bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying diverse metal oxide nanomaterials with lethal effects on embryonic zebrafish using machine learning
Authors: Robinson Richard Liam Marchese , Sarimveis Haralambos , Doganis Philip , Jia Xiaodong , Kotzabasaki Marianna , Gousiadou Christiana , Harper Stacey Lynn , Wilkins Terry
Published: November 2021

Manufacturers of nanomaterial-enabled products need models of endpoints that are relevant to human safety to support the “safe by design” paradigm and avoid late-stage attrition. Increasingly, embryonic zebrafish (Danio Rerio) are recognised as a key human safety relevant in vivo test system. Hence, machine learning models were developed for identifying metal oxide nanomaterials causing lethality to embryonic zebrafish up to 24 hours post-fertilisation, or excess lethality in the period of 24–120 hours post-fertilisation, at concentrations of 250 ppm or less. Models were developed using data from the Nanomaterial Biological-Interactions Knowledgebase for a dataset of 44 diverse, coated and uncoated metal or, in one case, metalloid oxide nanomaterials. Different modelling approaches were evaluated using nested cross-validation on this dataset. Models were initially developed for both lethality endpoints using multiple descriptors representing the composition of the core, shell and surface functional groups, as well as particle characteristics. However, interestingly, the 24 hours post-fertilisation data were found to be harder to predict, which could reflect different exposure routes. Hence, subsequent analysis focused on the prediction of excess lethality at 120 hours-post fertilisation. The use of two data augmentation approaches, applied for the first time in nano-QSAR research, was explored, yet both failed to boost predictive performance. Interestingly, it was found that comparable results to those originally obtained using multiple descriptors could be obtained using a model based upon a single, simple descriptor: the Pauling electronegativity of the metal atom. Since it is widely recognised that a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic nanomaterial characteristics contribute to their toxicological effects, this is a surprising finding. This may partly reflect the need to investigate more sophisticated descriptors in future studies. Future studies are also required to examine how robust these modelling results are on truly external data, which were not used to select the single descriptor model. This will require further laboratory work to generate comparable data to those studied herein.
Effectiveness and safety of Er-xian Decoction (traditional Chinese medicine) for women with Primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors:   The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Mai Zhefen , Lu Chunli , Zhuang Zixun , Ma Hongxia
Published: November 2021

Review question / Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Er-xian Decoction in the treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency. Information sources: We will search the following electronic databases, including 3 English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (China national knowledge infrastructure database, Wanfang database, Sinomed Database, and VIP database). The filters were English and Chinese language. The following key words in Title/Abstract or MeSH search headings are used: “Er-xian” and “Hormone replacement therapy” or “Femoston” or “Climen” and “Primary ovarian insufficiency” or “Ovarian failure” or “Premature ovarian failure” or “POI” and “random*” or “Randomized controlled trial”. In addition, we also search the grey literature such as conference proceedings and dissertations in CNKI and Wanfang database, and relevant trials will be searched in ClinicalTrial.gov database [20] and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for unpublished trials and protocols. References of all included studies will be hand searched for additional eligible studies.
Central Mali: Armed Community Mobilization in Crisis
Authors: Lyammouri Rida
Published: November 2021

The proliferation of community-based armed groups (CBAGs) in Mali’s Mopti and Ségou Regions has contributed to transforming Central Mali into a regional epicenter of conflict since 2016. Due to the lack of adequate presence of the state, certain vulnerable, conflict-affected communities resorted to embracing non-state armed groups as security umbrellas in the context of inter-communal violence. These local conflicts are the result of long-standing issues over increasing pressure on natural resources, climate shocks, competing economic lifestyles, nepotistic and exclusionary resource management practices, and the shifting representations of a segregated, historically constructed sense of ethnic identities in the region. This report untangles the legitimacy of armed groups, mobilizing factors, and the multi-level impact of violence implicating CBAGs. It further explores the relations amongst different actors, including the state, armed groups, and communities. The findings provide relevant insight for context-specific policy design toward conflict resolution and hybrid security governance.
A new species of the winter stonefly genus Capniella Klapálek, 1920 (Plecoptera: Capniidae) from Korea
Authors: Hwang Jeong Mi , Li Weihai , Murányi Dávid
Published: November 2021

Capniella gibba sp. n., the fourth species of the small East Palaearctic winter stonefly genus Capniella Klapálek, 1920 is described on the basis of male adults collected in the Odaesan Mts, Republic of Korea. Affinities of the new species is discussed, and characters are compared to congeners. This is the 96th stonefly species known from the Korean Peninsula.
SOME TREES AND FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS OF IMPORTANT STANDARD AND LOCAL POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) CULTIVARS GROWN IN KOCAKOY (DIYARBAKIR) DISTRICT
Authors: BURKAN Semra , YAVİÇ Adnan , ŞİMŞEK Mikdat
Published: November 2021

In this study, it was aimed to determine certain tree and Fruit characteristics of important Standard and local pomegranate cultivars grown in Kocaköy (Diyarbakir) province. In this context, 2 pomegranate species (Hicaz and Zivzik), 5 local pomegranate species (Hınara Tırş, Hınara Zer, Hınara Meğoş, Hınar Şirin and Hınara Sor) and 2 local pomegranate genotypes (Hınar-1 and Hınar2) were studied. In the study, Fruit weights ranged from 129.90 -314.59 g; Fruit heights ranged from 54.78-74.28 mm; Fruit diameters ranged from 62.92-86.43 mm; Fruit Volume strange from 129.20-293.50 ml; Fruit juice amounts ranged from 34.90-90.90 ml; Fruit densities ranged from 1.0-1.23 gr/ml; 100 seed weights ranged from 24.46-37.690 g; calix heights ranged from 9.65-21.00 mm and calix diameters ranged from 16.40-27.60 mm. In addition, Soluble solid contents (SSC) ranged from 14.60-17.29% brix; total acidity ranged from 4.02-24.51%; pH ranged from 2.55-4.15 and shape indices ranged from 0.69-0.94. Moreover, sub skin color, upper skin color, seed hardness, fruit taste, seed color, upper fruit compartment, sub fruit compartment, compartment number, compartment appearance, easiness in separating arils and Fruit pulp weights of the genotypes and cultivars were also determined.
THE PERSPECTIVES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION STUDENTS ON DISABLED INDIVIDUALS AND THE EDUCATION OF THE DISABLED
Authors: ÜNAL Ayşe
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the perspectives of the students of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation department towards the disabled and their attitudes towards the education of the disabled. Sixty-eight volunteer students (50 females, 18 males) studying at Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and taking the Psychosocial Rehabilitation course in the Spring Semester of the 2020-2021 Academic Year participated in the study. The Attitude Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDPS) was used to evaluate the positive and negative attitudes of the students towards the disabled individuals, and the Attitude Scale for the Training of Individuals with Disabilities (ASTID) was used to determine their views on the education of the disabled individuals. Evaluations were made at the beginning and end of the relevant semester. The mean age of the students was 19.44±1.07 years. In the first evaluation, the mean of ATDPS was 50.75±13.92 and the total score of ASTID was 51.04±18.42 points. At the last evaluation, the ATDPS score increased to 78.36±13.77 and the ASTID total score to 93.13±7.48 (p=0.0001). Providing students with basic information about various disability groups and their rehabilitation will increase the level of awareness towards people with disabilities. It is important to develop positive attitudes towards the disabled throughout society in order for the disabled to feel themselves as a part of social life and to increase their participation in social life. It will contribute to the increase of the social awareness of the organizations to be organized regarding the education of the disabled and disabled people. Organizations to be held regarding disabled people and the education of the disabled will contribute to the increase of social awareness.
ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE, AS A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER OF NAPHTHALENE TOXICITY IN DIFFERENT TISSUES OF FRESHWATER TELEOST, ANABAS TESTUDINEUS
Authors: Nayak Susri , Patnaik Lipika
Published: November 2021

Naphthalene, a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon is widely used as a fumigant and disinfectant despite its toxic effect and is ranked as the ninth most threatening compound. The present study was carried out to determine the in vivo effect of naphthalene at different concentrations on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in different tissues of Anabas testudineus. The fishes were exposed to varying concentrations of naphthalene (4.2 mgL–1, 4.4 mgL–1, 4.6 mgL–1, 4.8 mgL–1 and 5 mgL–1) for a period of 72 hours. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity was found to be significantly inhibited, in a dose-response manner. The inhibition percentage of AChE activity varied from 9.34–43.95% in brain tissue, 2.56–35.81% in liver tissue, 5.94–34.15% in muscle tissue and 3.92–33.75% in gills in comparison to the tissues of the control group. Maximum inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in treated fish was observed in the brain followed by liver, muscles, and gills. This study highlights the significance and role of acetylcholinesterase as a potential stress biomarker of naphthalene toxicity.
First record of exotic alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula (Actinopterygii: Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae), from Ganga River system, India: A possible threat to indigenous riverine fish diversity
Authors: Manna Ranjan Kumar , Ray Archisman , Bayen Supriti , Bera Tanushree , Palui Debashis , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: November 2021

A new record of an exotic alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula (Lacepède, 1803), from an open wetland of the Ganga River was presented in this paper and discussed along with the environmental parameters. Entry of the exotic fish into the natural system was probably a result of uncontrolled ornamental fish trading. Considering threats of this predatory fish to become invasive and disturb riverine fish diversity, possible ways to avoid such risk have been discussed.
Biomass and mortmass of woody vegetation in metal-contaminated areas (Southern Urals, Russia)
Authors: Bergman Igor , Nesterkov Alexey
Published: November 2021

Since the mid-2000s, long-term monitoring of various components of natural ecosystems under conditions of industrial pollution has been carried out in the Southern Urals. As a part of these monitoring programmes, the data on various components of biota in different biotopes, collected with different methods and in different time intervals, continue to be gathered. In addition, data collected through these monitoring programmes can also be used to study the local biodiversity of non-polluted areas.

In 2012, in the vicinity of the Karabash Copper Smelter, a study of communities of small mammals was carried out, considering the heterogeneity of their habitats. Within the framework of this project, we presented a detailed description of the state of woody vegetation in the study area.

The dataset (available from the GBIF network at https://www.gbif.org/dataset/61384edd-2d0a-437b-8cf0-ff4d2dfcc0da) includes the results of an assessment of the woody vegetation biomass at seven habitats (pine, birch and floodplain forests, reed swamp, sparse birch stand, marshy meadow and dump of household waste) of areas with different levels of industrial pollution in the vicinities of the Karabash, the Southern Urals. Karabash Copper Smelter (KCS) is one of Russia’s most significant point polluters; the main components of its emissions are heavy metals, dust and sulphur dioxide. Parameters of woody vegetation (diameter at breast height, diameter at root collar level and biomass) were estimated for seven forest elements (forest stand, subcanopy (undergrowth and underwood), half-dead tree of a forest stand and four types of coarse woody debris (downed bole, fragment of downed bole, standing dead tree and stump)) at 41 sampling plots (20 at unpolluted and 21 at polluted areas) and 165 subplots (81 and 84, respectively). The dataset includes 411 sampling events (estimation events of the forest elements at sampling plots and subplots), corresponding to 5786 occurrences (estimations of the woody vegetation components) observed during July 2012. For most woody vegetation components (72%), an estimate of the above-ground phytomass is given. For each sampling event, information on the presence or absence of woody vegetation species at the considered habitats is provided (a total of 1479 occurrences with status "absent"). The dataset can be used for environmental monitoring, sustainable forest management, modelling forest productivity considering global changes, studying the structure and biodiversity of forest cover and assessing forests’ carbon-sequestration capacity. In addition, the dataset provides information about different forest ecosystems under the influence of strong industrial pollution.
Regularity of the attractor for a coupled Klein-Gordon-Schrödinger system in $ \mathbb{R}^3 $ nonlinear KGS system
Authors: Missaoui Salah
Published: November 2021

The main goal of this paper is to study the asymptotic behavior of a coupled Klein-Gordon-Schrödinger system in three dimensional unbounded domain. We prove the existence of a global attractor of the systems of the nonlinear Klein-Gordon-Schrödinger (KGS) equations in \begin{document}$ H^1({\mathbb R}^3)\times H^1({\mathbb R}^3)\times L^2({\mathbb R}^3) $\end{document} and more particularly that this attractor is in fact a compact set of \begin{document}$ H^2({\mathbb R}^3)\times H^2({\mathbb R}^3)\times H^1({\mathbb R}^3) $\end{document}.
Image space analysis for uncertain multiobjective optimization problems: Robust optimality conditions
Authors: Ou Xiaoqing , Al-Homidan Suliman , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Chen Jiawei
Published: November 2021

We introduce the \begin{document}$ \mathcal{C} $\end{document}-robust efficient solution and optimistic \begin{document}$ \mathcal{C} $\end{document}-robust efficient solution of uncertain multiobjective optimization problems (UMOP). By using image space analysis, robust optimality conditions as well as saddle point sufficient optimality conditions for uncertain multiobjective optimization problems are established based on real-valued linear (regular) weak separation function and real-valued (vector-valued) nonlinear (regular) weak separation functions. We also introduce two inclusion problems by using the image sets of robust counterpart of (UMOP) and establish the relations between the solution of the inclusion problems and the \begin{document}$ \mathcal{C} $\end{document}-robust efficient solution (respectively, optimistic \begin{document}$ \mathcal{C} $\end{document}-robust efficient solution) of (UMOP).
Evolución temporal de los diseños de grandes presas en Gran Canaria (Islas Canarias)
Authors: González Gonzálvez Jaime J. , Cruz-Pérez Noelia , Santamarta Juan C.
Published: November 2021

La utilidad de asegurar el riego de sus terrenos hizo que los agricultores encargaran a los ingenieros redactar proyectos de grandes presas en la isla de Gran Canaria, llegándose a diseñar más de 300 muros entre 1862 y 1980, cifra ésta más que suficiente para calibrar la importancia de lo construido durante la batalla del agua (79 grandes presas en 1.558 km²). Del racionalismo de las primeras décadas, con algunos proyectos muy atrevidos en los años 30, se impuso luego el pragmatismo funcional en los 50. Vigilancia de Presas constató en los 60 cierto retraso técnico con las presas de la España peninsular. No sólo en criterios de diseño, sino también en lo que se refiere a los materiales, medios y técnicas constructivas, lo que derivó en nuevos diseños de grandes presas y materiales en los 70. De este modo, en estas líneas pretendemos dibujar someramente, pues, la evolución temporal de lo diseñado, con especial atención a la potencia expresiva de los proyectos innovadores.
Food Security and Climate Change
Authors: El Mokhtar Mohamed Ait , Anli Mohamed , Ben Laouane Raja , Boutasknit Abderrahim , Boutaj Hanane , Draoui Ahmed , Zarik Lamia , Fakhech Abdessamad
Published: November 2021

Climate change may potentially disrupt progress toward a world without hunger. Today, a clear and consistent global pattern is perceptible of the different impacts of climate change on crop productivity that could have repercussions on food security. Consequently, the stability of the whole food systems may be at risk under climate change because of its unpredictable variations. Indeed, agricultural production is highly vulnerable even to 2°C predictions augmentation for global mean temperatures in 2100, with major implications for poverty and for food security. The climate change impacts seem to be clear in areas currently affected by hunger and undernutrition, which will heighten food insecurity in these parts of the world. Therefore, adapting food systems both to increase food security and to prevent future negative impacts from climate change will require attention to more than just agricultural production. The evidence sustains the need for thoughtful investment in adaptation and mitigation actions toward an efficient management of climate change influences on food security.
Waterborne Diseases Arising From Climate Change
Authors: El Baz Soraia , Kahime Kholoud
Published: November 2021

As a result of increased frequency and intensity of heat waves, increased floods and droughts, change in climate will affect biological, physical, and chemical components of water through different paths thus enhancing the risk of waterborne diseases. Identifying the role of weather in waterborne infection is a priority public health research issue as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme precipitation and temperature events. This chapter provides evidence that precipitation and temperature can affect directly or indirectly water quality and consequently affect the health human. This chapter also highlights the complex relationship between precipitation or temperature and transmission of waterborne disease such as diarrheal disease, gastroenteritis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and cholera.
Effectiveness of Local Community Policy Responses to Climate Change Impact on Ecosystem Services for Biodiversity Conservation in the Semi-Arid Zones
Authors: Okaka Wilson Truman
Published: November 2021

The Ugandan government has decentralized climate change policy strategies at the local government district development planning levels to build local community adaptive capacity for accelerated action for disaster resilience. This chapter focuses on the local community response by Isingiro local government district authority. The purpose is to provide a context of the significance of eco-services and natural biodiversity resources in the semi-arid district, located in the South-Western Uganda, elaborate on the district climate change action plan for community-based adaptation strategies, and the biodiversity conservation district development plan. For decades, most households and local communities have perpetually suffered from the severe climatic stress of galloping heatwaves, shocking floods, ferocious frequent whirlwinds and wind storms, catastrophic droughts, perennial food insecurity, malnutrition, migrations, and famines. The district has adopted strategies to enhance biodiversity conservation for eco-services for food security and sustainable community livelihoods.
Young People as Transformative Citizens Fighting Climate Change
Authors: Alam Meredian
Published: November 2021

The government of Indonesia has launched environmental policies to address the risks of climate change at the national to local levels and involves all elements of development: economy and business, education, environment and forestry, and transportation. In fact, behavioral change is seen as unsustainable, particularly in people's everyday lives. As this problem emerges, Indonesian young people through youth-led environmental organizations hold environmental activities to alternatively introduce and educate communities and schools to recognize and identity climate change impacts. The author then presents two successful youth organizations: Greenpeace Youth Indonesia (GYI) and the Indonesian Students Climate Forum (ICSF). GYI's actions are more stirred with Greenpeace's ideology, which focuses on direct campaigns, protest, and young activist mobilization, while ICSF's repertoires for mitigating climate changes are more community schools-based educational outreach. Although both of them are distinct in nature, their works have been transformative and applicable.
(R)urban Synergy vs. Climate Change
Authors: Stupar Aleksandra , Mihajlov Vladimir , Simić Ivan
Published: November 2021

The chapter provides an insight into the relationship between synergic (r)urban systems, information networks and climate change, discussing the emerging ideas, and concepts related to the increasing use of information networks in the process of climate adaptation and mitigation. Emphasizing the strategic role of both digital and material information flows, supported by ICT tools, the chapter focuses on two main domains of data exchange and knowledge transfer: the public communication of climate change and the connectivity and interaction within (r)urban hybrid systems. Underlining the issues of effectiveness, accessibility, and low-carbon outcomes of synergic (r)urban reactions to climate shift, recent environmental and technological trends are considered in accordance with the preferred spatio-functional flexibility of emerging (r)urban hybrid settlements. The chapter also identifies and analyses three areas of ICT applicability, targeting the role of information networks in the anticipated climate-friendly development: human behavior, ecological awareness, and general efficiency.
Research Study on Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development in Mongolia
Authors: Tugjamba Navchaa , Yembuu Batchuluun , Gantumur Amarbayasgalan , Gezel Uranchimeg
Published: November 2021

There is scientific consensus that Mongolia is already facing the negative consequences of climate change. Raising public awareness and increasing education initiatives is one of the most important ways to adapt and mitigate climate change. The paper consists of two main sections. The first section reviewed the policies and provisions in support developing climate change education for sustainable development and analyzed the level of teachers' knowledge of climate change education for sustainable development and determined the needs for teacher training. The second part assessed the coverage level of climate change education for sustainability in national educational standards, curricula and textbooks in Mongolia. To evaluate the coverage level, the team defined the concepts and coverage of Climate change education (CCE), Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and Education for sustainable development (ESD) and developed the indicators to analyze CCE/DRR/ESD content coverage on the curricula and textbooks.
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Inland Fisheries of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Africa
Authors: Udo Imefon Udo , Akpan Imekan Isaac
Published: November 2021

Inland fisheries of arid and semi-arid regions of Africa are seriously threatened by negative impacts of climate change. Literature and several models show increase in temperature of 1.1oC in some areas. Sea level rise is projected to increase to 0.8 m by the year 2100. Fish yields have increased almost linearly by around half a million metric tons per decade over the past 60 years, while clear cyclical variations in the residuals of about 20 years' periodicity above and below the trend line have been observed. Although fisher folks, their communities, and local institutions are already constantly adapting to various forms of change, flimsiness in the wider governance and macro-economic environment has weakened the overall adaptive capacity of these regions and fishers are vulnerable to projected climate change. For significant benefits of inland fisheries to be accomplished, planned adaptation at scales from the local to the regional is very necessary.
Climate Change Outcomes on the Environmental Ecotoxicology
Authors: El Baz Soraia
Published: November 2021

Climate change is a daunting problem and has only recently attracted attention. This chapter presents a review on the implications of climate change on the regulation, and modelling of toxic pollutants. Also, it identifies relationships between climate fluctuations and changes in some polluants distribution (heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides). Moreover, the influence of climate change on polluant environmental behavior is explored by studying polluants response to inter-annual climate fluctuations such as precipitation and temperature. Therefore, it will be important to monitor strategies taking into account climate change and new regulatory plans should be devised in toxics polluant management.
Understanding and Countering Misinformation About Climate Change
Authors: Cook John
Published: November 2021

While there is overwhelming scientific agreement on climate change, the public has become polarized over fundamental questions such as human-caused global warming. Communication strategies to reduce polarization rarely address the underlying cause: ideologically-driven misinformation. In order to effectively counter misinformation campaigns, scientists, communicators, and educators need to understand the arguments and techniques in climate science denial, as well as adopt evidence-based approaches to neutralizing misinforming content. This chapter reviews analyses of climate misinformation, outlining a range of denialist arguments and fallacies. Identifying and deconstructing these different types of arguments is necessary to design appropriate interventions that effectively neutralize the misinformation. This chapter also reviews research into how to counter misinformation using communication interventions such as inoculation, educational approaches such as misconception-based learning, and the interdisciplinary combination of technology and psychology known as technocognition.
Sustainable Ecosystem Management
Authors: Nyika Joan Mwihaki
Published: November 2021

Ecosystems are part of human wellbeing and their sustainable management is essential for the survival of the human race and biodiversity. This chapter explores the concept of sustainable ecosystem management (SEM), its principles, elements, faces, and implementation. SEM is defined as environmentally sensitive, ecosystem-based, and eco-regional based. Its successful implementation is therefore complex due to the different priorities of stakeholders, the scope of ecosystems, some of which are transboundary, and the ever-changing nature of these areas amidst environmental uncertainties. These aspects are vulnerable to political changes and reconciling them is difficult. This chapter proposes a five-step implementation plan on SEM that is pegged on adaptive management and holistic consideration of ecological resources. Using documented case studies, SEM is a proposed solution to ecosystem challenges of modern-day amidst hindrances of rising resource demand, population increase, and climate variability.
Adaptive Strategies of Small Family Farms in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: El Amrani Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Climate change is now an accepted reality. It is felt globally through increased temperature and precipitation regime disruption and increased frequency of extreme events such as floods and droughts. In the absence of effective mitigation and adaptation actions, these changes could have significant negative impact on the sustainability of agriculture and the resilience of populations especially in areas with fragile ecology. However, these changes remain an issue that is difficult to grasp and still not well integrated into management strategies at the farm, sector, and territory levels. The objectives of this research are to describe the production systems, and to study the resilience strategies, perception, and adaptive practices of farms in the Tleta watershed in Northwest Morocco in the face of climate change and landscape dynamics. It describes farming systems and activities, attempts to analyze how farmers perceive global changes in their landscape, and adopts innovative strategies and practices to adapt to them. It also shows that the actions of institutional actors in the area that can contribute to the resilience of the populations are numerous but remain fragmentary and lack integration.
A Comprehensive Review of Blockchain Technology Implementation in the EV Charging Infrastructure
Authors: Zhimomi Toni , Alam Mohammad Saad , Malik Hafiz
Published: November 2021

Charging infrastructure is a key factor in successful electric vehicle adoption. Charging stations are still a fragmented market in terms of ownership, lack of standards, and charging protocols. The increasing decentralised grid has made energy and communication flow bi-directional. Challenges arise in maintaining the increasing decentralised structure, security, and privacy of the network. Blockchain facilitates the interconnectedness of such a distributed and decentralised network. Blockchain's versatility lies in its transparent and immutable decentralized architecture that enables direct transactions between users without the need of a middleman. It provides powerful safeguards against cyberattacks with its advanced cryptography enabling privacy-preserving authentication. This chapter presents a comprehensive review on the application of blockchain technology in EV charging infrastructure such as facilitating the peer-to-peer energy exchange, increased security and privacy, immutable transactions, and mitigating trust issues among the participants in the charging infrastructure.
Integrated Battery Chargers
Authors: Ali Syed Qaseem , Joos Geza , Sun Chu
Published: November 2021

Integrated battery chargers (IBCs) have been proposed as a low-weight, low-volume, and high-power solution to conventional conductive chargers. However, the design of such chargers is complicated, requiring special components or control techniques to solve inherent issues (such as galvanic isolation, torque generation, and system reconfiguration) associated with their design. Solutions vary based on charging power, drive topology, and motor technology. This chapter introduces designs for IBCs, including solutions as proposed in the literature. It also presents challenges in their industrial adoption. Finally, the chapter presents opportunities for fleet charging applications using IBCs.
Investigating Entrepreneurial Success Factors of Businesses Owned by Nigerian Women in the UK
Authors: Temitope Victoria , Sharma Seema
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneurial success factors of Nigerian women entrepreneurs based in the UK. An exploratory case study approach was used to gather the primary data from 15 small businesses run by Nigerian women entrepreneurs in the UK. The data collection was conducted through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, observations, and published sources. The data was thematically analysed using NVivo. The main findings indicated that Nigerian women entrepreneurs in the UK primarily depend on personal traits, self-funding, work experience, personal satisfaction, physical networking, and family support for business success. The most significant entrepreneurial success factor was the personal success factor. The study provided feasible recommendations for Nigerian women entrepreneurs based in the UK to put emphasis on environmental success factors and online networking, taking advantage of social media platforms for easy and quicker reach of more customers and business partners.
Demystifying the Role of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare and Transaction
Authors: Ghonge Mangesh Manikrao , Mane Sulakshana , Pradhan Devasis
Published: November 2021

In this chapter, blockchain technology and its applications in healthcare and transaction are studied, along with how certain features of this cutting-edge technology might disrupt established business practices. The authors have discovered several studies and open exploratory areas that will be valuable to both academics and practitioners. Recent developments in cryptocurrency systems like bitcoin have increased interest in building robust distributed networks. Various DLTs are presently involved in a furious battle to display their superior skills and how they can overcome the flaws of their rivals. There are two main approaches to the distributed ledger problem: one uses cryptographic hashes and the other uses an open, distributed peer-to-peer network. However, the usage of the system of data structure, error tolerance, and consensus mechanisms differs significantly. This distinction has an impact on the cost, security, latency, and efficiency of any DLT situation. This chapter is a detailed review of blockchain usage in healthcare and transaction.
Addressing and Modeling the Challenges Faced in the Implementation of Blockchain Technology in the Food and Agriculture Supply Chain
Authors: Mukherjee Subhodeep , Chittipaka Venkataiah , Baral Manish Mohan
Published: November 2021

Blockchain technology has gained a lot of attention in the supply chain of many organizations. This technology is being used in sectors like food, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, automobile, etc. The aim of this research is to identify the problems faced in the food and agriculture supply chain in implementing blockchain technology in their organizations. To determine the barriers to blockchain technology in the food and agriculture supply chain, the authors have used technological, organizational, and environmental frameworks. All the barriers are divided into three constructs having some variables. Data is collected through questionnaires using survey methods. Empirical methods used are exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. This study also provides empirical evidence and developed three structural equation models. This study will help the service providers to address the problems that are being faced by the firms in the implementation of blockchain technology in their firms.
The Impacts of Blockchain in Elections
Authors: Sloboda Brian
Published: November 2021

There is a greater emphasis on improving voter participation in elections, and one way to improve voter participation is to implement electronic or online voting. However, many voters and voting administrators are still skeptical because of security concerns and a lack of trust in these systems. Traditional online voting represents the older version of internet-based technology as well as the use of paper ballots. Consequently, the use of the blockchain seems like a more suitable technical solution to ensure online voting is secure and to enable trust by the voters and administrators of voting. The latter would lead to increased voter participation in elections. This chapter per the author attempts to answer the following research questions: What is the impact of the blockchain on the political processes especially when constituents vote? What is the essence of online voting via the blockchain and what are its benefits? What are the vulnerabilities when applying the blockchain when used in online voting?
Distilling Blockchain
Authors: Zakaria Roslan Bakri bin , Zainuddin Muhammad Nizam , Mohamad Abdul Hadi
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to demystify blockchain technology and present potential use cases to ignite the potential blockchain brings. This chapter brings together thought leaders from both academia and industry to ensure a more holistic perspective on blockchain, both pros and cons. Primarily riding on the potential of the smart contract, this chapter expounds on the potential innovation that can be derived from blockchain. Simultaneously, this chapter expands on potential ideas that would bring value to mankind. It discusses how blockchain can be used to do social good and to rebuild trust between citizens, government, and more importantly, politicians. This could be achieved by rebuilding thrust through transparency and efficiency. While it is not without any drawback, suggested areas of future research were also proposed at the end of this chapter. This chapter also proposed a possible digital framework to be considered.
The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Human Resource Management
Authors: Atay Erhan , Tong Jane L. Y. Terpstra
Published: November 2021

Blockchain technology could be extended to benefit human resource (HR) practices. With the lack of definitions and best practices in the literature on the applicability of blockchain in HR, there is a need to define the terms related to blockchain technology and its possible applications in HR. In addition, it is also important to address the downside and dark side of adopting blockchain in HR practices. This chapter aims to review the developing literature on blockchain technology, relate concepts to HR practices, present a model for applying blockchain technology in transforming HR practices, and explain the limitations and disadvantages of using blockchain technology in HR management. The chapter also contains two cases that illustrate the applicability issues of blockchain technology based upon the USA's credit score systems and Turkey's e-government application.
Comparison of Two pMDIs in Adult Asthmatics: A Randomized Double-Blind Double-Dummy Clinical Trial
Authors: Nam Tae-Hyun , Kang Sung-Yoon , Lee Sang Min , Kim Tae-Bum , Lee Sang Pyo
Published: November 2021

Background: Only a few studies directly compared the therapeutic efficacy and safety of two pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) in asthma. We analyzed the asthma treatment outcomes, safety, and patient preferences using formoterol/beclomethasone (FORM/BDP), a pMDI with extra-fine particles, compared with formoterol/budesonide (FORM/BUD), another pMDI with non-extra-fine particles.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group study, 40 adult asthmatics were randomized to FORM/BDP group (n=18; active FORM/BDP and placebo FORM/BUD) or FORM/BUD group (n=22; active FORM/BUD and placebo FORM/BDP). During the two visits (baseline and end of 8-week treatment), subjects were asked to answer questionnaires including asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaires (ACQ), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA). Lung function, compliance with inhaler, and inhaler-handling skills were also assessed.Results: Ten subjects in the FORM/BDP group and 14 in the FORM/BUD group completed follow-up visits. ACT, ACQ, QLQAKA (a primary outcome), and adverse events did not differ between two groups. We found that the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the pulmonary volume in the FORM/BDP group was higher than in the FORM/BUD group. Regarding preference, subjects responded that the flume velocity of FORM/BDP was higher, but more adequate than that of FORM/BUD. They also answered that FORM/BDP reached the trachea and bronchus and irritated them significantly more than FORM/BUD.Conclusion: The use of pMDI with extra-fine particles may relieve small airway obstruction more than the one with non-extra-fine particles despite no significant differences in overall treatment outcomes. Some asthmatics have a misconception about the adequacy of high flume velocity of pMDIs.
Comparison of hemodynamic changes and serum potassium levels in the use of succinylcholine and cisatracurium in electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Nazemroaya Behzad , Ghosouri Atefeh , Honarmand Azim , Hashemi Seyed Taghi
Published: November 2021

Background:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is nowadays used commonly as one the most effective treatment methods in psychiatric disorders. In patients undergoing ECT, succinylcholine is usually used. In addition, cisatracurium is occasionally used on a case report basis globally. In this study, we compared the hemodynamic changes and serum potassium levels in the use of succinylcholine and cisatracurium in ECT.

Materials and Methods:

The current crossover clinical trial was performed on 45 patients who were candidates for ECT between 2017 and 2018. The patients were given succinylcholine or cisatracurium randomly on two separate occasions of ECT. The independent t-test and Chi square Test were used to compare the data.

Results:

Comparison of mean systolic blood pressure (P = 0.14), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.33), and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.23) did not show any significant difference between the two groups. The induced seizure duration (P = 0.002), return of spontaneous respiratory from seizure ending (P = 0.001), and apnea duration (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the cisatracurium group compared to the succinylcholine group. However, the frequency of tachycardia in cisatracurium group was lower than the succinylcholine group (P < 0.001). In addition, the serum potassium level had a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Using cisatracurium can be an alternative to succinylcholine during ECT since it causes less elevation in serum potassium and creates a longer duration of induced seizure, more rapid re emergence of spontaneous breathing at the end of seizure (P = 0.001), and a lower prevalence of tachycardia compared to succinylcholine (P < 0.001).
Intimate Partner Violence among Obstetric Population at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Sulaiman Bilal , Omonua Kate Ifeoma , Opadiran Oluwatunmobi Rachel , Yabagi Aliyu Isah
Published: November 2021

Background:

Perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) did not spare pregnant women despite their physiological and anatomical changes in pregnancy. The epidemiology and outcomes of IPV change with time in the society.

Study Objectives:

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with IPV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic.

Settings and Design:

This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted at the Antenatal Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:

This study involved 403 pregnant women. The Hurt, Insult, Threaten and Scream (HITS) questionnaire was used to collect information and data recorded and analysed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-squared, Fisher's test and logistic regression) were used. Level of significance was set atP< 0.05.

Results:

The prevalence of IPV in pregnancy was 56.3% and the modal score was 4. About 11.9% of the women had a positive (severe) HITS score while 38.4% of the women experienced insult as the most common form of violence. There was a statistically significant association between the level of the score and marriage settings (P < 0.001), education of the woman (P < 0.001), education status of the husband (P < 0.001), occupation of the woman (P < 0.001), occupation of the husband (P < 0.001) and social habit of the husband (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of IPV was high from this study. Improvement in education status of the husband and employment status of both the wife and the husband can significantly affect violence against women positively in our society.
Pattern of ocular manifestations and the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in tears of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients
Authors: Sehgal Gaurang , Bal Prempal , Bal Bhavkaran , Chopra Riya
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARSCoV2) can affect eyes in various forms. Furthermore, ocular surface can act as potential port of entry and ocular secretions as possible route of transmission of SARSCoV2. The aims of the study are to identify ocular manifestation in confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) patients and to evaluate conjunctival secretions as the possible route of transmission of this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective, populationbased, observational study was done. Ocular symptoms and signs of every hospitalized patient with SARSCoV2 infection between September 15, 2020, and November 15, 2020, were recorded. Tear samples of the first 60 participants (30 each of patients with severe and moderate illness, can be removed) with ocular manifestations were selected for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science Software (SPSS) program, version 23. When comparing mean values, ttest was used otherwise Chisquare test.

RESULTS:

Out of 804 admitted patients during study period, 309 (38.4%) patients were identified with ocular manifestations, out of which 78% (241) had conjunctival hyperemia, 65.6% (203) had follicular reaction in palpebral conjunctiva, 58% (180) had chemosis, and 58% (99) had discharge and 18.4% (57) complained of burning in their eyes. Mean duration from systemic manifestation to onset of ocular symptoms was 4.52 ± 1.47 days while 8 patients (1%) had conjunctivitis as the presenting symptom. SARSCoV2 was detected in 18.3% patients (11 out of 60) using RTPCR.

CONCLUSION:

The presence of SARSCoV2 in ocular secretions of patients with ocular manifestations suggests that COVID19infected patients with ocular manifestations should wear protective glasses to prevent secretions contamination to healthy persons.
Retinal cell transplantation in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Tezel Tongalp H. , Ruff Adam
Published: November 2021

Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common hereditary retinal disease. Dietary supplements, neuroprotective agents, cytokines, and lately, prosthetic devices, gene therapy, and optogenetics have been employed to slow down the retinal degeneration or improve light perception. Completing retinal circuitry by transplanting photoreceptors has always been an appealing idea in retinitis pigmentosa. Recent developments in stem cell technology, retinal imaging techniques, tissue engineering, and transplantation techniques have brought us closer to accomplish this goal. The eye is an ideal organ for cell transplantation due to a low number of cells required to restore vision, availability of safe surgical and imaging techniques to transplant and track the cells in vivo, and partial immune privilege provided by the subretinal space. Human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotential stem cells, and especially retinal organoids provide an adequate number of cells at a desired developmental stage which may maximize integration of the graft to host retina. However, stem cells must be manufactured under strict good manufacturing practice protocols due to known tumorigenicity as well as possible genetic and epigenetic stabilities that may pose a danger to the recipient. Immune compatibility of stem cells still stands as a problem for their widespread use for retinitis pigmentosa. Transplantation of stem cells from different sources revealed that some of the transplanted cells may not integrate the host retina but slow down the retinal degeneration through paracrine mechanisms. Discovery of a similar paracrine mechanism has recently opened a new therapeutic path for reversing the cone dormancy and restoring the sight in retinitis pigmentosa.