bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical and numerical negative boundedness of fractional differences with Mittag–Leffler kernel
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Dahal Rajendra , Goodrich Christopher S. , Hamed Y. S. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2022

We show that a class of fractional differences with Mittag–Leffler kernel can be negative and yet monotonicity information can still be deduced. Our results are complemented by numerical approximations. This adds to a growing body of literature illustrating that the sign of a fractional difference has a very complicated and subtle relationship to the underlying behavior of the function on which the fractional difference acts, regardless of the particular kernel used.
La interseccionalidad en el trabajo agrícola estacional: el caso de Huelva en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Güell Berta
Published: December 2022

El COVID-19 ha visibilizado más que nunca las deficiencias estructurales del sistema agroalimentario mundial. El enclave agrícola de Huelva no es ninguna excepción. Partiendo del escenario pre-COVID y añadiendo los efectos de la pandemia, este artículo analiza los procesos de discriminación y abuso enraizados en la naturaleza y el modus operandi del programa español de trabajadores temporales (GECCO). En particular, examina cómo estos procesos de discriminación se reflejan en tres aspectos clave del programa: contratación, condiciones de trabajo y condiciones de vida. Gracias a la perspectiva interseccional y a las aportaciones feministas al capitalismo ecología-mundo, el análisis arroja luz sobre la mutua constitución de diferentes ejes de desigualdad (p.e. maternidad, etnicidad, origen rural) en las prácticas de discriminación y explotación que sufren las mujeres marroquíes. A su vez, examina cómo estas desigualdades entrecruzadas se ubican geográficamente en un contexto temporal y espacial específico que juega un papel en la construcción de relaciones de poder a nivel estructural. El artículo se nutre de un reciente trabajo de campo basado en entrevistas en profundidad con distintos actores clave como parte de un proyecto de investigación europeo sobre esquemas de gobernanza y migración circular (ADMIGOV).
An exploration of trauma-inclusive pedagogy and students’ perceptions of academic success
Authors: Lynch R. Jason , Wojdak Krista
Published: December 2022

While trauma-inclusive approaches to student learning have been well documented in K–12 contexts, postsecondary education has done little to incorporate trauma-inclusive pedagogy into college classrooms. Using a sample (n = 529) of graduate and undergraduate students at a public rural-serving regional serving university, this study aims to explore differences in students’ perception of academic success in courses where trauma-inclusive practices were used and courses where these practices were not. Findings provide evidence that students felt more successful in courses where trauma-inclusive practices were used. Additionally, researchers were able to demonstrate that differences in perceptions of success were more pronounced between students who have been exposed to traumatic life experiences, particularly in the course where participants felt the least successful. Implications for future research, practice, and models of educational development are discussed.
Os gestos da escrita nos diários de Raymundo Faoro (Porto Alegre, 1943-1946)
Authors: Alcântara Paulo Augusto Franco de
Published: December 2022

Raymundo Faoro (1925-2003), jurista, historiador e escritor brasileiro, é considerado um dos principais intérpretes da sociedade brasileira no século XX. Entre 1943 e 1952, dos 18 aos 26 anos de idade, quando cursava a Faculdade de Direito em Porto Alegre, ele escreveu 20 volumes de diários, totalizando, aproximadamente, 6.800 páginas manuscritas cujo conteúdo esteve, até então, inédito. O objetivo deste artigo é lançar luzes a uma parte do processo de construção desses documentos, descrevendo e analisando a escrita cotidiana de seu autor. Concebendo a escrita enquanto prática, buscarei, etnograficamente, pelos gestos, isto é, pelas ações que, repletas de experiências, motivações e significados, teriam presidido o curso dessa escrita sempre em relação com o contexto da época. Ao deter-me nos 3 primeiros volumes dos diários (1943 – 1946), concentrarei as descrições no período em que o autor experimenta os seus primeiros anos vivendo em Porto Alegre. Argumento que, mais do que apresentar aspectos inéditos sobre a formação de Faoro, os diários revelam aspectos relevantes sobre a cultura e a sociedade da época, fornecendo pistas sobre os requisitos de ingresso em trajetórias intelectuais na Porto Alegre e no Brasil dos meados do século XX. Além de uma contribuição aos estudos dos diários enquanto gêneros literários e intelectuais, lanço reflexões ao terreno da antropologia histórica sobre a escrita.
As estratégias coletivas de gestão da equipe responsável pela análise de lotação dos servidores técnico-administrativos de uma universidade pública federal
Authors: Figueiredo Júlia de Mattos , Muniz Hélder Pordeus , Lana Marta Luiza Montenegro
Published: December 2022

Este artigo visa compreender as estratégias coletivas de gestão da atividade desenvolvidas pela equipe responsável pela análise de lotação de servidores técnico-administrativos recém-concursados de uma Universidade Federal. Busca enfatizar os desafios que a equipe enfrenta na luta por uma gestão do trabalho que articule saúde, produtividade e qualidade em prol de uma universidade pública, gratuita, autônoma e de qualidade, em um contexto de disputa com forças do polo mercantil, permeadas pela lógica neoliberal. Tomando como referência a perspectiva ergológica e o materialismo histórico-dialético, as ferramentas metodológicas escolhidas foram : pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, Encontros sobre o Trabalho e diário de campo. A pesquisa aponta para uma constante necessidade de criação de estratégias coletivas de gestão, a partir da construção de parcerias internas e externas, da concretização de valores do bem comum, da criação de normas que assegurem a isonomia do processo, de renormatizações, pela saúde dos trabalhadores e pela melhoria do serviço público.
Precarização e intensificação do trabalho em situações de alto risco : o caso da perfuração de poços de petróleo
Authors: Figueiredo Marcelo , Alvarez Denise , Rotenberg Lúcia , Adams Ricardo Nunes
Published: December 2022

Na exploração e produção de petróleo, os trabalhadores estão expostos a uma série de riscos associados às condições e à organização do trabalho no setor. Nosso objetivo é analisar como tal exposição tende a se potencializar em função da precarização e intensificação do trabalho na perfuração de poços, atividade considerada de alto risco. O referencial teórico-metodológico privilegia a ergonomia da atividade e a psicodinâmica do trabalho, numa perspectiva ergológica, buscando dinamizar a relação entre os saberes das ciências e da experiência prática. O principal método mobilizado foi a realização de entrevistas dialógicas com profissionais vinculados às maiores multinacionais do ramo de perfuração. A análise das situações apresentadas permite constatar que, no bojo das mais recentes crises e reestruturações na indústria petrolífera, elementos como extrapolação das jornadas de trabalho, pressões organizacionais e reduções de custos podem comprometer a saúde e a segurança, elevando a exposição dos trabalhadores aos fatores de risco presentes.
Influências da pandemia de COVID-19 na vivência da imigração e nas relações de trabalho (RT) de brasileiras em Portugal
Authors: Oltramari Andrea , Fraga Aline Mendonça , Scherer Laura Alves , Prestes Vanessa Amaral
Published: December 2022

Esta pesquisa estudou as influências da pandemia de COVID-19 na vivência da imigração e nas Relações de Trabalho (RT) para imigrantes brasileiras em Portugal. O estudo contou com entrevistas biográficas com 27 mulheres que residem no país há três anos. A apresentação dos resultados se dá em dois eixos : a) vivências das brasileiras imigrantes prévias à migração, condições da imigração, e relação com o trabalho ; e b) análise das mudanças no contexto do trabalho e os desafios pessoais e familiares após instauração da crise sanitária mundial. Como principais influências da COVID-19 no âmbito das RT, em contexto de imigração, os resultados indicam : demissão e busca de novas atividades remuneradas ; necessidade de distintas fontes de renda ; intensificação de horas de trabalho, sobretudo nos casos de home office ; teletrabalho vinculado a empresas de forma autônoma, plataformas digitais ou rede de contato ; e continuidade em Portugal dependente do apoio financeiro e emocional de familiares.
An Ode to My Daughter
Authors: Fields Andriette Jordan , Fields Alana D.
Published: December 2022

The goal of this chapter is to elucidate on how socio-cultural practices and systems within private and public institutions of higher learning influence and regulate Black women's attitudes, behaviors, and agency utilizing a womanist/feminist lens. Historically, Black women's bodies have been a topic of discussions relating to body images. These bodies have been undermined, disrespected, and shamed, portrayed in the media as angry, ugly, hypersexualized. Theses tropes and more have a bearing on how Black women are received or deemed invisible daily in various spaces i.e., PWI. A Black woman's positionality, femininity, hair, and identity politics, coupled with other unique identities, affect the social and political context impacting how systems are navigated at PWIs. The ability or inability to endure assumptions, stereotypes, and aggressions can confuse those that cross the line thinking that behaviors of disrespect are acceptable. Suggestions/advice are offered for success and keys for thriving, not simply surviving, at PWIs.
Leading Transformative Change as the “First”
Authors: Stokes-Brown Atiya Kai
Published: December 2022

Although extant literature on chief diversity officers in higher education has provided insight into their roles, priorities, and standards of practice, few studies have exclusively explored the perspectives and experiences of Black women CDOs. This qualitative study draws on theories of organizational change, critical race theory, and critical race feminism to make meaning of and interpret the experience as an inaugural Black woman chief diversity officer at a public regional institution in the South, with a focus on the author's experience leading the strategic planning process. This study advances the research on Black women in higher education, spotlighting the distinctive, layered, and intersectional journey of one Black woman CDO working in a predominately White institution in the South.
Black Women, Emotional Intelligence, and Organizational Opportunities for Growth
Authors: Jiménez Adela E. , Moore Charnise Virgil
Published: December 2022

Since the end of 2019, the world has been trying to identify ways to deal with the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and the racial reckoning that arose during the summer of 2020. Organizations have scrambled to re-energize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The questions to be asked are why are organizations focusing their efforts on DEI initiatives, and how can they be successful? This chapter introduces and examines emotional intelligence as a vehicle leveraged by both authors and many other Black women, including Black diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, as a means for advancement within their organizations. The authors further offer that in order for organizations to achieve equity and inclusion, emotional intelligence is a required baseline, and the support of DEI practitioners in this arena will create an array of positive effects, such as a harmonious work environment, self-actualized individuals including Black women, and thus personal, community, and organizational success.
Black, White, and Everything in Between
Authors: Reed Stephanie
Published: December 2022

With this chapter, the author sheds light on the experiences of a Black woman hired to create, administer, and manage the day-to-day needs of diversity offices at two small, white private liberal arts universities. The chapter will include insights on the very racism and implicit bias the author experienced, reported, and helped diminish. The chapter also describes the seemingly impossible task of managing change and transformation on private institutions rooted in white supremacist traditions and built upon a history of exclusion. To do this, the author shares personal narratives from colleagues collected via online surveys. The author describes the personal angst experienced while collecting, reporting, and managing the many micro-aggressions, experiences with racism, transphobia, and other reported biases. The author considers the mental gymnastics necessary to serve the needs of the institution and attempt to protect personal integrity and sanity.
The DEI Industrial Complex
Authors: Gray Aysa , Blackman-Richards Norka , Rodgers Selena T.
Published: December 2022

The DEI initiative is a multi-year project to support campuses in shifting power to create an anti-racist and equity-based space through liberatory practices, grassroots organizing, and equity-centered education. In this paper, the authors reflect on their communal work to disrupt injustice through an intersectional framework. To frame this paper, the authors first outline the historical and present impact of DEI work within academia, highlighting anti-blackness and misogynoir. Next, the authors introduce the term DEI industrial complex and provide an overview of the framework. After providing this analytic framework, the authors further explore how incidents of undermining Black leadership manifest within the academy. Asserting agency over the DEI complex, the concluding section offers essential survival tools.
Tail Risk and Return Predictability for Europe's Capital Markets
Authors: Dias Rui Teixeira , Pardal Pedro , Teixeira Nuno , Horta Nicole Rebolo
Published: December 2022

This chapter aims to analyze financial integration and the presence of long memories in nine capital markets in the period from June 5, 2017 to June 3, 2022. To provide robustness to the research we divide the sample into two sub-periods: tranquil and crisis (global pandemic of 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022). To conduct this analysis, different approaches will be undertaken in order to analyze two research questions: (1) Do European capital markets tend towards integration in periods of extreme volatility? (2) If yes, could this phenomenon make markets predictable? When comparing the two sub-periods, the authors find that the rhoDCCA of 16 pairs of markets remained strong, while the mean trendless correlation decreased from 20 to 12, while weak correlation coefficients appeared (8) and tended towards anti-persistence.
Design of Hash Algorithm for Blockchain Security
Authors: Davda Yatri
Published: December 2022

Blockchain is the invention that permits digitally generated information to be allocated without being copied. Blockchain technology is the heart of the new internet (i.e., virtual currency). Emerging clever settlement structures over decentralized cryptocurrencies permit jointly suspicious events to transact competently without relying on third parties (i.e., the reason to provide wide security to blockchain technology). Cryptography has so many algorithms to provide security such as MD5, AES, RSA, SHA family, etc. Hash functions are extremely useful and appear in almost all information security applications, so hashing techniques are more secure among them. The authors are designing a new approach (i.e., SHA-512) in a local blockchain application. SHA-512 is a very secure algorithm that uses 64-bit words and operates on 1024-bit blocks. They are proving that SHA-512 is more collision-resistant than its predecessor with a few mathematical models.
Machine Learning and Blockchain for 5G-Enabled IIoT
Authors: Pant Piyush , Taghipour Atour
Published: December 2022

With one of the most potent technologies ever developed in human history, the world is moving toward a new digitalized era. These technological advancements are enabling people to make things that, in the past, were merely the stuff of fairy tales. The model put out by this research incorporates one of the newest and most potent technologies of the decade. This research proposes to integrate the 5G network with the industrial internet of things, which is based on machine learning to develop an intelligent machine capable of mimicking humans. A system of this power is extremely susceptible to issues like hacking, cyberattacks, and other issues. This problem is solved with the blockchain. Since blockchain offers a decentralized approach to maintaining transparency, the research incorporates it into the model to make it more efficient and secure. IoT with blockchain has been the subject of other studies, but this study is an enhanced version that also incorporates industrial IoT with AI to create an intelligent internet of things.
Deep Learning Neural Networks for Online Monitoring of the Combustion Process From Flame Colour in Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Kesavan Sujatha , Sivanand R.  , Rengammal Sankari B.  , Latha B.  , Tamilselvi C.  , Krishnaveni S.
Published: December 2022

The combustion quality determination in power station boilers is of great importance to avoid air pollution. Complete combustion minimizes the exit of NOx, SOx, CO, and CO2 emissions, also ensuring the consistency in load generation in thermal power plants. This chapter proposes a novel hybrid algorithm, called black widow optimization algorithm with mayfly optimization algorithm (BWO-MA), for solving global optimization problems. In this chapter, an effort is made to develop BWO-MA with artificial neural networks (ANN)-based diagnostic model for onset detection of incomplete combustion. Comparison has been done with existing machine learning methods with the proposed BWO-MA-based ANN architecture to accommodate the greater performance. The comprehensive analysis showed that the proposed achieved splendid state-of-the-art performance.
The Impact of Knowledge Management on Organizational Learning in Universities
Authors: Sart Gamze
Published: December 2022

In today's information and technology-driven markets, knowledge has an important role to play in gaining and maintaining competitive advantage and improving organizational performance. Since knowledge is the most important competitive advantage tool, effective management of knowledge will increase organizational performance. The knowledge management process is a process that includes activities related to the systematic acquisition, transformation, use, and protection of knowledge in order to better achieve organizational goals. This process develops depending on technology, culture, organizational structure, and human factors. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of knowledge management on organizational learning for 650 academicians working at universities in Istanbul. As a result of the structural equation model, a positive 68.1% increasing relationship was determined between the knowledge management and organizational learning.
In Search of Cooperative Compliance
Authors: Odabaş Hakkı , Erdem İmran Arıtı
Published: December 2022

International Compliance Assurance Programme (ICAP) of OECD, a brand-new application, is the international reflection of the tax compliance expectations rising over cooperative compliance. ICAP is an application in which the tax risks of MNE groups are evaluated by bringing together the tax administrations of more than one country in which they operate and the relevant MNE group, and it has the capacity to create positive outputs at the point of ensuring voluntary tax compliance based on the establishment of tax certainty and consistency. In this study, the charactetistics, composition, and function of ICAP is revealed with the concept of cooperative compliance by comparing similar concepts with ICAP. Based on these elements, the chapter discusses Turkey's future participation in the programme.
Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices on the Consumer Buying Decision
Authors: Dedunu Hettiwattage Harshani , Sedara Darshana
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the study is to find out how consumer purchasing decisions affect environmental, social, and governance practices. Consumers with recent bachelor's degrees were given the questionnaire. Through smart pls, the survey questions were tested. The findings imply that consumers prioritize two factors, the environment and social. It was verified that the personal concerns regarding the recycling process, resource consumption, and environmentally friendly business practices. Further, customers' health and safety, organizations' healthy and good working environment, human right concentration have shown reasonable importance. However, governance factors consideration is very low in the customer decision-making process due to a low level of awareness about governing practices especially political involvement and fraud and corruption. Thus, the empirical findings of the study serve as a springboard for further investigation in this field and offer marketers and sellers of ESG practices strategic implications.
Virtual Worlds for Developing Intercultural Competence
Authors: Machado Lisiane , Freitas Angilberto , Schlemmer Eliane , Pedron Cristiane Drebes
Published: December 2022

The authors present a framework for developing intercultural competence (IC) and use tridimensional digital virtual worlds (3DVW) as environments for developing IC. They developed an artifact, via design research, constituted by an educational method using the 3DVW Second Life® as the place for a virtual exchange program between 92 Brazilian and Portuguese master students. The results of the study indicate that the 3DVW can be used for the development of IC because it allows rich experiential and relational/conversational learning opportunities, especially due to the affordances of immersion/sense of presence, social interaction, content production, and knowledge sharing. The students involved in the virtual exchange inside Second Life® had to practice a set of attitudes and skills such as communication skills; culture-specific knowledge; understanding others' worldviews; skills to analyze, evaluate, and relate; skills to listen, observe, and interpret; respect, openness; tolerance for ambiguity, among other, that are all attributes of IC.
From Visual Culture in the Immersive Metaverse to Visual Cognition in Education
Authors: Han Hsiao-Cheng ‘Sandrine'
Published: December 2022

This chapter discusses visual culture in the immersive metaverse through the visual cognition lens. Visual cognition pertains to how we learn through visual means. As educators, we should be aware of how our students learn consciously and unconsciously through the visual sense so that we can help them navigate the immersive metaverse they encounter. Culture and visual culture are discussed. Visual perception, specifically schema and Gestalt, are explained. Learning in the immersive metaverse is as concrete as in the physical world; therefore, teaching students to decode images, perceive the metaverse, and think about images from multiple cultural backgrounds becomes an issue of special importance when education occurs in the visualized immersive metaverse.
A Literature Review on the Use of Three-Dimensional Virtual Worlds in Higher Education
Authors: Ghanbarzadeh Reza , Ghapanchi Amir Hossein
Published: December 2022

Three-dimensional virtual worlds (3DVW) have been substantially adopted in teaching and learning worldwide. The current study conducted a literature review of the published research relevant to the application of 3DVWs in higher education. A literature search was performed on nine scientific databases, and following scrutiny according to inclusion criteria, 176 papers were selected for review. The literature review process was summarized, reviews undertaken by the authors, and results about the applicability of 3DVWs in higher education were extracted. A wide variety of application areas for 3DVWs in higher education were found and classified into five main categories. Various 3DVW platforms and virtual environments used for educational goals were also identified. This study found that a wide range of virtual environments and tools have been implemented by 3DVW technology and applied for teaching and learning in higher education.
The Case for Qualitative Research Into Language Learning in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Panichi Luisa
Published: December 2022

This chapter reviews some of the most common research approaches used in investigating language learning and teaching in virtual worlds. In particular, the author makes the case for qualitative research approaches to the investigation of language learning and teaching in virtual worlds. The highly representational and immersive nature of online environments such as virtual worlds demands that researchers pay specific attention to the quality of teacher and learner experience and to individual reactions to the visual and kinesthetic stimuli of the environment. The chapter discusses some of the advantages of qualitative practitioner research in relation to the specific nature of virtual world contexts for language learning.
Revisiting Musings on Co-Designing Identity-Aware Realities in Virtual Learning
Authors: Yonekura Francisca
Published: December 2022

Previously, musings on co-designing identity-aware realities in the virtual space focused on the individual self during a learning experience. While preserving the individual self of the learner for a comprehensive outlook, the chapter will expand on the exploratory journey looking into the identity of the collective self, the shared experiences of those co-creating the moment, and the potential for a community of practice to emerge while learning in virtual environments. In the spirit of the contemplative goal of the chapter, design considerations in the creation and facilitation of learning experiences inclusive of the community's self are postulated.
The Digital Cultural Identity on the Space Drawed in Virtual Games and Representatıve
Authors: Türkoğlu Hülya Semiz , Türkoğlu Süleyman
Published: December 2022

The digital culture created in the virtual space provides a more liberal and open environment for the people, with fewer restrictions from real life. The current research on virtual reality self-expression has mainly been discovered as an independent aspect of the real self. The chapter also analyzes the use and perceptions of virtual users in the virtual world by focusing on the construct that creates different virtual cultural experiences. For this purpose, the “Second Life” game, which provides a three-dimensional and online virtual environment modeled by the real world, is taken as an example. In the survey, we interviewed 10 people from Second Life to find answers to our questions. As a result of their work, Second Life plays a vital digital life in a dynamic digital culture that is different from their real lives in response to the question of how they build a world with communication, culture, identity and lifestyles.
Prosumers Building the Virtual World
Authors: Fontanella Mario , Pacchiega Claudio
Published: December 2022

With the development of new digital technologies, the internet, and mass media, including social media, it is now possible to produce, consume, and exchange information and virtual creations in a simple and practically instantaneous way. As predicted by philosophers and sociologists in the 1980s, a culture of “prosumers” has been developed in communities where there is no longer a clear distinction between content producers and content users and where there is a continuous exchange of knowledge that enriches the whole community. The teaching of “digital creativity” can also take advantage of the fact that young people and adults are particularly attracted to these fields, which they perceive akin to their playful activities and which are normally used in an often sterile and useless way in their free time. The didactic sense of these experiences is that we try to build a cooperative group environment in which to experiment, learn, and exchange knowledge equally among all the participants.
Framework for 3D Task Design
Authors: Kozlova Iryna
Published: December 2022

This chapter introduces a framework for the 3D task design. The framework proposes that the process of designing language learning tasks for 3D immersive simulated environments also be immersive. The framework guides designers/teachers who are new to 3D worlds through 10 stages of the design process that incorporates designers/teachers' individual work and their collaboration with colleagues and learners. Following Breen's advice, collaboration with colleagues and learners allows for taking into account some possible interpretations of the tasks to help learners interpret the task as closely as possible to its original plan; it also improves task functionality. Developed for designing 3D language learning tasks, this framework also benefits other disciplines and informs the design of tasks implemented in other virtual environments.
INSIDE
Authors: Giannios Ioannis , Margounakis Dimitrios G.
Published: December 2022

The field of electronic games is a great experimental area that contributes to the implementation of new technologies in a variety of applications. This article explores the field of mixed reality through the use of physical computing for the development of the electronic game Inside. In such an interactive environment, the physical and the virtual worlds coexist and interact with each other. A user can alter the virtual world's characteristics through a special controller designed for the game that contains electronic components that can sense real-world properties. The attention of the user is not focused only on the screen but also on the controller through which a two-way interaction is achieved. A virtual environment created by a game engine can receive messages from the controller and vice versa. Changes on the properties of the virtual world can be communicated to the controller aiming at the alteration of the characteristics of the physical world. As a result, the user experiences an immersion in an environment in which real and virtual objects coexist.
Design Process of Three-Dimensional Multi-User Virtual Environments (3D MUVEs) for Teaching Tree Species
Authors: Mercan Gamze , Doğan Dilek , Köseoğlu Pınar , Tüzün Hakan
Published: December 2022

This study aims to realize the concept of biodiversity, which is one of the subjects covered by environmental education, with 3D virtual worlds platform and to realize the biological richness of users in their environment and to provide awareness of the species they see in their immediate surroundings. It is aimed to design 3D MUVE to teach tree species to pre-service teachers within framework of Instructional design process in 3D MUVEs based on problem-based learning approach. Four different design groups are third year undergraduate students (N=21) from the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology in the Faculty of Education at a large state university. For design process, participants with collaborative work designed 3D environments with a problem-based learning approach. The design process of 3D MUVEs was realized with the participation of researchers as trainers, guides, technical support personnel, and observers during the 16 weeks within the scope of the course. Also, participants were involved in the role of both learner and instructional designer.
Painting on Fibers
Authors: Marey Mahmoud Hussein
Published: December 2022

In ancient Egypt, color expressed both symbolic and aesthetic value. For decorating purposes, the ancient Egyptians used an intensive chromatic palette based on a broad source of natural and artificial origins. Beside dyeing, decorating textiles in ancient Egypt had different forms, such as embroidery or the painting of a smooth coating applied on the textile matrix. Physical analytical approaches are an essential request prior any restoration project. In this chapter, the benefits of a wide range of non- or micro-destructive methods to study the physiochemical behavior of pigments used in ancient Egyptian painted textiles are presented. To garner data concerning the ancient materials, special techniques are used, such as the environmental scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ESEM-EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), colorimetry, and visible reflectance spectroscopy (vis-RS).
Selective Laser Melting-Sintering Technology: From Dental Co-Cr Alloys to Dental Ceramic Materials
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: December 2022

The general term of CAD/CAM technology (i.e., Computer-Aided Design/Compute-Aided Manufacturing) comprises several aspects, such as subtractive manufacturing processes, like milling (soft and hard milling), and additive manufacturing processes, like Selective Laser Melting (SLM), which refers to metallic materials, or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which refers to glasses/glass-ceramics/ceramic, or polymeric, or related composite materials produced via powder metallurgy technique. In biomaterials fabrications, the first step in SLM or SLS technology is the digital design of the prosthetic restoration, whereby the patient's individual anatomical and morphological features are precisely described. Afterwards laser-aided melting or sintering is repeated (layer-by-layer) until the complete restoration item is fabricated. A wide range of dental materials can be produced by SLM or SLS technology, e.g., metals and alloys, thermoplastic polymers, glasses/ceramics, waxes, and thermoplastic composites. Thus, it is a promising technology for producing a variety of dental restorations, such as metal-ceramic restorations, all-ceramic restorations, maxillofacial prostheses, functional skeletons, individual scaffolds for tissue engineering, etc. SLM technology is already widely applied for fabricating metal objects for dental (e.g., Co-Cr alloy) and orthopedic prostheses. As a subsequence, in the last decade, researchers' interest has been shifted to SLS of ceramic powders, such as SiO2, Al2O3, SiO2/Al2O3, and ZrO2/Y2O3. This article comprehensively reviews the SLS process and its prospects for producing glasses/glass-ceramic/ceramic materials for biomedical/dental applications. The experimental results clearly show that this very modern additive manufacturing technology does not jeopardize the properties of the ceramic biomaterials' properties.
Opening New Avenues for Bioceramics: Oscillatory Flow Reactors and Upcoming Technologies in Skin-Tissue Engineering
Authors: Veiga Anabela , Castro Filipa , Rocha Fernando , Bernardes Beatriz , Duarte Marta M. , Oliveira Ana Leite
Published: December 2022

An aging population and lifestyle-related practices increase the incidence of chronic diseases and consequently its costs. The increasing requests for efficient chronic wound care constitute an opportunity for the field of regenerative medicine but, at the same time, it represents a challenge due to the need to limit treatment costs. Calcium-based materials have enormous potential for skin applications, as calcium has an established role in the normal homeostasis of wounded skin and serves as a modulator in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, several natural biopolymers, as silk proteins are known for their antioxidant and moisturizing properties as well as a mitogenic influence on mammalian cells. In the present work, a cost-effective method using an oscillatory flow reactor to produce a calcium phosphate/sericin composite system with controlled properties is presented, to be applied in skin wound healing and regeneration. Future perspectives for the produced biomaterials are also addressed.
Cellulose Nanofibers from Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches as Reinforcement in Bioplastic
Authors: Nafisah Azmia Rizka , Rahmawati Dian , Tarmidzi Fadhil Muhammad , Zhafirah Dinah , Anggraini Dewi
Published: December 2022

Currently, packaging especially for food is a significant concern because made of plastic, which is difficult to degrade. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as the composite reinforcement are chosen as a suitable replacement for the fiber. This nanocomposite is made with the main aim of making biodegradable food packaging with other capabilities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, etc. The food packaging was next referred to as bioplastic, consisting of several components. One of the major concerns is selecting cross-linking agents in nanocomposites production. The use of essential oil extracts from plants is widespread because it has an excellent binding ability and good chemical properties. The essential oil of orange peel can be extracted and used because it contains flavonoid compounds that act as antioxidants. The CNFs were made from palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB) using the acid hydrolysis process in the previous research. The study of this nanocomposites production successfully makes transparent bioplastic. SEM results show a surface with fewer pores filled with cellulose fiber and protein. The addition of essential oil to the film increases the cross-linking bond in the matrix, improving its mechanical properties. The bioplastic was tested its endurance when buried in soil for 6 days and showed a promising results.
Structural and Mechanical Characterization of 3D Printed Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Designed for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Touaiher Imane , Saadaoui Malika , Reynaud Pascal , Reveron Helen , Chevalier Jérôme
Published: December 2022

Our current study concerns the structural analysis and mechanical properties under compressive loading of a new developed additive-manufactured hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds, designed for bone tissue engineering. Structural evaluation was performed by X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) and the compressive strength was determined by uniaxial testing method to compare the performance of the new structured material with those reported in the literature. The studied scaffolds showed a well-defined periodic structure with a well-controlled interconnected porosity which is about 32 %. The compressive strength was of 60 MPa and the Weibull modulus of 6. These values are higher than those generally obtained on porous scaffolds fabricated by other techniques with the same level of total porosity. These results demonstrate the potential use of this 3D printed scaffolds for load bearing bone tissue.
One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticle-Embedded Natural Magnetic Particles/Chitosan Composite
Authors: Martha Annisa Afra , Sutarno Sutarno , Nuryono Nuryono
Published: December 2022

This research synthesized natural magnetic particles/chitosan/gold nanoparticles composites (NMP/Chi/AuNPs) using a green method. AuNPs were synthesized using chitosan as a reducing agent and stabilizer in one step. The obtained AuNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and TEM. Results showed that AuNPs were spherical with an average of 14.9 nm and absorbed at visible light (~530 nm). Then, AuNPs were impregnated on NMP/Chi at room temperature. The impregnation results were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and TEM. In the IR spectra of NMP/Chi and NMP/Chi/AuNPs, the NH bending vibrations of NH2 are shown at 1604 and 1631 cm-1. The NMP/Chi/AuNP showed a decrease in intensity and the peak shift to 1395 cm-1, stretching vibration of C-O from primary alcohol group. Fe-O vibrations of Fe3O4 in NMP/Chi and NMP/Chi/AuNPs are shown at 566 and 583 cm-1. The intensity peak shift and decrease indicate an interaction between AuNPs and NMP/Chi. The results of the XRD NMP/Chi/AuNPs characterization showed that the diffraction peak at 2Ө 35.44° decreased in intensity, resulting in a decrease in crystallinity caused by impregnated AuNPs and the destruction of hydrogen bonds. The new diffraction peak at 2Ө 38.24° indicates the presence of AuNPs. TEM analysis showed an amorphous layer around the NMP, and the average size of AuNP in the NMP/Chi/AuNP composite was 23.01 nm.
Development and Characterization of Zinc Glutarate (ZNGA) and Double Metal Cyanide (DMC) Catalyst for Bio-Based Polycarbonate Application
Authors: A'zim Mohd Aizuddin Shahmi , Hakim Raja Nazrul , Shaarani F.W. , Indok Nurul Hasyimah Mohd Amin , Yusof Z.A. Mohd , Said A.N.D.Mohd
Published: December 2022

Heterogeneous metal complex catalyst such as Zinc glutarate (ZnGA) and Zinc-Ferum Double Metal Cyanide (Zn-Fe DMC) have been shown to improve reactivity for alternating copolymerization using CO2 and epoxides. However, there are not lot of studies that have been done to study the effect of different parameter such as time and temperature on the catalytic activities of ZnGA and Zn-Fe DMC. ZnGA was treated with toluene while Zn-Fe DMC catalyst was treated with (complexing agent) tert-butanol. The main focus of this study is to synthesize ZnGA and Zn-Fe DMC at different parameter where the catalysts were produced at a variety of temperatures (50,60,70 °C) and reaction times (3h & 9h). Three different zinc-ferum ratios (1:4, 1:6, and 1:8) were developed for the Zn-Fe DMC catalyst to compare the effect of iron as metal and zinc on the active site. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine their functional elements and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET) for surface characterization and pore size. The effects of reaction parameters such as time and reaction temperature were investigated using this catalyst in an auxiliary-batch reactor. FTIR result shows that GA was successful incorporation into ZnO and the production of ZnGA catalysts. The presence of typical functional groups in the Zn–Fe DMC catalysts was also confirmed. The surface area and pore volume of ZnGA increases as the temperature and reaction time increases while Zn-Fe DMC the surface area and pore volume decrease as the ratio increases. These surface-modified catalysts can generate high-molecular-weight polymers, which benefits both the environment and industry.
First documented case of Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris nest parasitism by Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus in Spanish steppes
Authors: Barrero Adrián , Gómez-Catasús Julia , Bustillo-de la Rosa Daniel , Traba Juan , Zurdo Julia , Reverter Margarita
Published: December 2022

Interspecific brood or nest parasitism is a relatively common breeding behavior in birds. Through this reproductive tactic, brood-parasites avoid the costs associated with raising and maintaining chicks by laying their eggs in the nests of the host species in which they are specialized. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) follows this brood parasite strategy. Female cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, mimicking egg shape, size, and color of the host species. In this paper we report the first documented case of parasitism of tawny pipit nests by the common cuckoo in Spanish steppe habitats, where no record of parasitism on this species has been reported to date.
Electric wire as an aid for masturbation: Report of a case with review of literature
Authors: Pal Dilip Kumar , Kamble Vaibhav
Published: December 2022

Masturbation by insertion of electric wire is rarely reported in the literature. Here, we are presenting a case of electric wire in the urinary bladder, which was inserted as an aid to masturbation.
Analysis of expression pattern of proteins associated with AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in kidney cancer development
Authors: Satardey Ritesh , Yadav Ravi , Das Madhusudan , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression status, reciprocal interplay, and prognostic significance of AKT1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in AKT/mechanistic target of the rapamycin pathway and to enable them to be studied as possible therapeutic targets.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included 25 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) operated between December 2019 and January 2022. Tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for AKT and HIF-1α. The fold changes were then calculated by ∆∆Ct method.

Results:

The included 25 ccRCC patients had 1.5-fold greater HIF-1 mRNA expression and 0.9-fold higher AKT1 gene expression in the ccRCC tissues compared to the corresponding healthy control. High, moderate, and low expression of HIF-1α was seen in 15, 6, and 1 of 25 samples, respectively. High, moderate, and low expression of p-AKT1 was seen in 18, 2, and 3 of 25 samples, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study data predicted higher gene expression as well as protein expression of HIF-1α and AKT. The proteins HIF-1α and AKT are localized in the nucleus of the RCC tumor samples compared to normal. Overexpression of these proteins might play significant roles in tumor development and differentiation as reported by others previously. This study can help clarify the biological role of HIF-1α and AKT in RCC to develop new strategies for this malignancy.
Comparison of different doses of atracurium for quality of muscle relaxation during modified rapid sequence induction in emergency laparotomy: A prospective randomised double blind study
Authors: Holkunde Roopa , Masur Shilpa , Patil Basavaraja A , Patil Chetan , Naik Dinesh , Lamani Swetha
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims:

In emergency and non-fasting patients posted for laparotomy under general anaesthesia, rapid sequence induction (RSI) is preferred, and it is routinely done by using succinylcholine or rocuronium. Using higher doses of atracurium [i.e. 3-4 times the 95% effective dose (ED95)] can provide acceptable intubating conditions in a short time. The primary objective of our study was to compare two different higher doses of atracurium to achieve good intubating conditions for RSI without using a priming dose. The secondary objective was to compare the duration of muscle relaxation using neuromuscular monitoring and haemodynamic responses during and after intubation.

Methods:

Sixty patients were enroled and randomly assigned into two groups:-, group A1 (atracurium: 0.75 mg/kg) and group A2 (atracurium: 1 mg/kg). After premedication, anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg and atracurium injections, followed by intubation within a minute by trained anaesthesiologists. Meanwhile, intubating conditions, neuromuscular monitoring using train-of-four (TOF) measurements and post-tetanic-count and haemodynamics were recorded. Data were analysed statistically by using the Chi-square test and Student’s t-test.

Results:

Excellent intubation conditions (without coughing or bucking) were attained in 56.7% of cases in group A2 and in 13.3% in group A1 (P < 0.001). Duration of muscle relaxation, measured by time until TOF is two, was more prolonged in group A2 (79.2 ± 9.2 min) than in group A1 (60.13 ± 8.7 min, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Acceptable intubating conditions can be achieved in a minute with the use of a high dose of atracurium (1 mg/kg) during RSI. Hence, atracurium can be used as an alternative drug for RSI.