bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploitants, salariés, riverains, même combat ?
Authors: Jouzel Jean-Noël , Prete Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Depuis une quinzaine d'années, la dénonciation des effets des pesticides sur la santé humaine est l'enjeu de nombreuses mobilisations en France, portées à la fois par des organisations de travailleurs de l'agriculture, des collectifs locaux de riverains et des associations environnementalistes. À partir d'une enquête qualitative, nous soulignons le caractère improbable de ces coalitions de travailleurs et d'activistes environnementaux, et mettons en évidence les conditions sociales et politiques qui les rendent possibles. En étudiant des coalitions de ce type dans deux contextes différents, la pomiculture en Corrèze et la viticulture en Gironde, nous montrons qu'elles mettent à l'épreuve l'unité des travailleurs victimes des pesticides en fonction de leur statut (exploitant ou salarié). Plus généralement, nous soulignons que la question des conditions de travail des salariés en agriculture tend à être marginalisée dans les mobilisations contre les pesticides.
Determination of transmission reliability margin for brownout
Authors: Nadia Awatif ,   Department of Electrical, Electronic & Communication Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh, Hossain Md. Sanwar , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Afrin Sinthia , Shafiullah Md , Hossain Md. Biplob , Islam Khondoker Ziaul ,   Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh,   Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh,   Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia,   Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore-7408, Bangladesh,   Information Technology, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Published: September 2021

Power shortage is a severe problem in developing countries that are rolling to blackout, but today smart grids have the scope to avoid entire blackouts by transforming them into brownouts. A brownout is an under-voltage condition where the AC supply drops below the nominal value (120 V or 220 V) by about 10%. In a power system network, power shortages or disturbances can occur at any time, and the reliability margin analysis is essential to maintain the stability of the system. Transmission reliability margin (TRM) is a margin that keeps the network secure during any occurrence of disturbance. This paper presents a new approach to compute TRM in the case of brownout. The detailed assessment of TRM largely depends on the estimation of the available transfer power (ATC). In this method, the ATC of the system is calculated considering the effect of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) reactive power (Q) flow (DCQF). The entire procedure is carried out for the multi-transaction IEEE-6 bus system, and the results are compared to the current efficiency justification method. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed technique is an effective alternative for calculating the TRM and is valid compared to the existing technique.
Do international capital flows, institutional quality matter for innovation output: the mediating role of economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Qamruzzaman Md ,   School of Business and Economics, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Published: September 2021

The determinants of innovation output in empirical literature have been extensively investigated by considering diverse sets of variables. Still, the impact of economic policy uncertainty on innovation output is yet to unleash. The study investigates the association between EPU and innovation output to mitigate the existing research gap, considering a panel of 22 countries over 1997–2018. The study employs a dynamic panel quantile regression and system-GMM specification causality test to discover elasticity and directional association both in the long and short run. Study findings disclosed negative statistically significant effects running from EPU to innovation output except innovation measured by R & D.; moreover, institutional quality and FDI expose positive and statistically significant association with innovation output. In directional causality, unidirectional causality runs from EPU and FDI to innovation output, whereas bidirectional causality establishes between institutional quality and innovation output.
Some new identities involving Laguerre polynomials
Authors: Pan Xiaowei ,   School of Health Management, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China, Guo Xiaoyan ,   School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we use elementary method and some sort of a counting argument to show the equality of two expressions. That is, let $ f(n) $ and $ g(n) $ be two functions, $ k $ be any positive integer. Then $ f(n) = \sum\limits_{r = 0}^n(-1)^r\cdot \frac{n!}{r!}\cdot \binom{n+k-1}{r+k-1}\cdot g(r) $ if and only if $ g(n) = \sum\limits_{r = 0}^n(-1)^r\cdot \frac{n!}{r!}\cdot \binom{n+k-1}{r+k-1}\cdot f(r) $ for all integers $ n\geq0 $. As an application of this formula, we obtain some new identities involving the famous Laguerre polynomials.
Exploration of machine algorithms based on deep learning model and feature extraction
Authors: Qian Yufeng ,   School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
Published: September 2021

The study expects to solve the problems of insufficient labeling, high input dimension, and inconsistent task input distribution in traditional lifelong machine learning. A new deep learning model is proposed by combining feature representation with a deep learning algorithm. First, based on the theoretical basis of the deep learning model and feature extraction. The study analyzes several representative machine learning algorithms, and compares the performance of the optimized deep learning model with other algorithms in a practical application. By explaining the machine learning system, the study introduces two typical algorithms in machine learning, namely ELLA (Efficient lifelong learning algorithm) and HLLA (Hierarchical lifelong learning algorithm). Second, the flow of the genetic algorithm is described, and combined with mutual information feature extraction in a machine algorithm, to form a composite algorithm HLLA (Hierarchical lifelong learning algorithm). Finally, the deep learning model is optimized and a deep learning model based on the HLLA algorithm is constructed. When K = 1200, the classification error rate reaches 0.63%, which reflects the excellent performance of the unsupervised database algorithm based on this model. Adding the feature model to the updating iteration process of lifelong learning deepens the knowledge base ability of lifelong machine learning, which is of great value to reduce the number of labels required for subsequent model learning and improve the efficiency of lifelong learning.
Investigating two kinds of cellular alternans and corresponding TWA induced by impaired calcium cycling in myocardial ischemia
Authors: Liu Jiaqi ,   Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China, Fu Zhenyin , Gong Yinglan , Xia Ling
Published: September 2021

Background

The utility of T wave alternans (TWA) in identifying arrhythmia risk has been demonstrated. During myocardial ischemia (MI), TWA could be induced by cellular alternans. However, the relationship between cellular alternans patterns and TWA patterns in MI has not been investigated thoroughly.

Methods

We set MI conditions to simulate alternans. Either prolonging Ca2+ release or increasing spark-induced sparks (secondary sparks) can give rise to different patterns of APD alternans and TWA. In addition, different ischemic zones and reduced conduction velocity are also considered in one dimensional simulation.

Results

Delay of Ca2+ release can produce discordant Ca2+-driven alternans in single cell simulation. Increasing secondary sparks leads to concordant alternans. Correspondingly, morphology and magnitude of TWA vary in two different cellular alternans. Epi ischemia results in alternans concentrating in the first half of T wave. Endo and transmural ischemia lead to fluctuations in the second half of T wave. In addition, slowing conduction velocity has no effect on TWA magnitude.

Conclusion

Specific ionic channel dysfunction and ischemic zones affect TWA patterns.
A stochastic metapopulation state-space approach to modeling and estimating COVID-19 spread
Authors: Tan Yukun ,   Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA, Cator III Durward , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial , Braga-Neto Ulisses ,   Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA,   Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
Published: September 2021

Mathematical models are widely recognized as an important tool for analyzing and understanding the dynamics of infectious disease outbreaks, predict their future trends, and evaluate public health intervention measures for disease control and elimination. We propose a novel stochastic metapopulation state-space model for COVID-19 transmission, which is based on a discrete-time spatio-temporal susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, and deceased (SEIRD) model. The proposed framework allows the hidden SEIRD states and unknown transmission parameters to be estimated from noisy, incomplete time series of reported epidemiological data, by application of unscented Kalman filtering (UKF), maximum-likelihood adaptive filtering, and metaheuristic optimization. Experiments using both synthetic data and real data from the Fall 2020 COVID-19 wave in the state of Texas demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Ventrolateral ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus GABA neuron adaptation to recurring Hypoglycemia correlates with up-regulated 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase activity
Authors: Alhamyani Abdulrahman ,   School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA, Napit Prabhat R , Ali Haider , Ibrahim Mostafa MH , Briski Karen P
Published: September 2021

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts on ventromedial hypothalamic targets to suppress counter-regulatory hormone release, thereby lowering blood glucose. Maladaptive up-regulation of GABA signaling is implicated in impaired counter-regulatory outflow during recurring insulin-induced hypoglycemia (RIIH). Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) GABAergic neurons express the sensitive energy gauge 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Current research used high-neuroanatomical resolution single-cell microdissection tools to address the premise that GABAergic cells in the VMNvl, the primary location of ‘glucose-excited’ metabolic-sensory neurons in the VMN, exhibit attenuated sensor activation during RIIH. Data show that during acute hypoglycemia, VMNvl glutamate decarboxylase65/67 (GAD)-immunoreactive neurons maintain energy stability, yet a regional subset of this population exhibited decreased GAD content. GABA neurons located along the rostrocaudal length of the VMNvl acclimated to RIIH through a shift to negative energy imbalance, e.g. increased phosphoAMPK expression, alongside amplification/gain of inhibition of GAD profiles. Acquisition of negative GAD sensitivity may involve altered cellular receptivity to noradrenergic input via α2-AR and/or β1-AR. Suppression of VMNvl GABA nerve cell signaling during RIIH may differentiate this neuroanatomical population from other, possibly non-metabolic-sensory GABA neurons in the MBH. Data here also provide novel evidence that VMNvl GABA neurons are direct targets of glucocorticoid control, and show that glucocorticoid receptors may inhibit RIIH-associated GAD expression in rostral VMNvl GABAergic cells through AMPK-independent mechanisms.
The Use of The High-Performance Computing in The Learning Process
Authors: Serіk Meruert , Yerlanova Gulmira , Karelkhan Nursaule , Temirbekov Nurlykhan
Published: September 2021

The need for specialists with high-performance computing skills is growing day by day. This is due to the fact that the high-performance process of processing big data is one of the most pressing problems today. This is especially important in science, economics, physical modeling, medicine, bioinformatics, weather forecasting, etc.

This article analyzes the conditions for teaching high-performance computing, the experience of leading universities in the world, and it is established that teaching high-performance computing requires study. High performance computing training was carried out on 3 different hardware equipment (a personal computer, a supercomputer “Param-Bilim” India – Kazakhstan Centre of Excellence in ICT [IKCOEICT] at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and a quantum computer in the cloud IBM Quantum Experience) using different algorithms in the C ++ and Phyton programming languages. The effectiveness of the calculation results in the educational process was determined as a result of the completed questionnaire.
Measuring User Satisfaction of Educational Service Applications using Text Mining and Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Dina Nasa Zata , Yunardi Riky Tri , Firdaus Aji Akbar , Juniarta Nyoman
Published: September 2021

Rapid growth of educational technology services today means that there are more applications in the market. Users may find it hard to choose the most suitable application, so they look for references. Experience shared in the form of text reviews and numerical rating can provide references. Text re-views are particularly specific and so they can provide insights to user satis-faction. In this study, we use text mining and multicriteria decision-making approach to measure the user satisfaction. The data is crawled and collected from seven educational applications: Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, LinkedIn Learning, Quipper, Socratic and Udemy. Nine attributes are used to measure the user reviews according to quality model of e-learning sys-tems. The result is in favor of Khan Academy, while Quipper is ranked the lowest. The v-values used range between 0 and1 and what is unique is that the rank of Khan Academy and Quipper are not affected by v-value while the ranks of the other applications are. It indicates that Khan Academy has high user satisfaction in terms of utility and low complaint from individuals. Quipper shows the opposite.
Design and Performance Analysis of a Training Mode for Digital Media Majors
Authors: Zhang Huili , Dong Bo
Published: September 2021

Under the influence of various factors, it is difficult to achieve a good quality in the training of digital media majors. What is worse, the current performance analysis models for the training quality cannot effectively handle uncertain information. To overcome these problems, this paper tries to design a training mode for digital media majors, and evaluates the performance of the model. Firstly, the defects of the current training modes for digital media majors were summarized in the context of the new era, and the implementation strategies and paths were formulated for improving the effect of the training mode. Further, a novel evaluation index system (EIS) was constructed to evaluate the performance of the said training mode, aiming to effectively assess the implementation effect of the mode. Besides, fuzzy system and grey system theories were fully integrated to build an improved performance analysis model for the training effect of digital media majors. The proposed model can effectively process the fuzzy information, and provide a strong support to the smooth implementation of the training mode for digital media majors. The research results boast profound theoretical and engineering values.
A New Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model for Influencing Factors of Physical Education
Authors: Tang Min , Si Xiaoxue , Wang Ruixue , Gao Wenzhi
Published: September 2021

Education evaluation promotes the scientific management of physical education (PE), and facilitates the realization of teaching goals of PE lessons. Through fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), this paper explores the influencing factors of teaching evaluation system for PE. A new evaluation index system (EIS) of PE was constructed through expert evaluation, the weight values of each index were determined through analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and an FCE model was established for PE. Taking a college PE teacher as the research object, the application effect of the proposed FCE model was empirically investigated. The results demonstrate the practicality and feasibility of the proposed model. The FCE model can qualify PE evaluation results comprehensively, and support the overall evaluation of a single factor. The modeling results reflect the actual teaching effect from multiple layers, and help to rationalize PE in the light of specific factors. The research provides important theoretical and realistic evidence to the promotion of PE evaluation.
The Hungry Ant: Development of Video-Based Learning on Polyhedron
Authors: Hermita Neni , Putra Zetra Hainul , Alim Jesi Alexander , Tang Jianlan , Wijaya Tommy Tanu , Li Li , Pereira Jerito , Tamur Maximus
Published: September 2021

This research on learning media development is to answer the challenge of using technology in this 21st century wherein technology is growing rapidly. The purpose of this research is to develop a learning media in the form of learning video on primary school topics. Researchers chose polyhedron to be the research subject. This search will use the 4D model and will only focus from the define up to the development stage. While the small-scale try-out and disseminate of the learning video can be done in another research. According to the validation result, the hungry ant video passed the validation and only needed a few revisions. The hungry ant video would be able to help students to visualize the shape of polyhedron, finding the diagonal space, proofing the area and volume formulas. Future research can analyze effect of the hungry ant video towards the students’ critical thinking ability.
The Acceptance of Mobile Learning: A Case Study of 3D Simulation Android App for Learning Physics
Authors: Lisana Lisana , Suciadi Marcellinus Ferdinand
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the adoption of the mobile learning, 3D simulation Android app, as an innovative tool for learning in physics for high school students. The factors affecting the acceptance of mobile learning are also determined in this study. The proposed research model employs two constructs, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use, from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a baseline and adds another relevant factor based on prior mobile learning adoption research, Perceived Enjoyment. Data are collected through questionnaires distributed to 50 high school students using Google Forms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze and develop the research model. The study finds that Perceived Enjoyment becomes the most influencing factor considered by high school students to use mobile learning, 3D simulation Android app, followed by Perceived Usefulness. However, the Perceived Ease of Use factor does not significantly influence the acceptance of the 3D simulation Android app.
Building Critical Thinking Skills Through a New Design Mobile-Based Interactive Learning Media Knowledge Framework
Authors: Ninghardjanti Patni , Dirgatama Chairul Huda Atma
Published: September 2021

Education is expected to be a solution to issues in human resource development. A number of initiatives have been made to overcome educational problems ranging from improving the curriculum, developing and increasing the quality of teachers, developing student abilities, and other efforts related to improving the quality of education. Based on the preliminary observation, students’ critical thinking skills were considered low and a confirmatory study related to building critical thinking skills is necessary. This study analyzed critical thinking skills that are built based on perceptions of mobile media, self-directed learning, and digital literacy. The research method used was a quantitative approach by using a questionnaire instrument.. Data analysis included analyses of prerequisite tests including validity and reliability tests. The data were analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The results showed that 1) there was a positive and significant effect on the variable of perceptions on online learning media on self-directed learning and digital literacy, 2) there was a positive and significant effect on the variable of self-directed learning on critical thinking skills 3) there was a positive and significant effect on the variable of digital literacy on critical thinking skills 4) the variable of the perceptions on mobile-based learning media had a positive and significant effect on critical thinking skills through the mediation of self-directed learning and digital literacy.
Leveraging Sensor Fusion and Sensor-Body Position for Activity Recognition for Wearable Mobile Technologies
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Das Anik , Tasjid Md. Shahriar , Marouf Ahmed Al
Published: September 2021

Smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches have made this world smarter. These wearable devices are created through complex research methodologies to make them more usable and interactive with its user. Various interactive mobile applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) or mixed reality (MR) applications solely depend on the in-built sensors of the smart devices. A lot of facilities can be taken from these devices with sensors such as accelerometer and gyroscope. Different physical activities such as walking, jogging, sitting, etc., can be important for analysis like health state prediction and duration of exercise by using those sensors based on artificial intelligence. In this paper, we have implemented machine learning and deep learning algorithms to detect and recognize eight activities namely, walking, jogging, standing, walking upstairs, walking downstairs, sitting, sitting-in-a-car and cycling; with a maximum of 99.3% accuracy. A few activities are almost similar in action, such as sitting and sitting-in-a-car, but difficult to distinguish; which makes it more challenging to predict tasks. In this paper, we have hypothesized that with more sensors (sensor fusion) and data collection points (sensor-body positions) a wide range of activities can be recognized and the recognition accuracies can be increased. Finally, we showed that the combination of all the sensors data of both pocket/waist and wrist can be used to recognize a wide range of activities accurately. The possibility of using the proposed methodologies for futuristic mobile technologies is quite significant. The adaptation of most recent deep learning algorithms such as convolutional neural network (CNN) and bi-directional Long Short Time Memory (Bi-LSTM) demonstrated high credibility of the methods presented as experimentation.
How Does Empowering Leadership Contribute to Organizational Commitment of Millennials?
Authors: Naim Mohammad Faraz
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores the influence of empowering leadership on organizational commitment of Indian millennials. Also, the mediating effect of trust in the leader is examined. Primary data were collected from the sample of 440 IT employees working in Delhi/NCR. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships based on model fit and standard path coefficients. Findings indicate that empowering leadership has a significant positive effect on organizational commitment and trust in the leader, which also has a significant positive effect on organizational commitment, and trust in the leader has shown to have a partial mediating effect on the relationship between empowering leadership and organizational commitment of millennials. The chapter contributes to the limited empirical literature on the linkage between empowering leadership and organizational commitment in a generational context, specifically millennials in Indian context. The chapter provides a leadership-based approach to bolster organizational commitment of millennials.
Knowledge Management of Work Stress in Mexican Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Armenta-Hernández Oziely Daniela , Maldonado-Macías Aide Aracely , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Serrano-Rosa Miguel Angel , Avelar-Sosa Liliana
Published: September 2021

This chapter presents a knowledge management perspective to propose a pair of structural models to determine the relationship between burnout syndrome (BS) and body mass index (BMI) among high and middle managers of Mexican maquiladoras. In developing countries like Mexico there are opportunities to expand burnout study on diversity of contexts and occupations. The Maslach burnout general inventory questionnaire (MB-GI) was used, and sociodemographic data were collected as well as the weight and size of respondents. Instrument shows an acceptable reliability index. Structural equation models are used to determine relationship among variables. From a sample of 361 people, using segmentations of BMI, two segments are distinguished: normal weight and overweight. Model using normal weight participants shows more explanatory qualities about the relationship among burnout dimensions than the one using overweight participants. One can conclude that more factors and variables are needed to explain overweight Mexican managers.
Combined Methods for Physical and Mental Workload
Authors: Morales Ángel Fabián Campoya , Arellano Juan Luis Hernández , González-Muñoz Elvia Luz
Published: September 2021

This chapter presents information about the methods that combine physical and mental workload/fatigue during ergonomic evaluation. The methods were identified through a systematic literature review. The search criteria were done through a literature search in databases like SciFinder, SciELO, ScienceDirect, etc. As result, the following methods are described: Global Load Scale, Multivariate Workload Assessment, Subjective Fatigue Symptoms Test, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Scale of Recovery for Exhaustion of Occupational Fatigue, Scale of Estimated Fatigue-Energy Points, Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory, NASA-TLX, Combined Cognitive and Physical Assessment, Laboratory Method of Economics and Sociology of Work, OWL Method, Ergonomic Checklist Method, RENAULT Method, Joyce Method, NERPA Method, ARBAN Method, and MAPFRE Method. As a conclusion, it is possible to affirm that there are some evaluation methods that provide better elements for an accurate evaluation, and others lack basic elements, which causes an incomplete/not accurate evaluation.
Relationships Between Mental Workload, Burnout, and Job Performance
Authors: Akca Meltem , Küçükoğlu Mübeyyen Tepe
Published: September 2021

Mental workload is a popular topic for ergonomics, psychology, and organizational behavior-related studies. Difficulties and differences in defining and measurement of mental workload engage the attention of scholars to the concept. Furthermore, the importance of mental workload on performance and burn out increases attention to the topic for empirical studies. In this chapter, the authors reveal the relations between mental workload, burnout, and job performance. Data were obtained from 144 academicians in Turkey. Results demonstrated that mental workload has a 1) positive impact on burn out and 2) negative impact on job performance of academicians. Moreover, it was found that burn out and job performance are negatively correlated. Finally, findings reported that there are differences among some demographic variables in accordance with mental workload, burn out, and job performance.
Women's Employment in Turkey's ICT Sector
Authors: Gorkey Selda
Published: September 2021

Women constitute one of the risk groups vulnerable to poverty; therefore, enabling their participation in the labor force is crucial to promoting social inclusion in a society. Employment in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is widely known for being male-dominated, and recently women's participation has become an important subject. This chapter aims to examine women's employment in Turkey's ICT sector from 2009 to 2016, from a social inclusion perspective, by using various indicators. Comparisons with European Union (EU) countries provide perspective on tracking the progress of employment structure and education choices for ICT by gender. All indicators signify the existence of a gender gap resulting in low rates of inclusion of women in Turkey's ICT employment during the period. Examination of the reasons leads to making some policy recommendations to promote social inclusion of women in Turkey's ICT employment.
Gender Discrimination in Tourism Industry
Authors: Albayrak Aslı
Published: September 2021

Compared to the past, business life has considerably developed in any area in the last century. All of the goods and services producing enterprises have made very important developments by taking advantage of science and technology at every stage of consumption and post-consumption processes starting from production. However, it can be said that the most important of these developments is the entry of the female workforce into the business life in the twenty-first century. The involvement of women in business life has not only changed the forms of production and presentation of the enterprises but also led businesses to achieve a completely different perspective.
Does a Federal Glass Ceiling Have Differential Effects on Female and Male Technology Entrepreneurs?
Authors: Inouye Todd M. , Robinson Jeffrey A. , Joshi Amol M.
Published: September 2021

Glass ceilings are invisible organizational barriers encountered by underrepresented groups in large hierarchies. This chapter empirically investigates the existence and characteristics of an internal, government-wide glass ceiling for female employees using aggregate pay grade and demographic data on nearly 1.5 million U.S. Federal employees between 2001-2011. The external consequences for over 15,000 technology ventures seeking R&D funding from 12 federal agencies is explored. In this context, the researchers analyze over 50,000 grants and find that a unit increase in a novel, government-wide, glass ceiling measure is a meaningful and negative predictor of subsequent Phase II funding outcomes for Phase I grantees. More importantly, the negative external effects of the identified glass ceilings are significantly larger for women technology entrepreneurs when compared to their male counterparts.
(Non)existent Laws of Workplace Cyberbullying
Authors: Rosenthal Harrison M. , Belmas Genelle I.
Published: September 2021

This chapter chronicles the legislative and jurisprudential history of workplace bullying and analyzes new frameworks for applying employee harassment laws to the digital era. Part I considers the sociolegal underpinnings of workplace harassment found in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The authors discuss how Title VII and its legal progeny gave way to “hostile work environment” claims. Part II discusses leading U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the creation of an affirmative defense for employers, and the limitations of that defense, including those developing in state and local jurisdictions. Part III discusses prevailing solutions and raises questions not yet addressed in the legal literature. Findings reveal that American jurisprudence is ill-set to protect or compensate workers injured by bullying—either cyber or physical.
Pesticides as an Occupational Hazard Facts and Figures
Authors: Tarannum Nazia , Singh Meenakshi , Hawaldar Ranjit
Published: September 2021

The chapter gives insight into the harmful use of pesticides in different professional environments. It portrays the use of pesticides as the potential risks to the health of users and third parties and a danger to the environment. The use of pesticides has increased at a phenomenal rate. Pesticides and their threat to the biological world have reached almost hysterical proportions. Their residues are found everywhere, particularly those of the so-called “hard pesticides” or organochlorine compounds, DDT. Herein, an attempt has been made to reflect pesticide exposure in different occupational settings and their harmful effects on humans. Excess use of pesticide in agriculture has placed workers in this industry at risk of lethal exposure. Personnel working in domestic pest control service is also from continuous exposure to the pesticide. Further, the chapter highlights various corrective measures to be taken by the people working in different occupational settings to combat the dangerous effects of pesticides in everyday life.
Technology of Production of Binder Modifying Nanoadditives
Authors: Derevianko Viktor , Kondratieva Nataliia , Volkova Viktorija , Hryshko Hanna
Published: September 2021

The article deals with the issue concerning production of a dry nanoadditive. In order to achieve this goal, an aqueous solution of polyvinyl acetate dispersion (PVAD) and nanotubes, or lime slaking nanoparticles is used. As a result of the hydration process heat is released, the polyvinyl acetate emulsion forms particles with nanotubes in their composition. During the study performed an optimal ratio of all components was established: quicklime + PVAD-CNT – 71-73% and 0.01-0.018 CNT; “Megalith” – 21-25%; ammonium salt – 4-6%, as well as the optimal amount of the complex additive, which is in the range of 1-1.5% by weight of calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Later on the resulting nanoadditive can be used to modify binders or other materials
Chemistry of the Gasification of Carbonaceous Raw Material
Authors: Saik Pavlo , Dychkovskyi Roman , Lozynskyi Vasyl , Falshtynskyi Volodymyr , Cabana Edgar Caseres , Hrytsenko Leonid
Published: September 2021

The paper represents the studies of the process of carbonaceous raw material gasification. The initial material is represented by bituminous coal of grade H with the carbon (C) content of 79.2-85.3 %. Experimental studies have been used to substantiate the parameters of combustible generator gases (СО, Н2, СН4) output depending on the temperature of a reduction zone of the reaction channel and gas flow velocity along its length. It has been identified that the volume of the raw material input to be used for gasification process changes in direct proportion depending on the amount of burnt-out carbon and blow velocity. The gasification is intensified in terms of equal concentration of oxygen and carbon in the reaction channel of an underground gas generator. The gasification rate is stipulated by the intensity of chemical reactions, which depend immediately on the modes of blow mixture supply. Moreover, they depend directly on the intensity of oxygen supply to the coal mass and removal of the gasification products.
The Correlation between Hemostatic Parameters and Mortality Rate in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Soeroso Noni Novisari , Rizki Ananda Fannie , Samosir Ganda , Hariman Herman , Chairani Eyanoer Putri
Published: September 2021

The increasing level of hemostatic parameters and tumor markers were associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis, particularly in NSCLC. The objective of this study is to determine whether there was a correlation between hemostatic parameters and mortality rate in patients with NSCLC. This was a prospective analytical study with a pretest-posttest design which included 41 patients with diagnosis of NSCLC. Plasma levels of PT, APTT, TT, D-dimer, and fibrinogen were measured before initiation of chemotherapy and remeasured after 4 cycles or 6 cycles of chemotherapy, based on the clinical condition of patients. Then, patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate the mortality rate. The majority of subjects were male (85.4%) with adenocarcinoma (75.6%). There was no significant difference in mean between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (p > 0.05). Most patients died after one month of follow up (61%). The parameters which could predict high mortality rate in NSCLC were prolonged PT and the increased of D-dimer with RR > 1, although they had not significant in statistical analysis (p > 0.05). There is no correlation between hemostatic parameters and mortality rate in patients with NSCLC.
Cyberchondria
Authors: Gandla Sujana Devi , Dayala Prasanth P. , Kadiyala Pavan Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background:

It is common among medical students to incorrectly believe that they have contracted certain diseases they have recently studied. This belief can be seen in the form of health anxiety and investigating health-related information via the Internet. Cyberchondria denotes repeated online searches for health-related information that are associated with increasing levels of health anxiety.

Aims:

We aimed to study the prevalence and severity of cyberchondria among medical students and its correlation with sociodemographic and clinical data.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 consented medical students using online Google Forms. The form included demographic and clinical details and the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-15 (CSS-15) questionnaire. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. The k-means clustering was done for grouping the participants. Spearman correlation and linear regression were done for analyzing the data.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 19.28 ± 1.75 years. Females constituted 54.3% of the sample. About 24.5% of the students had previously diagnosed (medical/surgical/psychiatric) illness. The mean score of the CSS was 30.86 ± 9.44. Three clusters with 28%, 66%, and 6% of the students represented the CSS cluster center scores of 19.22 (mild), 34.10 (moderate), and 49.63 (severe), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between total CSS score and previously diagnosed illness (r = 0.233, P = 0.000) and negative correlation with age (r = −0.151, P = 0.003) and year of study (r = −0.254, P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

The increasing prevalence of cyberchondria is an example of how digital technology may play an important role in facilitating the development of psychopathology.
Comparison between McGrath and Macintosh Laryngoscopes as an Educational Tool for Successful Intubation by Novice Airway Managers
Authors: Vareed Githin M , Korula Sara Vergis , Menon Girijanandan D , George Manjit , Philip Sam , Victor Sruthy
Published: September 2021

Background:

The Macintosh (MAC) laryngoscope has been the gold standard for teaching intubation till date. This manikin-based study was conducted to determine whether McGrath™ videolaryngoscope (VL) (McG) is comparable to MAC laryngoscope as an educational tool for novice airway managers.

Material and Methods:

A randomised cross-over manikin-based trial was conducted in a group of 44 final-year medical students. After training for intubation with both laryngoscopes, the students were randomised to Group MAC or Group McG to decide which laryngoscope would be used first. The total time for intubation, number of attempts for successful intubation, ease of visualisation and ease of intubation were assessed.

Results:

The median time for intubation was 40 s (interquartile range [IQR] 16.5–93.5) for the MAC group and 35 s (IQR 17.5–54.5 s) for McG group (P = 0.22). First attempt success was significantly more in the McG group. Ease of visualisation and ease of intubation were significantly better in the McG group (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

The McGrath™ VL appears to be superior to MAC laryngoscope as an educational tool for training novice airway managers in endotracheal intubation.
Comparative Evaluation of Salivary-Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product (sRAGE) Levels among Betel Chewers and Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Chandini Rajkumar , Vasanthi V. , Karthik K Raghavendhar , Rajkumar Krishnan
Published: September 2021

Background:

Advanced glycation end products (AGE) are heterogeneous groups of molecules formed from the nonenzymatic reaction of reducing sugars with free amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) by ligands in a variety of cell types and tissues may play a role in oral-systemic associations. The aim of the study is to estimate the salivary-soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels in betel chewers and compare with salivary sRAGE levels of chronic periodontitis and normal healthy controls.

Methods:

Detailed case history and clinical examination was done for the study participants based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study participants were grouped as Group I (chewers), Group II (chronic periodontitis), and Group III (normal controls). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and salivary sRAGE levels were calculated using the sandwich ELISA technique.

Results:

Individuals with pan chewing habits have demonstrated increase in salivary sRAGE compared to chronic periodontitis and normal controls.

Conclusions:

Understanding AGE formation and biochemistry, cellular receptors for AGE, and AGE-induced effects on extracellular and intracellular functions will serve to expedite the process of finding effective therapies that block the excessive accumulation of these species and their interaction with the signal transduction receptor RAGE.
In silico Analysis and Structural Prediction of a Hypothetical Protein from Leishmania Major
Authors: Saikia Achisha , Palherkar Duhita Akhil , Hiremath Lingayya
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Leishmania major causes mucocutaneous leishmaniasis which is characterized by chronic skin sores. In L. major, some proteins are classified as hypothetical proteins (HPs). These proteins are chains of amino acids whose existence is predicted by sequencing organisms, but their functions remain unknown. They could further be analyzed, functionally annotated, and structurally predicted to open the doors to various applications.

Methods:

In this study, the HP AKK31191.1 from L. major was selected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Various tools were used for one-dimensional (1D), 2D structural prediction followed by predicting the 3D protein structure via ab initio and homology modeling. The structure was analyzed and validated using various in silico tools.

Results:

A detailed information on the physicochemical analysis of the protein was achieved. It was found that this particular HP could be located in the cytoplasm. 2D structural analysis showed that the protein consisted of random coils at a higher amount succeeded by extended strands and alpha-helix. These data were validated through a Ramachandran plot. Subsequently, the 3D structure of the protein was visualized in UCSF Chimera which portrayed the random coils, extended strands, and the alpha-helix in different colors.

Conclusions:

This study focused on finding the characteristic features of the HP, predicting the 3D structure, functionally annotating the protein, and finding another similarity sequence. Through structural prediction, disease-associated mutations can be identified, and other functionally significant sites can be facilitated by determining the spatial positions of active sites and other critical residues.
Antibiotic Resistance, Phylogenetic Group, and Genotyping Investigation in Escherichia coli Strains of Gut Flora in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Iranian Population
Authors: Mirzarazi Mahsa , Bandehpour Mojgan , Hashemi Ali , Vahidi Mahmoud , Taghavi Afsoon , Bashiri Soroor , Kazemi Bahram
Published: September 2021

Background:

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-most common cancer in Iran. The population of Escherichia coli strains of the B2 phylogenetic group as one of the components of gut microbiota is increased in the gut of people with CRC and can also play a role in the process of cancerous intestinal cells or malignancy. The most common concern about treating infections and their association with cancer is multidrug resistance (MDR).

Methods:

In this study, stool samples of 20 patients with CRC were examined for sensitivity to 9 antibiotics and their genotypes were determined.

Results:

More than 90% of the isolates were MDR. Although among 20 isolates of E. coli gut flora in CRC patients, 11 (55%), 7 (35%), 0 (0%), and 2 (10%) strains belonged to phylogenetic groups B2, D, B1, and A, respectively.

Conclusions:

There was no significant relationship between the B2 phylogenetic group and MDR. Furthermore, the closeness of the species based on >90% similarity, seven clusters were observed that among five clusters, similarities were observed in terms of the phylogenetic group.
Platelets Prohibition with Clopidogrel Alone versus with Proton-Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Rada Feryal Hashim
Published: September 2021

Background:

Clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are inert drugs that need cytochrome P450 enzymes to switch chemically to their active forms. The aim of this research is to evaluate the influences of three different types of PPIs on platelet restraining effect of clopidogrel.

Methods:

This study consecutively enlisted 100 patients (30 females and 70 males), ranging from 45 to 60 years with coronary artery disease from Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital. The patients randomly divided into four groups and each group consists of 25 patients. One of them treated with clopidogrel tablet (75 mg daily) alone. Others treated with clopidogrel (75 mg daily) and pantoprazole (20 mg daily), or esomeprazole (20 mg daily), or rabeprazole (20 mg daily) for a period of 10 days. Light transmission aggregometry instrument was used for the estimation of maximal platelet aggregation percent (MPA%).

Results:

The statistical outcomes after 10 days of treatments demonstrated that high inhibition of platelet aggregation was achieved in patients on clopidogrel alone 52.5% and low inhibition of platelet aggregation was confirmed in patients on clopidogrel and rabeprazole 43.3%.

Conclusions:

Even each drug of PPIs that used in this study changed the MPA% as compared to clopidogrel alone, but rabeprazole had an appreciable impact on MPA% and thereby on clinical adequacy of clopidogrel as platelets aggregation preventer drug.