bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stability of the Electron Strahl against the Oblique Fast-magnetosonic/Whistler Instability in the Inner Heliosphere
Authors: Jeong Seong-Yeop , Abraham Joel B. , Verscharen Daniel , Berčič Laura , Stansby David , Nicolaou Georgios , Owen Christopher J. , Wicks Robert T. , Fazakerley Andrew N. , Agudelo Rueda Jeffersson A. , Bakrania Mayur
Published: February 2022

We analyze the micro-kinetic stability of the electron strahl in the solar wind depending on heliocentric distance. The oblique fast-magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) instability has emerged in the literature as a key candidate mechanism for the effective scattering of the electron strahl into the electron halo population. Using data from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Helios, we compare the measured strahl properties with the analytical thresholds for the oblique FM/W instability in the low- and high-β
∥c
regimes, where β
∥c
is the ratio of the core parallel thermal pressure to the magnetic pressure. Our PSP and Helios data show that the electron strahl is on average stable against the oblique FM/W instability in the inner heliosphere. Our analysis suggests that the instability, if at all, can only be excited sporadically and on short timescales. We discuss the caveats of our analysis and potential alternative explanations for the observed scattering of the electron strahl in the solar wind. Furthermore, we recommend the numerical evaluation of the stability of individual distributions in the future to account for any uncertainties in the validity of the analytical expressions for the instability thresholds.
The Ultramassive White Dwarfs of the Alpha Persei Cluster
Authors: Miller David R. , Caiazzo Ilaria , Heyl Jeremy , Richer Harvey B. , Tremblay Pier-Emmanuel
Published: February 2022

We searched through the entire Gaia EDR3 candidate white dwarf catalog for stars with proper motions and positions that are consistent with them having escaped from the Alpha Persei cluster within the past 81 Myr, the age of the cluster. In this search we found five candidate white dwarf escapees from Alpha Persei and obtained spectra for all of them. We confirm that three are massive white dwarfs sufficiently young to have originated in the cluster. All these are more massive than any white dwarf previously associated with a cluster using Gaia astrometry, and possess some of the most massive progenitors. In particular, the white dwarf Gaia EDR3 4395978097863572, which lies within 25 pc of the cluster center, has a mass of about 1.20 solar masses and evolved from an 8.5 solar-mass star, pushing the upper limit for white dwarf formation from a single massive star, while still leaving a substantial gap between the resulting white dwarf mass and the Chandrasekhar mass.
A Snowball in Hell: The Potential Steam Atmosphere of TOI-1266c
Authors: Harman C. E. , Kopparapu Ravi Kumar , Stefánsson Guðmundur , Lin Andrea S. J. , Mahadevan Suvrath , Hedges Christina , Batalha Natasha E.
Published: February 2022

TOI-1266c is a recently discovered super-Venus in the radius valley orbiting an early M dwarf. However, its notional bulk density (∼2.2 g cm−3) is consistent with a large volatile fraction, suggesting that it might have volatile reservoirs that have survived billions of years at more than twice Earth’s insolation. On the other hand, the upper mass limit paints a picture of a cool super-Mercury dominated by >50% iron core (∼9.2 g cm−3) that has tiptoed up to the collisional stripping limit and into the radius gap. Here we examine several hypothetical states for TOI-1266c using a combination of new and updated open-source atmospheric escape, radiative−convective, and photochemical models. We find that water-rich atmospheres with trace amounts of H2 and CO2 are potentially detectable (S/N > ∼ 5) in less than 20 hr of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observing time. We also find that water vapor spectral features are not substantially impacted by the presence of high-altitude water or ice clouds owing to the presence of a significant amount of water above the cloud deck, although further work with self-consistent cloud models is needed. Regardless of its mass, however, TOI-1266c represents a unique proving ground for several hypotheses related to the evolution of sub-Neptunes and Venus-like worlds, particularly those near the radius valley.
Pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility and association with Toll-Like receptor 2 Arg753Gln polymorphism
Authors: El-Masry Eman A , Taher Ibrahim , Hetta Helal F , Eldahdouh Samy S
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Tuberculosis has been a concern of healthcare professionals due to the serious threats it poses on public health safety. However, regardless all the efforts, no appropriate goals for immunological diagnosis or tuberculosis treatment were established. Toll-like receptor 2 is one of the toll-like receptors, which plays a fundamental role in recognizing and hosting defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Toll-like receptor 2’s genetic polymorphism (arginine-to-glutamine substitution at residue 753 (Arg753Gln)) was linked to negative effects on the function of Toll-like receptor 2 which, in turn, impacts the body’s resistance or susceptibility to tuberculosis. The current study aimed at investigating the single Arg753Gln nucleotide polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 2 gene in patients with tuberculosis infection versus a sample of healthy subjects as controls.

Methodology: A comparative study was conducted to investigate Toll-like receptor 2 polymorphism of the single nucleotide gene Arg753Gln in 30 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and compare their results with other 20 healthy controls matched by age and sex.

Results: TLR-2-Arg polymorphism allele A occurred in 36.7% of the patient group. Homozygous carriers of allele A/A polymorphism occurred in 13.4% compared to 5% among controls, while GA genotype was found in 23.3% among the study group and 10% among controls. The association between GA genotype and pulmonary tuberculosis was found statistically significant (p = 0.002) than other genotypes. Allele frequency for both G and A were (p =0.002) in patient groups and (p =0.000) among the control group.

Conclusions: TLR-2 Arg753Gln polymorphisms may have a crucial role in pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility among Egyptian patients.
Multiple infections with hepatitis A virus and development of rheumatoid arthritis among waste water treatment plant workers
Authors: Abd-Elshafy Dina Nadeem , Raslan Hala Zaki , Nadeem Rola , Awad Mona Abd-ElKader , Shalaby Said , Mohamed Bahgat Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Introduction: In the present work, we studied the association between multiple exposure of waste water treatment plant workers to infection with existing hepatitis A virus in waste water and development of rheumatoid arthritis, taking in consideration number of working years as an indicator for frequency of exposure to infection, compared to non waste water treatment plant workers.

Methodology: A total of 105 waste water treatment plant workers and 48 NWWTPWs were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were positivity for HBV and/or HCV IgG, negativity to HAV IgG and suffering from rheumatic diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis.

Results: 96.2% of waste water treatment plant workers were anti-HAV-IgG positive, of whom 5 had high antibody titer indicating ongoing infection and were anti-HAV-IgM negative excluding primary infection. These 5 samples were further subjected to quantification of liver enzymes, glutamate oxaloacetate trasaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase and HAV-RT-PCR to check viremia and results showed increase of glutamate oxaloacetate trasaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase as well as viremea in all of them. Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis was carried out by detection of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein. Rheumatoid arthritis development was 19% in the waste water treatment plant workers with >10 working years and 8% for < 10 working years. Also, disease development started earlier (Age 30-40 years) among the waste water treatment plant workers compared to non waste water treatment plant workers (age: 40-50 years).

Conclusions: Multiple exposures of waste water treatment plant workers to HAV might be one of the etiological stimuli of rheumatoid arthritis.
The role of 99mTc-ethambutol scintigraphy to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Santoso Prayudi , Hidayat Basuki , Pratiwi Chica , Budiman Kevin Yonatan , Soekersi Hari , Soeroto Arto Yuwono
Published: February 2022

Tuberculosis is a significant health problem in many parts of the world. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2020, 10 million new tuberculosis cases were reported worldwide in 2019, with only 57% of these cases being bacteriologically confirmed. Current tuberculosis diagnostic tests depend on the quality of the sputum, leaving many diagnostic uncertainties. Diagnostic delays result in ongoing transmission and more severe, progressive disease in the affected person. This shows that current diagnostic tests are not sufficient to establish all tuberculosis cases accurately, and there is a need for a new diagnostic technique. 99mTc-ethambutol scintigraphy was recently reported as a new diagnostic test for tuberculosis, with a sensitivity and specificity of 93.9% and 85.7%, respectively. Here, we report a case of the importance of this new technique for diagnosing tuberculosis when the existing bacteriological and molecular tests failed to confirm the diagnosis.
Retrospective quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 by digital PCR showing high accuracy for low viral load specimens
Authors: Lu Renfei , Wang Jian , Li Min , He Jing , Wang Yaqi , Dong Jia , Cai Weihua
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Accurate detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is critical for diagnosis and disease status evaluation of Coronavirus disease 2019. We retrospectively evaluated the infection status and viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Nantong city, China, using a quantitative digital polymerase chain reaction and reverse-transcription PCR.

Methodology: A total of 103 clinical specimens from 31 patients were collected and tested by digital PCR and reverse-transcription PCR.

Results: The overall accuracy of digital PCR was 96.8%, which was higher than the overall accuracy of 87.1% for reverse-transcription PCR. 4 (3.88%) specimens for ORF1ab and 22 (21.36%) specimens for N gene were negative by reverse-transcription PCR but positive by digital PCR. 3 (2.91%, 3/103) specimens of ORF1ab were positive by reverse-transcription PCR but negative by digital PCR. The digital PCR assay exhibited higher sensitivity to measure the N gene than the ORF1ab gene (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our results showed that digital PCR assay provides more reliable detection of Coronavirus disease 2019 than reverse-transcription PCR, especially for low viral load specimens.
COVID-19 disease characteristics in different pediatric age groups
Authors: Kepenekli Eda , Yakut Nurhayat , Ergenc Zeynep , Aydıner Ömer , Sarınoğlu Rabia Can , Karahasan Ayşegül , Karakoc-Aydıner Elif , Memişoğlu Aslı , Gökdemir Yasemin , Eralp Ela Erdem , Ergenekon Pınar , Karadağ Bülent , Tezel Kübra Gökçe , Aydın Murat , Şenyürek Betül , Boran Perran
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Little is known about the COVID-19 disease characteristics and differences between different pediatric age groups. This study aimed to investigate the disease characteristics according to age groups.

Methodology: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of pediatric COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital in Turkey. The patients were divided into three groups: 15 days-24 months old (Group 1), 25-144 months old (Group 2), and 145-210 months old (Group 3) according to age.

Results: A total of 139 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were examined. Twenty-nine patients (20.9%) were in Group 1, 52 (37.4%) were in Group 2, 58 (41.7%) were in Group 3. Thirty-nine patients (28.1%) were hospitalized. The most common symptoms were cough (55.4%) and fever (51.8%). The median chest X-ray (CXR) score of hospitalized patients was 1 (min 0-max 7), and the median CXR score of outpatients was 1 (min 0-max 6). Fever was significantly more frequent in Group 1, and chest pain was more frequent in Group 3. Group 1 had significantly higher WBC, lymphocyte, thrombocyte counts, AST, LDH, D-dimer, and Troponin T levels but lower hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels. The treatment included antibiotics, oseltamivir, hydroxychloroquine, and supportive therapy. Only one patient (0.7%) received non-invasive mechanical ventilatory support.

Conclusions: As we know the clinical course of COVID-19 in children is less severe than in adults. We also found significant differences in both clinical and laboratory findings between different pediatric age groups which supports the theory that disease pathogenesis is highly variable according to age.
Development and validation of a questionnaire on tuberculosis among foreign-born individuals in a province of northern Italy
Authors: Di Nuzzo Mariachiara , Valpiani Giorgia , Morotti Chiara , Maritati Martina , Contini Carlo
Published: February 2022

Introduction: In low tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries, foreign-born individuals represent a population at risk. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys use standardized and structured questionnaires to collect information by a specific population in relation to a particular topic. As primary objective, we developed and validated a questionnaire exploring TB knowledge among foreign-born individuals from high TB incidence countries living in Ferrara’s province, a low TB incidence province of northern Italy. As secondary objective, we investigated respondents’ demographic and social determinants of health data. Methodology: Questionnaire items were developed based on World Health Organization (WHO) “A guide to develop KAP surveys” questionnaire sample and literature review. Questionnaire underwent Delphi technique evaluation, back and forward translation, health literacy review, and two pilot tests. Internal consitency and validity were computed through Cronbach’s alpha, content validity index, and principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and social determinants of health data. Results: We initially proposed a 38-item questionnaire. After Delphi technique, performed with seven experts, a 17-items questionnaire was obtained. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, used to assess internal consistency, was 0.65. Content validity index was > 0.80. One factor was extracted by PCA, with a cumulative contribution of 50%. The population investigated was similar to the immigrant population settled in Ferrara’s province, according to age, gender and TB risk factors. Conclusions: The questionnaire we developed and validated can contribute to measure foreign-born individuals’ TB knowledge.
Atelier-classe PRÉAUT
Authors: Saint-Georges Catherine , Clément Marie-Noëlle
Published: February 2022

L’atelier-classe préaut , ou groupe pédagogique séquentiel intensif ( gpsi ) est un outil pédagogique structuré destiné aux enfants porteurs de troubles du spectre autistique, qui propose d’étayer leur processus développemental de subjectivation sur une médiation scolaire. Ce dispositif contenant et ritualisé, appuyé sur une rigoureuse structuration espace-temps, répond à la fois aux besoins des enfants porteurs de troubles autistiques et aux attentes des institutions et des équipes qui souhaitent travailler avec des outils structurés dans le cadre de prises en charge intégratives individualisées. Le gpsi a été mis à l’épreuve d’une recherche interventionnelle contrôlée randomisée (essai clinique) de 2013 à 2017. Cet article reprend les principes et les appuis du dispositif, le protocole de la recherche, ainsi que les résultats finaux qui ont été publiés dans des revues internationales.
Les aides numériques à l’arbitrage du football. D’une longue résistance à une rapide introduction (1998-2018)
Authors: Desfontaine Pierrick , Morales Yves , Terral Philippe
Published: February 2022

L’analyse présentée porte sur l’introduction controversée des Aides numériques dans l’arbitrage (ANA) en football. L’étude socio-historique de l’introduction d’innovations technologiques dans une arène sociale permet d’envisager les craintes et promesses qui les accompagnent. En s’appuyant sur des archives fédérales, l’étude présente les séquences d’opposition à la GLT puis à la VAR, et les arguments qui favorisent leur implémentation, tout en analysant les jeux d’acteurs et de discours qui sous-tendent ces positionnements
Le partage des eaux. Les collaborations des maîtres-nageurs-sauveteurs (MNS) au cœur de l’enseignement de la natation à l’école primaire
Authors: Camporelli Fabien
Published: February 2022

Reposant sur une analyse qualitative d’entretiens et de matériaux ethnographique recueillis auprès de maîtres-nageurs-sauveteurs (MNS), cet article s’attache à saisir comment l’interdépendance de la tâche « enseigner la natation à l’école primaire » induit la dépendance des membres des groupes impliqués dans la prise en charge des élèves, MNS d’un côté et professeurs des écoles (PE) de l’autre. Des indicateurs comme les niveaux d’interdépendance et les degrés d’intégration ont permis d’identifier quatre modes collaboratifs pratiqués par les MNS, entre coopérations et conflits. Ces spécialistes de la natation montrent par là leur capacité à infléchir leur autonomie professionnelle en reconsidérant leurs relations interprofessionnelles malgré la présence de normes prescrites institutionnellement. Cette dynamique constitue un enjeu majeur pour ce groupe qui s’efforce, au cœur du contexte scolaire, de revoir sa position dans la hiérarchie sociale.
L’imaginaire de la realpolitik dans la fiction Baron noir
Authors: Falaix Ludovic , Cordonnier Maxence
Published: February 2022

La série Baron noir , composée de trois saisons, diffusée sur Canal+ de 2016 à 2020, est une fiction télévisuelle dont l’intrigue narrative repose sur la représentation de l’effervescence qui agite le corps social et politique à l’échelle hexagonale et européenne. Cette série met en scène la personnification du pouvoir politique et véhicule les imaginaires populistes de la démocratie radicale. En abordant les dérives et les limites d’une société moderne en proie à la dystopie, la série Baron noir illustre de manière réaliste, sinon prophétique, la transfiguration de la vie politique française et la crise démocratique qu’elle traverse. En d’autres termes, la série Baron noir permet la mise en abyme de cette tension qui traverse le champ politique entre d’une part l’ivresse du pouvoir fondée sur la bestialité des hommes et des femmes politiques et d’autre part la puissance des mouvements sociaux dont l’animalité repose sur le terreau fertile des injustices sociales et des quêtes identitaires. Enfin, l’article aborde le fait que la série transcende la seule critique sociale au bénéfice de l’examen d’une possible démocratie des émotions pensée comme fondement d’une nouvelle cosmopolitique et d’une sortie de la crise de l’Anthropocène. L’imaginaire de la realpolitik proposé dans la fiction Baron noir invite ainsi à une réflexion collective sur les formes d’un potentiel réenchantement du politique.
L’émergence d’une vision partagée du contrôle, une réponse à la post-modernité : cas d’application à la gestion des risques RH
Authors: Dufour Nicolas , Teneau Gilles
Published: February 2022

L’objet de cet article est d’étudier la gestion du risque lié aux ressources humaines en tant que dispositif interne de contrôle organisationnel. En nous appuyant sur différents entretiens dans de multiples secteurs, nous mettons en exergue plusieurs constats clés de recherche : la gestion du risque RH est un processus qui appelle à plus de structuration et elle reste un sujet complexe de mise en œuvre au regard de la grande diversité des risques compris derrière cette catégorie « risque RH ». Nos résultats de recherche abondent dans le sens de l’importance de mobiliser des cadres théoriques plus forts et plus enracinés dans la pratique. Nous mettons aussi en avant l’intérêt d’étudier le risque RH en sciences de gestion, au-delà des études spécifiques à une catégorie de risque unitaire.
Les PME familiales face au futur, une recherche exploratoire auprès d’entreprises de la pâtisserie à Alexandrie (Egypte)
Authors: Gamie Alaa , Roubelat Fabrice
Published: February 2022

Par leur orientation transgénérationnelle, les PME familiales constituent un terrain particulier qui pose la question de la place de l’anticipation dans des entreprises dont les futurs apparaissent comme tracés par leur transmission aux nouvelles générations. Dans ce contexte entrepreneurial transgénérationnel, l’objectif de cette recherche consiste à discuter de la place de l’anticipation dans les pratiques managériales des dirigeants de PME familiales et à explorer les différents types de comportement de ces dirigeants vis-à-vis du futur. Après avoir discuté dans un premier temps de l’orientation vers le futur de l’entrepreneuriat transgénérationnel, nous présenterons les résultats de cinq études de cas couplés à une enquête menée auprès de 43 entreprises du secteur de la pâtisserie à Alexandrie. Autant les études de cas que l’enquête démontrent différentes orientations vis-à-vis du futur qu’un essai de typologie permettra de discuter. Les résultats montrent le caractère essentiellement opérationnel de l’anticipation des dirigeants des entreprises, soulignant le rôle contrasté de l’entrepreneuriat transgénérationnel. La recherche fait ressortir la fragmentation du rapport au futur des managers de ces entreprises, dominés néanmoins par un caractère «  futuriste  » que contrebalancent difficilement des «  présentistes  » deux fois moins nombreux. Prenant différentes formes, le rapport au futur est ainsi bien présent dans ces entreprises, mais pas uniquement sous un angle transgénérationnel.
Génération Z : une génération en quête de risques et d’éthique entrepreneuriale
Authors: Dalmas Michel
Published: February 2022

La génération Z est-elle portée à suivre le chemin de l’entrepreneuriat ? Plus précisément, comment les jeunes générations soulignent-elles l’importance de l’innovation et de la prise de risques dans leurs priorités ? Laissent-elles pour autant tomber les questions éthiques et les principes chèrement acquis de la RSE ? 276 jeunes nés en 1995 et en 1996 ont répondu à une enquête en avril 2019. Chercher une réponse à cette question nécessite d’identifier des valeurs en relation avec le monde de l’entreprise. Des analyses en composantes principales ont permis d’identifier quatre facteurs significatifs, dont celui de l’importance de l’innovation et de la prise de risques. De la part de la génération Z, il existerait donc une volonté de ne pas perdre de vue que la réussite professionnelle passe aussi et avant tout par le goût de la nouveauté et de la prise de risques, sans pour autant renier son aspiration à l’éthique et aux principes de la RSE. C’est à ces conditions que l’entrepreneuriat devient une voie envisageable.
Vortex collapses for the Euler and Quasi-Geostrophic models
Authors: Godard-Cadillac Ludovic
Published: February 2022

This article studies point-vortex models for the Euler and surface quasi-geostrophic equations. In the case of an inviscid fluid with planar motion, the point-vortex model gives account of dynamics where the vorticity profile is sharply concentrated around some points and approximated by Dirac masses. This article contains two main theorems and also smaller propositions with several links between each other. The first main result focuses on the Euler point-vortex model, and under the non-neutral cluster hypothesis we prove a convergence result. The second result is devoted to the generalization of a classical result by Marchioro and Pulvirenti concerning the improbability of collapses and the extension of this result to the quasi-geostrophic case.
An efficient finite element method and error analysis for fourth order problems in a spherical domain
Authors: Peng Na , Han Jiayu , An Jing
Published: February 2022

An efficient finite element method for the fourth order problems in a spherical domain will be solved in this paper. Initially, we derive the necessary pole conditions with the intention of overcoming the difficulty of singularity introduced by spherical coordinate transformation. Then the original problem is transformed into a series of equivalent one-dimensional problems by utilizing spherical harmonic functions expansion. Secondly, we introduce some appropriate weighted Sobolev spaces and derive weak form and corresponding discrete form for each one-dimensional fourth order problem based on these pole conditions. In addition, we illustrate the error estimate of the approximate solutions by employing Lax-milgram lemma and approximation property of the cubic Hermite interpolation operator. Eventually, we present the algorithm in detail and show its efficiency through some numerical examples.
Threshold dynamics of a stochastic SIHR epidemic model of COVID-19 with general population-size dependent contact rate
Authors: Hou Tianfang ,   College of Science, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China, Lan Guijie , Yuan Sanling , Zhang Tonghua ,   Department of Mathematics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we propose a stochastic SIHR epidemic model of COVID-19. A basic reproduction number $ R_{0}^{s} $ is defined to determine the extinction or persistence of the disease. If $ R_{0}^{s} < 1 $, the disease will be extinct. If $ R_{0}^{s} > 1 $, the disease will be strongly stochastically permanent. Based on realistic parameters of COVID-19, we numerically analyze the effect of key parameters such as transmission rate, confirmation rate and noise intensity on the dynamics of disease transmission and obtain sensitivity indices of some parameters on $ R_{0}^{s} $ by sensitivity analysis. It is found that: 1) The threshold level of deterministic model is overestimated in case of neglecting the effect of environmental noise; 2) The decrease of transmission rate and the increase of confirmed rate are beneficial to control the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, our sensitivity analysis indicates that the parameters $ \beta $, $ \sigma $ and $ \delta $ have significantly effects on $ R_0^s $.
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) in the Energy Sector
Authors: Defossez Delphine
Published: February 2022

The creation of an international energy market has brought along new challenges. In order to palliate any abuse towards the foreign investors, a strong protection framework was developed: the so-called investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) coupled with the arbitration. Recent cases have, however, highlighted that private institutions are becoming so powerful that they can prohibit states from implementing changes without being threatened by arbitral proceedings. This threat works as a limitation of state sovereignty. Currently, the system puts the interests of private corporations above the needs of the population. ISDS in the energy sector has always been a poisoned gift for developing countries.
Microfinance, Energy Poverty, and Sustainability
Authors: Kasoga Pendo Shukrani , Tegambwage Amani Gration
Published: February 2022

The role of microfinance in reducing energy poverty among Tanzanian micro-borrowers is examined in this chapter. A standardized questionnaire was used to conduct a survey of 490 micro-borrowers. The data was analyzed using the multiple regression technique. Micro-borrowers are eager to spend on modern energy sources for cooking and other activities, according to the findings. Affordability and willingness to spend on contemporary energy sources for cooking have a substantial positive impact on their usage. The willingness to utilize modern energy sources for other purposes has a significant positive impact on their usage. Age, marital status, and education have no bearing on the use of modern energy sources for cooking and other purposes. The use of modern energy sources for other purposes, but not for cooking, is significantly influenced by household size. Microcredits customized for contemporary energy sources should be implemented to combat energy poverty.
Determinants of Carbon Emission Prices
Authors: Kileber Solange , Toro Javier , Cardomingo Matias Rebello , da Silva Luciano José , Nakane Marcio Issao , Parente Virginia
Published: February 2022

Carbon emission allowances are considered an important policy instrument to prevent an undesirable increase in the Earth's temperature caused by the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Most of the existing literature modeled the behavior of allowance prices before the implementation of regulatory measures such as the market stability reserve mechanism. In this chapter, the main determinants of the carbon emissions allowance prices in the European Union are examined, applying econometric models—ARCH and GARCH—that take into consideration the allowances supply in the future market, the energy prices, the stock indices, and the regulatory measures. The results depicted that the most relevant variables affecting the allowance prices were the regulatory measures that mainly restrict the number of allowances available. Understanding the dynamics of the variables that impact these prices can help policymakers to address the oversupply of allowances by sending correct price signals to the market participants.
The Economic Component of World Politics and the Main Global Social and Economic Problems
Authors: Chitadze Nika
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this research is consideration and analysis of the main social and economic problems of the world, which are connected with the existence of the gap between “Global North” and “Global South” and problems of the consumption of mineral resources, including energy and water resources, unemployment, illiteracy, health issues, food supply, demography, etc. We are watching the world become one. Countries and regions are interconnected by a thousand threads that make them interdependent. The world economy today is undergoing a process of globalization – the increasing interdependence of the economies of various countries of the world due to the growth in the movement of goods and services and the intensive exchange of goods, information, technologies, and labor migration.
Intersectoral Collaboration and Social Justice Concerns in Artificial Intelligence Implementation at the Community Level
Authors: McNutt John G. , Goldkind Lauri
Published: February 2022

Artificial intelligence technology offers a wealth of opportunities for government to serve its constituencies and address its mission. Technology providers paint a picture of unlimited possibilities and the fulfillment of dreamlike visions. The reality is often different with failed projects or efforts with negative consequences for social justice and human rights. This situation often leads to angry resistance from multiple groups. What accounts for these different fates? This chapter examines how these efforts develop within a community systems approach and how this accounts for positive and negative outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Nepalese Industries
Authors: Devkota Niranjan , Paudel Rabin , Parajuli Seeprata , Paudel Udaya Raj , Bhandari Udbodh
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in technology in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are significantly changing business environment. In the high-tech competitive edge, it has the immense use of computerized knowledge analytics, particularly for information management and the industrial sector. This study aims to analyze adoption of artificial intelligence among Nepalese industries, how industries are ready to adopt AI, challenges being faced and ways for improvement. Findings of the study revealed that on average 20.77% industries are ready in terms of technological sufficiency, 29.91% industries are ready in terms of management efficiency, and 39.23% industries are ready in terms of value creation potential in the firm for the adoption of AI intelligence. Further, 56% industries stated that small market size and lack of skilled manpower are the major challenges for AI adoption. Therefore, this study concludes that as stated by 44% industries, if they get adequate and relevant support from government, it would be easier for them to adopt AI.
Artificial Intelligence in Education as a Means to Personalize Learning
Authors: Lacárcel Ana María
Published: February 2022

Due to the undeniable increase in the impact that artificial intelligence systems have on numerous aspects of society, the teaching-learning process is increasingly influenced by these, producing the need to know the participating agents and applicable approaches for their implementation. Therefore, the main purpose of this chapter is to obtain an overview of the elements and challenges involved in the application of artificial intelligent devices in education. In this sense, the information presented below characterizes some of these systems through the way in which they personalize learning based on the peculiarities of the students and makes specific reference to the operation of some of them, such as the intelligent tutor system and exploratory learning environments.
Analysis on the Possibilities of AI in Education
Authors: Aznar Tomás
Published: February 2022

For some years now, we have been living through times of the rapid interaction of technologies in society, and this has been an authentic revolution. Many speak of this moment as a fourth industrial revolution that is going to significantly change the way we see the world and interact with other people. Among these technologies, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding has been artificial intelligence (AI), which is so present in the daily lives of people looking for patterns that are used in numerous fields of action. In education, the advance of AI has been very significant, and all governments are seeking to make policies that involve AI in education in order to improve the academic results of students. It is for this reason that we must analyze how this improves implementation and improvement to the education of the 21st century.
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Approach to Controlling Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Schofield Mark
Published: February 2022

Natural disasters have the potential to cause catastrophic damage and massive economic losses. Actual damages and losses have been increasing in recent years. As a result, disaster managers bear a greater responsibility to safeguard their communities in advance by developing effective management strategies. Numerous studies have been conducted on the processing of disaster-related data using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, all with the goal of developing more effective disaster management strategies. This chapter summarises current AI applications in the four phases of disaster management: mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. Numerous AI techniques can be applied to various stages of disaster management, and several practical AI-based decision support tools are demonstrated. It seems that the vast majority of artificial intelligence applications are focused on disaster preparedness and response.
Application of Big Data and Machine Learning Approaches to Improve Decision Making During Crises
Authors: Ali Mohammed Banu
Published: February 2022

As an occurrence that jeopardises vital national interests or the basic needs of the populace, a crisis necessitates rapid decision-making and coordination between various departments and agencies in order to resolve it effectively. As a result, crisis and disaster management systems are necessary and critical. Crisis and disaster response systems are intricate, requiring numerous phases, techniques, and resources. These systems require useful and necessary data that can be used to make future decisions more effectively, such as historical and current data on crises. The use of machine learning and big data technologies to process data from crises and disasters has the potential to yield significant results in this area. The first section of this document discusses crisis management systems and available tools, such as big data and machine learning. Additionally, a machine learning and big data approach to crisis management systems were developed, which included a description and experiments, as well as a discussion of the findings and the field's future directions.
NextGen Smart Healthcare Systems
Authors: Almel Subhash , Kesavan Selvaraj , B. S. Muralidhar
Published: February 2022

Citizens' health is a barometer of society's health, and thus healthcare is a primary focus of all governments/societies. Precaution is preferable to cure. It is critical to monitor patients on a regular basis and to treat them proactively. Despite being proactive, there is a possibility that patients will require reactive treatment. Over the last century, the healthcare industry has made tremendous strides. Technology has been critical to these advancements. This has aided doctors in diagnosing patients more accurately, resulting in more effective treatment. Healthcare costs have increased, as has the incidence of chronic lifestyle diseases and the ageing population. These factors are compelling healthcare stakeholders worldwide to pursue round-the-clock activity tracking and continuous monitoring of health parameters. Hospitals are critical for monitoring and treating patients. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how hospitals are implementing newer technologies to monitor and treat their patients through the development of next generation affordable healthcare systems.
Epidemiology of Young Stroke in the Ludhiana Population-Based Stroke Registry
Authors: Singla Monika , Singh Gagandeep , Kaur Paramdeep , Pandian Jeyaraj D.
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine incidence, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of young stroke in Ludhiana city, Northwest India.

Methods:

Data were collected on first-ever stroke in patients of age ≥18 years, from hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, general practitioners, and municipal corporation during March 2011–March 2013 in Ludhiana city, using the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (WHO STEPS). Outcome was documented using the modified Rankin Scale at 28 days.

Results:

Of 2948 patients, 700 (24%) were in the age group 18–49 years. Annual incidence in this age group was 46/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 41–51/100,000). Hypertension (84%), diabetes mellitus (48%), and atrial fibrillation (AF) (12%) were found more common in >49 years age group, as compared with 18–49 years age group. Drug abuse (8.7% vs. 6% in age >49 years; P = 0.04) and tobacco intake (8.7% vs. 5.6% in age >49 years; P = 0.02) was more common in young people, that is, 18–49 years age group in comparison to older patients, >49 years age group. Recovery was better in younger subjects (60% vs. 46% in age >49 years P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger people were more often literate (odds ratio [OR] 2.52; 95% CI, 1.68–3.77; P < 0.001), employed (OR 3.92; 95% CI, 2.20–5.21; P < 0.001), and 374 (60%) had good clinical outcome, modified Rankin Scale <2 at 28 days follow-up as compared with 938 (46%) older patients (OR 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15–2.00; P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, drug addiction, and tobacco intake were significantly associated with young stroke. Outcome was also better in younger people.
Costing of a Multiple Family Group Strengthening Intervention (SMART Africa) to Improve Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Uganda
Authors: Tozan Yesim , Capasso Ariadna , Namatovu Phionah , Kiyingi Joshua , Damulira Christopher , Nabayinda Josephine , Bahar Ozge Sensoy , McKay Mary M. , Hoagwood Kimberly , Ssewamala Fred M.
Published: February 2022

Reliable cost estimates are key to assessing the feasibility, affordability, and cost-effectiveness of interventions. We estimated the economic costs of a multiple family group (MFG) intervention—child and adolescent mental health evidence-based practices (CAMH-EBP) implemented under the SMART Africa study, seeking to improve family functioning and reduce child and adolescent behavior problems—delivered through task-shifting by community health workers (CHWs) or parent peers (PPs) in school settings in Uganda. This prospective microcosting analysis was conducted from a provider perspective as part of a three-armed randomized controlled trial of the MFG intervention involving 2,391 participants aged 8-13 years and their caregivers in 26 primary schools. Activity-specific costs were estimated and summed, and divided by actual participant numbers in each study arm to conservatively calculate total per-child costs by arm. Total per-child costs of the MFG-PP and MFG-CHW arms were estimated at US$346 and US$328, respectively. The higher per-child cost of the MFG-PP arm was driven by lower than anticipated attendance by participants recruited to this arm. Personnel costs were the key cost driver, accounting for approximately 70% of total costs because of intensive supervision and support provided to MFG facilitators and intervention quality assurance efforts. This is the first study estimating the economic costs of an evidence-based MFG intervention provided through task-shifting strategies in a low-resource setting. Compared with the costs of other family-based interventions ranging between US$500 and US$900 in similar settings, the MFG intervention had a lower per-participant cost; however, few comparisons are available in the literature. More costing studies on CAMH-EBPs in low-resource settings are needed.
Military and Civilian Sector Practice Patterns for Short-Term Travelers’ Diarrhea Self-Treatment in Adults
Authors: Stagliano David R. , Kuo Huai-Ching , Fraser Jamie A. , Mitra Indrani , Garges Eric C. , Riddle Mark S. , Tribble David R. , Hickey Patrick W.
Published: February 2022

The Deployment and Travel Medicine Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Outcomes Study investigates the various clinician and traveler contributions to medical outcomes within the U.S. Military Health System. Travelers’ diarrhea is among the most common travel-related illnesses, making travelers’ diarrhea self-treatment (TDST) important for traveler health. A cohort of 80,214 adult travelers receiving malaria chemoprophylaxis for less than 6 weeks of travel were identified within the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System Data Repository. Associated prescriptions for TDST medications within 2 weeks of chemoprophylaxis prescriptions were identified. Prescription patterns were compared by service member versus beneficiary status and site of care, military facility versus civilian facility. At military facilities, medical provider demographics were analyzed by clinical specialty and categorized as travel medicine specialists versus nonspecialists. Overall, there was low prescribing of TDST, particularly among civilian providers and military nonspecialists, despite guidelines recommending self-treatment of moderate to severe travelers’ diarrhea. This practice gap was largest among service member travelers, but also existed for beneficiaries. Compared with nonspecialists, military travel medicine specialists were more likely to prescribe a combination of an antibiotic and antimotility agent to beneficiaries, more likely to provide any form of TDST to service members, and more likely to prescribe azithromycin than quinolones when using antibiotics. Our study suggests that enhancing provider knowledge and use of travelers’ diarrhea treatment recommendations combined with improved access to formal travel medicine services may be important to increase the quality of care.
A Nighttime Telemedicine and Medication Delivery Service to Avert Pediatric Emergencies in Haiti: An Exploratory Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Flaherty Katelyn E. , Klarman Molly B. , Cajusma Youseline , Schon Justin , Exantus Lerby , Beau de Rochars Valery M. , Baril Chantale , Becker Torben K. , Nelson Eric J.
Published: February 2022

We sought to compare the costs of a nighttime pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted to the costs of current hospital emergency care per DALY averted from a societal perspective. We studied a nighttime pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service and hospital emergency care in a semi-urban and rural region of Haiti. Costs of the two services were enumerated to represent the financial investments of both providers and patients. DALYs averted were calculated to represent the “years lives lost” and “years lost to disability” from diarrheal, respiratory, and skin (bacterial and scabies etiologies) disease among children from 0 to 9 years old. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated and compared with the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of Haiti ($1,177). Cost-effectiveness was defined as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio less than three times the per capita GDP of Haiti ($3,531). The total costs of the nighttime telemedicine and medication delivery service and hospital emergency care to society were $317,898 per year and $89,392 per year, respectively. The DALYs averted by the service and hospital emergency care were 199.76 and 22.37, respectively. Correspondingly, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is estimated at $1,288 signifying that the service costs an additional $1,288 to avert one additional DALY. A scaled nighttime pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service is likely a cost-effective alternative to hospital emergency care for pre-emergency pediatric conditions in Haiti, and possibly in similar lower-middle-income countries.
Social Capital and Childbearing Tendencies with Emphasis on Generational Differences (Case Study: Babol City)
Authors: Alipour Reza , Foroutan Yaghoob , Sharepour Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effects of social capital components on childbearing tendencies with an emphasis on generational differences.

Method: The statistical population of this study is people aged 15 years and older in Babol city. Using Cochran’s formula, 383 people were selected as the sample population and a multi-stage cluster sampling method was used. The research method, survey, and data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed through face validity. The reliability of the items was obtained through Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8. Also, the theoretical framework of this study was a combination of theories of social capital and childbearing tendencies.

Findings: The results of the Pearson test indicated a statistically significant correlation between some variables of social capital and childbearing tendencies. Furthermore, the results of generation regression analysis on some independent variables (trust, support, and real social network) and research dependent variables showed that 23.7% of the changes in these variables could be explained by generations. Also, the results of social capital regression analysis on childbearing tendencies revealed a relationship between the variables of social trust, social support, and real social network. Among these three variables, social support was found to be the strongest predictor variable with a beta coefficient of 0.387. The results of path analysis, like regression analysis, showed the effect of age, trust, support, and real social network variables on childbearing tendencies; in total, social support variable had the greatest overall effect on childbearing tendencies (0.492).