the same path by eliminating duplication of files on the same path at the mount point. A directory mounted by union filesystem should not be able to have access to that source directory in accordance with the security principle. However, the current operating system does not provide a separate security feature for the directory mounted by the union filesystem. In such an environment, there is a security threat in which unauthorized personnel access the source directory for mounting with union filesystem to create arbitrary files or change critical files. This study proposes an approach control architecture that can protect the directory to mount with union filesystem. The proposed architecture can work at the Kernel Level to block users from bypassing access. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism, the Positive and Negative function tests were conducted in this study. As a result, the proposed union filesystem source directivity architecture has been verified to be effective.
Frequency Acquisition Method for Measuring Strain of Vibration Wire Sensor
Authors: Kim SungKwang , Im YoungHwan
Published: October 2021

A vibrating wire sensor is designed to monitor structural transformations at construction sites. The sensors that measure pressure and strain at construction sites are ultimately expressed by stress values. To express a stress value, the vibration frequency is measured by attaching a sensor without affecting the structure. Accurate measurement of a vibrating wire sensor is used to measure the resonance frequency of the target structure. The problem is sensor wire response time and noise. For accurate measurement, the problem was solved by using a noise reduction circuit and a method of calculating the time according to the cycle of a microcontroller unit (MCU). To calculate the frequency accurately in the MCU, the time corresponding to one cycle is measured by the clock in the MCU, and time-base sensor wire analysis is conducted. This study proposes a method to accurately measure the resonance frequency.
Cloud Computing Transformation Considering Operational Efficiency
Authors: Jung JiYoung , Shin Yongtae
Published: October 2021

Companies that have their own IT Center built and operated an on-premise system. But recently, cloud computing is considered to secure system reliability and reduce management costs. IT resources can be efficiently utilized and paid for used. Therefore, companies were deploying and migrating their intranet services to cloud servers. However, it is also true that cloud migration makes system complexity increase, and system reliability is compromised by the increase of management points. Cloud computing for each service unit was considered as a way to meet an efficient utilization of IT resources without compromising existing system reliability when providing new services. Cloud system enables real-time orchestration, and has excellent security. As a hybrid method that implemented cloud computing while maintaining the existing infrastructure, it was possible to operate an uninterrupted system as a result of system construction, and security was also enhanced. Cloud computing used to as a service unit, that both operational efficiency and functionality can be satisfied.
Private Blockchain-Cloud System (PBCS) for Healthcare Services
Authors: Gupta Sangeeta
Published: October 2021

Blockchain in the recent times stands as a buzz word to deal with huge set of real time applications that function in a manual way rather than in an automated manner. There may be several intermediate phases involved to access legitimate records of significance in various sectors like financial industry, supply chain market, educational organizations, healthcare systems etc. But, when the amount of data is enormous, then manual steps to infer a conclusion after undergoing verification and validation phases, is a time-consuming approach. Hence, there is a necessity to automate the process flow using emerging tools and technologies such as blockchain. Towards this end, a novel Private Blockchain-Cloud System (PBCS) for Healthcare Services is proposed in this work. An model is presented to secure the patient records via e-block access platform where only the person holding the legitimate key can access the data. Security is further strengthened by deploying the blocks of a blockchain in cloud environment.
A Grey-TOPSIS Approach to Minimize COVID-19 Transmission for the Betterment of Public-Health in the Indian Context
Authors: Mishra Debesh , Satapathy Suchismita , Jain V. K.
Published: October 2021

In view of diminishing the transmission of the pandemic “Coronavirus (COVID-19)” in the community, an essential intervention strategy has been the consideration of public-health measures. However, at the present scenario these measures can be considered as the only available tool for mitigation of this virus impact. An attempt was made in this study with the use of “Grey-technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (Grey-TOPSIS)” method, for prioritizing the precautionary-measures for the public-health in order to enable in taking appropriate-steps by the general public of India to protect them from this virus transmission.
A Management and Enterprise Architecture Framework for Comprehensive Structure Design of Complex Services
Authors: Barros Oscar
Published: October 2021

This paper centers on the full structure design of firms providing complex services, like health, which include the production flow, its management, and flows components. This work proposes a full design solution, improving on current partial designs. The proposed solution integrates disciplines –modularity, enterprise architecture, Analytics, and Economics–in a methodology, which learns from real-life services in several domains, to discover common features for them. Thus, it develops a descriptive proposal of a general Service Management and Enterprise Architecture Framework using an architecture pattern. The pattern generates a prescriptive method to generate design alternatives, Intelligence provides options for supporting or automating production and management, and Economics helps to choose a design alternative for users. The expected benefit in services explicit, systemic, and innovative design is to generate a large impact on their scope, quality, and, efficiency.
IL-36α Enhances Host Defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis in C57BL/6 Mouse Corneas
Authors: Me Rao , Gao Nan , Zhang Yangyang , Lee Patrick S Y , Wang Jie , Liu Tingting , Standiford Theodore J , Mi Qing-Sheng , Yu Fu-Shin X
Published: October 2021

The IL-36 cytokines are known to play various roles in mediating the immune response to infection in a tissue- and pathogen-dependent manner. The present study seeks to investigate the role of IL-36R signaling in C57BL/6 mouse corneas in response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. IL-36α−/−, IL-36γ−/−, and IL-36R−/− mice had significantly more severe keratitis than wild-type mice. At six hours postinfection, IL-36α pretreatment augmented P. aeruginosa–induced expression of IL-1Ra, IL-36γ, LCN2, and S100A8/A9. At one day postinfection, exogenous IL-36α suppressed, whereas IL-36α deficiency promoted, the expression of IL-1β. At three days postinfection, exogenous IL-36α suppressed Th1 but promoted Th2 immune response. IL-36α stimulated the infiltration of IL-22–expressing immune cells, and IL-22 neutralization resulted in more severe keratitis. IL-36α alone stimulated dendritic cell infiltration in B6 mouse corneas. Taken together, our study suggests that IL-36R signaling plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa keratitis by promoting the innate immune defense, Th2, and/or Th22/IL-22 immune responses. Exogenous IL-36α might be a potential therapy for improving the outcome of P. aeruginosa keratitis.
Pathophysiology of Mummification
Authors: Fulcheri Ezio
Published: October 2021

Italian mummies are a biological, historical, and cultural heritage of significant value.

However, only in the past few years has this heritage been properly appreciated, quite recently if compared to the history of Paleopathology. Its importance in quantitative terms and the abundance of biological, anthropological, and medical information offered to researchers are more and more appreciated. [...]
Kha and Merit:multidetector computed tomography and 3D reconstructions of two mummies from the Egyptian Museum of Turin
Authors: Martina Maria Cristina , Cesarani Federico , Boano Rosa , Donadoni Roveri Anna Maria , Ferraris Andrea , Grilletto Renato , Gandini Giovanni
Published: October 2021

The Mummies of the architect, Kha, (Suppl.8431) and his wife, Merit, (Suppl. 8471) belong to the XVIII Dynasty of ancient Egypt. They were discovered at Deir el- Medina, during the Italian Archaeological Mission directed by E. Schiaparelli (1903- 1906). Recently they underwent diagnostic investigation with helical CT at the Molinette hospital in Turin in order to verify the state of preservation of the bodies and to increase our knowledge of the funerary objects inside the bandages. A whole body helical CT acquisition with a multidetector CT unit was performed. Thin slices (2.5 mm thickness, 1.25 mm reconstruction interval), followed by multiplanar and 3D reconstructions were obtained. CT allowed a careful evaluation of body conditions, stature, age, embalming technique, pathological findings (some of which not revealed by previous conventional X-ray studies), and it allowed confirming and evaluating the presence of foreign bodiesjewels in particular. Once more CT, especially supported by new post-processing techniques, confirmed its fundamental role in the non-invasive study of mummies.
The “mummy in the dress” of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University of Turin
Authors: Pedrini Lidia , Cortese Valeria , Martina Maria Cristina , Ferraris Andrea , Grilletto Renato , Boano Rosa , Bianucci Raffaella , Evershed Richard P. , Clark Katherine A. , Higham Tom , Ramsey Chris , Gandini Giovanni , Rabino Massa Emma
Published: October 2021

The “Mummy in the Dress” belongs to the Egyptian Collection Giovanni Marro of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University of Turin. It was recovered in Gebelein during an excavation campaign carried out at the beginning at the XX century by the Missione Archeologica Italiana under the leadership of its founder, E. Schiaparelli, Director of the Egyptian Museum of Turin. The mummy wore a pleated dress over its bandages. The body lies in a natural position, resting on its left side, on the remains of a wooden coffin. A team of anthropologists, chemists, Egyptologists and radiologists is studying the mummy with the aim of determining sex, age, embalming techniques and date of deposition. CT scans and 3D reconstruction of the mummy were carried out to enable the researchers to ascertain its sex and age, to verify what clothes enshrouded the body, to investigate its state of preservation and to learn more about the ancient techniques employed to assemble the wooden coffin.
Archeological hair in paleobiological research
Authors: Meaglia Donatella , Costa Emanuele , Barbero Fabrizio , Rabino Massa Emma
Published: October 2021

The aim of our research is to define some biological characteristics of ancient populations using hair. Samples of human hair from South American mummies housed in the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Turin University, were studied by light microscopy, “tricocicloforo” measurements and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Samples were prepared for SEM morphological observation with a Cambridge 360 Stereoscan equipped with an Oxford Instrument X-EDS Pentafet and Inca 200 Microanalysis Suite device for chemical determinations. For some samples, we tried to acquire EDS spectra to obtain qualitative chemical information about the composition of contaminating solid material found during the investigation. The analytical conditions were: 25 mm working distance, 200 pA probe current, 15 kV accelerating voltage, due to the geometric construction of the SEM-EDS chamber. We obtained some qualitative information regarding the presence of high amounts of sulphur (also as a component of hair protein), calcium and potassium. We intend to obtain more precise information in future analyses of carbon-coated samples. Our results underline the importance of SEM in analysing hair for anthropological studies.
Pigments analysis in cartonages of an Egyptian mummy of the Roman period using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Calza Cristiane , Anjos I Marcelino J. , Mendonça de Souza Sheila M.F. , Brancaglion Jr Antonio , Lopes Ricardo T.
Published: October 2021

This work evaluates the chemical composition of pigments used in decorative paintings in the coffin cartonage fragments and linen wrappings of an Egyptian mummy, using X-ray microfluorescence with synchrotron radiation technique. The measures were obtained at the XRF beamline of the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (LNLS). This Roman period female mummy is one of the most important mummies in the National Museum because of its unconventional embalming with disarticulated legs and arms. X-ray fluorescence analysis is a widely used spectroscopic technique in archaeometry for investigating the chemical composition of pigments in manuscripts, paintings, ceramics and other artifacts, metal alloys, and stones. Knowledge of composition allows pigment characterization through major or minor constituents, and makes it possible to establish the provenance, age, and consequently, the authenticity of the artifact.
The Jivaro shrunken heads from the National Museum , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Authentic or Counterfeits?
Authors: Mendonça de Souza Sheila , Nascimento Fatima , Reinhard Karl Jan , Araújo Adauto
Published: October 2021

The Jivaro people from Ecuador, Amazonia, skillfully mummified human heads by shrinking them to the size of a fist. The Jivaro became famous as the Amazonian headhunters. This mummification was practiced in the context of a ritual in which individuals developed more and more spiritual power supported by the submission of their enemy souls. In the original ritual the heads were discarded or “buried” in the rivers. Historical contacts and religious conversion prohibited the practice and only a few shrunken heads can be found in museums today. Six Jivaro shrunken heads, probably from adult men with ornaments including a Caucasian, are described in this presentation. Some of them date to the 19th century, and were acquired by the Brazilian emperor. The discovery of nits and eggs of Pediculus humanus in those mummified scalps makes their description still more interesting. Cultural details like feather ornaments, hair styles, cordage, and other characteristics are discussed
Body preservation in the Middle Ages: natural and artificial mummies
Authors: Bonis Eleonora
Published: October 2021

This research focuses on cases of natural and artificial mummification from the Early to Late Middle Ages in Italy and Europe. Particular attention is placed on the bodies of saints, popes and kings which – for devotional or practical purposes, such as the public exposure of the bodies – required embalming. Natural mummies are primarily represented by the bodies of saints. Relics – parts of the mummified bodies – also were researched. The phenomena of burial site expansion, as well as heart tombs, were studied in depth. These showed changes in funerary ceremonial practices (double funerals, funerary effigies) and methods of cadaver treatment (dismemberment, boiling, heart exerisis). The policy of the Papacy in response to the distribution of these practices – as exemplified in the Bull Detestandae feritatis abusum of Bonifacio VIII (1299) – is further analyzed. Finally, a note of interest: the role of the mummia in the pharmacopoeia of the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries.
Examination of mummies from the tomb of Iufaa at Abusir (Egypt)
Authors: Strouhal Eugene
Published: October 2021

The 1998-2004 investigation of the tomb of Iufaa at Abusir (before 625 BC) by the Czech Institute of Egyptology, uncovered the burials of five adults. All were mummified and excerebrated, but the high humidity in the tomb disintegrated the mummy wrappings and soft tissues. The skeletons were saved using disinfectant and consolidating means. Three individuals were found to be morphologically and genetically closely related using descriptive, metric and epigenetic methods: The priest Iufaa, Lady Imakhetkherresnet and an anonymous male. The first two were siblings, as confirmed by epigraphic references to the same mother. Two others were priests, Neko and Gemenefherbak, whose skeletons survived partially. Their epigenetic features could be studied showing a similarity of 75%. Several pathological features were identified such as a benign neurilemmoma in a sacrum diagnosed for the first time in paleopathology.
Exploring the contextual and symbolic relationships between mummies and texts in Old Kingdom pyramids
Authors: De Trafford Aloisia
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on the mummies and ritual texts within the pyramid chambers of Unis, last king of the 5th Dynasty, and his successors Teti, Pepi I, Merenre and Pepi II, in the Sixth Dynasty. All 5 pyramids share a similar internal layout and sarcophagus positioning, and have their walls covered with vertical columns of ritual texts (Pyramid Texts). The analysis looks at the contextual, spatial and symbolic relationship between the mummies and the texts by looking at and comparing: 1. The mummified remains. 2. The contextual positioning of the texts in relation to the mummy. 3. The textual references to mummification, body parts and related symbolism. The analysis concludes with a number of observations which may further our understanding of mummification rituals and techniques and which highlight the particular role of the text in relation to the royal mummy.
Now what? Pre-and post-analysis preservation of ancient animal and human molecular products
Authors: Corthals Angelique
Published: October 2021

With the advent of the “genomic revolution” and the rapid refinement of techniques of molecular biology, academic institutions, such as museums and university collections, are at the forefront of specimen analysis. However, the lack and/or poor condition of preservation of molecular voucher generated from often fragile and rare specimens is a problem rarely addressed. To remedy this problem, the AMNH launched a frozen tissue collection, the Ambrose Monell Cryocollection (AM-CC) in May 2001. The AM-CC maintains specimens below -150 o Celsius and supports ongoing genetic research across taxa, from ancient to modern samples, by insuring that all research materials are vouchered (i.e. they point back to a specimen in a curated collection), a much-needed service that the Museum extends to the entire scientific community. Scientists using the Monell Collection have access to legally collected, authoritatively identified and properly documented specimens for use in their research, complete with Museum catalog numbers to reference in their scholarly publications. Researcher are also offered the possibility of vouchering their research by depositing the DNA or tissue samples gathered for their studies