bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Shortage of Healthcare Workers in the United States
Authors: Harp Jill JoAnn
Published: December 2022

This chapter discusses the current state of healthcare workers in the United States and strategies that show promise in mitigating shortages. Although some strategies involve leveraging technology, it is more important to provide students with an adequate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education prior to entering college. This would allow them to excel in the college level science classes needed to become doctors, nurses, mental healthcare professionals, physician assistants, etc., concomitant with mitigating the high attrition observed in these courses. In addition, diversity and inclusion efforts along with the invaluable role of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will also be discussed.
Advocating for Pharmacist Provider Status in the U.S. Healthcare System
Authors: Liu Yifei
Published: December 2022

When assessing the needs for a comprehensive national health system, the perspectives toward the current healthcare workforce are necessary. Pharmacists have long been integral professionals in the U.S. healthcare system. They have expanded their scope of practice to increase patients' access to care, improve patients' health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. However, they have not been recognized as healthcare providers under the Social Security Act. This chapter aims to advocate for pharmacists' provider status on the federal level. Specifically, there are three learning objectives: 1. To describe the background and efforts for pharmacists to obtain provider status; 2. To demonstrate the benefits of the expanded pharmacy practice scope using two selected pharmacy services; 3. To discuss the future of pharmacy practice.
Determinants of Portuguese Exporting Companies' Liquidity Levels
Authors: Teixeira Nuno Miguel Delicado , Brites Rui , Lisboa Inês , Galvão Rosa
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to study the variables that influence, positively or negatively, treasury management and liquidity levels required for the normal working of the analyzed companies. It was concluded that several variables studied showed significant statistical relationships with the companies' liquidity level and types of relationships that matched the initial expectations of the study. Thus, the weight of retained net income plus non-cash expenses in total net assets; the Altman discriminant analysis Z score, representative of the level of companies' financing constraints; the size of total net assets; the weight of current assets minus cash and cash equivalents in total net assets and operating profitability, showed relevant relationships with the liquidity level and can be considered determinants of this variable.
Sources of Funding for MSMEs in Developing Countries
Authors: Teixeira Nuno Miguel Delicado , Carvalho Luísa Cagica , Santos Márcia R. C. , Galvão Rosa
Published: December 2022

Access to financing for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs continues to face obstacles and difficulties. This scenario becomes even more evident when we refer to the situation of the under-development countries, where the financial system still shows tendencies that do not favor the productive sector. Thus, this chapter begins by identifying the main financing constraints faced by MSMEs in developing countries. In the following sections, and according to several international studies and reports from the world main organizations and financial institutions that support the dynamism of the economies of developing countries, are presented and characterized the sources of capital and financial innovations developed over time, that have allowed a greater integration into the formal financial system of publics such as women, young people, and rural populations. In the last seccion are presented some of success cases in Africa and a reflexion is made about recommendations of funding sources to be implemented, to boost the activity of MSMEs in emergent economies.
The Effects of Russia's 2022 Invasion of Ukraine on Global Markets
Authors: Pardal Pedro , Dias Rui Teixeira , Teixeira Nuno , Horta Nicole Rebolo
Published: December 2022

This chapter aims to test the efficient market hypothesis, in its weak form, in the capital markets of Germany (DAX), USA (Dow Jones), France (CAC 40), UK (FTSE 100), Italy (FTSE MIB), Russia (MOEX), Japan (NIKKEI 225), Canada (S&P TSX), China (Shanghai and Shenzhen), as well as the exchange rates Rouble/Canadian, Rouble/Euro, Rouble/Swiss, Rouble/UK, Rouble/US, over the period from January 2, 2017 to May 6, 2022. The time series do not exhibit normal distributions and are stationary in first differences. To answer the research question, the authors use the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method, which allows evidence of an increase in DFA exponents. Capital markets and exchange rates, for the most part, moved from equilibrium to persistent, while Russia's market in the tranquil period shows signs of equilibrium and moves to anti-persistent in the crisis period.
Community-Based Savings Groups
Authors: Silva Berta Arsénio , Santos Márcia
Published: December 2022

This study explores the potential of internal and contextual factors that contribute to the formation of village savings and loan associations and provides a testimonial of individuals that benefit from those groups in northern Mozambique, part of the community-based savings groups (CBSG). The CBSG is the improved mechanism of that community initiative aiming to facilitate the expansion of these groups and promote a savings culture through raising awareness around the importance of saving and borrowing practices as well as creating linkages for the groups to undertake other development activities. Therefore, the groups are an integrated initiative that is distinct from but complementary to common microfinance initiatives. The groups not only can enable people to access financial services but also serves as a space for members to participate in community issues and to discuss challenges in a collective manner. The main findings of the research show a replication effect resulting from the increase of members and new groups contributing to the promotion of effective financial inclusion.
A Method for Implementing ERP Software in a Brazilian Company Operating in Portugal
Authors: Candido Tarcisio Ranhel , Neto Octavio Ribeiro de Mendonca , Lima Ronaldo Gomes Dultra de
Published: December 2022

This is a case study of a Brazilian industry operating in Portugal. It is about presenting a method of how to implement ERP software in an SME (small and medium enterprise) company, its difficulties, successes, and suggestions for improvement. It is expected that an implementation of management technological tools will bring beneficial financial results in SME business progress. An implementation of technological tools for management brings homogenization and accelerates production of management information, which are essential for SMEs to have access a more competitive rate operations and reduce default risk. In the development of this work, a framework for ERP software implementation was used, associated to a research method called design science research (DSR), which allowed a deepening of issues related to design and project planning, execution, change, management of culture change, and perceived reflexes after ERP implementation.
Start-Ups in the Czech Republic and Europe
Authors: Krulický Tomáš , Machová Veronika
Published: December 2022

This chapter will deal with start-ups and a comparison of their position in the Czech Republic and EU. At the beginning of the chapter, the concept of start-ups will be defined. Then their market status will be described (statistics on the number of start-ups). Furthermore, statistics on the development and number of start-ups in the Czech Republic and other European countries will be presented. The text will explain the perceived value of a start-up in terms of its potential for future profitability.
Are We Followed in the Digital World?
Authors: Yolcu Pelin
Published: December 2022

A digital footprint is simply defined as the trace of users' online activities. Another definition explains the digital footprint as the trace left by the online and offline activities of users electronically in electronic media (database, server, etc.). Social media shares, web pages visited, e-mails sent, and online games played are some of the parts that make up the digital footprint. In short, the records of the interaction between the individual and the virtual electronic world constitute the digital footprint. In this direction, the aim of this study is to determine the digital footprint awareness of university students and to determine their general views on the digital footprint, and the time they spend in electronic tools and environments.
Heartfulness Meditation
Authors: Sheikh Anjum Nazir Qureshi , Urkude Manisha
Published: December 2022

The advancement of technology has increased the usage of the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Many people face health and psychological issues due to overuse of social media. So, there is a need to promote techniques of a healthy lifestyle for the people, especially the youth. After studying the ill effects of social media and excessive phone usage by the youth, the authors have tried to use heartfulness to reduce the impact of the digital world on their physical and mental health. If we can train our minds properly, we can avoid unwanted thoughts and focus inward. But we have to know the correct techniques to train our minds. The heart plays a very important role so by meditating on the heart one can control their thoughts. It happens only through heartfulness meditation practice. Meditation helps us to improve sleep quality and sound sleep gives us a healthy lifestyle. By regular practice of heartfulness meditation, one can have better awareness and self-control by which the health of an individual remains good.
Crypto Mining Attacks on Cyber Security
Authors: Kara Ilker , Hasgul Emre
Published: December 2022

The increase in popularity of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the last decade has led cyber attackers to develop various methods. Today, countless blockchain and cryptocurrency system applications and technologies target user accounts and information systems through cryptocurrency hacking malware. Especially with off-the-shelf mining scripts readily available from untraceable cryptocurrencies (e.g., Monero and Zcash), crypto-hacking malware has become an indispensable method for attackers. This study focuses on the mechanism and detection and analysis of crypto miner malicious software attacks. In addition, precautions that can be taken to protect against crypto miner malicious software attacks are presented.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Technology in Transportation Among Logistics Service Providers
Authors: Raja Ruthramathi , Venkatachalam Sivakumar
Published: December 2022

Digitalization is the use of digital technologies to change a business model and give new profit and value-producing openings; it's the development of moving to a digital business. Digital shipping refers to advanced operations that aim to give ground-breaking forces recounting dissimilar modes of transport and business procedure. Transportation technology points are to reuse and partake information that can prevent vehicle collisions, keep the industry moving, and reduce environmental impacts. Transportation is the association of material across the Earth's face by irrigating, wind, ice, or graveness. It includes the physical process of traction (dragging), suspense (being carried), and saltation (bouncing) and the chemical process of the result. Emerging technologies are technologies that are apparent as proficient in altering the status are robotics, artificial intelligence, drones, IoT, GPS, blockchain, cloud computing, etc. The objectives is to recognize the factor moving transportation costs and the application of digital technologies in the transport sector.
ICT Penetration and Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Karabetyan Lina
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurial activity is a critical factor for performance of firms and economies. Therefore, firms and governments try to create an entrepreneurial environment given positive economic and social gains of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, governments stimulate the entrepreneurial activities through financial and legal incentives. This study investigates the mutual interaction between ICT penetration and entrepreneurial activity in 13 high income countries for the 2002-2018 period by a panel causality test which considers the cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. The results of panel level causality analysis reveal a bidirectional causal interaction between ICT penetration and entrepreneurial activity. However, the results of country level causality analysis uncover that interaction between ICT penetration and entrepreneurial activity differs among higher income countries depending on country specific characteristics.
The Impact of Digitalization on Innovation
Authors: Sezgin Funda Hatice
Published: December 2022

Today, the relationship between science and technology is one of mutual interaction, with technology developing on the basis of science, and developing technology opening up new fields of science, which in turn play a driving role in new technologies and innovative activities. The decisive role of science and technology in the process of economic development increases day by day and it is seen that all countries are in an increasingly intense search for science and technology policy. In the rapidly globalizing world economy, countries' conscious efforts and policy-making searches are intensifying on scientific and technological advances, which are among the main factors determining the competitive advantage of nations. In this study, the impact of digitalization on innovation for Euro Area countries is determined using panel regression. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that digitalization indicators have a statistically significant positive relationship on innovation.
Conceptual-Theoretical Approaches to the Ecology of Organizations
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Vargas-González Omar C.
Published: December 2022

This study aims to analyze the conceptual and theoretical approaches to ecology of organizations from the assumption that the unit of analysis of the ecology of organizations can be described, analyzed, and explained from different frameworks of reference. The method employed is the analytically referential and reflective of the main characteristics of the different perspectives already systematized in the theoretical and empirical research literature. It is concluded that the unit of analysis of the ecology of organizations in both the internal and external environments can be approached to be systematized from the perspectives of the open systems, the evolutionary theory, institutional and functionalist, and structural and community theories.
Being a Post-Learner With Virtual Worlds
Authors: Şahin Ferhan , Doğan Ezgi
Published: December 2022

Transhumanism, which emerges as a movement of thought, stands out with the developments such as artificial organs, brain-to-brain knowledge and learning transfer and smart robots in the 21st century. One of these technologies, where we see early applications with the goal of reaching the post-human, is the virtual worlds. Some features of the post-humans, which can now be experienced through 3 dimensional immersive virtual worlds in a certain scale, also reveal the fact that the existing virtual worlds are a limited simulation of a transhumanist future. While the virtual worlds and transhumanism perspective is expected to be effective in various areas of human life, it will be inevitable for these effects to manifest themselves in learning processes. In this sense, evaluation of surrounding learning by virtual worlds is the main objective of this chapter. For this purpose, virtual worlds in transhumanism age were tried to be evaluated under learning context by using anime series and film samples which are yet considered as sci-fi.
Factors Affecting Learner Collaboration in 3D Virtual Worlds
Authors: Kozlova Iryna
Published: December 2022

This chapter explores factors affecting learner collaboration by observing the performance of eight English as a foreign language (EFL) learners collaborating on tasks in a 3D virtual world (3D VW) over a period of six weeks. Students used an audio channel to interact with their peers and a text-based channel to make notes on a collaboration board. Their performance was recorded using Camtasia Relay, a screen-capture software, and then transcribed. Data analysis revealed that students' collaboration skills improved over time. The factors that facilitated collaboration included (1) learners and instructors' familiarity with 3D VWs, (2) learners' familiarity with the format of the learning activity, (3) learners' experience with the spontaneous use of the second language (L2), and (4) instructors' use of pedagogical techniques that facilitated collaboration. These results suggest that for students to benefit from collaborative learning, both learners and instructors need to be prepared for this type of instruction.
The Use of Network-Based Virtual Worlds in Second Language Education
Authors: Peterson Mark , Wang Qiao , Mirzaei Maryam Sadat
Published: December 2022

This chapter reviews 28 learner-based studies on the use of network-based social virtual worlds in second language learning published during the period 2007-2017. The purpose of this review is to establish how these environments have been implemented and to identify the target languages, methods used, research areas, and important findings. Analysis demonstrates that research is characterized by a preponderance of small-scale studies conducted in higher education settings. The target languages most frequently investigated were English, Spanish, and Chinese. In terms of the methodologies adopted, analysis reveals the majority of studies were qualitative in nature. It was found that the investigation of learner target language production, interaction, and affective factors represent the primary focus of research. Although positive findings relating to the above areas have been reported, the analysis draws attention to gaps in the current research base. The researchers provide suggestions for future research.
Participating on More Equal Terms?
Authors: Deutschmann Mats , Steinvall Anders , Wang Airong
Published: December 2022

This chapter investigates the potential effects of unequal power relations on participation in a group of student teachers and invited professionals in two collaborative workshops in Second Life. The basic research enquiry addresses whether the relative anonymity afforded by virtual world environments has an effect on established power structures, thereby empowering relatively powerless language learners to more active participation than would be the case in more traditional learning set-ups. The data includes recordings, group reflections, and individual questionnaires. Participation was examined from the aspects of floor space, turn length, and utterance functions, and complemented with student reflections. The results show that the differences of floor space and turn length between the invited professionals and the students were small. The invited professionals did more conversational management than the students, while the students performed more supportive speech acts. No major gender differences in participation were found. There was, however, considerable individual variation.
The Avatar as a Self-Representation Model for Expressive and Intelligent Driven Visualizations in Immersive Virtual Worlds
Authors: Demirdjian Colina , Demirdjian Hripsime
Published: December 2022

One could argue that the “self” as a human entity will be affected by the desire for more intelligence-driven products and creations. The avatar acts as an agent that unlocks the pathway to a better version of the human self. The true power of the avatar is beyond the comprehension of those that see it as a replica or a clone of a human. Rather, for those that look through the lens of the future, the avatar has the power(s) that mankind ultimately desires in their fulfilment of selfhood. To this end, the perception of the avatar needs to be reconsidered in order to appropriately recognise the avatar's multi-dimensional advantages and opportunities it holds for society and how it enhances the human condition. This paper creates a backdrop for understanding the avatar in the connected modalities of the real and virtual state of environments. This paper will also attempt to tackle the connected conditions that emerge as avatar-to-avatar interaction happens through the works of current research to understand the avatar more in-depth.
Avatar Teaching and Learning
Authors: Lawrence Geoff , Ahmed Farhana
Published: December 2022

This chapter examines the pedagogical potential of immersive social virtual worlds (SVWs) in language teaching and learning. Recognizing the language learning affordances of immersive virtual environments, this research examines a study analyzing the beliefs and practices of ‘Karelia Kondor', an avatar-learner and teacher of languages with a decade of diverse experiences in Second Life (SL), one of the first widely used SVWs. Findings highlight the relevance of a hyper-immersive and emotionally engaging conceptual model informing language teaching approaches within these rapidly evolving environments. When supported pedagogically, the activities illustrated demonstrate the potential of these immersive approaches to create communities of practice and affinity spaces by fostering investment and autonomy in the language learning process through shared target language experiences. The chapter concludes with a summary of pedagogical insights to inform the use of these hyper-immersive environments in language teaching and learning.
POV in XR
Authors: Weston Eve
Published: December 2022

This chapter will introduce and explain the applications of a taxonomy for discussing point of view (POV) in XR. The simple designations of first, second, and third person that are used to categorize books, movies, and video games don't cover all the options and combinations available in immersive media. Accordingly, XR requires a new taxonomy that will allow for clear communication about content and experiences. This chapter will do three things: (1) present the four main POV tiers: narrative, visual, effectual, and experiential; (2) address less common tiers and how they might be incorporated and acknowledged in future XR experiences; and (3) show the taxonomy in action by using it to describe contemporary XR content.
Deterioration Mechanisms
Authors: Ahmed Harby Ezzeldin
Published: December 2022

Historical textiles in Egyptian museums are exposed to many different forms of damage, such as biological, chemical, and physicochemical factors. They are also exposed to dirt and various stains. These factors cause damage to historical textiles, including changing the pH, weakening of historical textiles, and increasing fragility. Therefore, modern technology contributes to the maintenance and restoration of historical textiles, which helps in the sustainability of historical textiles in Egyptian museums. In this chapter, the role of various damage factors and their impact on historical Egyptian textiles will be clarified through the writer's practical experience, which spanned more than 20 years in the field of restoration and preservation of historical textiles. Practical experiences of using modern technology and its applications in the field of preserving historical Egyptian textiles will also be presented.
Improving the Disseminations of Boiler Tube Material T-SA213-T-11 at High Temperature Behavior of CNT Reinforced NiCrAlY with HVOF
Authors: Nalini Kumari J. , Jegadeeswaran N. , Raju B.S.
Published: December 2022

It is pertinent to mention here that the high temperature behaviour of CNT-reinforced NiCrAlY with CNT 3%, 5% and 7% with HVOF on T-SA213-T-11 steel at 600°C temperature in molten salt environment has never been studied. Thus, the present research was conducted to provide useful results for the application of CNT-reinforced composite coatings at high elevated temperatures are underwent low porosity, opaque coatings, they are more viscid in nature and are due to its low porosity, high dense coatings, more adhesive in nature and strong bond. Kinematics hot corrosion, oxidation and erosion are to be analyzed by the attainment of mass gain after each and every progression under thermogravimetric studies (1hour heating and 20 minutes cooling). Results will be achieved by using visual examination, and advanced microscopy like XRD and SEM/EDS analysis. Keywords: High temperature, hot corrosion, Thermal spray coatings HVOF, XRD and SEM/EDS analysis.
A Study of Thermal Stability and Degradation Kinetics of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)/Sol-Gel Silica (SiO2) Hybrid Materials
Authors: Md Yusof Fahmi Asyadi , Abd Somad Nur Shazwani , Tajudin Zulhafiz , Che Harun Noor Faizah , Ong Siew Kooi
Published: December 2022

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been widely used in the production of composite materials because it is inexpensive, easy to process, good mechanical properties and environmentally friendly. Despite its advantages, MCC has disadvantages such as poor thermal stability, hygroscopic and poor compatibility with hydrophobic materials. Understanding the thermal behavior of MCC is important because thermal degradation occurs at different rates and directly affects the final product. In this study, the MCC/ SiO2 hybrid materials were prepared using in-situ sol-gel synthesis, followed by the investigation of their thermal stability and degradation kinetics using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Degradation kinetics were analysed using two model-free analysis (i.e. Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, FWO and modified Coats-Redfern, CRm) to evaluate the degradation behaviour (conversion degree (α) of 0.1 to 0.8) and activation energies (Ea) of MCC, MCC/ sol-gel silica (MCC/SiO2) and modified MCC (mMCC/SiO2) at heating rates (β) of 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C/min. Thermal stability results showed that the presence of silica on MCC had no influence on the degradation temperature of the hybrid material however, it slightly shifted the Tonset to higher values. The presence of silica also increased the final residue of the hybrid, especially in mMCC/SiO2 samples. DTG curves clearly show that all samples exhibited one step degradation process. The kinetics study assumed that all samples has single reaction mechanism as the fitted line was parallel in almost all conversion degrees (α) in both FWO and CRm methods. Ea calculated for MCC, MCC/SiO2 and mMCC/SiO2 are in good fit with both FWO and CRm model where the R2 observed more than 0.97. Ea was increased in both methods, MCC/SiO2 and mMCC/SiO2 as compared to MCC, which implied that the addition of sol-gel silica to MCC could promote a stepwise degradation.
Modification of Thermoresponsive Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) End-Group with Hydrophilic and/or Hydrophobic Compounds Tuned the LCST
Authors: Zulkifli Adrina , Abdullah Mohd Awis , Hashim Nur Hanin Rasyidah , Md Yusof Fahmi Asyadi , Kahar Haniza , Che Harun Noor Faizah
Published: December 2022

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is one of the most well-known thermoresponsive polymers that exhibits a reversible coil-to-globule transition in aqueous solution at lower critical solution temperature (LCST) (32°C). PNIPAAm behave as an extended coil form in an aqueous solution below the LCST, meanwhile, above the LCST, it shrinks into a globule form. The LCST of PNIPAAm could be tune when it is chemically modified with hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic compound. In this study, modifications of PNIPAAm end-group with maleimide or phenyl maleimide compounds were prepared and their LCST behaviours were investigated. One end-group of synthesized poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-chain transfer agent (PNIPAAm-CTA) was modified with maleimide or phenyl maleimide compound through aminolysis reaction to form PNIPAAm-Maleimide (PNIPAAm-M) and PNIPAAm-Phenyl maleimide (PNIPAAm-PhM). Maleimide is a hydrophilic compound, and phenyl maleimide is a slight hydrophobic compound were used in this study. The modification with hydrophilic compound will higher the LCST of PNIPAAm. The slight hydrophobic of phenyl maleimide compound will decrease the LCST. In this study, the successfulness of aminolysis process of PNIPAAm-CTA were determined through the fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Moreover, the LCST behavior of PNIPAAm-CTA, PNIPAAm-M and PNIPAAm-PhM were determined through light scattering intensity analysis. The results indicated that upon heating the solutions of PNIPAAm-CTA, PNIPAAm-M and PNIPAAm-PhM in 10 mM HEPES solution pH 7.4 at 25°C–40°C, PNIPAAm-CTA, and PNIPAAm-PhM solutions started to increase their light intensities at 35°C and PNIPAAm-M at 36°C, respectively. To conclude, modification of PNIPAAm end-group with hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic compound could tune their LCST.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Natural Magnetic Particles/Chitosan Composite Material Impregnated with Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Permatasari Defia Indah , Rusdiarso Bambang , Nuryono Nuryono
Published: December 2022

Natural magnetic particles/chitosan/CuNPs (NMP/Chi/CuNPs) have been successfully synthesized in green chemistry by impregnation of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the composite of natural magnetic particles/chitosan (NMP/Chi). Copper nanoparticles were prepared using Cu(II) solutions with varying concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM). The synthesis of CuNPs was carried out by chemical reduction with ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and chitosan as a capping agent using microwave heating. The formation of copper nanoparticles was indicated with a peak at 580-590 nm, and the optimum absorbance was obtained at a precursor concentration of 20 mM using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The NMP/Chi/CuNP(20) composite material was characterized using Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FTIR) to confirm the interaction between NMP/Chi and CuNP(20). Crystal analysis by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed the highest characteristic peak of Fe3O4 at 2θ angle 35° where the peak intensity at NMP/Chi/CuNP(20) decreased compared to NMP and NMP/chi. The mean crystallite sizes of NMP and NMP/Chi were obtained at 8.33 nm and 64.95 nm, respectively. Morphology and elemental composition of composite materials with Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) showed that CuNP 20 was successfully impregnated in NMP/Chi and contained the main elements, namely C, N, O, Fe, and Cu. Using TEM analysis, the shape of the NMP/Chi/CuNP(20) particles is similar to that of CuNP(20), which is spherical, and the particle size was 32.95 nm. The material is potential as an easily separable antibacterial agent in water using an external magnet.
Influence of Mechanical Activation on the Formation of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) at Lower Temperature
Authors: Dioktyanto Mudzakkir , Noviyanto Alfian , Yuwono Akhmad Herman
Published: December 2022

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) is an important material which require high temperature of 1600°C in its solid-state reaction. To lower this temperature, mechanical activation process has applied to the system which make the crystal arrangement broken thus make it more reactive. This process results in homogeneous and fine particle distribution of Al2O3 and Y2O3 compared to manually mixed powders. Moreover, milling process also reduce the particle size of the Al2O3 and Y2O3 from 4694 nm and 349 nm down to 274 nm. This also lessen the crystallite size of Al2O3 and Y2O3 from 1010 and 164 Å to 310 and 50 Å respectively. Then, after calcination at 1100°C, the milled powders form YAG phase in the opposite of manually mixed powders which form YAM phase. YAG formed have nearly round shape with finer grain compared to manually mixed powders which still has large grain of Al2O3 and Y2O3. This formation temperature is much lower than the require conventional solid-state reaction.
An unusual case of Miller Fisher syndrome with unilateral 3rd nerve palsy and rapid recovery following intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Ranasinghe K. M. I. U. , Senanayake S. , Waidyasekara J.
Published: December 2022

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is an immune mediated neuropathy commonly triggered by an infection. It is considered as a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Although bilateral ophthalmoplegia is the commonest ocular involvement in MFS, there are reported cases of unilateral ophthalmoplegia. MFS has a benign course and treatment is not required in majority of cases unless there is a life threatening complication.
We report an unusual case of MFS, presented with isolated right sided oculomotor nerve palsy with pupillary involvement, ataxia and areflexia. Patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) achieving a remarkable recovery by five days of treatment. We believe this is a treatment effect rather than the natural course of her illness. Although it is rare, MFS should be included in the differential diagnosis of unilateral 3rd nerve palsy with pupillary involvement, especially when associated with ataxia or areflexia. Having a low threshold to initiate IVIG in MFS may accelerate the recovery with a positive impact on patient’s functional status.
Epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in Sri Lanka – A single centre experience
Authors: Bandara H. , Weerathunge T. , Athapaththu H. , Dharmasena D. , Wanigarathne D. , Gunasena B. , Perera E. , Kularatne S.
Published: December 2022

Introduction and objectives: Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a spectrum of chronic progressive lung disease with similar clinical and radiological features as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics of CPA in Sri Lankan patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 43 patients with the diagnosis of CPA in the National Hospital of Respiratory Diseases, Welisara, Sri Lanka. Epidemiological, clinical, and radiological data were gathered through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and patient records.
Results: The median age of the population was 61 years and 76.7% were men. Smoking and alcohol consumption were common among them, the odds ratios were not significant for the common types of CPA. The odds ratio was significant (11.73, 95% CI- 1.34- 102.2) for betel and arecanut chewing for the occurrence of the commonest type of CPA. Most of the patients (72.1%) had a personal history of PTB but majority of them (54.9%) did not have a microbiological diagnosis of TB. In the spectrum of CPA, the fibrosing type was the commonest (39.5%) followed by the cavitary type (27.9%). Both lungs were affected in 46.5% of cases, whereas the right lung was commonly involved in unilateral diseases. Itraconazole was the commonest antifungal agent used for treatment.
Conclusions: Fibrosing and cavitary types were the commonest types of CPA in the study population.
Predilection of right lung involvement in unilateral CPA is another finding of this study. Betel and arecanut consumption may be a potential risk factor that needs confirmation through large-scale studies.
A glimpse of fever, bites, and stings from bed to the bench: A journey through decades
Authors: Kularatne S. A. M.
Published: December 2022

No abstract available
Dengue viral infection: untangling the host-viral knot
Authors: Perera Nilanka
Published: December 2022

Dengue virus (DENV) infections cause significant morbidity worldwide. The complex host-viral interactions affecting viral replication and the host immune response result in variable disease severity in affected individuals. This oration describes the effect of DENV on the host stress response that occurs due to the overwhelming proteins trafficking in a cell during infection. Unfolded protein response (UPR), by the cell attempt to reduce this protein burden of the cell and avoid cell death. However, DENV preferentially activates some of the arms of this host response to increase virus replication and increase inflammatory mediator production.
Studies performed during the last few years on identifying this UPR and effect on oxidative stress in relevant primary cells in vitro are described in an attempt to understand the DENV disease pathogenesis better. Furthermore, these basic science findings were expanded to identify novel markers that could predict severe disease in clinical samples. These studies which identified transcripts and proteins as disease markers to predict dengue haemorrhagic fever in patients during early dengue infection are summarized. In addition, use of a class of drug, iminosugars that affect these host responses including oxidative stress is described as a host-directed approach in treating DENV infection. Overall, this reports how host responses could be exploited by DENV for pathogenesis and how we can use these markers as diagnostics and design host-directed therapy.
Picture quiz in respiratory medicine
Authors: Jayasekara Ruwanthi
Published: December 2022

No abstract available
Picture quiz – answers
Authors: Jayasekara Ruwanthi
Published: December 2022

No abstract available
Potential of neem oil extract® against Palmetto weevil larvae, Rhynchophorus cruentatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its impact on some detoxification enzymes
Authors: Gabr B. , Lemmons J.M. , El-Bokl M.M.
Published: December 2022

Palmetto weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is considered the giant weevil in North America (Weissling & Giblin-Davis, 1997). It is a severe pest of palm trees, especially cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). Larval stages feed heavily on the internal palm soft tissues causing total palm loss (Hunsberger et al., 2000). We know that reports about controlling this pest are very scarce. This research project focuses, for the first time, on controlling Rhynchophorus cruentatus via plant-based insecticides. This study examined the potential of using neem oil extract®, a commercial product, against the third-instar larvae of palmetto weevil (R. cruentatus). Impacts of neem oil extract® on mortality, larval weight, the activity of detoxification enzymes, and thei gene expression levels were examined. Neem oil extract® manifested dose-dependent larvicidal activity against the third-instar larvae of R. cruentatus. Investigations revealed higher mortality and reduction in weight 24 hours post-treatment. LC50 and LC90 values were estimated 24 h post-treatment to be 12.04% and 26.48%, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed increasing activities of three detoxification enzymes (Acetylcholinesterase, Glutathione S-transferase, and Superoxide dismutase) in the third-instar larvae after 8 h of treatment with LC50. A significant elevation in the expression levels of detoxification genes (Acetylcholinesterase, Glutathione S-transferase, Cytochrome P450, and Superoxide dismutase) was recorded in the treated larva. Our findings help to underline the detoxification mechanisms of R. cruentatus larva against neem oil extract® at both biochemical and molecular levels. Thus, neem oil extract® had a lethal potential against third-instar larvae of R. cruentatus and is suggested as a safe bioinsecticide that may be used in IPM of palm trees as an alternative to chemical insecticides.
Quantifying the invisible: pXRF analyses of three boreholes, British Columbia and Ontario
Authors: Knight R D , Russell H A J
Published: December 2022

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology collects geochemical data at a fraction of the cost of traditional laboratory methods. Although the pXRF spectrometer provides concentrations for 41 elements, only a subset of these elements meet the criteria for
definitive, quantitative, and qualitative data. However, high-quality pXRF data obtained by correct application of analytical protocols, can provide robust insight to stratigraphy and sediment characteristics that are often not observed by, for example, visual core logging, grain size analysis, and
geophysical logging. We present examples of geochemical results obtained from pXRF analysis of drill core samples from three boreholes located in Canada, that demonstrate: 1) Definitive stratigraphic boundaries observed in geochemical changes obtained from 380 analyses collected over 150 m of core,
which intersects three Ordovician sedimentary formations and Precambrian granite. These boundaries could not be reconciled by traditional visual core logging methods. 2) Significant elemental concentration changes observed in 120 samples collected in each of two ~120 m deep boreholes located in
a confined paleo-glacial foreland basin. The collected geochemical data provide insight to sediment provenance and stratigraphic relationships that were previously unknown. 3) Abrupt changes in the geochemical signature in a subset of 135 samples collected from a 151 m deep borehole intersecting
Quaternary glacial derived till, sands, and ahomogeneous silt and clay succession. These data provide a platform for discussion on ice sheet dynamics, changes in depositional setting, and changes in provenance. Results from each of these studies highlights previously unknown (invisible) geological
information revealed through geochemical analyses. A significant benefit of using pXRF technology is refining sampling strategies in near real time and the ability to increase sample density at geochemical boundaries with little increase in analysis time or budget. The data also provide an
opportunity to establish a chemostratigraphic framework that complements other stratigraphic correlation techniques, including geophysical methods. Overall, data collected with pXRF technology provide new insights into topics such as spatial correlations, facies changes, provenance changes, and
depositional environment changes.
User-friendly toolkits for geoscientists: how to bring geology experts to the public
Authors: Bécu V , Sappin A -A , Larmagnat S
Published: December 2022

A growing number of countries are committed toreduce their carbon emissions and are transitioning towards renewable and clean energy sources, leading to an in crease in demand formetals and minerals. This is especially the case for a short list of what are called
"critical minerals" which are considered essential to economic development, including the transition to a low-carbon economy and national security. There liability of their supply chain raises concerns considering geological scarcity, difficulty to extract and/or political factors influencing their
availability. At the same time, public awareness and perception of geoscience are eroding and there is more and more reluctance towards mining projects, even from traditionally favourable communities. To face this challenge, promote public interest and outline the contribution of geological science
to society, geoscientists of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC-Québec) have designed and put together a portable display that includes a suite of mineral and metal samples considered critical for the sustainable success of Canada's transition towards a clean and digital economy. The display
is a user-friendly toolkit that can be used by any GSC geoscientists during outreach activities, in classrooms as well as during public open houses. It comes with straightforward pedagogic material and content, along with presentation scenarios. To broaden and adapt the workshops to specific
expectations, additional toolkits were developed and all are contained within easy to carry travel cases. These cover a variety of topics and can be presented as stand-alone displays or be used complementary to one another. For example, the "Mines and minerals" collection may serve as a supplement
to the "Critical minerals" display to present every day objects in which minerals are used as well as ores amples from active mines to illustrate the intertwining between mining activities and our everyday lives. Another display covers the ever-popular fossils thematic with the "Sedimentary rocks
and fossils" collection and gives an opportunity to address key geoscience themes such as life evolution and biological crisis along with groundwater reservoirs and resources. The "Magmatic rocks" display touches on the formation of rocks from magmas, the different types and active processes of
volcanoes, and discusses the risks and benefits related to volcanic activity. Hopefully, these four ready-to-use portable displays will encourage more GSC geoscientists to engage in public oriented activities to make geosciences more accessible, change perceptions and offer an overall tangible
scientific experience for people.
Condiciones de vida y pobreza multidimensional: un marco para el análisis del bienestar de la infancia en España
Authors: Formoso-Silva María , Varela-Crespo Laura , Caballo-Villar María Belén
Published: December 2022

El artículo describe las condiciones de vida de la infancia en situación de pobreza en España desde una perspectiva multidimensional. Para ello, se realiza una aproximación a cada una de las dimensiones, componentes e indicadores de bienestar infantil a partir de datos secunda­rios procedentes de fuentes estadísticas e in­formes de entidades y organismos vinculados al estudio de la pobreza. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que los niños con menores recursos presentan niveles de privación superiores en comparación con aquellos de mayor nivel ad­quisitivo. Un análisis que pone de relieve el im­pacto de la pobreza económica en su vida coti­diana, pero que necesita combinarse con otros indicadores que examinen el bienestar desde un enfoque multidimensional, a fin de abordar las diferentes manifestaciones de la pobreza en su complejidad. Se concluye aludiendo a la ne­cesidad de promover políticas específicas que tengan en cuenta los derechos de la infancia.
Las escrituras mapuche sobre la autodeterminación y la nación: buscando los antecedentes de un debate en las letras del movimiento (1990-2010)
Authors: Antileo Enrique
Published: December 2022

Este artículo tiene como propósito indagar en las escrituras individuales y colectivas mapuche entre 1990 y 2010 a partir de dos conceptos y, al mismo tiempo, dar relevancia a las principales autorías que fueron parte de este debate. El análisis pretende comprender las características, la importancia y significado del concepto de autodeterminación de los pueblos en el pensamiento político mapuche contemporáneo, así como estudiar los usos de la idea de nación. Metodológicamente se constituye desde un corpus escritural presente de diversos medios de comunicación mapuche, particularmente boletines, revistas y periódicos, encontrados en diferentes archivos. A nivel teórico, se asienta en la discusión entre el principio de autodeterminación y su aplicación para los derechos indígenas y sobre la cuestión de la nación.