bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do higher education institutions contribute to countries’ SDG progress: Evidence from university rankings
Authors: Smolennikov Denys , Makarenko Inna , Bacho Robert , Makarovych Viktoriia , Oleksich Zhanna , Gorodysky Mykola , Polishchuk Iryna
Published: June 2024

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a universal call to action over the past few years and a basis for assessing the progress of sustainable development of countries and organizations. This paper aims to identify the relationship between the sustainable development activities of universities in different regions of the world, as reflected in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE IR), and the progress towards achieving SDGs of the countries in which these universities operate. The research methods were correlation analysis and robust regression tools, and parametric and non-parametric methods of variance analysis. The information base was the results of annual reports based on the THE IR and Sustainable Development Reports for 2017–2021. The results confirm the existence of directly proportional close correlations between the variables, while the regression analysis confirmed that a one-unit increase in the overall THE IR ranking score leads to a corresponding increase in the overall progress of countries in achieving SDGs (on average by 0.2-0.3 units) and SDGs 3, 8, 11, 16 in particular. It was also found that universities play a key role in achieving different SDGs in various regions. In Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa, universities are critical for SDG 17 achieving. In OECD countries, universities contribute most to SDG 3. Examples of the best practices that can be used as a guide for university administrations that are at the beginning of developing sustainable development policies are also given.
Funding Inna Makarenko gratefully acknowledges support from the Jean Monet module project “Transparency. Accountability. Responsibility. Governance. Europe. Trust. Sustainability” financed by the Erasmus+ program (101085395 – TARGETS – ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH).
Study on the mechanical characteristics and impact resistance improvement of substation masonry wall under flood load
Authors: Zhang Liang , Yao Han , Wang Qing , Zhai Mengqi , Wu Yue , Zhang Chenyu , Rong Kunjie , Tian Li
Published: June 2024

This study examines the stress characteristics and deformation modes of masonry walls under flood loads in a 500kV substation project in Xinyang City, Henan Province. A simplified finite element model of substation masonry walls is developed in ABAQUS, considering dynamic water loads, the stress characteristics and deformation modes of masonry walls under flood loads are studied. Flood depth, water velocity, and erosion depth are selected as variables to carry out the parametric analysis of masonry enclosure walls under flood load, to investigate the dynamic response of walls under various parameters, and to examine the damage mechanism of the wall. The research findings suggest that stress levels are elevated at critical locations, such as the bottom center of the wall, the junction between the inner wall and structural column, and the connection between the foundation and structural column during flood loading. The safety of a masonry wall is significantly compromised when flood depth exceeds 0.8 m, water velocity exceeds 2.3 m/s, or erosion depth reaches 0.4 m. A proposed measure aims to enhance the performance of masonry walls by improving stress distribution and reducing stress concentrations, thereby significantly augmenting their load-bearing capacity.
Validity evidence of the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire (PASS-Q) in young Brazilian athletes
Authors: Grasel Barbosa Diego , Freeman Paul , Teresinha Corazza Sara , Silva Beltrame Thais , Santos Silva Diego Augusto , Gomes Felden Erico Pereira
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to translate, adapt and validate the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. For this purpose, analyses of reproducibility, internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. The final sample consisted of 533 athletes from 14 sports from 14 to 19 years old. High indices of internal consistency (a=0.861), reproducibility (0.899) and content validity were found for language clarity (0.967), theoretical relevance (0.967) and practical relevance (1.000). In the confirmatory factor analysis, good fit indices were observed for a four-factor model reflecting emotional, esteem, informational, and tangible support (RMSEA=0.075; CFI=0.92; TLI=0.91; SRMR=0.042). it is concluded that the instrument has adequate psychometric indicators to assess the perceived available support in sport and its application in athletes involved in initiation, training and specialization sport programs is recommended.
Educational Outcomes of the Tribal Students of Kerala – Exploring the Potential of Cultural Capital
Authors: P Parvathy , A.C. Kavitha
Published: June 2024

Scheduled tribes constitute 1.45 per cent of the total population of Kerala as per 2011 Census. Though Kerala has made significant strides in the field of education, tribal students in the state fall behind the non-tribal students as evident from several indicators such as lower rates of enrolment, higher drop-out rates and lower pass percentage at various levels of education. Lower pass percentage of tribal students in the qualifying examinations (58.01 per cent for the tribal students visà-vis the state overall pass percentage of 85.56 per cent in 2020-2021) poses a significant barrier to pursue graduation courses. Hence, an attempt is made to assess the role of cultural capital in determining the educational outcomes of the students belonging to various castes. A survey of the students enrolled in colleges revealed differences in the extent of cultural capital possessed by tribal and non-tribal students as evident from the differences in the education levels of parents which are corroborated by the results of Kruskal Wallis test. Cultural capital deficit places the tribal students at a disadvantage in various fields such as language proficiency and their ability to critically appreciate arts and literature. Inadequate cultural capital base of tribal students has adversely affected their educational outcomes.
Introduction
Authors: Aguado D. , Alferes J. , Plana Q. , Ruano M. V. , Samuelsson O. , Villez K.
Published: June 2024

This report provides a comprehensive overview of metadata to describe sensor signals in wastewater treatment plants and methods to obtain such metadata. In this introduction, we explain the original motivation behind the MetaCO task group. This includes a description of historical challenges (data volume, data velocity) for which mature technology is now available, and newer challenges, which relate to data structure (data variety) and data quality (veracity). We conclude the chapter with an expression of gratitude to all involved.
Contribution of GIS and remote sensing in evaluating groundwater potential zoning in Mbandjock
Authors: Bah Ntutuwouo Gael Didier , Rosine Eve Njogi Bella Anne , Djousse Kenouo Boris Merlain , Motchemien Rigobert , Fonteh Mathias Fru
Published: June 2024

Geographical information systems present today an undisputed advantage for the management of natural resources to facilitate their management. As a matter of fact, this study aims to evaluate the water potential in the water tables of Mbandjock using the multivariable analytical hierarchy process method applied on GIS. To do so, we first determined the different contributing variables: in this study, we use drainage density, rainfall distribution, soil geology, variation in slopes, soil type, land use, and lineament density. Once the different factors were mapped and reclassified, which led us to the second part of this work, where it was a question of overlaying these different variables by associating each variable with a weight value proportional to its importance in relation to other variables. This led to the production of a distribution map of groundwater potential.
Metagenomic analysis reveals differential effects of sewage treatment on the microbiome and antibiotic resistome in Bengaluru, India
Authors: Nataraj Annamalai , Mondhe Divya , Srikantaiah Vishwananth , Ishtiaq Farah
Published: June 2024

Climate change and health are closely linked to urban wastewater used for irrigation. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) provide ideal environments and niche availability for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we examined the differential effect of sewage processing methods from the inlet to the outlet on the microbial diversity and antibiotic resistomes of 26 STPs in the urban sewage network of Bengaluru, India. We screened 478 ARGs and found 273 in wastewater, including clinically relevant genes such as CTX-M, qnr, sul-1, and NDM-1, which confer resistance to six major classes of antibiotics. The richness of ARGs was higher in sewage inlets compared with outlets. We observed a downward shift in drug classes from inlet to outlet samples, except for aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, MLSB, and tetracycline. Inlet samples exhibited more complex correlations between ARGs and bacteria compared with outlet samples. Our findings serve as a baseline study that could aid in the quantification of genes from both culturable and non-culturable taxa and will assist in the development of policies and strategies to address water quality issues associated with the use of recycled water.
Assessment of chemical and bacteriological status of treated wastewater of the Baraki WWTP (Algeria) for agricultural purposes
Authors: Chirane Manel Soumia , Belmeskine Hayet , Boudjellaba Sofiane , Megatelli Smain
Published: June 2024

Due to its geographical location in the arid and semi-arid zone, Algeria is suffering from water stress amplified by the effects of climate change. For these reasons this study was conducted to evaluate the suitability for agricultural reuse of treated wastewater of Baraki WWTP. The quality for agricultural reuse is related to the physicochemical parameters and indicators of water quality. The bacteriological characteristics including total and fecal coliforms, fecal enterococci, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were also considered. The results revealed that SAR and SSP values were excellent for irrigation. A Wilcox diagram showed that most of the samples fell in the field of C3-S1 indicating high salinity and low sodium water. The physicochemical results indicated that most of parameters are in conformity with standards except ammonia NH4+ and total nitrogen that are higher than the permissible limit of USEPA and FAO. The average concentrations of heavy metals are low compared with the FAO recommendations. However, the bacteriological analyses confirmed the existence of germs indicating a fecal contamination exceeding the WHO regulations but an absence of pathogenic germs. Hence, the disinfection of this water and an adequate treatment is needed before its use for agricultural purposes.
The Sac Actun System, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Kambesis P. N. , Coke IV J.G.
Published: June 2024

The Sac Actun system, located in northeast Quintana Roo, Mexico, is among the most extensive underwater cave systems located along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The cave is composed of linear phreatic conduits that have two forms. The coastal sections of the Sac Actun system are characterized by low horizontal tunnels that form mazes paralleling the coast and rudimentary conduits broken by fracture-controlled rooms. Inland passages are fault/fracture controlled, have a linear, anastomotic configuration, and align perpendicular to the coast. Access to the cave system is gained through cenotes which are the portals into the Yucatan underwater cave systems. The occurrence of drowned speleothems in many parts of the cave system, and sections of air-filled upper level passages are indicative of major fluctuations in sea level. The Sac Actun system is part of one of the most extensive and significant eogenetic karst aquifers in the world. The development of the Sac Actun system, as well as the many other caves systems along the Yucatan Caribbean Coast is controlled by the coastal hydrologic regime, driven by glacio-eustatics, and influenced by stratigraphic and structural controls. The karstic permeability of the aquifer makes it and the Sac Actun system vulnerable to the anthropogenic impacts of increased population growth, quarries, and infrastructure development associated with the burgeoning tourist industry that dominates land use in the region.
A model of karst systems of the Usturt plateau (Middle Asia)
Authors: Victorov A.S.
Published: June 2024

The issues relating to the structure and development of desert karst is currently one of the least studied problems. The goal of the research efforts presented in this paper was to create a model of karst systems in the Usturt Plateau and, primarily, of the systems formed by the prevailing numerous surface karst landforms. The model is based on the following main assumptions: the process of emergence of the karst phenomena is probabilistic and occurs independently at non-intersecting sites; the probability of emergence of one depression at a reference site depends only on its area. The increase of the dimensions of a karst landform is a random process that occurs independently of other karst landforms, its speed is governed by random factors, and it is directly proportionate to the existing dimensions of the landform. The model does not assume constancy of climatic characteristics. The testing was conducted at several reference sites of the Usturt Plateau. The research allowed us to reach the following conclusions: the karst depressions of the Usturt Plateau, which are the typical forms of desert karst, are governed by the Poisson distribution of their centres and by the lognormal distribution of their dimensions, similar to the karst depressions in a humid climate. The results may be used in assessments of karst hazard for linear and areal structures, as well as for small-dimensional structures.
CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve: How, When, and Where to use this
Novel Cardiac Imaging Tool
Authors: Narimani Javid Roozbeh , Hosseini Seyed Kianoosh
Published: June 2024

:

Fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) is a novel imaging modality.
It utilizes computational fluid dynamics analysis of coronary blood flow obtained from CCTA
images to estimate the decrease in pressure across coronary stenosis during the maximum hyperemia.

:

The FFRCT can serve as a valuable tool in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD).
This non-invasive option can be used as an alternative to the invasive fractional Flow Reserve
(FFR) evaluation, which is presently considered the gold standard for evaluating the physiological
significance of coronary stenoses. It can help in several clinical situations, including Assessment
of Acute and stable chest pain, virtual planning for coronary stenting, and treatment
decision-making.

:

Although FFRCT has demonstrated potential clinical applications as a non-invasive imaging
technique, it is also crucial to acknowledge its limitations in clinical practice. As a result, it is
imperative to meticulously evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of FFRCT individually and
contemplate its application in combination with other diagnostic examinations and clinical data.
Risk Assessment of Emerging Contaminants in Urban and Natural Water
Sources around Bloemfontein, South Africa: Implication for Environmental
Sustainability
Authors: Mugudamani Innocent , Oke Saheed Adeyinka , Gumede Thandi Patricia , Senbore Samson
Published: June 2024

Introduction::

Emerging contaminants are present in the water and need to be monitored
and managed as they are of major environmental and health concern universally. Exposure to emerging
contaminants in water sources can pose a significant risk to both aquatic species and human
health. This study assessed the risks of emerging contaminants in urban and natural water sources.

Methods::

A high-performance liquid chromatography connected to a hybrid triple quadrupole ion
trap mass spectrometer was used to analyse the targeted emerging contaminants. The ecological and
human health risk assessment methods were used to assess the possible risks of contaminants.

Results::

Emerging contaminants such as 17-ethinyl-estradiol, simazine, ibuprofen, atrazine, carbamazepine,
terbuthylazine, and metolachlor showed the possibility of high ecological risks to aquatic
species. Risk mixture values in all water sources showed that the aquatic species are at high risk in
all seasons. The non-carcinogenic risk of all selected herbicides in all water sources showed risk
quotient values below 1 for the entire population, signifying that the population is safe. Atrazine is
the only contaminant that showed high carcinogenic risk to the adult group in river water during the
summer season.

Conclusion::

It can be concluded that aquatic species and public health are at risk. The outcomes of
the study may aid in the development of environmental quality standards for regulatory and environmental
sustainability purposes
Assessment of Sticky Bone in One- Stage Lateral Sinus Lift Procedures: A 4 year Retrospective Study
Authors: Albash Ziad , Khalil Ali
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of using sticky bone in lateral sinus lift procedures combined with dental implant placement, and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between the perforated and non-perforated groups.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on individuals who presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tishreen University from September 2018 to September 2022. The sample included patients who had lateral sinus lift with simultaneous dental implant placement. The lateral sinus floor elevation procedures involved the use of sticky bone, a mixture of injectable platelet-rich fibrin, and bovine graft material. Bone height measurements were assessed using preoperative and 9-month postoperative CBCT scans. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the Initial Bone Height (IBH), bone height after 9 months, and Intra-sinus Bone Gain (IBG). The intra-sinus bone gain outcomes were compared between perforated and non-perforated groups using an unpaired t-test.

Results

In this study, 21 implants were inserted in 15 patients who underwent lateral sinus augmentation using sticky bone. Four membrane perforations were identified during 15 procedures (26.6%). The survival rate for all implants was 100%. The average intra-sinus bone gain was 5.54 ± 0.74 mm. There was no statistically significant difference in intra-sinus bone gain between the perforation group and non-perforation group (P>0.001).

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, sticky bone can be effectively used as a graft material to achieve bone graft survival and successful sinus augmentation in lateral sinus lift procedures with simultaneous dental implant placement, even following small and medium Schneiderian membrane perforation (<10 mm).
Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris Improve Soil Phosphorus Availability and Yield of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Alluvial Soils via Plant and Ratoon Seasons
Authors: Xuan Ly Ngoc Thanh , Thu Le Thi My , Nhan Tran Chi , Ngan Nguyen Thanh , Tam Le Hien Minh , Van Dang Le , Trong Nguyen Duc , Quang Le Thanh , Diem Nguyen Thi Thuy , Khuong Nguyen Quoc
Published: June 2024

Background

Poorly nutritious soils limit the growth of crops. Moreover, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) has never been applied with purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB). Therefore, this study was performed to (i) evaluate the phosphorus (P) providing capacity of PNSB and (ii) determine the effectiveness of the PNSB in ameliorating P uptake, growth, and yield of lemon balm in alluvial soils.

Materials and methods

The experiment was designed in completely randomized blocks with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments from (1)-(4) were fertilizations of 100% P, 75% P, 50% P, and 25% according to the recommended fertilizer rate for lemon balm (RFRLB). The treatments (5-7) corresponded to the treatments (2-4), but they were combined with PNSB; the treatment (8) was applied with only PNSB, and the treatment (9) was applied without either chemical fertilization or PNSB.

Results

The results showed that P fertilization combined with PNSB increased Pavailable by 14.1-24.2% as compared with the treatments with only chemical fertilization. Supplying both 75% P and PNSB improved lemon balm growth, such as the number of leaves per plant by 8.63%, the number of secondary branches by 7.69%, and essential oil content by 43.8% in season 1, and increased P uptake by 15.0-29.6% in both seasons.

Conclusion

A reduction of 25% P combined with PNSB maintained the yield of lemon balm like the 100% P fertilization in the two consecutive seasons because the PNSB solubilized unavailable P nutrient in the soil, leading to another P source rather than the chemical fertilizer.
Dietary Patterns and their Impact on Atopic Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Molla Amr
Published: June 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex pathophysiology, often exacerbated by dietary factors. Understanding the relationship between diet and AD is crucial for effective management.
This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of dietary factors on AD, examining the link between food allergies and AD, exploring the gut-skin axis, and reviewing dietary recommendations for AD management.
A comprehensive review of both observational and clinical trials published in the last 10 years was selected, focusing on the role of food in AD. The search included multiple databases, using key terms related to AD, nutrition, and allergies.
The review highlights the intricate relationship between diet and AD. Specific dietary factors can significantly influence AD symptoms, with food allergies playing a critical role. The importance of gut health in AD pathogenesis is also emphasized. Personalized dietary recommendations are necessary for effective AD management. Remarkably, this review highlights research gaps regarding food's role in AD, stressing the demand for further trials and personalized dietary guidance.
Behavior of Controlling the Dengue Disease Vector through the One House One Jumantik Movement in Padang City: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Huvaid Sevilla Ukhtil , Effendi Nursyirwan , Lestari Yuniar , Hasmiwati   , Afrizal   , Machmud Rizanda , Irawati Nuzulia , Sulastri Delmi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The control of dengue vectors to reduce the number of dengue cases requires the participation of all levels of society in its implementation. However, this vector control activity is still not running optimally, and many obstacles have been encountered in Padang City.

Objective

This research aims to further analyze the dominant factors that influence the implementation of dengue vector control behavior in the One House One Jumantik Movement in Padang City.

Material and Methods

A quantitative research approach was applied using a cross-sectional research design, conducted in Padang City in 2023, involving 99 samples. The sampling in this research was carried out using a proportional sampling technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire instrument through interview techniques. Data analysis used included the Chi-Square test for bivariate analysis and the logistic regression test for multivariate analysis.

Results

The results of the research show that there is a significant relationship between the factors of knowledge, attitude, availability of infrastructure, and the role of larva monitoring coordinator with dengue vector control behavior in the One House One Jumantik movement.

Conclusion

The availability of infrastructure is the dominant factor influencing dengue vector control behavior. It is necessary to design a comprehensive and integrated website-based digital application to improve the health information system and simplify the guidance and supervision efforts that must be carried out so that it can increase the active role of the community in the One House One Jumantik Movement.
Phytochemical Profiling and Molecular Investigation of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaves for Anti-Arthritic Potential: Assessment and Identification of Phytopharmaceuticals through GC-MS Analysis, In Silico Study, ADMET Analysis, and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Mamgain Aanjaneya , Kenwat Rameshroo , Paliwal Rishi
Published: June 2024

Background:

The drumstick tree, Moringa oleifera Lam. (family Moringaceae), is known as a magical plant due to its broad pharmacological activities. Traditionally, the leaves of this plant are used for anti-inflammatory action. However, the compounds in Moringa oleifera leaves and their mechanism that show anti-arthritic potential are unknown.

Methods:

In this study, a preliminary phytochemical investigation of Moringa oleifera leaves eth-anolic extract was conducted using qualitative analysis followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to determine the constituents in the extracts.

Results:

The results indicated the presence of various phytochemical compounds (about 316). Out of these, about 16 compounds were identified that covered 54.63 % of the total ethanolic extract. A molecular docking study was further performed using selected two compounds i.e. 3, 7, 11, 15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol and neophytadiene and different targets proteins MMP9 (1L6J), PGE2 (1Z9H), TLR-1-TLR-2 (2Z80), COX-II (3NT1 and 5F19), iNOS (3NW2), HtrA1 (3TJO), JAK-1 (4K6Z), MCSF (5LXF) and TLR-4 (5NAO). Later on, an online tool was used to perform ADME/T analysis of the identified compounds. The DPPH and ABTS assay confirmed the strong potential of this extract for antioxidant activity, which correlates with anti-arthritic potential.

Conclusion:

Based on molecular docking, the mechanism for these compounds for the anti-arthritic activity of these magical plant leaves was identified. It is concluded from the study that Moringa oleifera leaves ethanolic extract have potential compounds that may be used to develop more ef-fective formulations for better therapeutic exercise against inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The Study of the COVID-19 Virus: A Review
Authors: Forsythe Marika L.
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020 and spanned a three-year period, causing devastating effects across the globe. The death toll from the infection rose to millions, with medical experts and government officials worldwide working tirelessly to control its spread. Symptoms from the virus ranged from mild (i.e., fever and cough) to severe (i.e., respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction), creating difficulties in tracking its progression and developing appropriate treatments. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the COVID-19 virus and its varied characteristics studied throughout the pandemic, including its structure, common comorbidities, and the numerous treatment options made available. Viral and host genetics are described as well, as multiple studies have linked molecular variants to differing degrees of disease severity. Polygenic risk scoring (PRS) has been an approach used for the determination of risk for severe outcomes, assisting with the identification of significant genetic variants and high-risk population groups.
The Attitude of Experts in Higher Education Towards New NEP-2020
Authors: S. Chauhan Anil K. , Ahmad Ishteyaaq
Published: June 2024

India's educational system is poised at a fascinating turning moment, in
preparation for the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP 2020's
underlying vision is to prepare a highly educated and literate generation to
appropriately assume social, economic, and political duties. The Indian Government
has proclaimed that the NEP 2020 is a tool to fight poverty and satisfy the demands of
the 21st century. NEP-2020 is a comprehensive framework emphasizing education from
the primary level to higher education in the nation and will replace the National Policy
on Education 1986. Though the Government sought inputs and suggestions from
citizens, educationists, and other stakeholders on a draft of NEP, some of the
stakeholders have levelled several criticisms against NEP 2020 and shown reluctance
in its implementation. The present investigation aimed at assessing NEP 2020 based on
the attitudes of educationists towards it and seeking valuable suggestions from them for
the successful implementation of the new NEP to accomplish its objectives in a very
efficient and effective way. Fishbein’s multi-attribute model is used in this research to
measure the attitudes of educationists in India in quantitative terms. Statistical analysis
is performed on the average attitude score to judge the degree of favourableness of
attitudes. Seven features that an education policy must possess are derived from the
review of the inputs and suggestions given by various experts to the committee
constituted by the then Ministry of Human Resource Development in June 2017 and
used as attributes to apply Fishbein’s model.
Recent Trends in Virtual Teaching
Authors: Goel Neha , Rastogi Mitanshi
Published: June 2024

The sudden outbreak of Coronavirus has impacted almost everyone. The
education sector has seen a major transformation. The pandemic introduced the world
to the concept of Virtual Education. As per the survey conducted by UNESCO, in 2020
around 1.07 billion students were affected due to this corona outbreak which affected
approx. 61% of the student population globally. From traditional brick-and-mortar
schools, students started shifting to this new mode of learning. Video conferencing,
social media, etc. became new venues for the creation of knowledge. Not only students
but even skilled professionals started this online platform to upgrade themselves. The
pandemic has completely replaced traditional teaching pedagogies with trends like
participative learning, experiential learning, and problem-solving methodology. This
blend of device-based and verbal learning will help in developing the cognitive ability
of the students to a remarkable level. Forbes estimates that the size of the global elearning market would rise from $165.36 billion in 2014 to $325 billion in 2025. To
keep ourselves abreast with this world of online education, a few trends need to be
highlighted. Trends like Artificial Intelligence, Microlearning, Gamification,
Blockchain, Mixed reality, and Personalized Learning will influence how students
learn now and, in the future. Also, it raises the completion rates of courses, streamlines
the process of learning, improves productivity, and boosts the satisfaction of the user.
This chapter will be focusing on these trends and how these trends are impacting the
entire community of online learners with reference to real-life examples. By making
use of these innovative trends’ user experience can be enriched and immersive
environments can be created.
Integration of Information and Communication Technologies in Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Dinesh  , Neha  , Chhabra Deepak , Garg R. K. , Yadav Rajkumar , Sharma Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2024

This chapter addresses how information and communication technologies
(ICT) can be used in industrial engineering and manufacturing, as well as how Web
and Agent Technologies can be used to maintain and monitor the status of mechanical
and electrical systems. Condition monitoring in the manufacturing sector demands
great competence and full potential. This prompted the adoption of distributed and
artificial intelligence technologies for condition monitoring in the industrial sector. ICT
integration with the mechanical industry has been more efficient as decision support
tools subsequently. This chapter outlines the integration, maintenance, diagnostic, and
prognosis uses of ICT technologies in manufacturing and other industries.
Parenting models, spirituality and personality disorders in adolescence
Authors: Putri Angela Azalia Trisna , Parwatha Nyoman Widhyalestari , Sutrisna I Putu Belly , Wiguna I Gusti Rai Putra
Published: June 2024

Recently, many patients have been diagnosed with personality disorders. Personality disorders are often the underlying factor of other mental disorders. Personality disorders can coexist with other mental disorders, leading to worse outcomes. Personality disorders occur due to multifactorial factors, and one of them that is considered to play a role is parenting style and spirituality.This article contains a literature review from various literatures to analyze parenting styles, spirituality and personality disorders.Authoritative parenting develops high self-esteem, social competence, adaptive coping mechanisms, and healthy personality traits, so that the risk of developing Personality Disorder is low. Authoritarian parenting has a risk of developing PD that features rigidity, obedience, inflexible behavior patterns, and aggression such as Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Children who are raised permissively have a higher risk of being impulsive and emotionally unstable, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Neglected parenting triggers emotional detachment, schizoid and antisocial personality disorders. Spirituality has a significant impact on mental health, as a protective factor against personality disorders. Religion and spirituality improve mental health by strengthening religious coping, support, belief. Parenting styles, spirituality and personality disorders is complex and varied.
Critical Naturalism: Replies to the Critics of the Manifesto
Authors: Gregoratto Federica , Ikäheimo Heikki , Renault Emmanuel , Särkelä Arvi , Testa Italo
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we comment and discuss the fifteen replies that interpret, solicit, problematize, and further develop our Critical Naturalism: A Manifesto (Krisis 42(1)), that have been published in Krisis 43(1). In the paper, we address four overarching topics that we see emerging from the replies: Histories and traditions of criticial naturalism; the relation between theory and praxis; the question of what is critical about critical naturalism; and finally the question of utopia. Additionally, we discuss three general types of attitudes that our critics take to the Manifesto.
Analysing the Potential of Life Settlements in Emerging Markets: A Systematic Review of Legal and Economic Considerations
Authors: Jain Yogendra , Roy Sujata
Published: June 2024

With time, the law and economics of insurance have advanced from considering it solely as a security measure to recognising it as an asset class. Numerous companies now offer loans against these life insurance policies, accepting the ‘property’ nature of life insurance behind the veil (Doherty & Singer, 2003; Mancini & Murphy, 2012; Mazonas, Stallard & Graham, 2011). Recently the world witnessed sudden deaths at large scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study indicates that financial crisis is a major reason of acute stress and instability in adults’ lives (Karim & Shetu, 2023; PK, TK & PK 2021) In such crisis situations, the secondary market assignment of life insurance policies could have been a boon for any person facing financial difficulty or not having a living family member/nominee. The market for life settlements flourished during HIV-AIDS crisis in the USA and has shown steady growth since then in various jurisdictions of the world. However, in India, the doors for secondary market trading were closed in 2015 through a statutory amendment to the Insurance Act, 1938 presently in force in India. Contemporary academia is divided on necessity of the requirement of insurable interest on the secondary market assignment of insurance policies. Other legal issues such as moral hazard, and ethics of trading on life are debatable as well. The preliminary investigation revealed a scarcity of papers discussing these legal considerations around life settlements. However, among the top 10 countries 2023in the global life insurance ranking, five are emerging markets including India having immense potential for life settlements market (Anon, 2021). Consequently, the researcher conducted a scientific SLR using PRISMA Method, along with reviewing selected papers in full, focusing on the legal and related economic considerations, to produce valuable insights for the emerging market. This paper presents the sole effort to pursue SLR on legal issues and put them in a place with the aim to ignite the discussion on legal considerations of life settlements. Importantly, this paper considers India as an emerging market for reference and the USA as a benchmark for established market. This paper adopted a theoretical approach to fulfill the need for legal analysis complimented with secondary data analysis.
Determinants of Life Insurance Purchase Intention using Structured Equation Modelling with Focus on Saving Motive and Financial Literacy
Authors: Sanjay K. , Tewari Shweta
Published: June 2024

Life insurance serves as an important financial instrument, which effectively safeguards the family against adverse financial consequences resulting from an untimely demise of the primary breadwinner. This research paper delves into the factors that impact the purchasing intentions of life insurance among married working professionals. Employing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the study analyses the impact of saving motives and financial literacy on life insurance purchasing intentions. The findings suggest that saving motives and financial literacy have a positive and significant effect on the purchase intention of life insurance. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates that incorporating continuous manifest variables enhances the model fit and provides more accurate estimates of the relationships between variables. This provides valuable insights for life insurance providers, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing consumers’ purchase intentions.
Tea Nutraceuticals: Unveiling Health Benefits and Bioactive Components a Review
Authors: Gopi Sravya , Chavan Dr. Sagar M , Ghatge Dr. Jayant , A Rasika , Prathapan Dr. K.
Published: June 2024

Nutraceuticals are medicinal foods that plays an important role in maintaining well-being, enhancing health, modulating immunity and thus preventing and treating specific diseases. Nutraceuticals can be defined as substances that have physiological benefits or protection against chronic diseases. Nutrients can be used to improve health, slow the aging process, prevent chronic disease, increase life expectancy, and support body structure and function. Camellia sinensis plant provides different types of tea including black, green, oolong, yellow, brick and white tea. Tea is one of the main beverages consumed around the world, but it is only successfully enjoyed with water for fitness and enjoyment. This review article discusses the analysis of tea nutrients and important bioactive compounds. It also describes the important health benefits of tea consumption. Important bioactive compounds in tea include antioxidants that have been shown to manage diabetes and prevent heart health and digestive diseases and polyphenols are known to reduce inflammation and the growth of cancer cells. In addition to the many known facts, future research will include further investigation into the molecular interactions and other therapeutic benefits of its bioactive compounds, so that everyone can better understand its importance.
Assessment of the Ability to Seal the Apex Using Gutta-Percha Combined with Bio-C Sealer, Activ GP with Bio-C Sealer, and Activ GP with Activ GP Sealer as Materials for Root Canal Filling: A Stereomicroscopic Study conducted in vitro
Authors: Arto Mona Ismail , Mansoor Sharif
Published: June 2024

Fifty freshly extracted human permanent mandibular single-rooted premolar teeth were utilized in this study. The anatomical crowns of the chosen teeth were removed with a diamond disc, and pulp tissue was eliminated using barbed broaches. The working length was established by subtracting 0.5mm from the length determined with the tip of the trial file just visible at the apical foramen of each root canal in all specimens. Biomechanical preparation was conducted in all specimens using the crown-down technique with the ProTaper Next rotary file system. The master apical file was set to X4 (Size 40 and 6% Taper). The specimens were randomly assigned to five groups, each comprising 10 specimens. Group 1 utilized Master Gutta-percha points coated with Bio-C sealer, Group 2 used Master Activ GP points coated with Bio-C sealer, and Group 3 employed Master Activ GP points coated with Activ GP sealer as obturation materials with a single-cone technique. Group 4 served as the Negative control, with root canals left unobturated, while Group 5 served as the Positive control, using Master Gutta-percha points without any root canal sealer as the obturation material. All canal orifices were sealed with restorative Glass ionomer cement. Subsequently, specimens were double-coated with nail varnish, except for the apical 3mm of roots, and immersed in petri dishes containing Indian ink dye for 48 hours. After dye removal, nail varnish was completely eliminated, and specimens were longitudinally sectioned with a diamond disk. For each specimen, the half containing the most visible part of the entire root canal was selected, and the extent of linear dye penetration was measured using a Stereomicroscope following Escobar’s criteria. The measurements were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using One Way ANOVA and Tukey’s Post-hoc tests. Gutta-percha coated with Bio-C sealer as a root canal obturation material exhibited the highest apical sealing ability compared to Activ GP with Bio-C sealer and Activ GP with Activ GP sealer. Activ GP with Activ GP sealer displayed the lowest or poorest apical sealing ability.
Experior: Development History, Commercial Launch, and Research Plans
Authors: Rincker Phillip J.
Published: June 2024

Experior® (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) with the active ingredient lubabegron fumarate was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for the reduction of ammonia gas emissions per kg of live weight and hot carcass weight in beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 14 to 91 d on feed. It is labeled to be fed at 1.25 to 4.54 g/t (1.39 to 5 ppm) of complete feed (90% dry matter basis) to provide 13 – 90 mg lubabegron/head/d continuously to beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter as the sole ration ( FDA, 2018a ). Lubabegron is a beta-adrenergic agonist/antagonist with antagonistic activity at the β1 and β2 receptors and agonistic activity at the β3 receptor. After gaining FDA approval following a 10-y clinical research program, Experior was launched following a very disciplined and pragmatic approach to the US beef industry while accounting for the global nature of the US beef trade. This article outlines the history of lubabegron and the practical considerations of launching a novel β-ligand into the US beef industry.
La novela-diario de principios del siglo xx en México: el caso de El Sargento Primero (1905), de Delio Moreno Cantón (1863-1916)
Authors: Acevedo Zapata Luis Alejandro
Published: June 2024

El Sargento Primero es una obra literaria publicada en Mérida, Yucatán, en 1905, cuyo mérito descansa en haber explorado el concepto de intimidad desde el plano de la ficción novelesca en una época literaria en que la resonancia de lo autobiográfico, en México y, particularmente en Yucatán, no parecía ser una empresa de altos vuelos literarios. La obra, opacada por la carrera política de su autor, Delio Moreno Cantón, es un ejemplo de las aproximaciones ficcionales en boga durante el siglo xix, principalmente en Francia, que incursionan en el territorio del yo y de la individualidad desde la ficción novelesca.
Escoceses en el Caribe, siglos XVII y XVIII: de sirvientes y sobrevivientes a migrantes calificados y terratenientes
Authors: Valencia Suárez María Fernanda
Published: June 2024

Durante los siglos XVII y XVIII un número considerable de escoceses emigraron al Caribe. Este artículo aborda estas migraciones, destacando sus especificidades en cuanto a causas y circunstancias que las motivaron, así como fechas y lugares de llegada, ya sea que fueran de paso o que se establecieran en la región. Se reflexiona acerca de la interacción social entre los colonos ingleses y los inmigrantes escoceses, así como entre éstos y otros grupos sociales. Se alude al trato que se les daba como servidumbre contratada en las plantaciones, subrayando variaciones temporales, al igual que aquellas situaciones que para ellos fueron diferentes, según el color de piel, religión, pertenencia al Imperio británico, escolaridad u otros factores. También se indaga acerca de la movilidad social que, en términos generales, lograron los escoceses en el Gran Caribe, pasando de sirvientes y sobrevivientes del fracaso, a inmigrantes calificados y terratenientes en menos de dos años.
Trabajadores sexuales varones en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Vínculos, amistades, afinidades, y utilidades
Authors: Barrera Castellanos Johan Arturo
Published: June 2024

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo conocer como un grupo de trabajadores sexuales masculinos construye vínculos afectivos con personas externas a su red parental -familia de origen/consanguínea- por medio de su relato de vida. Lo anterior desde un enfoque cualitativo de dipo descriptivo. En este sentido, se realizaron una serie de entrevistas semi estructuradas que dieron pie a la recopilación de cinco relatos de vida.  Se evidencia que las relaciones que se construyen con los iguales delimitan los parámetros de sociabilidad del sujeto en contexto. Es así como la afinidad constituye el eje de vinculación del sujeto con los otros.
¿Autodeterminación o explotación? Una contribución al debate feminista sobre la gestación por sustitución
Authors: Rodríguez Apólito Maite
Published: June 2024

Dentro del feminismo no existe una postura unificada sobre la gestación por sustitución (GS). El desacuerdo feminista generalmente se traduce en un debate entre la defensa de la autonomía y la protección de la explotación y la opresión. Esta fórmula, sin embargo, oscurece el marco común feminista del debate, dentro del cual limitar la opresión y promover la autonomía de las mujeres deberían considerarse objetivos compartidos. Avanzaré el debate analizando estos objetivos compartidos apelando a la bibliografía contemporánea sobre autonomía personal. Argumentaré que los modelos de autonomía presupuestos por quienes defienden la GS como una forma de autodeterminación enmascaran formas de opresión relevantes en contextos contemporáneos y que solo adoptando una concepción particular de la autonomía es que las propuestas feministas contrarias a la GS pueden verse como hostiles a la autonomía. Reflexionar y legislar sobre la GS, concluyo, requiere de modelos de autonomía sensibles a distintas formas de opresión.