bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KINERJA APARAT DESA DALAM PELAYANAN PUBLIK DI KANTOR DESA GIRIREJO KECAMATAN NGABLAK KABUPATEN MAGELANG
Authors: Luthfia Rizki Amalia
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini berisi analisis mengenai kepuasan masyarakat yang berada di Desa Girirejo terhadap pelayanan yang diberikan oleh aparat desa di Kantor desa Girirejo. Desa Girirejo merupakan desa yang terletak di Kecamatan Ngablak, Kabupaten Magelang yang terdiri atas 6044 jiwa dan tersebar dalam 10 dusun. Penelitian ini disusun dengan menggambarkan fenomena pelayanan publik di Desa Girirejo dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, yakni penelitian yang menganalisis keadaan yang ada pada saat ini berdasarkan pada fakta-fakta di lapangan. Sehingga metode yang diterapkan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis deskriptif. Letaknya yang berada di kaki Gunung Andong menjadi suatu alasan diambilnya topik penelitian ini tentang bagaimana aparat desa dalam memberikan pelayanan disamping masyarakat mengembangkan potensi desa di sektor pariwisata. Adapun jumlah responden dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 99 responden yang diambil dari hasil keseluruhan populasi dengan menggunakan rumus slovin. Dari sejumlah responden tersebut diperoleh hasil rata-rata bahwa masyarakat di Desa Girirejo memberikan respon positif atas pelayanan yang diberikan oleh aparat desa.
Ekonomi Digital
Authors: Maritha Desy
Published: August 2023

Hak untuk mendapatkan akses internet secara bebas menjadi diskursus dewasa ini. Dalam penelitian Cerf (2012) menyebutkan bahwa internet dianggap sebagai penunjang yang memungkinkan dalam mewujudkan hak asasi ( tetapi bukan hak asasi itu sendiri) dalam tulisannya Cerf juga menyebutkan bahwa akses internet merupakan hak sipil atau hak warga yang seharusnya sudah disediakan dan dijamin oleh pemerintah stempat. Jadi, pada intinya pemerintah berkewajiban untuk memperluas penyediaan akses internet hingga dapat dijangkau di seluruh pelosok daerah, termasuk memperkaya literasi digital khususnya bagi kelompok yang selama ini belum menjadi prioritas. Hal inilah yang menjadi prinsip utama dalam inklusif dalam memerangi kesenajangan digital.

Penelitian menyebutkan bahwa di Indonesia pemanfaatan ekonomi digital masih belum optimal, hal ini salah satunya disebabkan oleh kualitas keterampilan digital masyarakat yang masih rendah. Hal ini juga ditandai dengan pencapaian angka indikator aktivitas ekonomi internet, atau yang biasa disebut Gross merchandise Volume (GMV) Indonesia relative kecil bila dibandingkan dengan negara asean lainnya.  Walaupun industry ekonomi digital di Indonesia sudah cukup berkembang, tetapi masih banyak masyarakat Indonesia yang belum terlibat dan berkontribusi dalam ekosistem ekonomi digital di Indonesia (The Conversation, 2022).

Ketimpangan akses digital juga dirasakan di negara lain di kawasan Asia Tenggara, bahwa kurang dari 70 persen rumah tangga di Kamboja, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, dan Thailand, menggunakan internet walaupun rata-rata cakupan internet LTE di negara-negara tersebut sudah mencapai 90 persen. ( the conversation, 2023). Adanya kesenjangan terhadap akses digital ini tidak sesuai dengan tujuan Masyarakat Ekonomi Asean dalam mewujudkan perekonomian yang terintegrasi, terkoneksi, berdaya saing dan inovatif.
Analisis Yuridis tentang Surat Pernyataan para Pihak Terkait Beneficial Owner dalam Pembuatan Akta Notaris
Authors: Henjoko Henjoko , Ginting Budiman , A T. Keizerina Devi
Published: August 2023

Notaris sebagai pejabat umum berwenang untuk membuat akta autentik, termasuk di dalamnya akta terkait badan usaha. Notaris seringkali menerima permintaan untuk menyamarkan beneficial owner dari badan usaha yang bersangkutan.  Tesis ini membahas tentang alasan beneficial owner harus dilaporkan, kewenangan Notaris dalam pelaporan beneficial owner di Indonesia, dan kekuatan hukum dari surat pernyataan para pihak terkait beneficial owner dalam pembuatan akta Notaris.Penelitian tesis menggunakan penelitian yuridis normatif yang bersifat deskriptif analitis. Data yang digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan dalam penelitian adalah data sekunder. Untuk memperoleh data sekunder, maka digunakan penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Teori yang digunakan untuk penelitian adalah teori pertanggungjawaban hukum, teori kewenangan hukum, teori hierarki norma, dan teori legisme hukum. Hasil penelitian memberikan kesimpulan, beneficial owner dari badan usaha harus dilaporkan karena konsep beneficial owner itu sendiri sering digunakan oleh berbagai pihak sebagai salah satu sarana untuk menyamarkan ataupun menghindari berbagai kewajiban yang harusnya dipenuhi, seperti kewajiban diperpajakan, perusahaan, lingkungan, bahkan sangat rawan dijadikan sebagai sarana untuk tindak pidana pencucian uang ataupun tindak pidana pendanaan terorisme, kewenangan Notaris dalam pelaporan beneficial owner atas akta yang dibuatnya yaitu melakukan pelaporan mengenai beneficial owner yang terdapat dalam korporasi kepada pihak pemerintah, dalam hal ini kementerian hukum dan hak asasi manusia, melalui sistem direktorat jenderal adminstrasi hukum umum, dan kekuatan hukum dari surat pernyataan para pihak terkait beneficial owner dalam pembuatan akta Notaris adalah mempunyai sifat kekuatan pembuktian  dengan suatu akta di bawah tangan.Saran-saran yang dapat diberikan adalah pemerintah mengeluarkan suatu aturan hukum baru yang bisa mengatur tentang praktek beneficial owner di Indonesia secara komprehensif dan mendalam, ada pengaturan yang jelas dan tegas mengenai kewenangan Notaris dalam pelaporan beneficial owner di Indonesia, beserta juga dengan batasannya, dan surat pernyataan para pihak terkait beneficial owner dalam pembuatan akta di bawah tangan agar dilegalisasi oleh Notaris sesuai dengan ketentuan Pasal 15 ayat (2) huruf b Undang-Undang Nomor 2 Tahun 2014 tentang Perubahan Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 30 Tahun 2004 tentang Jabatan Notaris.
El lobo y su estado de conservación en las regiones biogeográficas de la Península Ibérica: referencias empíricas y derecho
Authors: García Ureta Agustín
Published: August 2023

Resumen:

Este trabajo analiza algunas cuestiones sobre la noción de “estado de conservación favorable” y su aplicación a las especies del Anexo V de la Directiva 92/43, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres, en concreto el lobo (canis lupus). Asimismo, examina algunas críticas que se han vertido acerca de un trabajo anterior, de 2021, sobre el lobo y su estado de conservación en la Península Ibérica, por referencia a la red EIONET de la Unión Europea. En relación con esto, es necesario no confundir certeza absoluta con certeza científica, por cuanto que la mutabilidad, por mejora del conocimiento, es la característica esencial de la ciencia. Asimismo, se pone en evidencia que el grado de conocimiento es deficiente, como constata la Comisión Europea en diferentes informes. En tercer lugar, se vuelve a insistir que, respecto “cada” región biogeográfica continental en España, la red EIONET indica que una mayoría de aspectos no avala que se esté ante un estado de conservación favorable a los efectos de la Directiva de Hábitats.

Abstract:

This contribution analyses certain matters regarding the notion of “favourable conservation status” and its application to the species included into Annex V of Directive 92/43, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, such as the wolf (canis lupus). In addition, it examines certain criticisms regarding a previous contribution, of 2021, on the wolf and its conservation status in the Iberian Peninsula by reference to the European Union EIONET network. In relation to this matter, it is necessary not to confuse absolute certainty with scientific certainty, since mutability, owing to the improvement of knowledge, is the essential characteristic of science. Secondly, the degree of knowledge is still deficient as reflected in different European Commission’s reports. Thirdly, the contribution reiterates that in every Spanish continental biogeographical region, EIONET shows that a majority of items manifests that the conservation status is not favourable as required by the Habitats Directive.
Effect of Drying on Nutritional Profile of Fruit Leathers
Authors: Shere P. D. , Palve A. A. , Ghodke S. V.
Published: August 2023

The effect of hot air drying on nutritional profile of fruit leathers will help in redefining the importance as a nutritionally concentrated snack. The mango, strawberry fruit pulp was dehydrated at 40, 50, 60, 70ºC in cabinet dryer to standardize the drying temperature with respect to quality attributes. The drying rate curves at mentioned drying air temperature showed that 60ºC drying air temperature was suitable for obtaining good sensory quality dried leather with end moisture content of 16 to 19% for a drying period of 7 hours. Therefore, 60oC temperature was selected for nutritional profiling of fruit pulp vs fruit leather. The proximate composition of mango and strawberry leather (carbohydrate- 58.26/ 73.31%, protein- 1.58/2.95%, Ash- 1.98/2.11%, dietary fibre- 14.06/17.13%) was found to be superior compared to their fruit pulps (carbohydrate- 14.39/11.12%, protein- 0.61/2.64%, crude fibre-0.79/2.9%, ash-0.52/0.51%).
The impact of stress on students’ academic performance
Authors: Akanpaadgi Emmanuel , Binpimbu Felicia , Kuuyelleh Esmond Naalu
Published: August 2023

This study assessed the impact of stress on the academic performance of students in the Bolgatanga Technical University. It investigated the causes of stress, the symptoms of stress, the effects of stress and how students can overcome stress. The quantitative research strategy was used for the study. The research data collection was preceded by a literature review to provide an in-depth understanding of the research topic. A structured questionnaire designed in the form of a Likert-Scale was administered to One Hundred and Forty (140) students who were the participants of the study. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the results were presented in the form of descriptive statistics using the Relative Importance Index (RII). The study revealed that several factors namely high cost of living, poor time management, limited facilities, difficult relations and the workload caused stress among students of the Bolgatanga Technical University. It was concluded that stress has a negative impact on the academic performance of students. The study recommends that the guidance and counselling department of the university should be strengthened to make it more effective in supporting students to overcome stress. In addition, guidance programmes such as seminars and public lectures on stress awareness should be organized periodically for students so that they can be adequately equipped with the needed skills to handle issues related to academic stress better. Finally, provision should be made in the curriculum for adequate time for students to rest by not allowing lectures to extend to weekends.
Laboratório de Imunoepidemiologia
Authors: Carvalho Maria Esther de , Curado Izilda
Published: August 2023

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Prevenção às IST/HIV/aids no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: DST/Aids CRT
Published: August 2023

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Febre maculosa
Authors: Spinola Roberta M F , Leite Ruth Moreira
Published: August 2023

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Leishmaniose tegumentar
Authors: Júnior Affonso Viviani , Oliveira Silvia Silva de , Spinola Roberta Maria Fernandes
Published: August 2023

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Análise de algoritmo diagnóstico de febre amarela em amostras de primatas não humanos encaminhadas ao Centro de Patologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz
Authors: Brasil Ervedosa Ticiana , Enrique Navas-Suárez Pedro , Ferreira Machado Eduardo , Dos Santos Cirqueira Cinthya , Paixão de Jesus Isis , De Carvalho Julia , Bolsachini Figueiredo Ketlyn , Sequetin Cunha Mariana , Del Castillo Saad Leila , Lang D’Agostini Tatiana , Fernandes Spinola Roberta , Mariotti Guerra Juliana , Coelho Couto de Azevedo Fernandes Natália , Albergaria Ressio Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

O Centro de Patologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz (CPA-IAL) é credenciado pelo Ministério da Saúde como laboratório de referência macrorregional para a vigilância epidemiológica de febre amarela (FA) em seres humanos e primatas não humanos (PNH) do Brasil, atuando por meio de análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). Até o ano de 2018, ambos os exames eram aplicados a todas as amostras de PNH recebidas para a pesquisa de FA. Em 2019, implantou-se um algoritmo diagnóstico baseado na triagem pelas características histopatológicas observadas no tecido hepático, possibilitando a racionalização do uso da IHQ. Objetivo: Avaliar a aplicação do algoritmo diagnóstico comparado ao período que antecedeu sua implantação. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de relatórios anatomopatológicos de PNH emitidos, entre 2018 e 2019, no CPA-IAL para determinação de índices de performance diagnóstica do exame histopatológico na vigilância epidemiológica de febre amarela, avaliação da sensibilidade do exame imuno-histoquímico para amostras com autólise de moderada a avançada e comparação da mediana de tempo decorrido para emissão dos relatórios em cada período. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na performance da detecção de FA por histologia e IHQ entre os períodos pré e pós algoritmo; houve importante redução na quantidade de exames IHQ solicitados e no tempo de liberação dos relatórios (p<0,0001). Conclusões: O algoritmo resultou em desempenho semelhante, redução do tempo de liberação oportuno para a vigilância epidemiológica do agravo e da quantidade de reações IHQ realizadas, portanto, apresentando-se adequado para o diagnóstico de febre amarela em PNH no CPA-IAL.
Avaliação de kits comerciais baseados em PCR multiplex em tempo real para diagnóstico de meningite bacteriana.
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Gisele , Higa Fabio Takenori , Fukasawa Lucila Okuyama , Carvalho Gabriela Andrade , Milagres Bruno Silva , Salgado Maristela Marques
Published: August 2023

A meningite bacteriana (MB) continua sendo um problema mundial e uma grave ameaça à saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de três kits comerciais (ALLPLEX™ Meningitis-B Assay/Seegene Inc., Coreia do Sul; VIASURE™ H.influenzae, N.meningitidis & S.pneumoniae Real Time PCR Detection Kit/CerTest Biotec, Espanha; XGEN™ Multi MB/Mobius Life Science, Brasil) para a detecção simultânea de Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) e Haemophillus influenzae (Hi). O desempenho de três kits comerciais foi comparado com o ensaio molecular “in house” utilizado rotineiramente no Instituto Adolfo Lutz/SP/Brasil (IAL). Tanto os ensaios comerciais quanto os “in house” são baseados no ensaio de PCR multiplex em tempo real (mqPCR). O mqPCR padronizado pelo IAL (mqPCR/IAL) foi introduzido na rotina diagnóstica da MB desde 2010 e foi considerado teste de referência neste estudo. Um total de 100 amostras clínicas (líquido cefalorraquidiano= 62; soro= 38) foram testadas usando os três kits comerciais mqPCR em comparação com o ensaio mqPCR/IAL, sendo 93 positivas para Nm, Spn ou Hi e 7 negativas. Para amostras de DNA-CSF, os resultados dos kits ALLPLEX™, VIASURE™ e XGEN™ apresentaram alta concordância com o ensaio mqPCR/IAL, apresentando mais de 93% de concordância e índice Kappa entre 0,61 e 0,80. Para amostras de DNA-soro, apenas o kit VIASURE™ foi comparado com o ensaio mqPCR/IAL, apresentando 100% de similaridade de concordância e índice Kappa = 1. Todos os três kits provaram ser competentes para detecção qualitativa de Nm, Spn e Hi e podem ser utilizados no diagnóstico de rotina da MB.
The Criminal Law Protection of Democracy in the Digital Age – Threats that Deepfake Technology Poses for Democracy and Possible Reactions by Means of Criminal Law
Authors: Zimmermann Frank , Jorczyk Sophia
Published: August 2023

Deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming a serious potential threat to democracy, particularly during electoral campaigns. The vast amount of information available, notably through social media, contributes to the danger of fake news, and the use of AI to create deepfakes makes it more challenging to detect them. The current criminal laws in Germany do not adequately cover this issue, whereas an Austrian provision does at least avoid some of these shortcomings. How can criminal law regulate the use of deepfakes for the purpose of influencing citizens’ voting behaviour, while also considering the potential risks of overly strict regulations on fundamental rights?
Struggle in Favour of a Criminal Law as an ‘ultima ratio’. Critical Observations on the Criminalisation Obligations Arising from the Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in the Light of the Principle of Subsidiarity
Authors: Florio Marco Edgardo
Published: August 2023

If the use of criminal law requires that legislators carry out empirical tests to establish the inadequacy of other available enforcement systems and the necessity of resorting to the weapon of punishment, how can the Court impose direct criminalisation obligations without resorting to similar tests? The contribution seeks to ascertain whether the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on positive obligations of criminalisation can be considered compatible with the principle of ultima ratio, in the light of the not merely 'rhetorical' reading that should be given to it in individual domestic legal systems.
Perspective Chapter: Cloud Lock-in Parameters – Service Adoption and Migration
Authors: Opara-Martins Justice
Published: August 2023

ICT has been lauded as being revolutionised by cloud computing, which relieves businesses of having to make significant capital investments in ICT while allowing them to connect to incredibly potent computing capabilities over the network. Organisations adopt cloud computing as a way to solve business problems, not technical problems. As such, organisations across Europe are eagerly embracing cloud computing in their operating environments. Understanding cloud lock-in parameters is essential for supporting inter-cloud cooperation and seamless information and data exchange. Achieving vendor-neutral cloud services is a fundamental requirement and a necessary strategy to be fulfilled in order to enable portability. This chapter highlights technical advancements that contribute to the interoperable migration of services in the heterogeneous cloud environment. A set of guidelines and good practices were also collected and discussed, thus providing strategies on how lock-in can be mitigated. Moreover, this chapter provides some recommendations for moving forward with cloud computing adoption. To make sure the migration and integration between on-premise and cloud happen with minimal disruption to business and results in maximum sustainable cost benefit, the chapter’s contribution is also designed to provide new knowledge and greater depth to support organisations around the world to make informed decisions.
The Public Urban Spaces Renewal and Architectural Heritage Revitalization: A Lasting Interconnection
Authors: Koca Baltic Ilda
Published: August 2023

In the twenty-first century, many cities are undergoing radical urban transformations. This transformation includes the continued development of existing public spaces, but also the architectural heritage revitalization. To preserve and improve the architectural heritage, it is not enough to think only about the structure of the building, but also about the surrounding. Otherwise, the future of urban renewal involves understanding both of urban spaces and architectural context. Reframing the importance of interconnection between historical buildings and urban area improves economical, energy, and social sustainability. This chapter will consider innovative ways of understanding the connection between public spaces renewal and architectural heritage revitalization, in order to represent the creation of modern urban centers and community meeting places. Some of the successful examples that have contributed to the process of urban regeneration will be presented.
Perspective Chapter: Knowledge and Different Perceptions on Some Aspects in the Genus, Brassica
Authors: Singh Rishan
Published: August 2023

Many years ago, the first Brassica species were propagated. There are several methods that can be used to grow Brassica plants, such as intergeneric hybridization, microscope cultivation, anther cultivation, CRISPR/Cas4 Technology and the phylogenetic analysis of Brassica genomes. The plants that have evolved from Brassica species are many, and these include Savoy cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, Japanese mustard, horseradish, as well as kale. Although the main supplier of Brassica vegetables is China, these species have diverged and emerged to several other countries like Cyprus, Europe, Levant, Greece and the British Isles. Ogura cytoplasm introgression is a technique that has highlighted the differences in floral traits in species of Brassica plants. In cauliflower plants, pre-floral meristem division is a factor that’s often investigated, as divisions of this plant part demonstrates plant growth and mobility. This perspective chapter will address all aspects pertaining to the genus Brassica, and it will provide an account of key characteristics and functions ascribed to Brassica plants.
Facial Emotion Recognition Feature Extraction: A Survey
Authors: Mukeshimana Michele , Niyongere Abraham , Ndikumagenge Jérémie
Published: August 2023

Facial emotion recognition is a process based on facial expression to automatically recognize individual emotion expression. Automatic recognition refers to creating computer systems that are able to simulate human natural ability of detection, analysis, and determination of emotion by facial expression. Human natural recognition uses various points of observation to make decision or conclusion on emotion expressed by the present person in front. Facial features efficiently extracted aid in improving the classifier performance and application efficiency. Many feature extraction methods based on shape, texture, and other local features are proposed in the literature, and this chapter will review them. This chapter will survey some recent and formal feature expression methods from video and image products and classify them according to their efficiency and application.
Preservation of Peritoneal Membrane Structure and Function in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: George Kunthara Mathew
Published: August 2023

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a type of renal replacement therapy which is based on the use of peritoneum, which acts as a semipermeable membrane with diffusion and convection. Long term use can produce structural and functional changes of the membrane by the activation of the resident fibroblasts and infiltrating inflammatory cells, mesothelial to mesenchymal transition, further leading to fibrosis, angiogenesis and ultrafiltration failure. This is due to use of bioincompatible fluids, frequent peritoneal inflammation, uremic milieu and other multiple factors. The peritoneal fibrosis has two parts: fibrosis and inflammation, which induces each other via TGF/SMAD pathway and IL-6 signaling, respectively. The advent of newer biocompatible fluids along with additives has significantly reduced the production of glucose degradation products (GDPs). In addition, the identification of the biomarkers in peritoneal effluent is necessary, which, after being correlated with peritoneal biopsy, may help us to guide future studies and assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Various interventions are being tried based on experimental studies from animal models, pharmacology and gene therapy with promising results, with new insights in near future. This article reviews the main aspects associated with the functional and structural alterations related to PD and discusses interventions whereby we may prevent them to preserve the peritoneal membrane.
Influence of Cardiac Glycosides and Prostaglandins on the Physiology of Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ponce Arturo , Shoshani Liora , Ogazon del Toro Alejandro , Cereijido Marcelino
Published: August 2023

Epithelial cells play a major role in animal and human homeostasis because they selectively regulate the exchange of solutes between two given media, such as blood or urine. Cardiac glycosides (CG) are a group of highly toxic compounds whose best therapeutic known effect is on heart, although recent evidence has shown that it exerts a wide range of physiological effects on cells and tissues other than the heart. Prostaglandins, on the other hand, are a group of lipids that produce diverse physiological and pathological effects among which inflammation stands out. In this chapter, we describe that cardiac glycosides modulate key features of epithelial cell physiology, including cell-cell contact junctional complexes, cilliogenesis, and gap junction-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) in epithelial cells. Prostaglandin PGE2 also modulates GJIC through a different signaling pathway. In addition, we describe that CG induce paracrine release of prostaglandin PGE2, which in turn modulates GJIC by itself.
Aspergillus and Aspergillosis in People with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Dabuo Bismark , Xorlali Nunekpeku , Timothy Amoliga Ndego , Kono Atibodu Zyaara , Mavis Newman Precious , Mohammed Alhassan , Adongsakiya Ali Raymond , Abudu Abubakari
Published: August 2023

Numerous human diseases are caused by Aspergillus species. Mold infections can be more severe in people with weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses. People with underlying chronic conditions are more likely to contract an Aspergillus infection than immunocompromised patients, who are more likely to develop an invasive infection with these opportunistic molds. These disorders include Aspergillus bronchitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma with fungal sensitivity, and other inflammatory and allergic conditions. The impact of Aspergillus infections in patients with selected chronic infections and the treatment of these infections are discussed in this review along with the most recent research on these topics.
Biofortification of Wheat Landraces: Recent QTL Mapping Advances
Authors: Kumar Anand , Kaushik Prashant
Published: August 2023

Micronutrients play an indispensable role in human and animal growth. In the world, many people are suffering from malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency mainly due to lack of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Several crops are grown, such as wheat, rice, maize, and legumes, to address the challenges of micronutrient deficiency. Wheat landraces are evidently proven to be a rich source of genetic variability as against modern cultivated varieties due to thousands of years of their cultivation under low input farming systems. Landraces serve as a potential reservoir of desirable allelic forms of valuable traits but are low in traits like Zn and Fe. Wheat is a major cereal consumed worldwide and could be a good source to provide these micronutrients. Biofortification in wheat can be an effective way to solve the problem of malnutrition. Biofortification in wheat varieties may be enhanced by the application of molecular breeding approaches, such as genome editing, transgenic technology, and marker-assisted selection. These biofortified wheat varieties show better adaptation to environments. In this chapter, we included the recent advances in quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in biofortified wheat and the techniques used to develop biofortified wheat varieties.
Vitamin D and Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Florencia Salazar Silva María , Jesús Leal-Witt María , Hamilton Valerie , Cornejo Verónica
Published: August 2023

Inborn errors of metabolism are produced by an enzymatic alteration that can be fatal or leave serious neurological sequelae. Some of these conditions require specific nutritional treatment to reverse the clinical symptoms. For phenylketonuria, patients must restrict the intake of phenylalanine; for glucose transporter deficiency syndrome type 1, the treatment is a ketogenic diet; and for classic galactosemia, galactose must be eliminated from the diet. Due to nutritional restrictions, there is an increased risk of deficiency of vitamin D and calcium, which could have an effect on plasma vitamin D levels and cause alterations in bone mineral density (BMD) among children and long-term treated patients. According to scientific evidence, the risks of vitamin D deficiency among these patients are similar to those among healthy persons. While the etiology of lower BMD is not entirely clear, it is attributed to a joint effect of underlying pathology and metabolic changes generated by diet therapy. Long-term follow-up is suggested, in addition to verifying that recommendations o critical nutrients are covered. Timely evaluation of plasmatic levels of vitamin D and BMD is suggested to avoid deficiencies or excesses and to grant a better quality of life to persons with these pathologies.
A Comparative Analysis of Search Algorithms for Solving the Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Samuel Sowole Oladimeji
Published: August 2023

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is an extensively studied optimization challenge in operations research, applicable to logistics, transportation, and supply chain management. Its goal is to find optimal routes for vehicles, minimizing distance and maximizing customer satisfaction. Genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and ant colony optimization are search algorithms commonly used to solve the VRP. This chapter provides a comparative analysis of these algorithms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. It introduces the VRP and its variants, along with associated challenges and constraints, and offers an overview of different search algorithms used for solving the problem, explaining their principles, advantages, and limitations. Real-world case studies showcase successful applications of these algorithms in package delivery, waste collection, and emergency response. Additionally, the chapter explores key factors influencing algorithm performance, including problem size, complexity, and parameters. It concludes by providing recommendations for selecting appropriate algorithms for different VRP instances. By providing a comprehensive understanding of search algorithms for the VRP, this chapter enables readers to make informed decisions when addressing similar optimization problems in practical scenarios.
Attitudes, Social Influences and Decision-Making in the Choice of Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Zapata-Salas Richard , F. Guarín José , A. Ríos-Osorio Leonardo
Published: August 2023

The excessive and irrational use of antimicrobials for the control of bovine mastitis has been the subject of study throughout the world for many decades. Currently, the use of antimicrobials in livestock is of great interest from the “One Health” approach. Scientific research has revealed that the reasons for the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in production are related to human behavior, political, commercial, and economic factors. The objective of this study was to understand the attitudes toward the use of the laboratory and the social influences for decision-making in the choice of antimicrobials in the treatment of bovine mastitis in the North of Antioquia, Colombia. The study was developed through mixed methods (cross-sectional and grounded theory) with a convergent triangulation design. Two hundred and sixteen dairy farmers and 9 veterinarians participated. The results allow us to conclude that the problem of antimicrobial resistance related to mastitis and udder health planning depends on both technical aspects and access to knowledge and to laboratory services and, perhaps, even more importantly, on the culture and social relations that are established between the dairy farmer and the other actors of the dairy chain in the north of Antioquia.
Improving the Relevance, Speed, and Computational Efficiency of Semantic Search through Database Indexing: A Review
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2023

In a large dataset, finding top most relevant matches to fulfill search queries and similar application becomes an increasing challenge. Facing this challenge, researchers and engineers has done extensive work in both regime of algorithm design and system implementation to create practical solutions that fuel powerful tools. Techniques like caching, search index, fuzzy indexing has been widely adopted in both SQL and XML data models, then provided to the database user, the application programmer, as a product. In this chapter, we review data indexing algorithms that efficiently compute semantic search query results, and discuss systems that implement them. We compare the pros and cons of each algorithm, in terms of time and space complexity, as well as implementation difficulty. We also analyze trade-offs in real-world system design examples, in hope to provide the readers more insights when they want to efficiently find an answer through semantic search query, or even build their own application using these databases.
Challenges and Opportunities for Indonesian Cocoa Development in the Era of Climate Change
Authors: Dewi Sasmita Kurnia , Wardiana Edi , Saefudin  , Pranowo Dibyo , Aunillah Asif , Kholilatul Izzah Nur , Herman Maman , Kholis Firdaus Nur , Sobari Iing , Sakiroh  , Listyati Dewi
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the area of cocoa plantations in Indonesia has tended to decline, one of which is attributed to climate change that threatens the sustainability of production; even though cocoa production and consumption have become popular globally, the consumer demand for cocoa products has also increased. Climate change causes increased air temperature, erratic rainfall patterns, increased sea level and surface temperature, and extreme weather. Cocoa requires an ideal rainfall of 1500–2500 mm/year and dry months (rainfall <60 mm) for about 1–3 month a year. Climate change can be a challenge for Indonesian cocoa development. Several efforts should be made to turn existing challenges into opportunities through appropriate technological inputs, such as the use of improved cocoa genetic resources (recommended clones) as well as improving nursery and field management practices, including shading and watering the seedlings, modification of growing media, mycorrhizal application, rainwater harvesting, and managing shade plants and intercropping.
Global Perspectives of Intensive Animal Farming and Its Applications
Authors: Manzoor Shumaila , Syed Zainab , Abubabakar Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Agricultural farming outputs are dependent upon the production type because different farming systems create different products. Intensive animal farming is widely used for the production of products that have societal importance, including meat, milk, wool, leather, fur, eggs, and honey. To ensure their timely production with limited cost, advanced technological processes, and chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in large amount) are carried out in this intensive factory farming. Amongst animal farming, the livestock sector is the fastest-growing agricultural sector. The global shift toward intensive animal farming for high productivity yield has rendered a negative impact on the environment and biodiversity and is now an alarming sign for global warming. It has also resulted in soil, water, and air pollution due to the emission of greenhouse gases from the waste generated by these animals. Rapid use of antimicrobials in these farming systems has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, an integrated and comprehensive approach covering the nonmarket outputs of the farming system is required for monitoring these global trends.
Perspective Chapter: Exploring the Possibilities and Technologies of the Digital Agricultural Platform
Authors: Zamlynskyi Viktor , Shabatura Tetyana , Zamlynska Olga , Borysevych Evgeniya
Published: August 2023

In connection with the significant growth of the world’s population, global socioeconomic trends in the sufficiency of natural resources have become relevant. Agriculture as an industry produces food that every inhabitant of the planet consumes daily. The introduction of new technologies, while increasing efficiency, has not eliminated food shortages throughout human history. Modern digital solutions and technologies have a positive impact on productivity. Our study presents the results of a study of the big data platform and artificial intelligence for the agricultural sector, their capabilities and optimization technologies. This chapter analyzed and proposed recommendations on the quality of data analysis of agricultural processes and business administration in real time. The active introduction of digital platforms will have a positive effect on optimizing the use of resources, reducing waste and improving the efficiency of risk management and attracting investments under the conditions of transparent management of the agricultural enterprise.
Can Creativity Be Taught and/or Learned? A Sketch from Higher Education Learning Outcomes
Authors: Dias Diana , Teresa Ribeiro Candeias Maria
Published: August 2023

Creativity embodies the ability to discover new and innovative ideas, links, and problems’ solutions. Creativity is a competitive advantage that enables both individuals and organizations to succeed in increasingly demanding markets. Therefore, the development of this competence has become central to the debate on curricula within education systems and the labor market. So, the present study seeks to address how creativity has been defined in the scope of learning outcomes of the new study programs under quality evaluation and subsequent accreditation in the Portuguese higher education system. Adopting a qualitative approach, a content analysis of these learning outcomes was carried out using a theoretical and empirically validated conceptual matrix. Results point out for universities and the public sector of Portuguese higher education system tend to value more creativity as a desirable learning outcome, as well as some scientific fields, such as Engineering, Information and Media, Humanities, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Arts and Architecture. Conversely, Law, Education, Social Sciences and Business Sciences are explicit examples of the undervaluation of competences related to creativity as part of the professional profile of their graduates. Findings help to understand the real importance that Portuguese higher education institutions attribute to creativity in their academic curricula.
Heavy Metal Pollution Resulting from Informal E-Waste Recycling in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Kwame Teye Albert , Kow Tetteh Isaac
Published: August 2023

This study investigated concentrations and spatial distributions of four heavy metals: Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb) in the soil and drainage systems resulting from informal e-waste recycling at Ashaiman, a town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Twenty-four soil samples were randomly taken from two open burning sites, and three water samples from a drainage that flows through the scrapyard were digested using standard wet digestion methods. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to analyze three replicates per sampling location for the heavy metals. The results revealed that the soil and drainage samples were polluted, with the metallic levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana limits. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (CF) further confirmed the contamination of the scrapyard by the heavy metals. Spatial distribution maps showed elevated levels of the heavy metals at portions designated for open burning and disposal of e-waste materials. The research corroborates studies on pollution of the environment by informal e-waste activities and underscores the urgent need for policy implementation and law enforcement to halt further pollution.
A Review of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Innervation in the Structural and Functional Maintenance of the Male Gonad
Authors: G.S. Felix Renata , K.H. Pereira Artêmia , Joana N. Moura Maria , G.G. Silva Aline , C.A. Santos Caio , S. Angelo Ana Beatriz , P.S. Nascimento Leonardo , M. Silva Gerlane , S. Borges Cibele
Published: August 2023

The nervous system controls and coordinates the functions of all body systems, including the male reproductive system. The male gonad, responsible for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, receives autonomous sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation, having a great influence on the structural and functional integrity of this organ. The testis receives autonomic innervation primarily at the superior and inferior poles, specifically by the superior and inferior spermatic nerves. This nervous control is wired into all testicular cell populations such as contractile cells (myoid cells), germ cells, and steroidogenic cells. Many studies have also described the influence of autonomic innervation on Sertoli cell control. Thus, any possible interference of physical or chemical agents whose action is directly or indirectly linked to the nervous control of the testicle can result in changes and/or damage to male reproduction, with emphasis on testicular impairment. The present chapter consists of a review of data about the effects of physical or chemical alterations on the autonomous innervation and its repercussions on male gonad. For this, it is necessary to understand the general aspect of the nervous system and the male gonad morphology and innervation, as well as the action of drugs or any methods that promote changes in the communication between these two systems.
The Relationships of Age-Related Changes in the Biorhythms of the Thymus Endocrine Function and Pineal Melatonin-Producing Function in Healthy People
Authors: Labunets Irina
Published: August 2023

The circadian and circannual rhythms play the main role in the adaptation of human immune and pituitary-adrenal systems functioning to the changing photoperiod. The rhythmicity of thymus endocrine function is an important part of the chronobiological organization of immune system. The pineal hormone melatonin is the central regulator of rhythms of healthy human organism functions and involves thymus hormones (namely FTS/thymulin) in synchronizing influence on the immune system functioning. Age-related changes of thymus hormone and melatonin rhythms in healthy people are linked and precede the aging desynchronosis of immune and pituitary-adrenal system functions. In healthy male versus female the above changes occur at earlier life periods and are more pronounced. The thymus endocrine function does not completely disappear in the elderly/old people and is able to respond to the synchronizing influence of melatonin with part of the adrenal gland. Age-related changes in the circadian and circannual rhythms of the thymus hormone, melatonin, immune system, and adrenal gland functions become more pronounced at the development of age-associated diseases (neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, oncological). Melatonin can be perspective medicine for restoration of disturbed rhythmicity of thymus, immune system, and adrenal glands in accelerated human aging and in patients with age-dependent diseases.
The Assessment of Electrode-Neuron Interface (ENI) in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Maarefvand Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The electrode-neuron interface (ENI) plays an important in the outcome with cochlear implants as all cochlear implant-mediated signals should pass through this interface. Telemetry has enabled researchers to study factors affecting the quality and integrity of the interface. These factors may influence electrodes, the path between electrodes and auditory neurons, and spiral ganglion neuron survival. Promising studies on animals regarding such factors have opened new possibilities to identify cochlear implant channels with poor electrode-neuron interface. The results of these studies and similar research on human with focus were discussed in this chapter.
Feline Leishmaniasis: What Do We Know So Far?
Authors: Barros Freitas Allana , Alves Araújo Sandra , Almeida-Souza Fernando , Aranha da Penha-Silva Tatiane
Published: August 2023

Feline leishmaniasis has a nonspecific clinical condition, like the clinical signs presented by dogs, including anorexia, lymphadenomegaly, dermatitis, emaciation, hyperthermia and atrophy of the temporal muscle. Cats have been identified as an alternative reservoir; however, felines are increasingly sought after as companion animals, further exposing man. Diagnosis in these animals is still considered a challenge, since most cats are asymptomatic. Although infected cats are less often sick than dogs, likely due to natural feline resistance, clinical illness has been linked to immunosuppressive coinfections with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. The feline immune response to Leishmania infection has been poorly investigated. In cats, the same drugs prescribed for dogs are used in the treatment, namely pentavalent antimonials, allopurinol and miltefosine. Felines play an important role in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis, acting mainly as alternative reservoirs and accelerating the spread of the disease. Thus, there is a need for standardization of diagnostic and treatment methods, including thorough clinical evaluation. It is important to alert to the definition of public policies and to awaken feline owners, as well as the population in general, about care and prevention.
Recent Trends in the Yield-Nutrient-Water Nexus in Morocco
Authors: Epule Epule Terence , Poirier Vincent , Lafontaine Simon , Jemo Martin , Dhiba Driss , Kechchour Ayoub , Achli Soumia , Ousayd Lahcen , Salih Wiam , Lionnel Kemeni Kambiet Perez
Published: August 2023

Climate change is impacting environmental systems including agriculture. In Morocco, declining precipitation and increasing temperatures are negatively impacting crop yields. Consequently, crop yields in Morocco are now dependent on nutrient and water management. Most studies have focused on experimentation through fertilizer application and irrigation without any attention to the intrinsic linear relationships that exist between crop yields, fertilizers, and agricultural water withdrawal. The time series agricultural water withdrawal data were collected from AQUASTAT for the period 1990-2022 while data on nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash fertilizers were collected from FAOSTAT. Yield data for maize, barley, sorghum, and wheat were also collected from FAOSTAT. The data were analyzed using two machine learning models fitted through multiple linear regression. The key results show that for the three fertilizers, phosphates tend to have the strongest impacts and cause changes in crop yield as seen in the context of wheat. When both fertilizers and agricultural water withdrawal are fitted against yield, agricultural water withdrawals tend to have a strong relationship with yields. This work has helped us to identify which crops and management options need to be valorized in terms of increased access to nutrients and water.