bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling approach to predict COVID-19 infected people in Sri Lanka
Authors: Premarathna I. H. K. ,   Department of General Studies, Academic Wing, Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, Srivastava H. M. , Juman Z. A. M. S. , AlArjani Ali , Uddin Md Sharif , Sana Shib Sankar ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada,   Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,   Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Azerbaijan University, 71 Jeyhun Hajibeyli Street, AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan,   Section of Mathematics, International Telematic University Uninettuno, I-00186 Rome, Italy,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka,   Department of Industrial Engineering, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, KSA, 16273,   Department of Mathematics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh,   Kishore Bharati Bhagini Nivedita College, Ramkrishna Sarani, Behala, Kolkata 700060, India
Published: December 2021

The novel corona virus (COVID-19) has badly affected many countries (more than 180 countries including China) in the world. More than 90% of the global COVID-19 cases are currently outside China. The large, unanticipated number of COVID-19 cases has interrupted the healthcare system in many countries and created shortages for bed space in hospitals. Consequently, better estimation of COVID-19 infected people in Sri Lanka is vital for government to take suitable action. This paper investigates predictions on both the number of the first and the second waves of COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka. First, to estimate the number of first wave of future COVID-19 cases, we develop a stochastic forecasting model and present a solution technique for the model. Then, another solution method is proposed to the two existing models (SIR model and Logistic growth model) for the prediction on the second wave of COVID-19 cases. Finally, the proposed model and solution approaches are validated by secondary data obtained from the Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. A comparative assessment on actual values of COVID-19 cases shows promising performance of our developed stochastic model and proposed solution techniques. So, our new finding would definitely be benefited to practitioners, academics and decision makers, especially the government of Sri Lanka that deals with such type of decision making.
Ostrowski type inequalities for exponentially s-convex functions on time scale
Authors: Abbasi Anjum Mustafa Khan ,   School of Natural Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, Anwar Matloob
Published: December 2021

In this paper we establish some new inequalities of Ostrowski type for exponentially s-convex functions and s-convex functions on time scale. We also make comparison of our new results with already existing results by imposing some conditions.
Substrate preferences, phylogenetic and biochemical properties of proteolytic bacteria present in the digestive tract of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Hossain Tanim Jabid ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh, Das Mukta , Ali Ferdausi , Chowdhury Sumaiya Islam , Zedny Subrina Akter ,   Biochemistry and Pathogenesis of Microbes Research Group, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh,   Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
Published: December 2021

Vertebrate intestine appears to be an excellent source of proteolytic bacteria for industrial and probiotic use. We therefore aimed at obtaining the gut-associated proteolytic species of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We have isolated twenty six bacterial strains from its intestinal tract, seven of which showed exoprotease activity with the formation of clear halos on skim milk. Their depolymerization ability was further assessed on three distinct proteins including casein, gelatin, and albumin. All the isolates could successfully hydrolyze the three substrates indicating relatively broad specificity of their secreted proteases. Molecular taxonomy and phylogeny of the proteolytic isolates were determined based on their 16S rRNA gene barcoding, which suggested that the seven strains belong to three phyla viz. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, distributed across the genera Priestia, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Providencia, and Micrococcus. The isolates were further characterized by a comprehensive study of their morphological, cultural, cellular and biochemical properties which were consistent with the phylogenetic annotations. To reveal their proteolytic capacity alongside substrate preferences, enzyme-production was determined by the diffusion assay. The Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Micrococcus isolates appeared to be most promising with maximum protease production on casein, gelatin, and albumin media respectively. Our findings present valuable insights into the phylogenetic and biochemical properties of gut-associated proteolytic strains of Nile tilapia.
Cartilage type IIB procollagen NH2-propeptide, PIIBNP, inhibits angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Zhepeng ,   Department of Anesthesiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 N. Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA, Lu Aiwu ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, USA
Published: December 2021

Cartilage tissue is avascular and resistant to tumor invasion, but the basis for these properties is still unclear. Here we report that the NH2-propeptide of type IIB procollagen (PIIBNP), a product of collagen biosynthesis, is capable of inhibiting angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. PIIBNP inhibits tube formation in human umbilical vein cells (HUVEC), inhibits endogenous endothelial cell outgrowth in mouse aortic ring angiogenesis bioassay and is anti-angiogenic in the mouse cornea angiogenesis assay. As αVß3 and αVß5 integrins are expressed primarily in endothelial cells, cancer cells and osteoclasts, but not in normal chondrocytes and PIIBNP binds to cell surface integrin αVß3 and αVß5, we propose that natural occurring PIIBNP protects cartilage by targeting endothelial cells during chondrogenesis, thus inhibiting angiogenesis, and rendering the tissue avascular.
The Essential Properties of Nanoemulsions
Authors: S. Mohamed Akif , Ahmed Jahangir , Ramalingam Karthikeyan
Published: December 2021

Nanoemulsions are a submicron with colloidal particulate systems ranging from 10 to 1,000 nm in size. Nanoemulsions hold enormous scope in the field of cosmetics, diagnostics, food, and paint. Moreover, nanoemulsions are ubiquitously regarded as superior drug carriers for the infusion of lipophilic cytotoxic antineoplastic agents on a particular target criterion. Nanoemulsions are prepared from two immiscible liquids that are mixed by employing surfactants and co-surfactants. It also encompasses some significant benefits like biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, low toxicity, drug entrapment, nanoscale size, large surface area, long-term and restrained release, uncomplicated mode of formulation, as well as thermodynamic stability. Nanoemulsion drug delivery can address the major challenge of effective drug formulation due to its instability and poor solubility in the vehicle. The primary objective of this chapter is to provide a quick overview of various physico-properties of nanoemulsion, with a special emphasis on its various applications in various fields.
Composition and Efficacy of Essential Oil Nanoemulsions
Authors: Arul Senthil Sowbarnika , Unnikrishnan Sneha , Ramalingam Karthikeyan
Published: December 2021

Essential oil, endorsed as a natural cum powerful ingredient, encompasses incredible properties, and various approaches have been proposed and spurred over the last decades. One among them is the nano-emulsification of the essential oils, and the sub-micron size provides prolonged shelf life, ease of formulation and handling, nullification of the stated obstacles, as well as the augmentation of the essential oil antimicrobial activity. This chapter primarily reinforces and is well-articulated on (1) the components and its precise concentration adequate to fabricate nanoemulsion; (2) critical analysis on the experimentally inferred antimicrobial mechanism and the extent of contribution granted by the optimal concentration of the components in the nanoemulsion; (3) scrutinization of the possible impact rendered by the components on the other characteristics of nanoemulsion aside from antimicrobial potency. Altogether, the importance of careful formulation of the essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion is emphasized extensively.
Improved Oral Delivery of Drugs Using Nanoemulsion
Authors: Natesan Subramanian , Hmingthansanga Victor , Singh Nidhi , Datta Pallab , Manickam Sivakumar , Ravichandiran V.
Published: December 2021

Administration of drugs through the oral route is considered the simplest and most convenient way to offer greater patient compliance than other routes. Most active drugs discovered in the past and those being discovered in recent times are inadequate because of their inherent limitations in physicochemical properties such as low solubility and permeability, resulting in poor bioavailability, especially after oral administration in the form of tablet or capsule. Pharmaceutical nanoemulsion is the most promising, safer, and multimodal technique for delivering poorly soluble drugs and gaining more attention due to its characteristics such as higher solubilisation capacity, smaller size, surface charge, and site-specific drug targeting. This chapter focuses on the biological fate of nanoemulsion after oral administration and a few case studies related to the oral application of nanoemulsion in delivering poorly soluble drugs. In addition, the anatomy and physiology of the GI tract, components of nanoemulsion, and methods of preparation are addressed.
Antimicrobial Mechanisms and Mode of Actions of Nanoemulsion Against Drug-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Ramalingam Karthikeyan , Khan Mohd Hashim
Published: December 2021

An enhancement of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health infrastructure and hospital care charges. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has highlighted a section of antibiotic resistant bacteria termed as ESKAPE pathogens. These pathogens are proficient in ‘escaping' the biocidal effect of antibiotics and mutually representing new paradigms in transmission of diseases, pathogenesis, and resistance in their genetic materials. Essential oil-based nanoemulsions (NEs) have great interest towards the “natural” therapies as potential antimicrobial agents. Thermodynamic properties and kinetically stable potential of biphasic system of nanoemulsion enable them to be used as an effective nano-carrier with controlled release at the targeted point. This chapter describes the mechanisms of ESKAPE pathogens and the mode of the mechanisms of antimicrobial action of nanoemulsions for the treatment of MDR human pathogens.
Application of Nanoemulsion in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Malik Sumira , Kishore Shristi , Kumari Manisha , Dhasmana Archna
Published: December 2021

Nanoemulsions are pharmaceutical-based nanometres ranged nanoformulated particles with significant and valuable contribution in field of the nanotechnology. In cancer treatment, the treatment through drugs fails primarily due to multidrug resistance (MDR), poor solubility, and unspecific toxicity. Nanoemulsions have the remarkable properties of non-immunogenicity, biodegradability, sustained encapsulation of low water solubility drugs, sustained regulated release of drug, stable and safe carrying tendency to deliver such drugs, and specificity in targeting only cancer cells to overcome multidrug resistance through for clinical and therapeutic application. They excellently address the noncompliance issues associated with the conventional anti-cancerous chemotherapeutic dosage issues. Currently multifunctional nanoemulsions are under experimentation for the treatment of various types of cancer. The chapter highlights the current status and applications of nanoemulsions as anti-cancer therapeutics and their commercial importance.
Application of Nanoemulsions in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Nirmala M Joyce , P. J. Shiny , Dhas Sindhu Priya , Kizhuveetil Uma , Raj Uppada Sumanth , Nagarajan R.
Published: December 2021

A new, efficient, and secure clinical approach is increasingly being sought for the treatment of cancer. Nanoemulsions (NE) are projected to have a profound effect on delivering improved healthcare services with significant implications on forthcoming healthcare policies. In contrast to other drug carriers, the key value of NEs is that they can be engineered to target tumor cells and overcome the major challenge of multi-drug resistance. Multifunctional NEs are being investigated by researchers in various fields of study, primarily in the treatment of different forms of cancer. The congruent presence of NEs with contrast agents or certain dyes increases the accuracy of cancer status identification by enhancing the responsiveness of the agents; thus, they are finding application as nanotheranostics. A summary of different NEs and their documented applications in cancer therapeutics, with emphasis on breast cancer, is presented in this chapter.
Nanoemulsion
Authors: Mohapatra Priyadarshini , Chandrasekaran Natarajan , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: December 2021

Nanoemulsion is the major vehicle for delivering different types of drugs, nucleic acids, and imaging agents. Due to their attractive properties, it has been extensively used for diagnostics of cancer therapy and imaging. However, nanoemulsion is designed through multiple functions by modifications in surface and encapsulation of active compounds against cancer. In nanoemulsion, the surface alteration can be changed by targeting the surface charge, a targeting ligand. The core of the emulsion can be loaded with drugs, imaging agents, and contrast agents. In this chapter, the application of nanoemulsion against specifically liver and gastric cancer is explored briefly. The major focuses on the severity of cancer, multifunctional nature of respective drug-loaded nanoemulsions, how to defeat the physiological hurdles, targeted and non-targeted delivery of nanoemulsion, clinical and preclinical studies are discussed with trending examples from the review of the literature and future perspectives.
Applications of Nanoemulsion for the Wound-Healing Process
Authors: Shaheedha S. M.
Published: December 2021

Attention to nanoemulsions has significantly grown in recent years as a result of their unique features like better stability, special appearance, higher performance, and sensorial merits. Chronic injuries are the consequence of a disturbance in the extremely coordinated cataract of wound healing actions. Nevertheless, correlated with variations in the timescales of various physical methods embroiled in tissue renewal, the aggression of the tumor microenvironment, rich in decaying enzymes, as well as its increased pH, demands the use of efficient drug delivery applications. This chapter summarizes that the various stages of wound healing include four phases: hemostatic stage, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling process, respectively. Moreover, the major reported classes of lipid-based elements were either vesicular (liposome, permeation increased vesicle, etc.), emulsion-based behavior (nano-emulsion and micro-emulsion), or comprise a solid-based liquid matrix in the wound-healing process.
Understanding Big Data and Techniques in Cultural Tourism
Authors: Türkmendağ Zafer
Published: December 2021

Big data enriches the experiences of cultural tourism visitors as well as being used in the management, presentation, and protection of cultural heritage. Technological innovations and the production of more data every day have increased the importance of data and information in competition in the tourism industry. For this, since it is seen that it is important to examine issues such as big data and analytics in cultural tourism, this book chapter presents the studies in the related research area in detail. As a result of the systematic literature review, data types that can be the basis for the formation of big data in cultural tourism and technologies that can support are specified. In addition, researches on cultural heritage and cultural tourism were examined, and theoretical and practical suggestions were presented.
The Use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Cultural Heritage and Deep-Diving Destinations
Authors: Garipağaoğlu-Uğur Nihan , Akova Orhan
Published: December 2021

Underwater cultural heritage and deep diving are important attractions for tourism. Using cutting-edge technology tools for cultural heritage became more important for tourism destinations. The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in tourism from the perspective of cultural heritage and deep diving. This chapter will contribute to the literature to show a new way of sustainable tourism. Commercial diving to an underwater heritage site a is popular touristic activity. Sometimes shipwreck recovery can be hazardous for cultural heritage. The review results indicate that these underwater cultural heritage sites need to be protected for sustainable tourism development. Virtual tours contribute to the sustainability of cultural heritage. On the other hand, treasure hunting trips and recreational diving may cause damage to the archaeological sites. Underwater cultural heritage sites should be protected for sustainable tourism. VR and AR applications can be used to promote a touristic destination by tourism marketers for experimental marketing.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Digitalization Process
Authors: Çalık İsmail
Published: December 2021

This chapter will initially introduce the concept of intangible cultural heritage. After establishing the relationship between intangible cultural heritage and tourism, changes in intangible cultural heritage components will be expressed through the digitization and COVID-19 processes. “Digital intangible cultural heritage,” “digital cultural heritage,” “digital safeguarding” concepts will be described because they attracted great attention during this time. Additionally, the other aspect of the research is the use of digital applications to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage. In the final part, the pilot projects concerning the safeguarding and promoting the intangible cultural heritage implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey will be discussed.
Cultural Tourism, Internet of Things, and Smart Technologies in Museums
Authors: Gaberli Ümit
Published: December 2021

In this chapter, the author explores the application of the internet of things (IoT) in museums. IoT technology typically combines physical objects with hardware and software. For museums, the simplest example is 3D virtual tours, which need a computer and an internet connection. Today, however, museums have become more complicated with virtual and augmented technologies. Virtual and augmented reality devices, such as virtual reality (VR) glasses, and related applications, such as Google Arts and Culture, provide interactive museum tour experiences for visitors. For all these experiences, they only need to connect to the internet with their devices. Virtual museum tours range from history to space technologies. This chapter explores the nature of using IoT technologies in cultural tourism, especially in museums.
Digital Communication in Museums and Museological Spaces
Authors: Figueira Victor , Rolha João Arnedo , Sousa Bruno Barbosa
Published: December 2021

SMM (social media marketing) aims to produce content that users share in their various social media applications in order to increase brand exposure and broaden customer reach. There are numerous marketing techniques to apply in social media in order to involve the customer, some of which have costs and others that do not. Digitization was a real challenge for any museum, requiring cautious and well-planned action to be successful. In this sense, the nature of social networks demands the adoption of a constructivist perspective, that is, a perspective that involves affirmations of knowledge based on individual and collective experiences. Presently, being present in social networks presents itself as a high value advantage, allowing the exposure of the brand, product, or idea at a low cost to a large audience. This chapter aims to systematize some relational marketing best practices that are identified in the museums and museum spaces in “Baixo Alentejo” (Portugal). Specifically, some examples of relational marketing in terms of communication will be identified and analysed.
An Exploratory Study on the Role of Websites in Gastronomy Museum Dialogic Communication
Authors: Polat Eray
Published: December 2021

Rooted in the dialogic communication model, the main objective of this study is to analyse the interactivity level of websites of gastronomy museums in Turkey. Thus, it will be unearthed whether gastronomy museums are progressing towards more dialogic or are staying informative systems with the relationship with their target audience. Via content analysis on websites, two questions were sought: (1) What kind of tools are utilized to present information? (2) What tools or resources are utilized on websites to interact with virtual visitors? The data were analysed by comparing private and public museums. The results indicate that the websites of gastronomy museums in Turkey have a medium level of interaction in presenting information and a low level of interaction in the tools available to virtual visitors. And thus, it can be said that museums use their websites for one-way communication, which are not fit for dialogic communication. This is valid for both private and public museums. Managerial implications were discussed, and future research directions are presented.
Social Media and Cultural Tourism
Authors: Koçyiğit Murat , Küçükcivil Büşra
Published: December 2021

The development of digital communication technologies and the increase in the use of digital platforms by individuals have increased the tendency towards touristic activities. Cultural tourism, which is carried out for certain purposes within the diversity of tourism, is one of the rising tourism activities of recent times. In this context, tourism management benefits from social media platforms as a tool in marketing their products and services related to cultural tourism. Social media platforms are important here for two aspects. The first of these is the use of social media by tourism management in the marketing of products and services by organizing individual and mass cultural tours and communicating with target audiences. The second is that individuals benefit from social media platforms in participating in cultural tourism and decision making. In this direction, it is important to evaluate conceptually the relationship between social media platforms, one of the most important digital communication technologies, and cultural tourism.
Innovation in Sustainability of Tourism After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Buluk Eşitti Buket
Published: December 2021

The tourism industry includes air, sea, and land transportation; food supply chain; accommodation; entertainment; recreation; etc. services. Hence, tourism businesses are proposing changes, and post-COVID tourists will not be the same as pre-COVID ones. Innovative solutions regarding safety and hygiene measures as well as the proximity of medical facilities will be of key importance in meeting the tourist expectations and sustainability of the tourism industry. In addition, it is possible to state that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world. This situation caused the economic balances of countries to deteriorate and some sectors to be adversely affected. The most affected sector is undoubtedly the tourism industry. Innovation has gained more importance in the tourism industry in the context of sustainability of tourism with the COVID-19 pandemic process. In this context, this chapter aimed to examine how innovation can contribute to the sustainability of post-COVID tourism.
Green Synthesis of Semiconductors and Environmental Applications
Authors: Romeiro Fernanda da Costa , Varella Rodrigues Aline
Published: December 2021

This chapter focuses on advancements in the green synthesis approach for nanomaterials and their environmental applications. The eco-friendly, cost-effective, and simple synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles on the environmental applications are discussed. The first section presents an introduction with the basic topics of the green materials synthesis. The second section summarizes the green chemical methods through different routes (precipitation synthesis, electrospinning synthesis, reflux condensation synthesis, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods) and the green routes using biological systems from biosynthetic process to synthesize nanoparticles and biosynthesis of passivating nanofilms using spontaneous formation. In the third section, the environmental and energy applications of nanomaterials, including solar cells, photocatalysis, and biohydrogen production are discussed. Therefore, the scientific community can experience the relation of the achieved nanomaterials with their plentiful application possibilities onto the environmental remediation.
New Advances in Graphene-Based Three-Dimensional Structures
Authors: Cencerrero Fernández del Moral Javier , Romero Izquierdo Amaya , Sánchez Paredes Paula , Avilés-García Osmín , Fernandez-Reina Israel
Published: December 2021

Graphene is defined as a two-dimensional network of carbon atoms with a single atom thickness and a hexagonal crystalline structure with sp2 hybridization compacted by covalent bonds. Due to its structure and geometry, graphene has unique properties, including a large specific surface area, rapid mobility of load carriers, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. However, these characteristics are limited due to the restructuring of graphene sheets. For this reason, there are many studies devoted to the synthesis of three-dimensional structures that prevent the agglomeration of the sheets and the loss of properties of the graphene structure. These three-dimensional structures have low density, high porosity and surface area, stable mechanical properties, and good mass and electron transfer properties. This chapter aims to summarize the synthesis methods of the different three-dimensional structures derived from graphene as well as their wide range of applications in environmental remediation, sensors, biomedical and energy-related applications, among many others.
Polymers and Graphene-Based Materials as Barrier Coatings
Authors: Al Hashmi Shamma , Al Zadjali Shroq , Rajput Nitul S. , Mohammedture Meriam , Gutierrez Monserrat , Esawi Amal M. K.
Published: December 2021

Currently, a wide range of materials are being used as barrier coatings for different applications. Among them, polymers and graphene have been the focus of many studies. Polymers are used in numerous industries due to their remarkable properties, including resistance to thermal degradation, resistance to chemical permeation, and good mechanical properties. On the other hand, graphene, a one-atom-thick and two-dimensional material, does not allow the permeation of gases or liquid molecules through its plane; thus, it has been considered one of the promising nanomaterials used in gas and liquid barrier applications and corrosion inhibition coatings.
The Copenhagen Criteria and the Road to the Balkan Region
Authors: Ferreira Costa Bruno , Figueira Pedro
Published: December 2021

The affirmation and consolidation of the European project is based on a common effort to expand the domains and territorial dimension of the European Union. The different enlargement processes have been fulfilling political, economic, and geographical objectives and goals; however, the last few years have been marked by uncertainty regarding the calendar of accession processes for the Balkan States. If for some authors and political actors it is undeniable that the future will lead to an expansion of the European Union to this region, others warn of the ungovernability associated with moving forward without consolidating decision-making processes. This chapter aims to revisit the accession criteria (Copenhagen Criteria) and the current situation of candidate and potential candidate countries in the Balkan region in a critical dimension on the importance of these criteria for European democracy.
The Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina Into the European Union
Authors: Turcalo Sead , Sadikovic Elmir , Fejzic Elvis
Published: December 2021

This chapter focuses on the analysis of the EU integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina, dealing with the internal and external political challenges that country is facing on its path towards aspired EU membership. As one of the main internal challenges, the authors recognize a very pronounced ethnocracy and leaderocracy that captures democratic process, making the country unstable and unable to fulfill criteria even to achieve the status of candidate for EU membership. Furthermore, there is a strong influence of the neighboring countries, which were involved in the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and continue to play very often an obstructive role in internal politics of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the authors argue, in BiH, the issue of Euro-Atlantic integration is less a matter of political and economic transition, and more, it is not primarily an issue of stabilizing the peace and creating fundamental preconditions for overall development.
A Theoretical Linguistic Fuzzy Rule-Based Compartmental Modeling for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Siam Zakaria Shams , Hasan Rubyat Tasnuva , Ahamed Hossain , Youme Samiya Kabir , Anik Soumik Sarker , Alita Sumaia Islam , Rahman Rashedur M.
Published: December 2021

Recently COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world quite seriously. The number of new infectious cases and death cases are rapidly increasing over time. In this study, a theoretical linguistic fuzzy rule-based Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Isolated-Recovered (SEIIsR) compartmental model has been proposed to predict the dynamics of the transmission of COVID-19 over time considering population immunity and infectiousness heterogeneity based on viral load in the model. The model’s equilibrium points have been calculated and stability analysis of the model’s equilibrium points has been conducted. Consequently, the fuzzy basic reproduction number, R0f of the fuzzy model has been formulated. Finally, the temporal dynamics of different compartmental populations with immunity and infectiousness heterogeneity using the fuzzy Mamdani model are delineated and some disease control policies have been suggested to get over the infection in no time.
Exploration of ICT Appropriation by Disabled People and Its Effect on Self-Perceived Normalcy
Authors: Richard Sarah , Plotkina Daria , Saurel Hélène
Published: December 2021

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are omnipresent and define the interactions in society. Within society, there are vulnerable groups of people for whom ICT use is more challenging. Disabled people are the most vulnerable ICT users. To identify the digital divides of access and impact of ICT on disabled users, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted. Relying on a French national association for disability that grants unique access to disabled ICT users, two focus groups and 10 in-depth interviews were carried. The study allows to propose a model of ICT use and effects for disabled people, integrating several types of disabilities. The results show that ICT appropriation by disabled users depends on their perceived self-efficacy in ICT. ICT use can lead to negative effects, including social exclusion and low perceived normalcy. To address societal interests and develop the literature, a research agenda is proposed.
Research Trends in Educational Technology
Authors: Cheng Yih-Ping , Huang Chun-Hung , Hsu Lynne Cheng
Published: December 2021

The researchers of this study selected five journals in the field of education and conducted a series of analyses regarding publications dating from 2010 to 2019 to investigate the research trends and characteristics in the field of Educational Technology. By using the analytic tool Content Analysis Toolkit for Academic Research (CATAR), the researchers in this study conducted bibliometric analysis and breakdown analyses to summarize major contributing countries, educational institutions, most productive authors, and most cited papers; moreover, they used co-word analysis to reveal the representative items within each cluster. The findings in this study can provide implications and references for educators and researchers in the field of Educational Technology when selecting variables for their studies and technologies for their students.
Is AI Augmenting or Substituting Humans?
Authors: Gaczek Piotr , Leszczyński Grzegorz , Zieliński Marek
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the authors focus on Artificial Intelligence as a tangible technology that is designed to sense, comprehend, act, and learn. There are two manifestations of AI in the medical service: an algorithm that analyzes and interprets the test result and a virtual assistant that communicates the result to the patient. The aim of this paper is to consider how AI can substitute a doctor in measuring human health and how the interaction with virtual assistant impacts one’s visual attention processes. Theoretically, the article refers to the following research strands: Human-Computer Interaction, technology in services, implementation of AI in the medical sector, and behavioral economy. By conducting an eye-tracking experimental study, it is demonstrated that the perception of medical diagnosis does not differ across experimental groups (human vs. AI). However, it is observed that participants exposed to AI-based assistant focused more on button allowing to contact a real doctor.
Communication Overload in Online Communities in Higher Education
Authors: Batista Joao , Santos Helena , Marques Rui Pedro
Published: December 2021

This paper presents part of a research project on the use of information technology by students and teachers to communicate with each other in online community contexts of higher education institutions. The part of this project which investigated whether the number of messages exchanged, and the effort required to process them are a source of communication overload is the focus of the paper. The research was conducted at a Portuguese university, was supported by an analysis model, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inference tests were used to analyse a validated data sample of n = 570 students and n = 172 teachers. The results show that students and teachers generally perceive communication overload when using communication technologies to communicate with each other. This perception is particularly relevant when using email, and inference tests show that it is higher for teachers than for students
Mobile Applications in Tourism
Authors: Hamouda Manel
Published: December 2021

Based on an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to understand the intention to use tourism mobile applications. WOM about app and personal innovativeness was added to the original model along with perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude. A questionnaire was distributed through the convenience sampling method and 440 valid respondents were retained and analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results of this study show that WOM about app represents the strongest predictor of the intention to use of tourism mobile applications followed respectively by perceived usefulness, attitude toward using tourism mobile applications and personal innovativeness. The findings provide implications that would benefit managers in the hospitality and tourism sector as well as mobile app developers in order to ensure the effectiveness of their marketing and communication strategies and adapt their activities to the needs of a customer of the digital age.
Establishing and Testing a Quantitative Measure for Evolving Third-Place Characteristics
Authors: Langlais Michael , Vaux Dana E.
Published: December 2021

Third places offer and promote social experiences beneficial for building interpersonal relationships. This study has two goals: 1) establish a scale that tests if an environment is characteristic of third place characteristics and 2) use this scale with four virtual environments (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter) to test the proficiency of third place characteristics as representative of virtual third places. A research-informed scale was created and tested with a sample of 354 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis verified a nine-factor solution, with each subscale reporting acceptable reliability (range: .89 to .96). This scale was tested with 140 participants to verify if certain social media qualified as third places. MANOVAs revealed that Facebook adheres most closely to the majority of third place characteristics, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter respectively. The proposed scale can be used with other virtual environments to measure if they qualify as third places.
Together or Apart?
Authors: Milner Julia , Daly Peter , Milner Trenton
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a historical snapshot of personal ICT usage in 2005/2006, specifically shedding light on how Australian and German couples (N= 48) had integrated the internet into their homes with a focus on spatial and social transformations. Using a home ethnographic approach, this qualitative study implemented in-depth interviews across two countries. From a spatial perspective, Australian couples had their laptops or PCs highly integrated into the family life usually in multifunctional rooms or open areas, whereas German couples’ laptops and PCs were most often found in separate study rooms. From a social perspective, internet use can be related to elements that bring couples together, but also to elements of disintegration. A shift in how couples spent their time together was observed from watching TV together in the same room, to going online in the same room at two PCs or one person being online while the other conducted other activities.
Student Perception of Computer-Based Testing in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Okocha Foluke
Published: December 2021

Computer Based Testing has become a prominent method in student assessment in Nigeria and student perception on this testing technique is paramount. This study examined the perception of undergraduate students towards computer based testing by comparing several modules studied by Undergraduate students in Nigeria which constitutes a major gap in literature. Results showed that majority of students preferred computer based testing to paper based testing but were not will to adopt this technique in all courses. Results further showed majority of students showed preference to paper based tests in Mathematics more than 50% of students had below average grades when the CBT technique was implemented. Similarly, students showed poor grades in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, results further showed the relationship between computer and anxiety and performance in in Mathematics .This study has implications for university administrators in the creation of policies for Computer based testing
Diet composition of abundant fish species in the shallow waters of the Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Lima , Moraes Leonardo Evangelista , Santos Alexandre Clistenes de Alcântara
Published: December 2021

Coastal habitats have great ecological importance with estuarine environments providing feeding sites for many fish species, especially during juvenile life stages. This study investigates the diet composition and trophic guild organization of the common and abundant ichthyofauna in shallow areas of the Todos os Santos Bay (TSB), Bahia, Brazil, and their relationships with environmental parameters. Six fish sampling campaigns were carried out in the shallow zones (infralittoral) of the Paraguaçu River estuary which encompasses the inner and outer (marine exposure) reaches of the TSB. The stomach contents of 1231 individuals belonging to common and abundant species were examined. A total of 32 food items were identified and fish were into four trophic guilds: detritivores, zoobenthivores I, zoobenthivores II, and zooplanktivores. The relationship between the guilds and environmental parameters showed that zoobenthivores II and zooplanktivores guilds had a positive relationship with salinity and pH, explaining 86% of data variability, though only the salinity variable was significant. This study provides basic information about the diet composition of common and abundant species in the TSB and their organization into trophic guilds. In addition, demonstrates that shallow waters fish across all guilds have broadly similar diets, comprising food items that are usually associated with bottom waters.
Growth and proximate composition of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on green bocaiuva pulp substrates with different nitrogen sources
Authors: Giunco Aline Janaina , Paz Marcelo Fossa da , Fonseca Gustavo Graciano
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth and the proximate composition of the mycelium-based bocaiuva pulp with the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus on green bocaiuva flour added with different sources of nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate and sulfate ammonia). Growth was monitored by kinectics. At the end, the proximate composition of the best three treatments (dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and water, T1; dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate, T3; and green bocaiuva pulp/wheat bran and ammonium nitrate, T7) was determined. Ammonium nitrate was the nitrogen source that showed the greatest growth in both substrates (T3:8.33 cm and T7:7.67 cm) in relation to the other treatments (4.67 to 7.17 cm), with emphasis on the green bocaiuva pulp. The substrate with green bocaiuva pulp and water was the one that showed the highest growth (7.50 cm), which was close to the treatment with mixed substrate and ammonium nitrate (7.67 cm). The treatment with the green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate (T3) was highlighted due to its significant increase in proteins (9.42 g 100 g-1) and fibers (5.21 g 100 g-1), and decrease in carbohydrates (9.52 g 100 g-1), in comparison to the other treatments T7 (8.94, 2.16, and 5.99 g 100 g-1, respectively) and T1 (2.78, 4.33, and 2.28 g 100 g-1, respectively). The product obtained from the growth of P. ostreatus in green bocaiuva pulp presents promising perspectives to be utilized as raw material for the development of new food products with added nutritional value.
Mesoscale bird distribution pattern in montane phytophysiognomies along an ecotone between two hotspots
Authors: Moura Aloysio Souza de , Machado Felipe Santana , Mariano Ravi Fernandes , Souza Cléber Rodrigo de , Mengez Urica Carolina Lemos , Fontes Marco Aurélio Leite
Published: December 2021

Brazil has a high diversity of birds and presents the largest number of threatened bird species in the neotropical region. Even so, there are gaps in the bird knowledge, especially in ecotonal montane regions. Given this panorama, this study aimed to analyse the bird community distribution (richness, composition, and beta diversity between phytophysiognomies) of an ecotonal montane landscape of southeastern Brazil, with the purpose of detecting substitution patterns of bird species on a meso-scale. Using bird data performed during the years 1998 to 2015 in 46 sampling points, we found high bird richness in montane phytophysiognomies along an ecotone between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest hotspots. The composition present species of both domains, with high turnover component. We highlight the field environments and candeais are considered homogeneous and threathened, which would directly affect birds. The present study contributes to future conservation strategies, as it demonstrates ecotonal regions as transition zones and reinforces the need to consider as particular ecological units. These ecotonal regions are key locations for understanding ecological patterns in response to environmental changes or phytophysiognomies. Knowing how partitioning of the composition occurs within an environmental mosaic is essential to understand the limits and distributions of the species and conserve them.
Formação do profissional da educação básica para atuação na gestão escolar: uma análise de Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos de Pedagogia do Ceará e do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Medeiros Emerson Augusto de , Araújo Osmar Hélio Alves , Fortunato Ivan
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho objetiva analisar a formação do profissional da Educação Básica para atuação na gestão escolar, por meio das proposições curriculares existentes em 10 (dez) Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos de Pedagogia de 06 (seis) universidades públicas situadas nos Estados do Ceará e do Rio Grande do Norte. Como questão norteadora, pontuamos: o que as Licenciaturas em Pedagogia de universidades públicas do Ceará e do Rio Grande do Norte propõem, no âmbito do currículo oficial, aos licenciandos a respeito da gestão escolar? Do ponto de vista metodológico, utilizamos a abordagem qualitativa e a análise documental. A pesquisa mostra que, entre outros aspectos, o perfil profissional desejado ao licenciado nessas universidades se apresenta, na maior parte dos textos oficiais, com uma abordagem generalista de gestão, vinculada à gestão educacional e não à gestão escolar, com foco na escola. Destacamos também que, na maioria dos cursos, há poucos componentes curriculares com ênfase nas diferentes áreas que compõem a gestão de processos educativos escolares (direção escolar, coordenação pedagógica, entre outras). Os currículos oficiais analisados afirmam a perspectiva de formação generalista debatida na história educacional para os cursos de Pedagogia.