bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Net to Reduce the Entomological Indices in Dengue-Endemic Areas in Balikpapan, Indonesia
Authors: Febriana Ike Helena , Ansariadi Ansariadi , Ishak Hasanuddin , Maria Ida Leida , Aminuddin Ridwan , Pamantouw Agnees
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND: Drums and cisterns are ubiquitous water storages in Indonesian households, seldom being drained and left open to create access for the rainwater, providing a favorable breeding site for dengue vector. The bigger the container, the more it produces immature mosquitoes that are soon to be mature, increasing the entomological indices and raising the potency of cases in the area. Previous studies revealed that the net covering the reservoir was able to effectively protect the water from mosquito oviposition; therefore, a modification of the net was made.

AIM: The aim of this study is to discover whether the net as a cover for water containers is effective in reducing the entomological indices in dengue-endemic areas.

METHODS: The quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest control group design, involved 3 intervention and 3 control clusters, 150 houses which have 672 water-holding containers with 116 large containers were intervened with non-insecticide tulle nets for 3 months. The larval presence data were performed by larval survey.

RESULTS: It revealed that net reduced the container index (CI) in intervened large containers 18%–84% as well as the environment entomological indices in general in study areas: CI decreased 75%–79%, house index decreased 65%–70%, and Breteau index decreased 75.5%–78.7%, while Free Larva Index rose 73.7%–88%.

CONCLUSIONS: The nets had lowered the CI in the intervened large container and affected the entomological indices of the surrounding environment, by blocking the mosquitos-water contact and preventing the young mosquitos that had developed in the containers from flying out.
Status of Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission after Two Additional Rounds of Filariasis Mass Drug Administration: A Case Study in Pekalongan City, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nurjazuli Nurjazuli , Saraswati Lintang Dian , Kusariana Nissa , Supali Taniawati
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease caused by mosquito-containing filarial worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. World Health Organization (WHO) had set up the global program to interrupt transmission with mass drug administration and manage morbidity and prevent disability.
AIM: This study aimed to determine the status of LF transmission in Pekalongan City after two additional rounds of mass drug administration. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pekalongan City, Indonesia.
METHOD: Three villages had been selected purposively as study sites: free, non-endemic, and endemic of LF as more than 600 finger blood samples were taken from study participants in the night between 21:00 and 01:00. Laboratory testing for microfilaria examination was conducted in Bendan and Bedono Public Health Center Pekalongan, Indonesia. Mosquitoes were collected in three areas of the study site from the middle of the night until the morning. Identification and biomolecular examination of caught mosquitoes used a polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was made using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software.
RESULT: This research found two microfilaria positive samples from 600 finger blood samples examined (microfilariae rate: 0.33%). There were four positive reactions to filaria. The identified mosquito species consisted of Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vashnui, and Aedes aegypti. Aedes aegypti was only confirmed filaria positive.
CONCLUSION: A non-endemic village was only found one blood sample positive, but blood and mosquito sample positive were found in endemic villages. It seemed that LF transmission was still in running di endemic village in Pekalongan City.
The predictive role of fully revascularized coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transaortic valve implantation
Authors: Pencheva R. , Shabani J. , Trendafilova D. , Jorgova J. , Angelov H. , Simeonov P. , Dimitrova I.
Published: June 2022

In the modern days and the era of the rapid development of medical technology, the introduction of innovative invasive methods of treatment is gradually displacing traditional conventional surgery. In 2002 was performed the fi rst transcatheter implantation of an aortic valve. Over the next twenty years, with the advancement of technology and the accumulation of experience in clinical centers, transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become the standard in adult and high-risk patients with high-grade Ao stenosis. In a large percentage of cases enrolled under the transcatheter aortic valve protocol a concomitant ischemic heart disease is detected or known. Globally, there is no signifi cant difference in overall mortality on the thirtieth day after TAVI in patients with ischemic heart disease. However, the overall mortality was signifi cantly higher in one – year follow - up of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with underlying coronary pathology. We conducted a study comparing the number of late and early adverse events in patients with concomitant fully revascularized ischemic heart disease and those with insignifi cant coronary atherosclerosis. Based on the data collected, analyzed and summarized in our clinical center, fully revascularized ischemic heart disease does not increase the percentage of major adverse events after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It can be considered when assessing the risk of transcatheter aortic implantation, as part of the individual approach for each case.
Balloon expandable vs. self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis short-term results of retrospective study
Authors: Angelov Hr. , Simeonov P. , Krastev P. , Abedinov F. , Jorgova J. , Trendafilova D.
Published: June 2022

Transcutaneous aortic valve implantation has been established as an effective method for the treatment of highgrade aortic stenosis in non-operative, high-risk for conventional surgery patients. According to the developed implantation technologies, the prostheses are divided into balloon-expandable valve prostheses (balloon-expandable valves, BEV) and self-expanding valve prostheses (self-expanding prostheses SEV). The two types of devices have different models for implantation, stratum architecture, cusps characteristics, leading to different hemodynamics, frequency of use and performance of normal prosthesis function. The research aims to monitor the short-term results, up to 1 month after discharge, in terms of mortality, the manifestation of heart failure, (para) prosthetic regurgitation, implantation of a pacemaker, and vascular complications. Materials and methods: the article presents a retrospective follow-up of a total of 230 high-risk for conventional cardiac surgery patients with high-grade aortic stenosis treated in a cardiology clinic at UMHAT St. Ekaterina Sofia until 2020, divided into two groups depending on the implanted type of prosthesis. Conclusions: The results obtained based on our experience prove the safety of new prostheses. When choosing between BEV and SEV, the best clinical outcome requires a good knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of using medical devices with a personalized approach consistent with the clinical and anatomical characteristics of the patient.
Qualité et efficacité de la formation sous l’angle ergologique
Authors: Durrive Louis
Published: June 2022

La réforme de la formation professionnelle met en place une certification sur la base de sept critères de qualité. Le dispositif ne prévoit pas l’évaluation des effets de la formation, laissant penser que les résultats découlent du respect des conditions initiales de l’action. Avec un éclairage ergologique, l’auteur montre que l’évaluation à l’issue d’une formation devrait d’abord prendre en compte l’évolution du point de vue de l’apprenant sur son travail, car celui-ci ne cesse de retravailler les ressources transmises.
La qualité de la formation professionnelle duale en Suisse
Authors: Berger Jean-Louis , Wenger Matilde , Sauli Florinda
Published: June 2022

Afin de comprendre la qualité d’une formation par les conceptions de ses acteurs, une étude a été conduite dans le contexte de la formation professionnelle duale en Suisse romande. Par des entretiens collectifs, ont été identifiés les aspects constituant cette qualité selon les apprentis, les enseignants et les formateurs en entreprise. Les résultats montrent la diversité des aspects de la qualité et en illustrent deux : l’articulation entre lieux de formation et les pratiques formatives.
Entre œuvre et performance : réflexions sur le double statut de l’art musical
Authors: Arbo Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Au cours des dernières décennies, la musicologie nous a souvent invités à repenser la signification et le rôle de la performance musicale. En réaction à une recherche qui est restée longtemps concentrée sur l’analyse des œuvres et des répertoires, cette invitation a quelquefois pris l’allure d’une revendication de priorité ontologique : la musique devrait être pensée avant tout comme un art performatif, et donc à partir d’une étude des pratiques plutôt que des artefacts en lesquels celles-ci peuvent se matérialiser. Cet article voudrait faire ressortir le caractère partiel d’une telle approche, ainsi que de toute tentative d’établir une priorité de principe entre œuvres et performances. On y défend l’idée que la musique possède, dès ses origines et dans la plupart des manifestations qui la caractérisent, un double visage : d’un côté elle se présente comme un art de la performance, de l’autre comme un art de la trace. La prise en compte de ce double statut et des ambiguïtés qui en découlent s’avère être un préalable indispensable à une connaissance adéquate des faits musicaux, en ouvrant sur la riche multiplicité des phénomènes qui les caractérisent dans les cultures orales, écrites et phonographiques.
En-deçà de la forme et du contexte : l’étude du matériau musical
Authors: Straehli Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Cet article porte sur la tentative menée par Pierre Schaeffer pour élucider le phénomène musical par l’étude du matériau : le son lui-même, tel qu’il est perçu dans l’audition humaine. Cette étude avait pour but d’identifier les conditions auxquelles des sons deviennent de la musique. L’entreprise a été critiquée, d’une part parce qu’elle sous-estimerait le rôle de l’organisation musicale, d’autre part parce qu’elle négligerait celui du contexte historique. On peut qualifier de formaliste la première objection et de contextualiste la seconde. L’article présente la méthode de Schaeffer et ses résultats, qui n’ont pas pleinement répondu à la question qu’il se posait. Cet échec apparent peut s’expliquer soit en rappelant que la recherche n’a, de fait, jamais été menée jusqu’à son terme, soit en affirmant que la méthode était de toute façon inappropriée. Les objections formaliste et contextualiste suggèrent que cette seconde explication serait la bonne. L’article les examine toutes deux, pour conclure qu’à ce jour aucune n’a été formulée de façon vraiment convaincante. La question « Qu’est-il possible d’apprendre de la musique par l’étude de son matériau ? » reste ouverte.
Segmentations comparées : à propos des divers prismes analytiques appliqués à Density 21.5 pour flûte seule (1936) d’Edgard Varèse
Authors: Fujita Michi
Published: June 2022

Après avoir dressé un panorama des analyses de Density 21.5 , cet article met en série plusieurs segmentations de l’œuvre dans l’optique de les confronter et d’explorer comment elles situent Density 21.5 dans l’histoire du langage musical. Nous verrons que les différents concepts de motifs qui sous-tendent les analyses ainsi que l’importance structurelle qui leur est accordée influencent la segmentation. Ces observations ouvrent la discussion sur l’indépendance des paramètres (mélodie, motifs, intervalles) qui transparaît à travers la comparaison des segmentations en deux ou trois grandes parties. L’indépendance mise au jour contribue à expliquer l’ambiguïté des phrasés et le sentiment de tension du début de la pièce, ce qui est mis en évidence par la comparaison des découpages à petite échelle.
Ségrégation sociale à l’Université : des disparités académiques sur la période 2006-2016
Authors: Courtioux Pierre , Maury Tristan-Pierre , Seux Johan
Published: June 2022

Nous analysons la ségrégation sociale à l’université en France sur la période 2006-2016. Sur la base de l’indice d’exposition normalisé, nous montrons qu’au niveau national, la ségrégation se fixe à des niveaux plus faibles que ceux mis en évidence par d’autres travaux pour l’enseignement secondaire et que, contrairement à ce dernier, les niveaux de ségrégation ne sont pas systématiquement plus élevés dans les académies d’Île-de-France ou dans celles liées à une grande agglomération. Nous montrons également que le niveau de ségrégation à l’université baisse avec le niveau de diplôme au niveau national. Toutefois, cette tendance globale ne semble pas portée par l’ensemble des académies, mais plutôt par un nombre limité de grandes académies. Par ailleurs, nous montrons une très grande variabilité de la ségrégation au cours du cursus par académie, avec des académies peu ségrégées pour certains niveaux d’études et fortement pour d’autres.
Discriminations dans l’accès à l’emploi : une exploration localisée en pays Avesnois
Authors: Anne Denis , Chareyron Sylvain , Leborgne Mathilde , L’Horty Yannick , Petit Pascale
Published: June 2022

Cette étude exploite le premier test de discrimination sur le marché du travail réalisé à l’échelle de l’ensemble des entreprises d’un territoire fin : l’Avesnois, qui correspond à un arrondissement administratif de 230 000 habitants. Nous exploitons les résultats d’un test de correspondance mené sur un échantillon de près de 1 000 entreprises, tirées au sort au sein d’un ensemble de 9 000 unités légales, auxquelles nous avons proposé un couple de candidatures au début du mois d’octobre 2020. Sur ce territoire particulier et dans le contexte exceptionnel d’une situation économique très déprimée, nous ne détectons pas de discrimination selon l’origine aux seuils usuels de significativité statistique, mais nous détectons un effet de stigmate associé à un lieu de résidence dans un quartier prioritaire de la politique de la ville. Cet effet de discrimination résidentielle n’existe que pour les hommes. La pénalité induite par le lieu de résidence est donc sensible au genre.
Une analyse économique des Partenariats Public-Privé dans le port de Tripoli au Liban
Authors: Bakkour Darine , Reslane Rafif
Published: June 2022

Le partenariat public-privé est un moyen de gestion qui peut offrir des avantages par rapport aux modes de réalisation classiques des projets d’infrastructures publiques. Cet article s’intéresse à l’acceptabilité et à l’adhésion sociale à ce mode de gestion dans le cas du port de Tripoli. Il cherche à savoir s’il existe un lien de causalité entre les partenariats public-privé des infrastructures du port et l’activité portuaire. La méthodologie combine l’analyse qualitative d’un questionnaire avec 152 répondants et une analyse quantitative de données. L’approche qualitative suggère que les partenariats public-privé d’infrastructure dans le port de Tripoli ont des effets positifs sur le plan macroéconomique et permettent de concilier les intérêts des différentes parties prenantes. L’analyse quantitative montre, par une approche économétrique, qu’il existe au moins un modèle de co-intégration entre les investissements en infrastructure et l’augmentation de l’activité portuaire.
Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Factors in Idiopathic Macular Hole Presentation and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Valentim Carolina C. S. , Iyer Amogh I. , Xu Colin , Muste Justin C. , Li Ang , Singh Rishi P.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To characterize the influence of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors on idiopathic macular hole (IMH) presentation and surgical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with IMH who underwent surgical repair collected IMH data from optical coherence tomography scans as well as demographic information. Univariate and multivariate regression models interrogated relevant relationships.

RESULTS:

Of 292 eyes analyzed, 223 (76.4%) patients were White and 53 (18.2%) were Black. Mean income was $57,076.9 ± 17,794.7. Black patients presented with 0.05 mm
2
larger IMH area (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.09;
P
= .01) and 69.07 µm wider minimum linear diameter (95% CI, 15.05 to 123.10;
P
= .01). Patients with higher income presented with 3.76 µm narrower base diameter (95% CI, −6.42 to −1.09;
P
= .006).

CONCLUSIONS:

Black patients were associated with larger IMH at presentation, and higher income patients were associated with smaller IMH.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53(6): 333–344.]
Impact of Persistent Retinal Fluid in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Iyer Amogh I. , Muste Justin C , Kalur Aneesha , Talcott Katherine E. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether quantification of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) can be used as a biomarker for predicting visual prognosis in routine clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective, nonrandomized cohort study review of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration from January 1, 2012, to March 1, 2018.

RESULTS:

In the 286-patient cohort, the mean baseline, 6-month, and 12-month best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 60.24 ± 18.63, 65.57 ± 16.56, and 65.61 ± 17.37 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, respectively (
P
< .001). The regression coefficient in the linear mixed effects regression model quantifying the association between eyes in the fourth and first quartile of IRF and 12-month BCVA was −4.14 (95% CI, −6.65 to −1.63) (
P
= .001) ETDRS letters. The regression coefficient quantifying the association between eyes in the fourth and first quartile of SRF and 12-month BCVA was −0.7 (95% CI, −3.07 to 1.27) (
P
= .56) ETDRS letters.

CONCLUSION:

IRF and SRF are valuable biomarkers for BCVA outcomes in treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration in routine clinical practice.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging
2022;53:317–324.]
A Case of Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation in the Setting of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Ureter: A Failed Response to Plasmapheresis
Authors: Kiryakoza Lauren C. , Diaz J. Daniel , Priluck Joshua , Davis Janet , Yannuzzi Nicolas A.
Published: June 2022

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. Diagnosis can be difficult and treatment guidelines are ill-defined. A 73-year-old man with poorly differentiated high grade urothelial carcinoma of the ureter metastatic to the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and pelvis treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy reported gradual vision loss. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated intraretinal and subretinal fluid with hyperreflective subretinal deposits and focal, deeply pigmented choroidal lesions. Irregular hyperpigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with a “leopard spot” pattern on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) supported the diagnosis of BDUMP. Multiple plasmapheresis sessions did not result in sustained clinical improvement.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53(6): 350–353.]
Stress-strength reliability with dependent variables based on copula function
Authors: Ghalibaf Mohammad Bolbolian
Published: June 2022

The stress-strength model is a basic model in the field of reliability, but it still has some obvious limitations in many applications. Therefore, considering different aspects and using different methods to investigate the stress-strength model has been one of the main research directions of reliability. In this paper, we suppose the problem of evaluating reliability considering the stress and strength as dependent variables when the association is modeled by the copula function. By using Monte Carlo simulation, we estimate the reliability measure \begin{document}$ R $\end{document} for dependent margins by choosing various copulas and known marginal distributions to belong to a specific class of parametric models, here the Dagum family. Finally, the application of the copula-based approach in reliability modelling is illustrated using two medical data sets. The results of these two data sets show the effectiveness of this method in reliability modelling.
On two-player games with pure strategies on intervals $ [a, \; b] $ and comparisons with the two-player, two-strategy matrix case
Authors: Gambarova Zahra , Glycopantis Dionysius
Published: June 2022

We consider games of two-players with utility functions which are not necessarily linear on the product of convex and compact intervals of \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}^2 $\end{document}. An issue is how far an analogy can be drawn with two-player, two-strategy matrix games with linear utility functions, where [0, 1] registers probabilities and equilibria are at the intersection of reaction functions. Now, the idea of \begin{document}$ \delta $\end{document} functions is exploited to construct mixed strategies to look for Nash equilibria (NE). "Reaction" functions are constructed and results are obtained graphically. They are related to topological theorems on NE. The games chosen make specific points in relation to existence conditions and properties of solutions. It is a distinguishing feature that an interval [a, b] now registers both pure and mixed strategies. For NE a choice has to be justified. Also "reaction" functions are more complicated and their intersection does not guarantee an equilibrium.
Algae
Authors: Schagerl Michael
Published: June 2022

Algae encompass a phylogenetically diverse group; its members are placed in the domains Bacteria and Eukarya, in the latter dispersed in five supergroups. Contrary to common assumption, algae are found almost everywhere from aquatic to terrestrial habitats, some of them in symbiotic relationship, others thriving in harsh environments such as deserts, hot springs, or on ice. Around 45% of atmospheric oxygen is released by algae, which underlines their pivotal role in global element cycles. This high diversity is also reflected in different morphologies from microscopic single cells to parenchymatous organisms measuring several meters in size. The total species number is estimated from 70,000 to more than 10,000,000. Algae produce various valuable compounds, but this high natural potential is only marginally being used. To date, only a few taxa are commercially exploited.
Integrated Omics and Mutation in Algae
Authors: Eltanahy Eladl , Torky Aya
Published: June 2022

Algae importance is spectacularly increasing in many biotechnological applications, such as human food, animal feed, biofuels, bioplastics, bioremediation, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. With the widespread use of “omics” technologies over the past two decades, recent advanced research attempts to understand the pathways of the promising algae species by whole genomes sequencing (genomics) and revealing lipid pathways (lipidomics), microarray to study all RNA transcripts (transcriptomics), all protein sets produced by the algal cell (proteomics). DNA alteration as classical mutagenesis caused a random mutation such as ethyl methane-sulfonate as chemical mutagenic and ultraviolet radiation as a physical mutagenic. On the other hand, the CRISPR-Cas9 modern technique is used to genetically engineer a protein with maximum editing efficiency. Incorporating omics and mutations techniques helps to thoroughly understand the systems biology of algae in the new era called integrated omics.
Role of Algae in Agriculture
Authors: Zia Ul Haq Muhammad , Abdel-Kareem Mohamed S. , Ali Iftikhar , Fathy Alaa A. , Khaliq Abdul , T. El-Kenany Eman
Published: June 2022

The sustainable development of modern agriculture faces many obstacles, including biodiversity loss and environment and soil degradation. Algae possess the ability to fix carbon through photosynthesis and produce enormous biomass. The potential use of algae in bio-fertilizers, nutrient recycling, crop stimulants against abiotic stresses, and bio-control agent against plant pests provides a way forward for sustainable agriculture development. This chapter summarizes the use of algae in agriculture ranging from bio-fertilizers to crop stimulants. It is expected that the integration of algae in inputs will transform modern agriculture into a more environmentally benign and resource-efficient system, hence making it more productive.
Role of Algae in the Production of Biomaterials
Authors: Mogal Aishwarya , Gautam Shristy
Published: June 2022

Algae have drawn a significant attention for the manufacture of biomaterials with unique features and extraordinary uses because of its large yields, short growth time, and variable culture conditions. Algal polymers, blends, and combinations of biomass or algal biomolecules with other polymeric materials are examples of algae-based materials. Polysaccharides and sulfate polysaccharides such as agar, carrageenan, alginates, and polyhydroxyalkanoates are essential algal polymers. Algal and biomass polymers have improved mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility, and biodegradability when included into synthetic polymer systems. Algal-based biomaterials are interesting contenders to replace existing, non-renewable polymer materials derived from fossil fuels. This chapter discusses the numerous applications of biomaterials obtained from algae. Furthermore, as biotechnology advances, algae-based polymers, blends, and composites have found many applications in a variety of domains of human existence, ranging from medicinal applications to sophisticated technological applications.
Application of Algae in Food Science, Antioxidants, Animal Feed, and Aquaculture
Authors: Rai Monika Prakash , Lal Neelima
Published: June 2022

The commercial viability of various algal species increases with the growing demand of natural food supplements. Utilisation of algal biomass as health supplements is paving new ways in the fields of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. They also play a crucial nutritional role in livestock feed and aquaculture. Various algal species are rich sources of bioactive compounds like fatty acids, essential minerals, bioactive peptides, carotenoids, vitamins, etc. and thus has the potential to compete with their synthetic counterparts in the market. The increase in demand for high value health supplements and market trends has motivated researchers and industries in developing algal novel products containing functional ingredients. Some important algae that are used as human food, antioxidants, and nutritional supplements are reviewed in this chapter. This chapter also summarizes the role of algae in animal feed industry and aquaculture. Major challenges in the application of algae as nutraceuticals and food are also discussed along with possible future directions.
Microalgae as a Renewable Resource for Bioplastic Production
Authors: Ali Sameh , Dar Mudasir A. , El-Sheekh Mostafa , Elsamahy Tamer , Abdelfattah Abdallah , Abdelkarim Esraa , Pispas Konstantinos , Mastropetros Savvas Giannis , Zagklis Dimitris , Kornaros Michael , Sun Jianzhong
Published: June 2022

Increase in plastic waste accumulation is considered a growing concern, resulting in white pollution. It is unavoidable that an inventive method to reduce pollution will be required. Increased recycling of plastic waste is not a practical solution. Therefore, reducing petroleum-based polymer utilization is essential for environmental sustainability. Biobased polymers are gaining appeal as a promising alternative to petroleum-based polymers. Based on several studies, biobased plastics could be produced by several microbial species, particularly algal species, rather than petroleum-based polymers. Bioplastic synthesis from microalgae is a new option that calls for further studies. Algal biorefinery that integrates bioplastic complimentary activities will be investigated to determine its economic viability and environmental impact. Consequently, this chapter discusses the current status of bioplastic production technologies from microalgae species and different types of bioplastics produced by various algal species and the bioplastic material production methods from microalgae.
Towards Sustainable Use of Algae as Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Shikuku Victor Odhiambo , Achieng' George Oindo , Ssebugere Patrick
Published: June 2022

The occurrence of heavy metals, dyes, micronutrients, phenols, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCPs) in water resources continue to raise environmental concerns since they are known to cause detrimental effects on living organisms even at low concentrations. Conventional wastewater treatment plants have also been pointed out as point sources of loading these pollutants into the recipient surface waters. Because of the non-biodegradable nature of heavy metals and the stable structure of dyes and PPCPs, these pollutants are persistent in the environment. Studies have shown that algae (micro and macro) present an alternative source of low-cost, efficient, and sustainable biosorbent for the removal of various pollutants from water either singly or in synergy with other wastewater treatment processes. This chapter is a brief review of recent studies on the use of algae-based biosorbents for the sequestration of heavy metals, dyes, and PPCPs from wastewater. Microalgae and macroalgae are shown to be promising and sustainable materials for the biosorption of water pollutants.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Production From Microalgae Cultivated in Wastewater
Authors: Mastropetros Savvas Giannis , Pispas Konstantinos , Zagklis Dimitris , Elsamahy Tamer , Ali Sameh , Sun Jianzhong , Kornaros Michael
Published: June 2022

Plastic materials compose a wide range of products with small useful lifespans, leading to the production of large quantities of waste. A more easily biodegradable alternative tο fossil-based plastics are bioplastics. Microalgae can produce poly (hydroxy alkanoate) esters (PHAs), which are biodegradable aliphatic polyesters. Poly (3-hydroxy butyrate) ester (PHB), belonging to the short-chain PHAs, is the most common and well characterized biopolymer. PHB compounds can be completely broken down into carbon dioxide and water under aerobic conditions and are characterized as environmentally friendly, with their thermal and mechanical properties being comparable to those of petrochemical polymers. A large number of microalgae species have been reported in literature as an alternative source of energy and carbon. In order to further mitigate the environmental footprint of microalgae cultivation for bioplastics production, a small number of published works have examined bioplastic production from microalgae cultivated in wastewater, reaching 5.5-6.5% of dry biomass weight.
How to Promote Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Through Vedic Contemplative Practices
Authors: Singh Arun Pratap
Published: June 2022

Interpersonal emotion regulation relates to the state of well-being of the people by augmenting work engagement, performance, and limiting the experience of negative emotions in relationships. Vedic tradition considers emotional maturity as the capacity to endure the emotional upheavals in life. But the common belief is that Vedic contemplative practices are for intrapersonal emotional regulation only. Contemporary research needs further conceptual and methodological innovations to facilitate interpersonal emotion regulation through diverse contemplative practices. To this end, the current work has sought to analyze the role and mechanisms of Vedic contemplative practices in improving interpersonal emotion regulation. Also, it illustrates several contemplative activities, used as stand-alone or adjunct, to ameliorate difficulties in relationships. It further illuminates significant neurological mechanisms and theoretical and methodological challenges in research on the promotion of interpersonal emotion regulation through Vedic contemplative techniques.
Emotion Management by Organizational Leaders Who Confront Prejudice
Authors: Warren Meg A. , Winkelman Katie M. , Waldrop Rachael J.
Published: June 2022

In the current U.S. socio-political climate, leaders are expected to be adept at confronting prejudice and stepping up as allies for marginalized groups. Leaders' emotions and social considerations can be critical in motivating or hindering allyship enactment. To explore this nascent area, this chapter offers a selective review of the research on emotion management in organizations and the role of emotions in leader-employee relationships, particularly when leaders serve as allies to marginalized group employees. Next, qualitative findings are presented from a secondary data analysis of an interview study conducted with exceptional leader-allies that explore: 1) negative emotions experienced by leader-allies in a prejudice context, 2) leader-allies' self-presentation concerns when expressing emotions in public versus private, 3) leader-allies' relational concerns about the consequences of confrontation, and 4) their plans for future emotion regulation. Finally, implications of the role of emotion and social regulation among leader-allies in prejudice confrontation are discussed.
Assessing the Emotional Competencies of Information Technology Employees
Authors: Daisy Anjali
Published: June 2022

The information technology sector plays a critical role in driving the growth and innovation of a country and helps nations to sustain their national competitiveness. While the industry has significant headroom for growth, it is battling with a few issues at present. The work environment of an IT industry is characterized by long and odd working shifts, critical time deadlines, monotonous types of jobs, etc. Hence, it is evident that a sharp focus on the workplace emotions and the related emotional competencies of the IT employees is the need of the hour. From the review of previous research, it was evident that there is a dearth of emotional intelligence research in India. Specifically, the IT sector was not focused on a holistic approach. With this lacuna in mind, the present study focused on assessing the emotional competencies of the employees of the IT sector in Tamil Nadu and bringing out the impact of emotional competencies on their team effectiveness, career satisfaction, person-organisation fit, and well-being.
Infusion of Digital Technologies in the Sustainability of Academic Libraries
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite Tega , Fasae Joseph Kehinde
Published: June 2022

Digital technologies are now incorporated into organizations for effective and efficient operations of their job performance. Many African countries are yet to advance into the technology phase whereas other parts of the world are already adopting digital technologies in their operations and service delivery. The qualitative research approach was applied in this study using a literature review to harvest different articles in online databases of Scopus and Web of Science. Findings indicate that digital technologies could be used in the sustainability of academic libraries through accessing, processing, gathering, manipulating, presenting, and communicating information in different format such that library users' information needs are met. Digital technologies such as smartphones, ebooks, blogs, social media, digital computers, scan machines, digital cameras, robotics, drones, etc. were used to support library and information services. The study recommends proactive steps by parent bodies to provide libraries with financial support to acquire necessary digital facilities.
A Framework for Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Library and Information Science Curricula
Authors: Tsabedze Vusi Wonderboy , Mathabela Ntombikayise Nomsa , Ademola Sanni Shamsudeen
Published: June 2022

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into Library and Information Science (LIS) curricula is gaining momentum as scholars engage on the subject. Lots of research publications have emerged on AI in LIS. This chapter conceptualized a theoretical framework that should underpin the AI curriculum for University of Eswatini. The study is anchored on the interpretive research paradigm, which surrounds a systematic literature review. This conceptual study was preliminary, and the researchers hoped that further empirical studies based on the findings of this study could be pursued in the future. This chapter, therefore, addresses the following issues: rationale for integrating AI in the curricula of the University of Eswatini, a theoretical framework for AI curriculum, and prospects for integrating AI into the curricula of the University of Eswatini.
Blockchain Adoption in Banking Systems
Authors: Arora Sugandh , Nabi Tawheed
Published: June 2022

Blockchain technology is a core, underlying technology that stimulates possible applications in the banking sector. The study examines blockchain, the nascent technology that reinforces Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, to determine what it is and how it can disrupt and alter the banking services. It emphasizes the technology's properties and explains why they can significantly impact the banking industry, including reimbursements, payments, outflows, credentials facilities, and novel products based on smart contracts. The study also considered the work that needs to be done by the industry for blockchain applications to become a mainstream part of the financial landscape. It emphasizes that this is not a technology that a single company can perfect to obtain an advantage over competitors. Instead, it may assist the entire sector by speeding up and securing transactions. However, it can only reach its full potential if there is a wide-ranging alliance across the industry to explore practices and develop shared standards.
Blockchain for SMEs
Authors: Del Sarto Nicola , Gai Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

Blockchain technology is spreading across many sectors as many firms are understanding its potential. In particular, such a technology may impact the way in which many SMEs compete, offering them new ways to achieve competitive advantage. However, many of them are struggling to embrace blockchain, thus requesting that the discussion on the issue be deepened. For this reason, in this chapter, the authors propose a review of the literature about blockchain and they show the main areas in which such technology is actually used. Moreover, they propose a discussion of the public policies adopted by Europe and they highlight possible future challenge for SMEs aiming at adopting the new technology.
The Identity of the Public Library and Reading Practices
Authors: Vivarelli Maurizio
Published: June 2022

This contribution describes the premises, context, and characteristics of the Reading(&)Machine project developed by the Turin Polytechnic SmartData@Polito and VR@Polito centers, the University of Turin Department of Historical Studies, and the Turin Civic Libraries. The project aims to create an innovative environment capable of capturing and enriching the reading experience through recommendation algorithms and a special interface, and to become part of a new conception, both digital and physical, of the library reading space. Reading(&)Machine is based on the processing of library data and other types of data from the aNobii social reading platform and generalist social networks. The project therefore develops a new configuration of a reading machine that can help enhance the role, functions, and identity of public libraries.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Air Transport Business in Nigeria
Authors: Onianwa Oluchukwu Ignatus
Published: June 2022

It will be difficult for the airline transportation business to return to the pre-COVID-19 era as many changes have taken place within the COVID-19 period itself. These changes will be the catalyst for launching the industry into post COVID-19 with the emergence of different innovative ideas and digital models that will drive the growth of the sector. However, it is necessary to take stock of the effects and impact of the pandemic in the airline sector with the view to easily finding ways of adapting to the new normal created by the pandemic. Also, to achieve optimum changes in the airline transport business, unequivocal global collaboration and idea-sharing are very important in surviving the ripple effect of the pandemic. Because this is one important lesson that the pandemic has taught the global community, every country has to be with each other to make progress in airline transport. Without this in mind, there is the tendency that new business models in the airline's models might crash and ever create a series of problems equivalent to that created by COVID-19.
The Image Value of Southeast Asia Airlines
Authors: Worasuwannarak Benjapol , Kankaew Kannapat
Published: June 2022

The Southeast Asia airline is one of the most well-known in the aviation industry where airlines represent unique culture for the value-added service standard to customers. Through the means-end theory method, the purpose of this study is to explore the value that passengers create in the decision making on Southeast Asia airlines that would result in understanding the attribute and structure of choosing Southeast Asia airlines. This study aimed to (1) investigate customer attributes in choosing Southeast Asia airlines, (2) understand the crucial value-added characteristic of Southeast Asia airlines, and (3) contribute a value-added framework for Southeast Asia airline passengers. The qualitative method is administered in this study. The interview is conducted in an interview from the mean-end-chain of the passenger. The analysis results in the expression of passenger attributes, consequences, and value of the Southeast Asia airlines and the contributions of the new framework of passenger added value.
Military Intervention as an International Normative Custom and Human Security
Authors: Batool Madiha
Published: June 2022

Power equation, strife for supremacy, and the use of force (or non-use, thereof) reside at the very heart of international relations – the interplay between them adjusting with new realities. As the Cold War ended, new international normative customs were introduced in global relations – with international security relations witnessing two prototypal shifts. First, policymakers began embracing military intervention as a legitimate foreign policy tool on the plea of humanitarianism. Secondly, the human security approach was introduced to study matters related to security. Contrary to the traditional security approach (spun around state security), this new concept gave primacy to the protection of humans. This study will analyse how military interventions impact human security. The research will be carried out within the parameters of international security (conventional and non-conventional) and human security. In doing so, it will establish how interventions—led in the name of humanitarianism—unwittingly create international human security crises.
Development and Application of a New Maturity Model for Risk Management in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Irizar Jose , Wynn Martin George
Published: June 2022

Risk management is an integral part of the project management process, and project failure is an area of concern in many organizations. This chapter explains and discusses a new maturity model for assessing and managing project risk in the automotive industry. The research design was two-fold. First, a case study analysis in a major German automotive company was undertaken to develop the maturity model. The approach was qualitative and inductive, using data provided by in-depth interviews. Second, this model was applied in two major projects currently underway in the company – one involving implementing a cloud-based ERP system and the other the program management function responsible for product development and launch. The model adds to existing risk management maturity models and is unique to the automotive industry. It can be used by risk and project managers and can be adapted to other industry sectors.
Does Contagion Effect of Bubbles and Causality Exist Among Bitcoin, Gold, and Oil Markets?
Authors: Gök Remzi
Published: June 2022

The author studies the explosive behaviors, causality relationships, and contagion effects between three financial markets using the daily closing prices of Bitcoin, gold, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices for a sample period from July 19, 2010 to September 10, 2021. By employing the generalized supremum augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) approach, the author finds significant evidence of bubble explosive behaviors in the Bitcoin and WTI prices—but not in the gold prices—and these periods mostly match with the periods of quantitative easing and financial stress. Besides, the test shows several short and long episodes of unilateral causal linkages from Bitcoin returns to oil price changes under homoscedasticity and heteroskedasticity assumptions. The results show no evidence for the contagion effect of bubbles between cryptocurrency and oil markets during the sample period.
Risk Assessment in the Information Technology Industry
Authors: Raghunath K. Madhu Kishore , Tulasi Devi S. L.
Published: June 2022

People fear uncertainty as it leads to risk in the pursuit of their journeys, where they seek success. The authors articulate that opportunity lies beyond risk, encouraging individuals and business organizations to take calculated risks. In this chapter, the authors will show how risk-based decisions become more feasible when the decisions are made in light of risk assessment tools available to business organizations. The chapter will orchestrate the impact of risk assessment tools (qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid risk assessment tools) on organizational effectiveness given their perceived benefits in the information technology industry in India.
RPA Implementation and the Digitalization of Logistics Operations in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Lambourdiere Eric Gaston , Corbin Elsa Laurence , Ledru Hervé
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many organizations' operations management and accelerated the failure of those without resilient supply chains. It has greatly accelerated organizations' adoption of digital technologies and digital transformation. Digital technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA) play important roles in companies' operations-management activities and digital supply-chain transformation in the COVID-19 era. However, empirical research on RPA implementation in supply chains remains scarce. To fill this research gap, this case study was conducted to examine a global retail company's RPA implementation initiative to enhance its digital supply-chain capabilities. The authors examined three key project phases: pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation. They identified patterns of managerial practices and challenges related to digital technology implementation. The findings could help other organizations understand the most important issues to be addressed when seeking to implement RPA for operations activities and supply-chain processes.
Damage Occurrence in Welded Structures of the Bucket-Wheel Boom
Authors: Arsić Miodrag , Flajs Zeljko , Aleksandar Sedmak , Veg Emil , Sedmak Simon
Published: June 2022

Causes of damage occurrence in vital components of welded structures of the bucket-wheel excavator boom (DU1) at the coal landfill of the thermal power plant 'Nikola Tesla A' in Obrenovac (Serbia) are investigated. Bucket-wheel excavator was produced by French company 'Ameco' and it moves along the circular track. Taking into account lack of technical documentation, all tests and were carried out under the assumption that welded structures were made of structural steels S355 and S235. Investigation of causes of damage occurrence are based on results of non-destructive tests (NDT) and tensometric measurements.