bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New record of Joffre’s pipistrelle, Mirostrellus joffrei (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in China
Authors: Mou Xin , Li Mei , Li Biao , Luo Xiong , Li Song
Published: April 2024

Mirostrellus joffrei Thomas, 1915 is the sole species within the genus Mirostrellus and its occurrence is notably rare in China. Despite the recent discovery of four previously unreported specimens from western Yunnan, China (Zaoteng River, 25.31°N, 98.80°E, altitude 1451 m) at the National Museum of Prague in the Czech Republic, comprehensive descriptions or detailed accounts of this species within China have yet to be published.

During a field expedition within the Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China, a bat was captured using a mist net. The specimen was of moderate size, with its ventral surface presenting a golden-brown hue and its dorsal surface ranging from dark brown to obsidian. The forearm measured 37.31 mm, while the fifth digit was conspicuously diminished in comparison to the others. The snout was robust, featuring prominent buccal glands. It was characterised by a well-developed upper frame and a barely visible low sagittal crest. The upper canines possessed well-developed posterior cusps. The dentition comprised two upper and two lower premolars, with the first upper premolar being notably small and the lower molars being distinctly myotodont. These attributes correspond with the known traits of Mirostrellus joffrei. Phylogenetically, the sequence of this specimen clustered with that of M. joffrei, forming an independent clade. Through an examination of its morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and recombination activating gene 2 (RAG2) sequences, we identified the specimen as M. joffrei, thus confirming the presence of Joffre’s pipistrelle in China.
Enhancing water use efficiency and phytochemical responses of fenugreek plants cultivated under drought stress using superabsorbent hydrogel
Authors: Ahmed Atef Fathy
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of two different superabsorbant hydrogels (SAH) on the growth and development of fenugreek plants cultivated under sandy soil conditions. The hydrogels used in this study were (Polyacrylic acid and Vinyl alcohol sodium polyacrylate (and were applied with rates of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% of the soil weight. The amended soil with SAH could improve the growth of fenugreek plants, and the enhancement level was simultaneous with the added hydrogel rate. Morphologically, the highest concentration (0.4%) of SAH treatments recorded the highest values of plant height, root lengths, fresh weights, and shoot and root dry weight. SAH enhanced water use efficiency by modulating relative water content (RWC) in plants compared to the control. Application SAH improved transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, Water use efficiency, Photosynthesis rate, and chlorophyll contents compared to non-treated. In contrast, antioxidant enzyme activities Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT), protein contents, carbohydrate content, amino acids, and proline content were decreased when SAHs were applied as the plant was still far from the wilting point. This study shows that applying SAH in newly reclaimed desert soils was advantageous for those who had suffered from water shortage conditions.
Sécuriser les routes du pétrole et endiguer l’Union soviétique : le redéploiement militaire français au Moyen-Orient, 1973-1978
Authors: Badalassi Nicolas
Published: April 2024

De 1973 à 1978, sous l’impulsion des Présidents français, la diplomatie et l’engagement militaire vont s’accroître dans une région devenue majeure sur fond de guerre froide. Paris s’efforce de favoriser des médiations et un meilleur équilibre pour renforcer une sécurité internationale fragilisée par le conflit israélo-arabe et ses conséquences sur le marché des hydrocarbures.
D’un endiguement à d’autres : 1979-1991, les armées françaises au Moyen-Orient face aux perturbateurs régionaux
Authors: Gloriant Frédéric
Published: April 2024

1979 est une année charnière avec la chute du Chah d’Iran et la mise en place d’une théocratie imposée par l’Ayatollah Khomeiny. C’est aussi le début de l’intervention soviétique en Afghanistan. Ces profondes mutations stratégiques au Moyen-Orient poussent la France à agir au Liban ou autour de la péninsule Arabique.
Portal Kombat : la nouvelle offensive de désinformation menée par la Russie
Authors: Klen Michel
Published: April 2024

La Russie, dans le prolongement de l’URSS, mène une offensive permanente de désinformation et de manipulation des opinions publiques. S’appuyant sur Internet et les réseaux sociaux, Moscou s’efforce de déstabiliser l’« Occident collectif ». La France constitue une cible majeure et en a subi les conséquences en Afrique.
Sud de l’Europe
Authors: Institut FMES
Published: April 2024

Entre l’instabilité à l’est et au sud de la Méditerranée ou l’aggravation de la situation en Ukraine, le tableau est sombre avec une dégradation en perspective. De fait, de nouvelles ruptures stratégiques sont possibles, entraînant des conséquences encore imprévisibles mais qui nous imposent d’anticiper et d’agir.
A RUL prediction method of rolling bearings based on degradation detection and deep BiLSTM
Authors: Cai Shuang , Zhang Jiwang , Li Cong , He Zequn , Wang Zhimin
Published: April 2024

In order to grasp the degradation of rolling bearings and prevent the failure of mechanical equipment, a remaining useful life (RUL) prediction method of rolling bearings based on degradation detection and deep bidirectional long short-term memory networks (BiLSTM) was proposed, considering the incomplete degradation feature extraction and low prediction accuracy of existing methods. By extracting the characteristics of time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain of the full-life bearing vibration signal, the monotonicity, trend, and robustness measurement indexes of each feature were calculated. The best feature set that can fully reflect the degradation information was constructed by ranking the weighted comprehensive indexes of the features. A degradation detection strategy was used to determine the degradation starting time for setting piecewise linear network label. The RUL prediction model based on deep BiLSTM was established and optimized through Dropout technology and piecewise learning rate. The model was verified by the full-life data set of rolling bearings. The results showed that compared with the support vector machine (SVM), the traditional recurrent neural network (RNN), the single-layer BiLSTM, and long short-term memory networks (LSTM) model without Dropout, the proposed method fitted the degradation trend best, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was the smallest and only 0.0281, which improved the accuracy of RUL prediction of rolling bearings, helped prevent bearing failure, and ensured the safe and reliable operation of rotating machinery.
Observations on graph invariants with the Lovász $ \vartheta $-function
Authors: Sason Igal
Published: April 2024

This paper delves into three research directions, leveraging the Lovász $ \vartheta $-function of a graph. First, it focuses on the Shannon capacity of graphs, providing new results that determine the capacity for two infinite subclasses of strongly regular graphs, and extending prior results. The second part explores cospectral and nonisomorphic graphs, drawing on a work by Berman and Hamud (2024), and it derives related properties of two types of joins of graphs. For every even integer such that $ n \geq 14 $, it is constructively proven that there exist connected, irregular, cospectral, and nonisomorphic graphs on $ n $ vertices, being jointly cospectral with respect to their adjacency, Laplacian, signless Laplacian, and normalized Laplacian matrices, while also sharing identical independence, clique, and chromatic numbers, but being distinguished by their Lovász $ \vartheta $-functions. The third part focuses on establishing bounds on graph invariants, particularly emphasizing strongly regular graphs and triangle-free graphs, and compares the tightness of these bounds to existing ones. The paper derives spectral upper and lower bounds on the vector and strict vector chromatic numbers of regular graphs, providing sufficient conditions for the attainability of these bounds. Exact closed-form expressions for the vector and strict vector chromatic numbers are derived for all strongly regular graphs and for all graphs that are vertex- and edge-transitive, demonstrating that these two types of chromatic numbers coincide for every such graph. This work resolves a query regarding the variant of the $ \vartheta $-function by Schrijver and the identical function by McEliece et al. (1978). It shows, by a counterexample, that the $ \vartheta $-function variant by Schrijver does not possess the property of the Lovász $ \vartheta $-function of forming an upper bound on the Shannon capacity of a graph. This research paper also serves as a tutorial of mutual interest in zero-error information theory and algebraic graph theory.
L’organisation interactive et stratégique des échanges dans quelques webinaires pédagogiques
Authors: Avodo Avodo Joseph
Published: April 2024

Cet article décrit les comportements conversationnels des formateurs dans trois webinaires pédagogiques. L’objectif de l’étude est de décrire, à partir d’une approche empirique fondée sur l’observation participative, le fonctionnement des échanges dans un environnement numérique en mettant en exergue la régulation des échanges et la construction du lien interpersonnel. Les analyses, réalisées à partir de l’approche postdualiste et écologique du discours, montrent que les pratiques discursives et interactionnelles sont fortement régulées et ritualisées. Dans le processus interactionnel, les artefacts technologiques interviennent dans la transmission des savoirs et la co-construction de la relation sociale.
Digitalizing HR in Emerging Markets
Authors: Kaur Jaskiran , Dutt Amit , Madaan Geetika
Published: April 2024

The incorporation of digital human resources (HR) technologies has emerged as a key force behind organizational change in today's quickly changing global environment. This chapter takes a close look at the potential and problems that come up when deploying digital HR technologies in the special environment of developing nations. The first point made in the chapter emphasizes how transformative digital HR solutions can be, from easier hiring processes and more employee engagement to data-driven decision-making. The chapter then turns its attention to emerging nations, where issues including socioeconomic inequality, poor infrastructure, and varied cultural values create particular obstacles to the adoption of technology. An in-depth examination of roadblocks such as a lack of digital infrastructure, a lack of technical awareness, and reluctance to change within established organizational structures reveals the central topic of obstacles. These elements not only prevent the seamless integration of digital HR systems but also force the creation of context-specific implementation strategies. The chapter also highlights a range of promising opportunities among these difficulties. Developing nations may transform HR procedures and promote more inclusivity and accessibility by embracing digital HR solutions. The opportunity to enhance personnel management and spur productivity and creativity lies in improved data analytics and automation. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in democratizing HR services and enabling both businesses and employees to succeed in a changing labor market. This chapter offers a thorough framework for comprehending the complex dynamics of implementing digital HR technology by drawing on a variety of case studies and scholarly ideas. In order to fully realize the revolutionary potential of digital HR technologies in the distinctive setting of developing countries, it needs a sophisticated approach that strikes a balance between technology improvements and local contextualization. This chapter is an excellent resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the uncharted territory of digital HR adoption in various socio-economic contexts as firms try to remain competitive and relevant.
Future of Industry 5.0
Authors: Madaan Geetika , Singh Sanjeet , Kaur Jaskiran , Asthana Satish Kumar
Published: April 2024

Industry 5.0, the next step in industrial development, seeks to combine the knowledge and insight of humans with the productivity, intelligence, and accuracy of machines to produce goods that are more cost-effective and more popular with end users than those produced by Industry 4.0. The goal of Industry 5.0 is to increase production and streamline the delivery of customized goods through the use of a suite of cutting-edge technology and apps. This chapter aims to give a foundational overview of Industry 5.0 by outlining some of the possible uses and enabling technologies of this emerging sector. First, the study defines Industry 5.0 and explains numerous new ideas from the point of view of several experts in the field. The study then details some of the possible applications or uses of Industry 5.0, including smart education, smart manufacturing, intelligent healthcare, supply chain management, supply chain management, and cyber-physical systems.
Role of Sociology in Adopting Digital HR for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Gunasekaran K. , S. Boopathi
Published: April 2024

This chapter delves into the connection between sociology and digital HR adoption, focusing on the cultural factors that influence this transition. It highlights how organizational culture, societal norms, and cultural values shape the implementation of digital HR strategies in entrepreneurial ventures. It emphasizes the role of digital HR in sustainable entrepreneurship, its efficiency, employee engagement, and strategic decision-making. It also highlights the importance of sensitivity to varying cultural norms and values in shaping attitudes towards digital HR adoption. It discusses the importance of bridging cultural gaps in digital HR implementation for sustainable growth and innovation. It emphasizes adaptability, openness to change, and cross-cultural communication. Digital HR tools can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, contributing to sustainable entrepreneurship practices.
The Fusion of AI, IoT, and Agricultural Sensors for Self-Sustaining Agro-Technological Ecosystems
Authors: Kalpana S. , Ganapathi Babu Kamunuri , Padmavathi T. V. N. , Sharma Bhumika , B. S. Hari , Sudha M.
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and agricultural sensors in creating self-sustaining ago-technological ecosystems. It delves into the historical foundations of agricultural technology, highlights the modern technologies' impact on farming practices, provides a detailed understanding of AI in agriculture, and highlights the role of agricultural sensors. The chapter discusses the integration of AI, IoT, and sensors in agriculture, focusing on the development of self-sustaining ecosystems. It discusses challenges in implementing these technologies and proposes solutions. Real-world case studies provide valuable insights. The chapter also explores the future trajectory of these advancements and their potential to revolutionize agriculture, offering a comprehensive guide for navigating technology-agriculture harmony for sustainable and efficient practices.
Environmental Suitability of National Logistics Village Proposals in Kocaeli, Türkiye
Authors: Salihoğlu Tayfun
Published: April 2024

In recent years, Turkey has seen a rise in investments in the international transportation and logistics sector, positioning the city of Kocaeli as a crucial hub in national planning documents. The national logistics master plan outlines the establishment of two significant logistics centers in Kocaeli. The areas designated for these centers currently have zoning plans for various local uses. However, if the proposed logistics centers are realized, it will necessitate physical transformation and planning revisions in these areas, which have been an element to the city's character for many years. The nationally significant investments in Kocaeli are expected to have a multiplier effect in various sectors, leading to extensive spatial changes around the logistics villages and their immediate surroundings. While the logistics centers have been proposed in Kocaeli's districts in national plans, their location decision needs to consider environmental and sustainability impacts, given their accessibility advantages at transportation intersections and proximity to production centers. This study aims to assess the impacts of globally and nationally significant logistics centers in Kocaeli on urban resilience and sustainability, focusing on their spatial suitability and integration with local plans and property relationships. To achieve this, environmentally fragile areas have been overlaid with logistics village boundaries in a GIS environment, and potential changes and their effects have been evaluated by comparing current land uses with potential new land uses in logistics villages and their surroundings in local-level zoning plans.
Understanding the Antecedents of School Shootings
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Valido Alberto , Robinson Luz E.
Published: April 2024

On May 24, 2022, nineteen students and two teachers in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas lost their lives and several students and staff were injured due to a mass school shooting perpetrated by an eighteen-year-old assailant. Applying the social-ecological framework, this chapter explores the antecedents of the Robb Elementary School shootings within the individual, relational/interpersonal, community, and societal contexts. The antecedents of the shootings at Robb Elementary School identified in this chapter are male sex and violent and narcissistic behaviors at the individual level, parent-child conflict, and lower social status in peer groups within the relational context, poor school performance within the community context, and living in poverty and permissive gun laws within the societal context. Implications for practice, policy, and future research are also discussed.
Kirkwood Community College
Authors: Sundberg Lori Lynn
Published: April 2024

Kirkwood Community College is a large community college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is considered one of the premier community colleges in the country. It has a history of being a maverick in the world of community colleges and is known for its innovative approach to education. The College boasts having the only luxury teaching hotel in the country, leads the State in the pass rate for its nursing program coming in with an average of just under 100%, and graduates the largest number of agriculture students in the country for a two-year college. Kirkwood has marched to the tune of its own drummer since its founding and been a member of the board college for the League for Innovation in the Community College since 1987. Innovation and excellence are the lifeblood of this community college. This chapter will focus on the history and culture of Kirkwood as well as the impact it has made in terms of its innovative approach to education and how that innovation has flourished and grown over five different presidents and more than 50 years.
Leading From the Tobacco Fields of Honduras
Authors: Sandres Rápalo Lester Edgardo
Published: April 2024

Rockland Community College, a designated Hispanic-serving institution, has twice won a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The college was an early adopter of SUNY's Guided Pathways initiative, focused on equity in higher education. The U.S. Department of Education awarded Rockland three Title V grants over four years, totaling $9 million. Yet it wasn't until July 2023 that Rockland ushered in a new era of evolution and transformation when it hired its first Latino president, Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo, a Honduran immigrant. Dr. Sandres Rápalo discusses his evolution and the transformation of Rockland. He shares his vision for the future of the college, and his leadership strategies at the intersection of Bass and Avolio's transformational leadership framework, a deep commitment to leading with an equity lens, the profound influence of mentoring, and his personal narrative as a Honduran immigrant.
Architecture, Framework, and Models for Edge-AI in Healthcare
Authors: Batra Iti , Som Subhranil
Published: April 2024

Information technologies have drastically changed the medical management and the way healthcare services are approached worldwide. The wide diffusion and combination of cloud computing, smart medical sensors, and internet of things have been explored to deliver intelligent and smart systems intended to speed up the diagnosis of health-related problems and treatment. The chapter represents a short review of healthcare solutions, from initial health monitoring systems to latest trends in edge-AI computing for smart medical assistance. Further, sustainable development goals (SDGs) are discussed along with their importance in improving health of individuals. A framework for smart systems to monitor the availability and efficient use of resources to achieve sustainability is presented in the chapter. The smart system analyses the data from smart devices and medical sensors and identifies the problem areas that can help clinicians in taking immediate action to avoid the health-related incidents.
A Conceptual Framework for the Smart Factory 6.0
Authors: Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza , Nozari Hamed , Bakhshi-Movahed Aminmasoud , Bakhshi-Movahed Ali
Published: April 2024

In today's modern world, new things are determined for the generations of industry, especially Industry 6.0. The industrial revolutions are the key factors in changing and transforming the conditions for society. Industrial revolution, society, marketing, and factories have their generations. Time determines the new and old generations. Also, in this chapter, the conceptual framework explores the evolution of smart factories into the next phase, which is called Smart Factory 6.0. Integrating cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies can be one of the most important facets of this title. The new technologies can be artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and machine learning. All the new technologies in the chapter can help provide structure of papers. The proposed framework aims to enhance manufacturing efficiency, agility, and adaptability. By elucidating key components (e.g., intelligent automation, and digital twins), this framework provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to leverage the transformative potential of Smart Factory 6.0 in the contemporary industrial landscape.
Marketing 6.0 Conceptualization
Authors: Movahed Aminmasoud Bakhshi , Movahed Ali Bakhshi , Nozari Hamed
Published: April 2024

Technologies are increasingly changing everything. The modern world needs modern concepts for sure. The concept of industry and business has rapidly changed in recent years. Industry 6.0 (I 6.0) includes many subjects like business and marketing. Marketing 6.0 (M 6.0) has its position in modern concepts in the modern world. Of course, the implementation of M 6.0 can be a sophisticated topic, but applying the sixth generation of marketing can widely make a more comfortable life for many people like participants in the supply chain, marketers, and customers. M 6.0 can rightfully be an effective version of marketing. This generation of marketing leads to some magnificent advantages which is demonstrated in this research. The advantages of M 6.0 lead to the evolution in sales and more convenience for people. The current people of the world live much easier than the previous ones, and it is definite that for people who will live in the future world, equipment, facilities, and modern science will position them in a more beautiful life according to the smart technologies.
Blockchain and Its Financial Impact
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Yadav Jainath
Published: April 2024

This chapter investigates the commercial applications of blockchain technology and how it affects the banking industry and other industries through the use of cryptocurrencies. It first examines the functioning of blockchain technology and identifies its benefits for business and economic transactions. It then explores the impact of this technology on financial operations and beyond. Through synthesizing knowledge from various fields such as technology, economics, finance, and politics, the chapter establishes four scenarios for the future of blockchain technology. The results of the study show that blockchain technology is still in the early stages of altering many businesses, but it has already had a significant impact on the financial industry. The chapter finds that blockchain technology's benefits in terms of security, efficiency, transparency, and accountability are undeniable, and it has the capacity to completely transform the way we conduct transactions and interact with organizations.
Utilizing AI and Machine Learning for Natural Disaster Management
Authors: S. V. Divya , P. Venkadesh , S. Yazhini , K. V. Shiny
Published: April 2024

Natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to wildfires and floods pose serious threats to human life and infrastructure worldwide. As the frequency and severity of such events increase, new innovative solutions are necessary to ensure disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts and powerful prevention tools. This abstract provides an overview of the importance of machine learning in the management of natural disasters using machine learning. It also facilitates quick analysis of critical factors such as weather, soil type, demographics, and infrastructure vulnerabilities, contributing to more effective decision-making for disaster management and recovery efforts. This explores applications of machine learning in disaster scenarios, highlighting its versatility and potential impact. Machine learning can be used for image analysis and remote sensing of wildfire detection, flood forecasting, and damage assessment after earthquakes. Hence, ultimately saving lives and reducing the social and economic impact of these disasters.
Disaster and Its Impact on Cerebral Health
Authors: Parimala Gandhi K. , Janani K. , M. Sivaraja , P. Gomathi , D. satishkumar
Published: April 2024

This study aims to establish a connection between disasters and their impact on mental health. An effort has been undertaken to reconsider the qualitative literature that is currently available on disaster and mental health in order to achieve this objective. In this essay, the idea of calamity and mental health has been employed in a broad way. Natural disasters, man-made disasters, and industrial disasters all have an impact on people's mental health in different ways. It looks at the behavioural and psychological signs of a functioning impairment following a disaster. Numerous protective variables have been identified, such as resilience and other coping mechanisms that increased the individual's capability while facing undesirable situations, have been identified. The success of post-disaster intervention methods is also emphasized. Enhancing the preparedness and empowering the community can help the disaster's vulnerable victims. Thus, efforts should be made for complete recuperation of the affected people.
Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality for Health and Well-Being
Authors: Bhatt Monika , Patel Mayank
Published: April 2024

Mental health treatment or emotional well-being treatment assumes an urgent role in caring for the multifaceted and often overlooked difficulties that people face in the area of close to home and mental well-being. This theoretical part delves into the importance of psychological well-being treatment, its developing scene, and its breakthrough effect on the individual and society. Treatment for emotional well-being includes a variety of treatment modalities, from psychotherapy to pharmacological mediation. Its primary goal is to ameliorate side effects, restore utility, and improve the general personal satisfaction of those afflicted with emotional well-being issues. The development of emotional well-being treatment reflects a shift from vilification and disregard to a caring, all-encompassing methodology.
Evolutionary Framework for Cognitive Building Information Modelling and Augmented and Virtual Reality
Authors: Kothari Rakshit , Nyati Darshan , Shah Mansvee , Mohanty Gayatri , Patel Mayank
Published: April 2024

Building information modelling (BIM) models are better acknowledged for both virtual reality and augmented reality (AR/VR). There are only a handful of reputable techniques for migrating data from BIM to AR and VR. Efficient data transmission is hindering the seamless integration of BIM models into AR and VR experiences. The metaverse integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence for efficient data processing and analysis, making real-time decision-making possible. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are used in the metaverse for cognitive approaches to represent large data sets. This shows that real-time inference technology and approaches are used. The significance of the study and broad computing architectures and programmes that help the organisations at the top levels operate with large data sets for a combination of cognitive abilities and splitting technology to deal with productivity, dependability, and security issues while dealing with massive data sets in mixed or virtual reality environments.
Navigating Ethical and Privacy Frontiers
Authors: Madhubala R. , Samad Saleem Raja Abdul , Thangam S.
Published: April 2024

Geospatial data maps people and objects on Earth, predominantly used for applications like emergency management, environmental monitoring, land planning, city planning, and military operations. These applications frequently require collaboration between multiple organizations, their respective data repositories, and users with varying responsibilities. These data can also be used to locate services such as schools and hospitals, develop local transportation and housing, monitor weather and traffic conditions, and design flood defenses. Addressing the ethical and privacy concerns of collecting and analyzing diverse data, particularly geospatial data, requires a delicate balance between individual rights and societal needs.
Geospatial Data Analysis
Authors: Bezabih Tewodros Demise , Glaety Mohammad Gouse , Wako Desalegn Aweke , Worku Senait Girma
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines the introduction to geospatial data, Python programming, and the implications of Python in geospatial data analysis. There are different forms of geospatial data: tabular data, raster data, and vector data. The package or library is essential when using geospatial data in Python programming. Geospatial data is huge and complex because of the nature of geospatial data computing Python is used for. This chapter briefly introduced the Role of Python libraries in Geospatial Analysis such as Arcpy, Basemap, Cartopy, EarthPy, Fiona-GO, Folium, GDAL and OGR, GEE-Py, GeoAlchemy, Geocoder, Geodaisy, Geopandas, Geoplot, Geopy, Geopyspark, GeospatialPDF, GeostatsPy, GPSBabel, 3-Py,ipyleaflet, KeplerglPandas, Plotl, Plotly Express, Plotnine, PyGeos, SentinelHub-Py, Shapely, SpatialPandas, Turfpy. Python has emerged as an indispensable tool in geospatial data analysis.
Mastering Geospatial Analysis With Python
Authors: Shreemathi M. , Senthilkumar B. , Sujithra Sujithra M. , Praisoodi A. , Rithika S.
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores the intricate realm of geospatial analysis leveraging the power of Python. This chapter embarks on a journey through the fundamentals of geospatial data types, formats, and sources, laying a robust foundation for navigating the complexities of spatial analysis. Key Python libraries such as Geopandas, GDAL, and Fiona are meticulously dissected, elucidating their pivotal roles in processing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data. Matplotlib's contribution to geospatial data visualization adds insight, enhancing spatial information's communicative power. Furthermore, the chapter delves into data integration techniques, showcasing how Python seamlessly integrates with GIS tools to extend, customize, and streamline spatial analyses. By unraveling the functionalities of these essential libraries and tools, this chapter equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to master geospatial analysis in Python.
Effect of Social Media Influencer Involvement on Tourists’ Travel Intentions: Mediating Role of Traveler Authenticity and Destination Image
Authors: Bulumulla D. S. K. , Epa U. I. , Gamage T. C.
Published: April 2024

Although TikTok recently emerged as a travel marketing medium, how TikTok influences tourists' perceptions of travel experience and travel intention remains unclear. This paper addresses this void by constructing a structural model that delineates the mechanism by which the involvement of social media influencers with TikTok influences tourists' travel intention through authenticity and destination image. A questionnaire survey follows the positivist research philosophy and deductive research approach. The questionnaire was distributed among 384 tourists, and the data was analysed using partial least squares or structural equation modelling. Findings revealed that social media influencers' involvement with TikTok increases object-based and existential authenticity and cognitive and affective images of travel experience, ultimately influencing travel intention. Moreover, object-based and existential authenticity and cognitive and affective images of travel experiences mediate the link between social media influencers' involvement with TikTok and tourists’ travel intentions. The results add to tourism marketing literature by blending authenticity with the cognitive-affective model in the context of TikTok travel marketing in Sri Lanka.
Book Review: Marketing for Tourism, Hospitality & Events: A Global & Digital Approach (2023), 2nd ed., Hudson, S., and Hudson, L., SAGE Publications
Authors: Rathnasiri M. S. H. , De Silva W. V.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available
Evaluation of quality indicators in microbiology and infectious disease serology laboratory: A study from a tertiary cancer care centre in Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel F. , Patel H. , Chaudhary H. , Parmar V.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Quality indicators (QIs) are important for the monitoring and evaluation of laboratory performance at pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Errors in the laboratory arise more frequently before and after the analysis of samples. The total testing process (TTP) therefore needs to be evaluated for good laboratory performance. A good quality indicator should give information about the performance of a process, thereby governing the quality of services.Objective: To analyse TTP and QIs for a period of six years of screening of laboratory performance.Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted for the period 2017 to 2022. QIs at pre-analytical (12), analytical (04) and post-analytical (03) phases were defined and analysed on a monthly basis. The laboratory followed the guidelines of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2012 to identify errors in all sections.Results: A total of 259,694 samples were received during the study period. A total of 628,817 tests were performed. The overall error rate was 1.25/1000 tests. Error in the pre-analytic phase was 0.96/1000 tests, the commonest being haemolysed samples. Error in the analytical phase was 0.33/1000 tests. The error of postanalytical phase was 0.48/1000 tests with turn round time (TAT) outliers being the commonest.Conclusion: Amongst all phases of QIs, errors were minimum in the analytical phase. Continuous monitoring and analysis of QIs helps in identification of common errors in the laboratory. Corrective measures will help to improve quality of the laboratory services, and hence the patient outcome. Regular training, evaluation of technical staff, regular preventive maintenance and calibration of all analytical instruments helps in reducing the errors.
Die stem van Afrikaans, volksidentiteit en selfbeskikking: 'n reaksie op Giliomee en Adam
Authors: Boshoff Carl
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The history of planning South African new towns: Political influences and social principles adopted
Authors: Brockett Linda
Published: April 2024

Suid-Afrika het baie nuwe dorpe waarvan die meeste as gevolg van die mynbedryf en groot semi-staat ondernemings soos YSKOR ontwikkel is. Hierdie nuwe dorpe is beïnvloed deur die internasionale nuwedorp-beweging. Hierdie referaat poog om die invloede te analiseer en om die verskille tussen fisiese uitleg en ideologiese werklikhede uit te wys. 'n Groot gedeelte van Suid-Afrika se geskiedenis is beïnvloed deur die ontdekking van minerale, wat grotendeels verantwoordelik was vir die ontwikkeling van nedersettings. Die ontdekking van diamante in Kimberley in 1869 het bv. 'n massiewe instroming van mense tot gevolg gehad na die voorheen onontwikkelde binneland. Vroeë ontdekkings van die mineraalrykdom van Suid-Afrika het ook voorgekom in Pelgrimsrus, Barberton en Johannesburg, wat almal tot permanente nedersettings gelei het. Vandag, as gevolg van die tipe mineraalafsettings, is individuele prospekteurs skaars. Suid-Afrikaanse minerale word deur net 'n paar mynbedrywe, wat die benodigde finansies en tegnologie besit, ontgin. Die opening van 'n nuwe myn benodig 'n groot aantal werkers, wat die voorsiening van behuising noodsaaklik maak, dikwels in verafgeleë areas. Die konstruksie van myndorpe en die ontwikkeling van groot semi-staat ondernemings beteken dat die meeste nuwe dorpe in Suid-Afrika terselfdertyd ondernemingsdorpe is en hul plasing tot 'n groot mate voorgeskryf is deur die voorkoms van minerale of grondstowwe. Selfs dorpe soos Sasolburg en Vanderbijlpark is ondernemingsdorpe wat naby groot kole-afsettings geplaas is. Die nuwedorpbeweging in Brittanje en sy voorlopers - byvoorbeeld die dorpe gestig deur die "Enlightened Industrialists", die tuinstede, en die Amerikaanse groengordelstede - het almal sterk sosiale beginsels onderliggend. In hierdie referaat word beweer dat in Suid-Afrika - ten spyte van die feit dat die fisiese vorm van nuwe stede ‘n groot invloed op Suid-Afrikaanse dorpsuitlegte gehad het - baie min van die sosiale beginsels toegepas is. Die referaat bevraagteken die geldigheid van die vervreemding van die fisiese uitleg van die sosiale beginsels wat dit onderlê. Hierdie referaat bevraagteken ook die doeltreffendheid om buitelandse uitlegte na te boots by die uitlê van dorpe.
Ontspanne Afrikaans-wees in die nuwe (veeltalige) Suid-Afrika
Authors: Giliomee Hermann
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Being Afrikaans as a presumed identity: A response to Adam
Authors: Giliomee Hermann
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The Barolong ba ga Modiboa of Machaviestat (Matlwang): victims of forced removals, 1923-1995
Authors: Oosthuizen Gerhard
Published: April 2024

Gedurende 1960 tot 1983 is sowat 3,5 miljoen Suid-Afrikaners deur die hervestigingsbeleid van opeenvolgende Apartheidsregerings geraak. ŉ Sprekende voorbeeld van gelede onreg betreffende gedwonge verskuiwings in die Noordwesprovinsie, is dié van die Barolong ba ga Modiboa van Machaviestat in die Potchefstroom-distrik. Die Machaviestatters het die gebied ŉ tydperk van 120 jaar lank bewoon, totdat sommige van die nasate van die Voortrekkerbondgenote op ŉ gedwonge wyse in 1971 na Rooigrond in die eertydse Republiek van Bophutatswana verskuif is. Die Machaviestatters het gedurende die verblyf van sowat 24 jaar te Rooigrond deurlopend versoeke tot die Regering gerig om na Machaviestat terug te keer. Uiteindelik het geslaagde onderhandelinge tussen die nuwe Minister van Grondsake, Derek Hanekom, die Barolong ba ga Modiboa Aksiekomitee en die stadsraad van Potchefstroom daartoe gelei dat dié mense in April 1995 na hulle voorvaderlike grond kon terugkeer. Interne struwelinge versuur egter dié suksesverhaal en bemoeilik die herontwikkeling van Machaviestat.
Boekbespreking van Etienne van Heerden, Postmodernisme en prosa: Vertelstrategiee in vyf verhale van Abraham H. de Vries
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
History as artefact and South African historians as jugglers of fictions, purveyors of snake-oil, and other 'suspect narratives'
Authors: Bottomley John
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Privatising South Africa by dictum: A review
Authors: Meyer Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Onlangse inisiatiewe om staatsbeheerde ondernemings in Suid-Afrika te privatiseer, met die sogenaamde doel om, inter alia, die ANC-beheerde Regering vir Nasionale Eenheid (RNE) se Heropbou- en Ontwikkelingsprogram (HOP) te befonds, toon 'n enorme paradigma-skuif in terme van die ANC se oorspronklike ekonomiese beleid. Hierdie skuif verteenwoordig 'n radikale wegbeweeg van openbare besitreg SODS vasgelê in die Vryheidsmanifes, na die huidige toegewing aan 'n Wêreldbank / Internasionale Monetêre Fonds-styl makro-ekonomiese strategie, wat privatisering voorstel as 'n fundamentele wondermiddel vir die kwale van die openbare sektor en versnelde dienslewering. Nietemin, dit blyk dat hierdie strategie die HOP, sowel in die wyse as die uitvoering daarvan, marginaliseer. Dit is ironies dat 'n privatiseringsprogram wat gedurende die laat 1980s, te midde van ernstige dreigemente van hernasionalisasie deur die ANC en sy huidige vennote -die Suid-Afrikaanse Kommunistiese Party (SAKP) en die Suid-Afrikaanse Vakverbond COSATO - nou aktief deur die RNE nagestreef word, selfs in die huidige klimaat van uiterste teëstand deur die SAKP en die Suid-Afrikaanse Vakverbond. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die privatiseringsproses van die ANC-bewind in terme van die standpunt dat hierdie proses nie net uiters geheimsinnig voorkom nie, maar ook plaasgevind het sonder regmatige deelname en konsultasie met die wye publiek en die ANC se huidige vennote. Die gevolgtrekking wat hier beredeneer word is dat privatisering geïmplementeer word as 'n onverhandelbare ontwikkelingsmeganisme - 'n beleidsinstrument deur dictum.
Student struggles in tertiary education in South Africa during the 1980
Authors: Odhav Kiran
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Assessment of Vitamin D status of patients with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Edet Mark Matthew , Mbachu Nancy Amalachukwu , Adinma Joseph Ifeanyi Brian-D , Ugwu Chidiebere Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

Background:

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) commonly occurs in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWHIV) and is linked to bone disorders and metabolic and infectious diseases. HIV seropositivity and VDD may worsen the consequences on the individual.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using 90 serum samples from 42 HIV-positive and 48 HIV-negative patients attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH). This study was approved by the NAUTH Ethics Committee. Serum Vitamin D levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sociodemographic data were obtained using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Windows version 27, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Overall, 13.3% of the population had suboptimal Vitamin D levels, with 2.2% having VDD and 11.1% having Vitamin D insufficiency. VDD was found in 2.2% and 2.1% of the HIV-positive group and HIV-negative groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in mean serum Vitamin D levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). Within the HIV-positive group, education, place of living, and skin coloration were associated with suboptimal Vitamin D levels, and only skin coloration was associated with HIV-negative subjects.

Conclusion:

VDD is relatively low in the region; however, it may contribute to poor bone health in PLWHIV. Interventions should target individuals with poor educational attainment, living in rural domains, or dark skin coloration. Studies with large sample size are needed to determine the effects of Vitamin D supplementation or exposure to sunlight on HIV infection.
Use of mind genomics for public health and wellbeing: Lessons from COVID 19 pandemic
Authors: Coussa Ayla , Bellissimo Nick , Poulia Kalliopi-Anna , Karavetian Mirey
Published: April 2024

Background:

Machine learning (ML) tools can be used to analyze human mindsets and forecast behavioral patterns. ML can be used to understand the psychological processes and behavioral principles underlying public decision-making patterns. The aim of this study was to explore participants’ mindsets using ML and accordingly build messages for each mindset to enhance compliance with a public health policy, specifically physical distancing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was administered using systematically varied combinations of elements and science of mind genomics. The questions focused on the perceived risk level of COVID-19, strategies to enhance physical distancing compliance, appropriate communicators of the policy, and different physical distancing practices. Snowball sampling was used to recruit participants until sample saturation was achieved among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aged 18– 80 years.

Results:

A total of 117 patients were included in this study. In the total panel, the strongest performing elements were those communicated by the government (P<0.01) and clergy (P < 0.05), with no differences between sex and age groups. Three mindset segments were identified: (1) followers of general strategies for physical distancing, (2) those interested in novel ways of practicing physical distancing, and (3) fascinating onlookers of the pandemic.

Conclusion:

Our results revealed that COVID-19 health-related messages are best communicated by the government and clergy in the UAE. These strategies may aid in the implementation and adoption of other public health policies.
Epidemiologic Disparities and Challenges in Non-parkinsonian Tremor Disorders Research: A Scoping Review Emphasizing the Indian Context
Authors: Udwani Sachin K. , Desai Soaham D.
Published: April 2024

Non-parkinsonian tremors represent a heterogeneous spectrum of movement disorders where knowledge gaps persist regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical burden. This scoping review aimed to systematically consolidate literature on these disorders in India across the domains of prevalence, biological mechanisms, psychiatric comorbidity, disability impact, and quality of life. A systematic search was undertaken across databases to identify studies on non-parkinsonian tremors in India. Extracted data were synthesized descriptively under themes spanning reported prevalence estimates and variability, proposed biological processes, psychiatric symptom rates, stigma perceptions, and quality-of-life deficits. Methodological appraisal was undertaken. Twenty-nine studies reported prevalence estimates displaying wide variability from 0.09% to 22% for essential tremor, partly attributable to definitional inconsistencies. Proposed pathologic processes centered on cerebellar dysfunction, neurotransmitter disturbances, and genetic risks. Nine studies revealed variable anxiety (6.8%–90%) and depression (3.4%–60%) rates among essential tremor patients, while two indicated perceived stigma. Five studies unanimously concurred significant quality of life impairment in essential tremors. Evidence of dystonic tremor, functional tremor, and other tremors was limited. This review exposed critical knowledge gaps and methodological limitations, while systematically evaluating the Indian literature on non-parkinsonian tremors concerning epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical burden. Large-scale collaborative research applying standardized diagnostic criteria is imperative to determine contemporary prevalence statistics and comprehensively characterize the multifaceted disability footprint to inform patient-centric models optimizing diagnosis and holistic care.