bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Necessary Goods
Authors: Brock Gillian
Published: February 2025

Do any needs defensibly make claims on anyone? If so, which needs and whose needs can defensibly do this? What are the grounds for our responsibilities to meet others' needs, when we have such responsibilities? The distinguished contributors to this volume consider these questions as they evaluate the moral force of needs. They approach questions of obligation and moral importance from a variety of different theoretical perspectives, including contractarian, Kantian, Aristotelian, rights-based, egalitarian, liberal, and libertarian perspectives. Much contemporary discourse about moral and political matters employs the language of needs; Necessary Goods is an important book for philosophers and political theorists tackling the ever-present problem of our responsibilities towards others. Contributors: John Baker, David Braybrooke, Gillian Brock, David Copp, Len Doyal, Harry Frankfurt, Robert Goodin, Charles Jones, Martha Nussbaum, Onora O'Neill, James Sterba, David Wiggins.
The Invasion Before Normandy
Authors: Hoyt Edwin P.
Published: February 2025

A chronicle of one of WWII's most dramatic and secret operations.
New Family Values
Authors: Struening Karen
Published: February 2025

How many different kinds of families are there? New Family Values provides a critical analysis of scholars and authors who argue that law and policy should be used to foster one model of the family—the intact, two-parent, heterosexual family. Karen Struening argues that this position does not adequately address the problem it supposedly solves—family dissolution—and unnecessarily constrains personal liberty. Healthy families may be necessary for civic unity and individual stability, but there can be many different kinds of families.
Public Official Associations and State and Local Government
Authors: Arnold David S. , Plant Jeremy F.
Published: February 2025

This volume is an authoritative description of a little-recognized element of modern governance: associations of public officials in state and local government. These associations, whose membership consists of elected and appointed officials such as mayors, legislators, council members, city and county managers, and planners, play an often overlooked role in public administration and governmental policy on state and local levels. This work provides an incisive analysis of their role using a combination of documentary sources and extensive personal interviews with a special interest in association management. It traces the historical development of associations from 1890 to 1990 within the context of the Progressive Movement, the New Deal, the Great Society, and the era of cutbacks and devolution. In addition, an examination of the effects of associations in the evolving administrative state touches upon many of the most important topics in public administration, including intergovernmental relations, by professionalism, ethics, and leadership. The text is augmented by an appendix of association profiles, an annotated bibliography, and an index.
Teaching Reading in the Middle School
Authors: Small Roseboro Anna J.
Published: February 2025

More than 670,000 middle school teachers (grades 6-8) are responsible for educating nearly 13 million students in public and private schools. Thousands more teachers join these ranks annually, especially in the South and West, where ethnic populations are ballooning. Teachers and administrators seek practical, time-efficient ways of teaching language arts to 21st-century adolescents in increasingly multicultural, technologically diverse, socially networked communities. They seek sound understanding, practical advice, and proven strategies in order to connect diverse literature to 21st-century societies while meeting state and professional standards like the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. This book offers strategies and resources that work.
Activating Assessment for All Students
Authors: Hamm Mary , Adams Dennis
Published: February 2025

Hamm and Adams present models to help teachers identify student learning problems_recognizing when to re-teach, when to move ahead, and when to explain or give more examples. Activating Assessment for All Students takes all of these into account when it provides differentiated science/math methods and goes on to suggest ways that formative assessment practices can inform differentiated teaching, learning, and assessment. These methods promote success for more students by helping teachers develop informative assessment for lessons and related tools for reaching the varying levels of student competencies within their classes. This book builds on the expanding knowledge of what works in classrooms and suggests approaches that can open up individual and group possibilities for science and mathematics instruction. It intends to help you answer the following questions: * What is differentiated instructional assessment? * How can I amplify the results of DI by using formative assessments? * How might quality assessment tools (like portfolios) benefit all students? * How will I know that differentiated formative assessment works?
Quick Reference for Band Directors
Authors: Kearns Ronald E.
Published: February 2025

Quick Reference for Band Directors is a go-to guide for new and experienced band directors. With tips on recruiting and retaining members, preparing lesson plans and program objectives, developing a booster group, budgeting, classroom management, using technology, and making emergency repairs, this book will soon number among your closest advisors. Learn how to build, maintain, and improve your program. Get tips on how to structure concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, marching band, small ensembles, jazz band, and pep band while developing musicianship. The book focuses on high school band programs but offers advice for elementary and middle school directors as well. Read it sequentially or select the chapters most pertinent to you. You'll come back again and again to benefit from the author's thirty years of teaching.
A Knowledge Modeling Framework for Household Action Recognition and Task Representation: The Concept Hierarchy
Authors: Costinescu Andrei , Figueredo Luis , Burschka Darius
Published: February 2025

The Concept Hierarchy is a human-understandable and explainable framework for knowledge representation. Apart from geometric data, the framework attaches semantic and state information to environment entities by classifying and describing them using concepts and attributes. The framework allows the definition of complex data types, such as templated sequences and associative containers; and also describes how attribute changes propagate to other related ones. Autonomous systems use this semantic information to generalize to unseen entities and scenes and to plan and reason in indoor environments while solving unforeseen circumstances due to unexpected entity states. The framework also defines tasks, actions, skills, affordances, and contexts. This theoretical modeling is validated with typical applications of autonomous systems: environment discretization, action and skill recognition in human manipulation, reorganization of identified repetitive knowledge, and task verification.
Revolutionizing Bioplastic Production: A Focus on Sustainable Alternatives Using Orange Peels and Carboxymethyl Starch: A Review
Authors: David Mariam Doris , Upadhyay Kinjal
Published: February 2025

This review explores the latest developments in bioplastic production, highlighting its key features and emphasizing the environmental significance of utilizing unconventional sources. The study also emphasizes the promising role of orange peels and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) in shaping sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. The exploration of bioplastic production encompasses the fundamental qualities that set it apart, such as biodegradability, renewability, and reduced carbon footprint. Orange peels, often considered as waste, emerge as a valuable resource in this context, offering a rich source of natural polymers such as pectin. The utilization of orange peels not only contributes to waste reduction but also presents an eco-friendly solution for bioplastic synthesis. Furthermore, the integration of CMS in bioplastic formulations adds another layer of innovation. CMS, as a biopolymer modifier, contributes significantly to the enhancement of the mechanical properties of bioplastics. The discussion encompasses its compatibility with various biopolymer matrices, its impact on the tensile strength and flexibility of resulting bioplastics, and its potential to address challenges associated with conventional plastic materials. As the world seeks alternatives to conventional plastics, the synthesis of bioplastics using orange peels and CMS offers a compelling solution. This review sheds light on the features that make these materials stand out, providing a comprehensive understanding of their potential in reshaping the landscape of sustainable plastic alternatives.
Vertigo in the Elderly
Authors: Ezgi Uçan Tokuç Firdevs
Published: February 2025

Vertigo is a common symptom and a common cause of hospital admissions in the elderly. It can cause fractures in the elderly, especially due to falls, and contributes strongly to the burden of disability in people over 65 years of age. There are multiple etiologic causes of vertigo attacks in the elderly. This chapter will discuss the causes, symptoms, examination findings, and treatment modalities of vertigo in the elderly.
The Effect of Parental Anxiety on Postoperative Paediatric Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Koyuncu Tolga , Elgörmüş Merve
Published: February 2025

Thanks to today’s developing technologies, the number of paediatric patients undergoing surgery is increasing. The possible negative effects on the psychological health of children undergoing surgery have been previously documented in the literature. These undesirable effects may be exacerbated, especially when families stress and anxiety levels are high. Unfortunately, parents stress, and anxiety also changes the child’s emotional state and negatively affect the child’s recovery process during postoperative follow-up. This situation may have a negative impact on the child’s short- and long-term psychological and physiological outcomes. While the negative effects we have mentioned may improve in children in the short term, unfortunately, they may also have effects that can last up to 1 year. In this article, we aimed to talk about the effects of parental anxiety on paediatric cognitive disorders.
Application of Fractional Integral Transform in Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Azhar Noreen , Iqbal Saleem , Manzoor Raheela , Kalsoom Shazia
Published: February 2025

This chapter has included the application of fractional integral transform in the fuzzy field by presenting the solution of fuzzy fractional differential equations with the help of different integral transforms Laplace, Mellin, and Sumudu fuzzy transforms. These integral transforms are properly defined with their operational properties and are particularly described in differential and integral fractional calculus. The main results and discussion of the present research study about the applications of fractional integral transform are analyzed in this chapter with analytical solutions. The key features of this work are to discuss different integral transforms in a fuzzy theory and name it fuzzy integral transform with all its basic concepts. A procedure is established to solve fuzzy initial value problems (FIVP) by the fractional Mellin transforms and fractional Laplace and fractional Sumudu integral transform techniques, by applying the differential properties of fractional integral transforms, under a mathematical framework to solve the several types of differential equations.
Soil Erosion Potential Model in Tropical Catchment
Authors: Abedini Mandana , Azlin Md Said Md , Ahmad Fauziah
Published: February 2025

Soil erosion is a significant environmental challenge, especially in tropical regions where heavy rainfall and land use changes accelerate soil degradation. Effective land management and conservation strategies require understanding and predicting soil erosion potential. This study presents a Soil Erosion Potential Model (SEPM) tailored for tropical catchments, integrating remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The Ulu Kinta Catchment in Malaysia, spanning 30,752 hectares and linked to the Ulu Kinta Dam in Ipoh, serves as a case study. To estimate the Rainfall (R) factor, rainfall data was correlated with topographical variables using rain gauge data and the downscaled tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM) 3B43 dataset over 11 years. Fieldwork involved soil sampling to determine the Soil Erodibility (K) factor. Shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) data assessed topographical effects through Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) alongside Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) data from SPOT5 imagery was used to estimate the Cover (C) and Support Practice (P) factors. The annual soil erosion map indicated a mean erosion rate of 34.72 tons per hectare per year, peaking at 150 tons per hectare per year, associated with steep slopes, high rainfall, and insufficient support practices. Alarmingly, 19.98% of the catchment experienced severe to extremely severe erosion rates. The SEPM model was validated against previous studies, achieving a validation rate of 71.9%, demonstrating a reasonable correlation with similar research.
Perspective Chapter: Comprehensive Overview of Breast Reduction Surgery – Techniques, Outcomes, and Global Perspectives
Authors: Selamioğlu Engin
Published: February 2025

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure aimed at alleviating physical discomfort and enhancing body image by reducing the size and weight of large breasts. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview, starting with common patient complaints such as chronic pain, skin irritation, and postural problems, as well as psychological issues like body image concerns and social anxiety. Pre-operative imaging techniques, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, are discussed to ensure thorough assessment. Detailed pre-operative planning and marking are crucial for successful outcomes. The surgical techniques covered include various incision patterns and tissue removal methods, with a focus on preserving nipple-areola complex sensation through different pedicle types. Potential complications, such as hematoma, infection, and scarring, are outlined along with strategies for mitigation. Post-operative care emphasizes the importance of supportive garments, activity restrictions, and scar management. This chapter aims to equip medical professionals with the knowledge required for performing breast reduction surgery and managing patient care effectively, ensuring both physical and psychological benefits for the patient.
Perspective Chapter: Homelessness – Poverty at Its Worst
Authors: W. Burnes Donald
Published: February 2025

In the United States, homelessness has become a major social problem. Fueled by the rapidly increasing cost of housing, the recent influx of immigrants, and stagnant wages and job opportunities, increasing numbers of residents are finding themselves unable to afford to live in housing units in urban and suburban areas across the country. In this article, using a literature review approach, we will document the extent of the problem and will examine some of the reasons for this significant human tragedy. We explore various issues and barriers related to housing and to the income and wages needed to afford housing. We also suggest some possible ways to reduce the barriers, thus making housing more affordable. Spoiler alert: this is not a field research report. Rather, based on 40 years of working on homelessness, writing, teaching, researching the literature, and talking with knowledgeable experts, this is one person’s perspective on America’s failed attempts to end homelessness, along with a few suggestions for possible changes.
Adhesives: Use for Fixing Workpieces in Machining Operations
Authors: Alin Panc Nicolae
Published: February 2025

The chapter analyzes the use of adhesives as an innovative and efficient method of part clamping for industrial machining, highlighting their advantages over conventional methods, as well as their limitations. In industry, fixing parts with complex shapes or low rigidity is a significant challenge, and traditional solutions do not always meet the requirements of precision and efficiency. The introduction of the adhesive clamping method has revolutionized the manufacturing process, offering a viable alternative. The chapter first explores the problem of clamping parts in fixtures, then introduces conventional and non-conventional methods of clamping. Emphasis is placed on presenting the two unconventional methods that utilize the properties of adhesives to fixturing the workpieces for machining. The advantages as well as limitations of the fixing method using adhesives are presented.
Perspective Chapter: Ethical Implications and International Human Rights Protections of Gene Editing of DNA Sequences
Authors: Myrick Dorkina
Published: February 2025

CRISPR-Cas9 studies have implicated gene editing of DNA sequences for medical treatment of diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, AIDS, blindness, muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and cystic fibrosis. Moreover, gene editing technology has contributed to the detection of viruses responsible for the dissemination of communicable diseases such as COVID-19. Despite current scientific progress, many uses of gene editing of DNA sequences are ethically questionable, bordering upon antithetical to principles of human rights protections. The history of genetics, genetic modification of DNA sequences, and human rights has included pseudoscientific practices such as those of the eugenics movement, which dominated much of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Later, United Nations measures such as the International Bill of Human Rights and the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights prompted improvements in human rights practices. Still, genetics rights and human rights in many nations required codification, as human rights standards—including the right to privacy and the protection of genetic data—have been challenged by a host of stakeholders and commercial entities. Ethical limits and international human rights protections relevant to the use of gene editing technology must be preserved. Considerable progress in disease diagnostics and therapeutics using gene editing and genetic engineering has bolstered the fight for the concurrent preservation of gene editing, ethics, and international human rights protections. As such, this chapter will examine the critical importance of upholding human rights as an essential component of the advancement of gene editing.
Forest Carbon Sequestration Functions and Mitigation Strategies for Global Climate Change
Authors: Xu Kang , Zou Guiwu , Hu Hanjian
Published: February 2025

This chapter aims to explore the critical role of forests in mitigating global climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration. We synthesized the research of global forests carbon sink, showcasing their significant carbon sink potential. Drawing on previous studies, we introduced the contributions of various forest types and management practices to bolster forest carbon sequestration. Case studies of successful nature-based solutions (NbS) projects are highlighted to illustrate effective strategies for increasing forests carbon sinks. Additionally, we outlined methodologies for quantifying forest carbon sequestration, encompassing field-based approaches, remote sensing technologies, and advanced modeling techniques. Sustainable forest management strategies were evaluated, with a focus on afforestation, reforestation, conservation, and efficient utilization of forest resources, including wood products and renewable energy integration. Furthermore, we discussed existing policy frameworks, with a particular emphasis on the REDD+ initiative, and provide recommendations to enhance their effectiveness in promoting forest carbon sequestration. In summary, this chapter offers a holistic perspective on how forests can be leveraged as a vital tool in combating climate change.
Designing Trustworthy AI in Higher Education
Authors: Rebholz Sandra , Libbrecht Paul , Müller Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

Applying Artificial Intelligence-(AI)-based systems and tools in the context of higher education imposes many challenges with respect to data privacy and ethics. For example, the EU AI Act that was adopted in March 2024 classifies many AI systems used in education as high-risk AI systems. High-risk AI systems must follow a strict set of requirements in order to be used in practice. Beyond the legal obligations, the trustworthy use of AI systems is not yet widespread. There are already approaches for assessing the trustworthiness of AI systems that shall ensure that such systems comply with existing guidelines for ethical AI. In this chapter, we review available design approaches for building trustworthy AI systems and evaluate their applicability in the context of higher education. In the real-life use case of developing an AI-based analysis system for e-portfolios from students in introductory computing courses at university, the existing design approaches are further detailed and adapted to the specific context of higher education. Furthermore, we assess the trustworthiness of the developed AI-based analysis system using the OECD Framework for the Classification of AI systems. Based on the findings, we conclude and recommend a scenario-based design process that helps build trustworthy AI-based systems in higher education.
Glioblastoma’s Infrequent Locations and Synchronous Tumors
Authors: Muhsen Asem A. , Muhsen Bahaeddin A.
Published: February 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an exceedingly aggressive Grade IV astrocytoma and the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumor in adults, representing 45–50% of all gliomas. In our chapter, we have highlighted the rare locations of GBM, the occurrence of multiple GBM, and its coexistence, alongside other cerebral neoplasms such as meningioma. While mostly situated in the cerebral hemispheres, glioblastomas can also arise in atypical locations such as the brainstem, thalamus, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Multiple GBMs were identified in 11.7% of cases. Meningiomas are common benign brain tumors that can coexist with GBMs as collision tumors. This link may just be a coincidence or a sign of a related pathogenesis. Further molecular and biological studies are necessary to confirm the existence of shared molecular mechanisms and genetic determinants.
The Importance of Psychological Well-Being for Women: Ways to Cope with Stress and Postnatal Depression
Authors: Dag Ibrahim , Bayram Deger Vasfiye
Published: February 2025

Psychological well-being is essential for women’s health, affecting various aspects of life, including social roles, work-life balance, and maternal responsibilities. This chapter highlights its importance, addressing factors such as societal expectations, biological differences, and life events like pregnancy and motherhood. Women’s mental health is increasingly recognized in public health due to its broad implications. Emphasis is placed on stress and postnatal depression, exploring their biological, social, and cultural foundations and their influence on mental health. Postpartum depression, a significant condition with far-reaching effects on both the mother and her family, is discussed extensively, including its causes, symptoms, and impact on family dynamics. The importance of prevention, early intervention, and treatment is also examined. Coping strategies for stress and postpartum depression, such as psychosocial interventions, social support mechanisms, and group therapies, are explored as crucial elements in mental health recovery. Additionally, the integration of biological treatments, including antidepressants and hormonal therapies, with psychosocial methods is reviewed to optimize outcomes. This chapter also underscores the role of social support networks and societal awareness in addressing postpartum depression, advocating for policy development and community-based solutions. Lastly, it examines the long-term impacts on maternal mental health and mother-child relationships, emphasizing the need for sustainable mental health strategies. This analysis aims to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of women’s mental health issues, with a focus on postpartum depression.
Heterogeneity in the Neurocognitive Characteristics of Developmental Dyslexia: Theoretical Approaches and Research Findings
Authors: Chalmpe Maria , Vlachos Filippos
Published: February 2025

The aim of this chapter is to reveal the heterogeneity in the neurocognitive profiles of children with developmental dyslexia. Over several decades of research on developmental dyslexia, various hypotheses, both cognitive and biological, have been proposed regarding the causes of the disorder. Most of these hypotheses suggest the presence of a single deficit as the primary cause of the disorder. However, recent studies have indicated that children with dyslexia often exhibit combinations of deficits across different cognitive domains. Furthermore, recent findings have suggested that the single deficit hypotheses are insufficient to explain the full spectrum of symptoms associated with developmental dyslexia. The observed diversity in cognitive profiles aligns with modern theoretical models that highlight the importance of multiple neurocognitive deficits in developmental dyslexia. At the same time, recent studies have confirmed the existence of distinct cognitive subtypes among individuals with dyslexia, emphasizing the heterogeneity of the disorder. A deeper understanding of this heterogeneity can lead to more sophisticated diagnoses with the use additional tests that assess a broader range of abilities that would help describe a more complete individual neurocognitive profile for each child diagnosed with dyslexia. This would result in the design and implementation of more targeted interventions that would meet the individual needs of each student with dyslexia, allowing them to develop their full potential.
The Effect of Heat Application on Dental Composite Materials
Authors: Ersöz Bilge , Arı Bengisu
Published: February 2025

With the development of aesthetic standards in dentistry, various approaches and numerous techniques have been developed to improve the cosmetic quality of dental composite resins. One of these techniques is the application of a heating process to composites before they are applied into the mouth. Preheating composite resins is a practical and effective way to improve the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. In addition, the preheating process contributes significantly to the improvement of aesthetic and physical properties. The aim of this chapter is to evaluate the effect of preheating on the physical, chemical and aesthetic properties of composite resin materials commonly used in the dental industry with the support of the literature.
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Viral Replication: FGF-2 as a Key Player
Authors: Zareh Danial , Nekounam Ghadirli Reyhaneh , Hao Zuo , Paimard Giti , Alinejad Tahereh
Published: February 2025

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are crucial signaling proteins that govern numerous cellular activities, such as proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair. Recent studies indicate that FGFs, particularly FGF-2, are pivotal in viral replication by altering the host cell environment to promote viral survival, replication, and immune evasion. Viruses rely on host cell components for their replication and often manipulate host signaling pathways, including FGF signaling, to optimize their environment for viral growth. Among the various FGFs, FGF-2 (basic FGF) stands out as particularly influential in viral replication due to its roles in angiogenesis, cell survival, and immune modulation. This chapter explores the molecular processes via which various FGFs affect viral life cycles, particularly highlighting FGF-2, which is notably important in promoting viral replication via its impact on cell survival, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Understanding FGF-mediated viral replication may offer new therapeutic targets for viral infections.
Perspective Chapter: Diabetes as a Post-COVID Syndrome – Possible Mechanisms Involved
Authors: Canizalez-Roman Adrian , Angulo-Zamudio Uriel A. , Ayala-Manjarez Roberto A. , Borrego-Moreno Juan C. , Martínez-Villa Francisco A. , Flores-Villaseñor Héctor M. , León-Sicairos Nidia
Published: February 2025

There is a well-established association between hyperglycemia and severe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mortality was higher in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those without DM. In addition, readmission and COVID-19 reinfection rates were similar in both groups. Evidence shows that individuals who have had COVID-19 are at a significantly increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes mellitus in the post-infection phase. The current literature suggests that direct cytotoxic effects of the virus and inflammation are possible pathophysiological mechanisms. In this chapter, we review the association between COVID-19 infection and new-onset diabetes mellitus after acute infection and discuss the available evidence on the mechanisms of action involved. These findings may have significant implications for understanding and managing COVID-19 and diabetes.
Glass Beads for Road Markings and Other Industrial Applications
Authors: E. Burghardt Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Solid sphere glass beads designed for the use in road markings, as filler beads for plastic composites, as blasting beads for abrasive surface cleaning and peening, and as filtering media are described. Their production process from recycled float glass and from virgin glass melt is briefly discussed; the associated carbon footprint is provided. Environmental or health issues that could be caused by the presence of crystalline silica or toxic elements are refuted based on results from laboratory analyses. For the main commercial application—reflectorization of road markings—the role of glass beads in providing visibility for drivers and in protecting the road markings from abrasion is illustrated. The effect of increasing refractive index on both the functional service life and the visibility of road markings is shown based on the outcome from field studies. Selected research related to the use of the same type of glass beads for other industrial applications is briefly reviewed. The described glass beads cannot be currently replaced because they are relatively inexpensive, environmentally benign, readily available, and highly effective in furnishing the desired effects.
The Effects of Paid Maternity Leave on Female Poverty: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Faundez Luis
Published: February 2025

Despite the large decrease in poverty rates across the globe during the last century, poverty remains alarmingly high among some groups. Poverty rates are higher among women and children. The overall gender difference in poverty rates is approximately 2 percentage points; however, this figure masks a stark contrast along the life cycle. During childhood, there is no meaningful gender difference, but the entrance into the labor force marks the beginning of the gender gap in poverty rates that might persist during the whole active life. The gap is larger during the childbearing years, reaching up to 6 percentage points. One possible explanation is that women have historically received lower compensation than men on average. Maternity leave benefits are designed to offer mothers job protection and income replacement. These policies might increase labor force attachment of mothers of infants, positively impacting family income, which in turn might help attenuate poverty. In this chapter, I explore the effects of extending the paid maternity leave period on employment, income and poverty using quasi-experimental methods and data from Chile.
Perspective Chapter: Integrating Digital and AI Tools into a (Vocational and Secondary School) Teacher Training Curriculum
Authors: Bünning Frank , Tegelbeckers Hannes
Published: February 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into vocational training is currently at the top of a pyramid of challenges for chairs and vocational training institutions alike. For vocational teacher training at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OvGU), a strategy is being developed that integrates the various fundamental contents for a context-related understanding of AI into the teacher training curriculum, both subject-related and interdisciplinary, based on current theoretical findings, methodological developments and industrial needs. The focus is on self-directed learning processes, which have an impact on the learning environment to be designed and on the role and self-image of the teacher.
The Glocal Dimension in Education: Critical Pedagogies in Transition
Authors: Smaoui Anouar , Bensalem Hanen , Jebali Amor
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores the transformative shifts occurring in education at the crossroads of past milestones, present challenges, and future possibilities. It focuses on the critical intellectual movements of the twenty-first century, which build on and extend the critical theories of the twentieth century into contemporary educational thought. The chapter also addresses the unprecedented transformations driven by an emerging pendulum swinging between two poles, globalization, and localization, which laid the groundwork for the rise of glocalization in educational discourse. Scholars have become increasingly interested in educational models that bridge global interconnectedness with local relevance, urging the need for pedagogies that prepare students to engage critically with both global and local challenges. Through critical pedagogical frameworks, such as culturally responsive, culturally sustaining, and place-based pedagogies, educators have reimagined curriculum design and teaching practice to address the complexities of glocalization. Additionally, the chapter examines how advances in digital technologies have enhanced the participatory nature of learning, enabling learner engagement with global and local issues. It highlights the synergistic relationship between digital technologies, critical pedagogies, and glocalization and its implications on educational theory and practice, making education more relevant, inclusive, equitable, and diversity-sensitive. The chapter concludes by suggesting future directions for research in glocal education, particularly in teacher training and student learning.
Sustainable Professional Teacher Development Programs
Authors: Adesoji Obilana Aderemi
Published: February 2025

Teachers and other education stakeholders consider professional teacher development programs as the most effective tool for improving their classroom practices and professionalism. However, despite the success of professional teacher development programs, but many teachers still complain about the planning and the design of the programs that were conducted and presented to them. The teachers complained that many of the programs did not meet their expectations because they did not address their challenges and needs in implementing and delivering the curriculum effectively. Teachers want professional teacher development programs which will mitigate and address the challenges they are faced with in delivery the curriculum. In that way, such professional teacher development can be referred to as sustainable. Sustainable professional teacher development programs are planned and designed to mitigate the challenges identified by the teachers in their professional careers. This chapter will present the quality of sustainable and effective professional teacher development programs and a developed theory which can be adopted when planning and designing any professional teacher development programs.
Perspective Chapter: The Role of Instructional Communication in Enhancing Active Learning – New Approaches for the Physical Education of the Future
Authors: García-Fariña Abraham
Published: February 2025

The objective of this chapter is to analyse the fundamental role of instructional communication in optimising active learning within physical education, identifying innovative strategies and effective, evidence-based practices. The chapter explores the theoretical foundations of pedagogical communication, emphasising the importance of both verbal and non-verbal methods, alongside the integration of digital technologies to enhance interaction, motivation, and feedback. It also examines student-centred active methodologies, such as cooperative learning, problem-based tasks, and flipped classroom approaches, while discussing effective strategies for formative assessment. Finally, it addresses current challenges and presents future perspectives, highlighting the potential of inclusive, adaptive, and data-driven approaches to maximise student performance, engagement, and holistic development.
Plant Disease Resistant in the Triticum
Authors: Alsalmo Abdulkreem , Hamijo Tareq , Kayim Mukaddes , Al-Mourrh Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Wheat, a global food security crop as well as a source of livelihood, is essential to global food security. Nonetheless, its production has been threatened by biotic stresses, particularly fungi-form diseases being a big hindrance to yield since it reduces the annual yield by over 62 million metric tons worldwide. Some of these diseases include leaf rust, stem rust, stripe rust, and Fusarium head blight, among others, and these affect developed as well as developing worlds economically and socially. These risks can be managed by the Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach that deals with genetic resistance, cultures, and chemical and biological treatments. However, there are challenges associated with IDM: pathogen development, fungicide resistance, and how climate change affects pathogen-host relationships. New knowledge in molecular genetics and plant pathology has led to the discovery of many QTLs and resistance genes and the possibility of developing new adapted wheat varieties. Novel enabling technologies like CRISPR, gene editing, and high-throughput omics tools have a fast-paced change in resistance breeding, but genetic and crop context are key to the durability and effectiveness of resistance sources. To ensure sustainable wheat production and global food security, significant investments in research and development are crucial. This includes advancing pathogen surveillance, accelerating the deployment of molecular breeding technologies, and promoting farmer education programs to implement IDM strategies effectively. Collaborative global efforts must prioritize the development of climate-resilient, disease-tolerant wheat varieties to address current and emerging challenges.
Ethical and Legal Implications of Data in Industry 5.0: Navigating a Hyper-Connected Landscape
Authors: Khurram Hussain Syed
Published: February 2025

With the advent of Industry 5.0 and increasing advancements in this area, the ethical and legal challenges have been surmounted. This chapter will discuss these issues in the context of privacy, fairness, and security along with the evolving relationship between humans and machines at some length. By doing so, an extensive look will be made on how the data is collected through various means and its usage, the trade-offs between how privacy can be maintained and goods be delivered. Similarly, the ethical challenges posed by the algorithms and the biases will be touched. Moving ahead, this chapter will traverse through the legal frameworks, relevant laws, their implications, and what global efforts are required. Moreover, some case studies and best practices like privacy by design, accountability, and cooperation between stakeholders will be discussed viz-a-viz the role of technology. In the end, the chapter will discuss the online collaboration and adaptation to ensure responsible and ethical approach to Industry 5.0.
Effects of Laser Surface Texturing and Injection Molding Parameters on the Direct Joining of AHSS and PA 6
Authors: Kim Yusin , Park Changkyoo
Published: February 2025

With a growing interest for reducing vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency, the automotive industry has focused on joining dissimilar materials including high-strength steel and fiber-reinforced plastics. However, differences in physical properties between metals and polymers weaken bonding strength. Laser surface texturing (LST) has emerged as a promising alternative of traditional joining methods of metal and plastic, such as mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, and friction stir welding. LST uses a pulsed laser to create surface patterns with microgrooves, which modifies surface properties such as roughness and morphology. In this study, LST was applied to join metal and plastic. Nanosecond pulsed laser is used to create microgrooves on advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), followed by injection molding of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA 6). Tensile-shear tests were conducted to examine the AHSS-PA 6 joint strength, and the effects of laser and injection molding parameters on the joint strength are investigated. The fracture mechanism of the AHSS-PA 6 joint reveals that mechanical interlock between AHSS and PA 6 at the grooves and recasts increases the joint strength.
Numerical Evaluation of Weld Pool Size, Distortion and Residual Stresses in Electron Beam Weld Joint of Thick SA312 Type 304 L Pipe and its Validation
Authors: Jangid Manoj Kumar , Kumar Suranjit , D Joyson Derose , Singh P. K. , Jha M. N.
Published: February 2025

Now-a-days, electron beam welding is extensively used in piping and pressure vessel of nuclear industry because of its advantages with respect to no use of filler material, lower distortion and residual stresses. Therefore, the paper aims to evaluate weld pool size, deformation and residual stresses in 13.5 mm thick pipe weld of outer diameter 170mm made of austenitic stainless steel (SA312 Type 304L) in a butt joint configuration prepared by Electron Beam Welding (EBW). Pipe weld with back plate has been prepared by EBW with heat input 825 and 700 J/mm and qualified as per requirements of ASME Sections III. Post-welding, axial distortion, depth of penetration, weld width, and weld area have been measured. A comprehensive three-dimensional coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis of pipe weld joint has been performed to predict the weld pool size (weld depth penetration and weld width) and axial distortions. Experimental and predicted results with respect to weld pool size and distortions compares well which confirms the validity of the numerical analysis procedure.
After validating the numerical analysis procedure, effect of beam power (heat inputs) on weld residual stresses on pipe weld joint have been evaluated by carrying out numerical analyses. The results showed that lower beam power input resulted in reduced weld pool size, residual stresses and HAZ. The residual stresses in pipe weld joint have been compared with available studies in literature for different welding processes such as multi-pass arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) for approximately same pipe diameter to thickness ratio. It has been found that the residual stresses, distortion, weld pool size and HAZ in the pipe weld joint of EBW are lower compared to other welding processes. It has also been brought out that beam input power of 600J/mm is sufficient for manufacturing pipe weld joint of thickness 13.5 mm. Details of the studies are elaborated in this paper.
Laser Structuring Process Parameters to Enhance Joint Quality of Aluminum Alloys in Insert Casting Method
Authors: Yoon NaRae , Hwang JunHo , Lee CheolUng , Lee KwangBok , Lee YoonKi , Lee JongHoon , Kong Seong Ho , Kim Hyun Deok
Published: February 2025

To enhance the bonding quality of aluminum extrusions and cast materials, insert casting and laser structuring processes were applied, and the effects of laser process parameters on bonding quality and bonding strength were analyzed. The shapes, undercut, were analyzed based on the significant laser structuring process parameters, such as power, jump speed, and scan speed. The laser power and scan speed were strongly correlated, and when the power was 400 W and the scan speed was 500 mm/s, depth was the highest at 623 ㎛. On the other hand, when the laser power was 400 W and the scan speed was 1,000 mm/s, depth was the lowest at 56 ㎛. To verify the effectiveness of the laser structuring process, a joint specimen was manufactured through insert casting and the shear strength was evaluated, and a value of 44.4 MPa was confirmed.
How the Olympics and Aristotle’s Model of Practical Wisdom Provide a Way of Understanding the Illnesses That Plague Us and How to Address Them
Authors: Beck Martha C. ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2025

The year 2024 is proving to be a landmark in the explosion of diseases all over the world. Collectively, we are experiencing a huge rise in obesity and related diseases like diabetes type 2 and heart disease; a huge rise in mental illnesses, leading to deaths and diseases of despair; a huge increase in the gap between the world’s billionaires and everyone else; a huge increase in authoritarian populist leaders replacing democratic political candidates. The Olympic Games are part of the national identity of almost every nation in the world. They were institutionalized as a way to encourage each citizen to cultivate a healthy mind in a healthy body. This paper begins with the view of a healthy civilization underlying all aspects of the Olympic Games. The underlying view also follows Aristotle’s model of a flourishing citizen in a flourishing society. A number of recent books that focus on some aspect of the many diseases people experience today, including physical and mental health, refer explicitly to Aristotle’s model of flourishing as the standard against which they expose corruptions and a model to follow as we create a healthier culture in the future. The World Congress in Rome, the Center for Values in Philosophy and the ISUD also support the work of scholars who bring together ideas about how to create a healthier international civilization so that future generations can survive and thrive.
Ethics in Business
Authors: Ogbujah Columbus N. ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2025

In biological literature, humans are depicted as higher mammals that have suckled their young ones in all ages. This nature-induced nurturance act, among others, is indicative of inherent dispositions for kindness, integrity, tenderness, respect, and compassion – values that highlight moral responsibility. Besides the impositions of the law and the pursuit of a positive social image, the quest for moral rectitude is an elixir that propels human milk of kindness in tending the needs of their kind. The propulsive correlation between tending others’ needs and the satisfaction of one’s goals shows there is no real conflict between duty and self-interest. Nonetheless, there are times when, due to pragmatic expediency, people are wont to jettison lofty moral ideals, thereby calling into question the basis for the thesis of the milk of human kindness. This dialogue between moral responsibility and pragmatic expediency is a crucial exploration of the tensions between doing what is right (moral responsibility) and doing what seems effective or practically useful (pragmatic expediency). It is a dialogue that intends to expose the incongruity of claims that divest businesses of all vestiges of ethics and limit the business of doing business to profit-making. Through textual criticism, the study highlights the inherent dangers consequent on acquiescing to pragmatic expediency as a recurrent universal norm. It concludes by proposing new ways of striving for a more ethical and sustainable business environment that envisions the future of a healthy planet.