bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustentabilidade ambiental urbana: análise da influência da vegetação em parâmetros ambientais
Authors: Bordim Meiry Helen Sousa , Longo Regina Márcia , Bordim Bruno Sousa
Published: March 2022

Objetivo do estudo: Analisar a influência da vegetação sobre o microclima utilizando para tanto a temperatura do ar e da superfície do solo, a umidade relativa do ar e também velocidade do vento.Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado em um bosque em um campus universitário, onde foram coletados os dados no interior e nas áreas de borda do bosque, além de 20 e 40 metros de distância em uma área de estacionamento. Os dados foram coletados durante oito dias distribuídos em um período de um mês.Originalidade/Relevância: Contribuição nas reflexões sobre questões ambientais atuais, mudanças climáticas, difusão da educação ambiental e sobre a forma como os indivíduos se relacionam com o meio. Sendo este um instrumento de incentivo à mudança em prol do meio ambiente e da sociedade.Principais resultados: Pelas análises dos dados foi possível observar que dentro do bosque as temperaturas do ar e do solo e umidade relativa do ar apresentaram-se melhores do que na área do estacionamento, no qual neste último, as temperaturas se apresentaram mais altas, principalmente a da superfície do solo e a umidade atmosférica mais baixa. A incidência de ventos dentro do bosque foi quase nula, já nas outras áreas, especialmente no estacionamento os ventos foram frequentes.Contribuições: As análises e a discussão deste estudo reafirmaram a influência da vegetação sobre as variáveis climáticas, com enfoque na importância dos fragmentos florestais urbanos, no microclima e a relevância de se proteger tais áreas.Conclusão: Portanto diferenças no comportamento do ambiente interno do bosque para as bordas e no estacionamento, demonstram a influência positiva da vegetação sobre o microclima em áreas urbanas por meio da análise dos quatro parâmetros ambientais estudados.
DRIVERS OF LIQUID BIOFUEL PRICES IN POLAND
Authors: Bas Daniel , Borychowski Michał
Published: March 2022

The general aim of the study was to determine the impact of legal regulations in force on the market of liquid biofuels and biocomponents in Poland on the prices of fatty acid methyl esters (so-called biodiesel or BIO100 biofuel). Therefore, we indicated the importance of legal regulations in shaping biodiesel prices in Poland based on empirical data from the period of 2008-2016 (the latest available data). An additional purpose was to assess the legal regulations as drivers of ecodiesel (diesel with an admixture of biodiesel) prices in Poland based on empirical data from the period 2004-2021. Institutional, legal and economic variables were distinguished, assuming that the biofuel market, like many other markets, is so heavily regulated that taking legal acts into consideration is crucial for its functioning. Multiple regression analysis was used. The sources of data were officially available databases (PKN Orlen Data, FRED Economic Research Data, as well as USD/PLN exchange rate quotations), while the sources of legal acts were the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland and the Official Journal of the European Union. The obtained results indicated that the prices of biofuels (specifically biodiesel) in Poland depend both on economic factors (the USD/PLN exchange rate and crude oil prices) and on some legal regulations, including domestic and EU regulations. We proved the importance of the EU directive 2003/30 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport, as well as acts on renewable energy sources (2015), on amending the act on liquid biocomponents and biofuels (2014) and on excise duty (2008).
THE ROLE OF SMALL FARMS IN CREATING SOCIAL CAPITAL IN RURAL AREAS – CASE STUDIES FROM LITHUANIA, POLAND AND ROMANIA
Authors: Smędzik-Ambroży Katarzyna , Sapa Agnieszka
Published: March 2022

Social capital is one of the most important factors influencing the development level. In the case of rural areas, it is important to determine its level in farms, because they are key factors influencing the development of these areas. The literature review shows that there are not many studies devoted to this subject from the perspective of smallholders in new member states of the European Union. Therefore, the objective of this article is to determine the social capital of small farmers in three selected countries of the European Union, i.e., Poland, Romania and Lithuania. Our study fills a research gap and provides a basis for further research. To achieve the aim of the study, the method of direct interviews with the owners of small farms in Poland, Lithuania, and Romania (20 farms from each country) was used. The interviews were conducted in 2020. The research shows that the participation of small farmers from Poland, Romania and Lithuania in social activities is low and at a comparable level in each of these countries. The main reason for the low participation of farmers in social activities is the workload. However, the social aspect of the impact of small farms cannot only be narrowed down to direct involvement in social life. It manifests itself primarily in the social functions performed by these farms, that is, cultivating customs, building social ties, reducing depopulation and increasing the vitality of the countryside.
FOOD CHAIN PRICE DIFFERENCES – THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Authors: Krzysztof Firlej , Stanuch Marcin
Published: March 2022

The article is for illustrative purposes and presents the general situation of price differences in the food chain in theoretical and methodological aspects. The main objective of the research was to assess the market situation of the purchase of agricultural products against a background of prices in retail stores. The research was conducted using the observational method in mid-2021. The subject of the study were the 20 most popular agricultural products, purchased directly from the agricultural producer and through retail chains as products ready for sale unchanged from the moment of purchase. The volatility of prices between different links in the food chain was also determined using Pearson’s linear correlation. The differences in the estimated percentage mark-up of selected retail chains in relation to the obtained values of the price relation index are presented. It was found that the analyzed price differences constituted a complex research problem and were conditioned by many determinants. The relation between the prices offered for agricultural products in purchase and retail prices was often 200%. The main reason for the price differences was the extensive supply chain between the farmer and the chain of stores. The results of the correlation of price volatility allowed to conclude that there was a phenomenon related to the transfer of price risk in the scope of subsequent links of the food chain.
Tentative Assessment of Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children
Authors: Kierońska Anna , Oliwko Elżbieta , Babuśka-Roczniak Magdalena , Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara , Widuchowski Wojciech , Roczniak Wojciech
Published: March 2022

Background. Supracondylar humerus fractures are a serious problem in children. The complicated anatomy of the elbow joint necessitates careful assessment of the damage before individually adapting treatment methods. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment of children in Group A in relation to children in Group B. Moreover, the impact of rehabilitation on the function of the affected elbow joint was examined.
Materials and methods. The study enrolled 40 children divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. In Group A, the dominant method of treatment was percutaneous K-wire stabilization. The results demonstrate that the use of this treatment method and the implementation of systematic rehabilitation made it possible to achieve very good results. In Group B, stabilization was performed in less than half of the children and rehabilitation was carried out at home. The initial and follow-up examinations were carried out in both groups according to a medical test card. In Group A, the initial examination was performed on the day the rehabilitation commenced, and the follow-up examination after the completion of a 10-day rehabilitation cycle. In Group B, the initial examination was carried out after immobilization was removed and a follow-up examination was performed after 3 weeks of home-based rehabilitation.
Results. The treatment model used in Group A was more effective than the model used in Group B.
Conclusions. 1. Correct repositioning, the use of percutaneous K-wire stabilization and elbow rehabilitation performed at the earliest possible time give very good functional results. 2. The use of percutaneous stabilization shortens the hospitalization period, which is of great importance in the treatment of young patients.
Off budget financing of municipal tasks with focus on municipal bonds
Authors: Hadryjańska Barbara
Published: March 2022

The main purpose of the work was to present off-budget methods of financing municipal investments with focus on municipal bonds. As for investment risk assessment, municipal bonds are considered the safest securities, resulting from the public-law status of a local government unit. An essential attribute of a municipal issuer is that a local government unit cannot go bankrupt. The research was conducted in 2017, and the primary research tool was a questionnaire sent to 606 rural communes that are members of the Union of Rural Municipalities (Polish abbrev. ZGW). One hundred thirty-two questionnaires were received in response from rural communes located in all voivodships. The conducted survey showed that the essential source of extra-budgetary financing for municipalities is EU subsidies as well as loans and credits. Over 60% of the surveyed do not use municipal bonds because they do not know such a financial instrument and are afraid of the municipality’s excessive debt. It seems that important reasons for this are the caution and reluctance to use instruments that are not well known.
Challenges of contemporary command and future military operations
Authors: Wrzosek Marek
Published: March 2022

The article aims to identify the challenges facing the command system in the context of changes that will shape future military operations. For the presentation of the cognitive results, the analysis of documents was used as well as the results of research conducted with the aid of a diagnostic survey, an interview method, as well as non-standardized observation. The structure of the article covers four main issues. The first one presents the relationship between the terms “directing – management – command” in the context of the deliberations made. The second topic focuses on the characteristics of future operations that define the challenges for command. The third one, on the other hand, explains the matters related to the modification of the command in future military operations. The issue complementing all the considerations is an attempt to resolve the problem of recommendations for the command system in the wars of the future. The content of the article uses the conclusions from the experience gained during the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A criação de jogos para o ensino de computação: uma análise comparativa
Authors: Silva Júlia Veiga da , da Silva Junior Braz Araujo , Foss Luciana , Cavalheiro Simone André da Costa
Published: March 2022

Considerando os desafios do ensino de computação e a utilização de jogos digitais como maneira de auxiliar esse cenário, este artigo apresenta uma análise comparativa de três plataformas destinadas à criação de jogos, utilizadas no ensino de computação: Greenfoot, Scratch e GrameStation. Foram definidos, para a análise, tópicos comuns às ferramentas, bem como suas características individuais. A plataforma GrameStation, embora baseada em um formalismo matemático, possui características equivalentes às demais, sendo possível a discussão quanto a sua utilidade para a introdução da especificação formal no ensino de computação.
A New Total Order for Triangular Fuzzy Numbers with an Application
Authors: Rosas Valentina , Bedregal Benjamín , Canumán José , Díaz Roberto , Mansilla Edmundo , Zumelzu Nicolás
Published: March 2022

This work deals with the study of a new total order Triangular Fuzzy Numbers and arithmetic properties that are maintained in relation to the operations of addition and subtraction. Additionally, we present as example of application the shortest path solution for the Travelling Salesman Problem with fuzzy distances.
An Application for Medical Diagnosis Using Correlation Coefficient With Modal Operators and Operator Identifying and Unary
Authors: Bertei Alex , Reiser Renata H. S. , Foss Luciana
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to study the Atanassov's correlation coefficient (A-CC) between two of Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy sets (A-IFS), obtained as images of intuitionistic fuzzy modal operators. The composition of modal operators are investigated, verifying under which conditions an A-CC preserves the main properties related to conjugate and complement operations performed on A-IFS. In addition, a simulation based on the proposal methodology using operators described above is applied to a medical diagnosis analysis.
Aplicando Análise Consensual Fuzzy para Tomada de Decisão na Alocação de Recursos em Nuvem Computacionais
Authors: Schneider Guilherme , Moura Bruno , Monks Eduardo , Yamin Adenauer , Santos Helida , Reiser Renata
Published: March 2022

Este artigo contempla a concepção de uma abordagem que explora medidas de consenso fuzzy, como suporte a problemas de tomada de decisão relacionados à determinação do nível de utilização das máquinas físicas em um ambiente de computação em nuvem. A análise de consenso dos conjuntos fuzzy está baseada nas médias aritméticas e exponenciais. Para avaliar a proposta foi concebido um estudo de caso direcionado a arquitetura do Framework Int-FLBCC em desenvolvimento pelo grupo de pesquisa.
Description of Command and Control Networks in Coq
Authors: Silva Guilherme G. F. da , Haeusler Edward Hermann , Nalon Cláudia
Published: March 2022

A command and control (C2) system can be defined as a group of individuals organised hierarchically in which higher-ranking individuals can issuedirections to their subordinates with a certain goal in mind. We present a model for representation of command and control networks in the Coq proof assistant based on a tree data structure. Our model utilises Coq’s implementation of data structures and includes examples of how to define functions and properties that may be relevant in a C2 system, as well as examples of some of the tests we have performed to verify the correctness and usability of our model. The examples given here are simple, but constitute basic blocks that can later be used in more realistic formalisations.
Estudos sobre o algoritmo de Grover e sua implementação
Authors: do Carmo Liliana Souza , Freitas Gisele Bosso de
Published: March 2022

A Computação Quântica se baseia nos princípios da Mecânica Quântica. Ao contrário dos computadores clássicos, os quânticos possuem capacidade de paralelismo como padrão, o que torna sua velocidade de processamento para resolução de problemas muito maior. Para esse desempenho, o uso de determinados algoritmos faz-se necessário. Neste texto, apresenta-se alguns estudos sobre o algoritmo de Grover, com o objetivo de conhecer e aprender a implementá-lo nos simuladores quânticos, além de analisar e interpretar os resultados obtidos.
Gramers: Agentes Pedagógicos para uma plataforma de jogos baseada em Gramática de Grafos
Authors: Silva Júlia Veiga da , da Silva Junior Braz Araujo , Foss Luciana , Cavalheiro Simone André da Costa
Published: March 2022

Este artigo apresenta a proposta de agentes pedagógicos para o GrameStation, um motor de jogos baseado em Gramática de Grafos. No GrameStation, a criação de um jogo corresponde à especificação de uma gramática. Ainda que intuitiva, a especificação de uma Gramática de Grafos pode não ser trivial àqueles que não possuem conhecimento prévio. Isto torna necessária a presença de agentes pedagógicos, com o objetivo de auxiliar os usuários durante sua experiência. Neste sentido, quatro agentes, denominados gramers, são propostos. Exemplos da interação dos gramers na plataforma são ilustrados.
On the problem of compensatory mating in animal breeding
Authors: Ferreira Ana Paula Lüdtke
Published: March 2022

Animal breeding relies on two processes to achieve its objectives: the selection and the mating systems. Mating systems devise a particular plan to perform one or more breeding goals, which often encompass improving the herd's health and maximising financial gains in animal production systems. Compensatory mating is a strategy to produce animals with more homogeneous selection trait characteristics, discarding the production of exceptional animals in favour of a more balanced herd. This paper defines and investigates the complexity class of the optimal compensatory mating problem, proving that a polynomial-time algorithm can solve it.
Representabilidade de Operadores via Ordens Admissíveis
Authors: Silva Lidiane da , Schneider Guilherme , Yamin Adenauer , Santos Helida , Bedregal Benjamin , Reiser Renata
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a representabilidade de conectivos fuzzy valorados intervalarmente considerando ordens parciais e admissíveis. Nossa abordagem considera aquelas ordens baseadas em funções de agregação injetivas que permitem a construção de operadores fuzzy valorados intervalarmente. Um resultado imediato é a construção da implicação usada na Lógica Quântica, conhecida como QL-implicação, que em nossa proposta é generalizada para abordagem intervalar, via classe de ordem admissíveis.
Visualização e Extensão de um Verificador de Modelos para a ferramenta Verigraph-GUI
Authors: Fuchs Arthur L. , Machado Rodrigo , Ribeiro Leila
Published: March 2022

Verigraph-GUI é um editor gráfico desenvolvido para a ferramenta Verigraph, uma ferramenta de transformação de grafos. Esse trabalho relata sobre a construção de uma GUI para o módulo de verificação de modelos da ferramenta Verigraph, assim como extensões e outras melhorias planejadas.
Thermal Desalination Systems: From Traditionality to Modernity and Development
Authors: A. Essa Fadl
Published: March 2022

As well known, the basic birthrights of human are the clean air, clean water, healthy food, and green energy. So, clean water is the second important requested need of all living organisms on Earth. To know the importance of water to our human bodies, a deficiency of just 2% in our body’s water supply indicates dehydration. Nowadays, all countries suffer from the problem of freshwater shortage. Despite the importance of clean water for our lives, only 0.01% is available as surface water such as the rivers, lakes, and swamps. These frightening facts have made it a national and humanitarian duty for scientists to research how to overcome the water problem and how to provide alternative sources of safe drinking water using renewable energies. Desalination is the most famous and operative technique used to overcome this problem. In this chapter, the different desalination techniques are reviewed and reported. Also, the solar distillation processes are mentioned with an extended review on the solar distillers. Besides, the application of artificial intelligence in improving the performance of desalination systems is reported. The main conclusions are stated at the end of this chapter.
Revolutionizing Integrated Pest Management Using Nanobiotechnology: A Novel Approach to Curb Overuse of Synthetic Insecticides
Authors: Riyaz Muzafar , Hassan Saqib , Ahmed Rather Gulzar
Published: March 2022

Nanotechnology: A promising field of advanced interdisciplinary research has unlocked an extensive range of scenarios in the sectors like agriculture, electronics, pharmacy, healthcare, pest management and much more. In agriculture, the potential uses and benefits of nanotechnology are enormous. With the use of Nanotechnology, the management of insect pests through the formulations of nanomaterial-based insecticides have changed the course of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Traditional strategies in Integrated Pest Management used in agriculture are insufficient and the application of chemical pesticides have caused adverse effects on animals, human health and the environment. With the utilization of nanotechnological approaches, the green and efficient alternatives would provide the management of insect pests without causing an impact on animals and the environment. The present study aims to focus on the management of insect pests utilizing modern nanotechnological approaches.
Mitigating Climate Change Effects on Maternal and Prenatal Health in Nigeria
Authors: L. Adebayo Adebanke
Published: March 2022

Generally, women and children have been considered at-risk populations, especially pregnant women, and their unborn babies. In the past decade, there has been overwhelming evidence linking climate change—extreme heat and air pollution—to adverse pregnancy, reproductive, and overall maternal health outcomes across the globe. This formative report highlights the effects of climate change. Using autoethnography and an adapted Delphi method—the combination of the different expert opinions—this report makes contextualized recommendations for women to mitigate the effects of climate change on maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.
The Role of Friction on Metal Forming Processes
Authors: Fernando Folle Luis , Caetano dos Santos Silva Bruno , Ferreira Batalha Gilmar , Santiago Coelho Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

The friction that occurs in forming processes plays a fundamental role in the industry as it can be responsible for both manufacturing failure and its success. Scientific research has been done to try to understand this phenomenon as well as simulation software has been implemented aiming to predict the tribological behavior of the metallic pair in contact. Thus, this chapter is dedicated to the analysis of the main parameters that can influence the coefficient of friction, especially for metal manufacturing processes. Some simulation models that try to predict the behavior of friction under certain conditions of process speed, contact pressure and operating temperature will also be presented.
Modern Radiotherapy Techniques for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Prasad Srivastava Raju , Jha Bidyapati , Prasad Lamichhane Hari , Prasiko GisupNikha
Published: March 2022

There are many radiotherapy techniques used to treat breast cancer. Each techniques have their own limitations. The treatment techniques are valid depending on the facilities available to the department. The patient could be treated any technique as the expert knowledge to the center. This chapter will explain about the techniques used in current practice of breast cancer treatment. It will be explained why one technique procedure is better than others. The dose prescription and protocol will be not discussed. It depends on the department policy and facilities. The chapter will be the practical purpose that readers can use straight.
Design and Control of the McKibben Artificial Muscles Actuated Humanoid Manipulator
Authors: Gong Daoxiong , Yu Jianjun
Published: March 2022

The McKibben Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) are expected to endow the advanced robots with the ability of coexisting and cooperating with humans. However, the application of PAMs is still severely hindered by some critical issues. Focusing on the bionic design issue, this chapter in detail presents the design of a 7-degree-of-freedom (DOF) human-arm-like manipulator. It takes the antagonized PAMs and Bowden cables to mimic the muscle-tendon-ligament structure of human arm by elaborately configuring the DOFs and flexibly deploying the routing of Bowden cables; as a result, the DOFs of the analog shoulder, elbow, and wrist of the robotic arm intersect at a point respectively and the motion of these DOFs is independent from each other for convenience of human-like motion. The model imprecision caused by the strong nonlinearity is universally acknowledged as a main drawback of the PAM systems. Focusing on this issue, this chapter views the model imprecision as an internal disturbance, and presents an approach that observe these disturbances with extended-state-observer (ESO) and compensate them with full-order-sliding-mode-controller (fSMC), via experiments validated the human-like motion performance with expected robustness and tracking accuracy. Finally, some variants of PAMs for remedying the drawbacks of the PAM systems are discussed.
Nutritional Value, Methods for Extraction and Bioactive Compounds of Quinoa
Authors: Olivera Luis , Best Ivan , Paredes Perla , Perez Neyma , Chong Luis , Marzano Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a crop belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family that originated in the high Andean region of South America. Currently, the main producers of quinoa are Bolivia and Peru; this crop groups around 250 species and 3000 varieties. It has a high adaptability, which allows it to be cultivated in cold climates in the high Andean regions, as well as in subtropical conditions, and grows from sea level to more than 4000 meters above sea level. Due to its high nutritional value and nutritional properties, quinoa is considered “one of the grains of the 21st century.” It is high in protein without gluten, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, as well as high levels of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, bioactive peptides, phytosteroid betalains, phytosterols, and saponins. From quinoa, a protein concentrate of high biological value can be extracted due to its content of the nine essential amino acids, as well as an oil with high antioxidant activity due to its high levels of tocopherols. These by-products have a high economic and commercial value and can be produced on an industrial scale for use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Chlorophyll Estimation from Fluorescence Vertical Profiles in Ocean
Authors: Harid Romaissa , Demarcq Hervé , Houma-Bachari Fouzia
Published: March 2022

The present study deals with the correction of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) estimated from fluorescence data, the proposed method test for the first time a ratio between Chl-a from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements and its corresponding fluorescence. Considering the variability of this ratio with depth, the adjustment of fluorescence data was greatly improved. This ratio increase in the oceanic surface layer probably because of the quenching effect, however, it decreases and becomes stable with depth. This approach can be used to correct fluorescence values for future large datasets of biological variables. Finally, this method is designed for a global scale and/or regional applications.
Veneer-Based Engineered Wood Products in Construction
Authors: Vladimirova Elena , Gong Meng
Published: March 2022

Veneer-based engineered wood products (EWPs) are widely used in construction. Veneer-based EWPs are made of thin veneer sheets or veneer strands with adhesives, mainly including plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and parallel strand lumber (PSL). This chapter first discusses veneer-based EWPs in terms of their manufacturing, properties, and applications. Secondly, it introduces how veneer sheets or veneer strands intersect with each other in these products, providing additional strength and stable dimensions. Thirdly, this chapter overviews the effects of element dimensions, basic structure, veneer grade, adhesive type, and processing parameters on the properties of these products. Finally, it illustrates the uses of veneer-based EWPs through examples with a focus on their construction applications.
Correlation between Structure, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Some Alkali-Oxide Materials
Authors: Marzouki Amira , Brahmia Ameni , Marzouki Riadh , Jemmali Mosbah , H. Ali Ismat , Faouzi Zid Mohamed
Published: March 2022

In this chapter, the correlation between structure and electrical properties of Na2MP1.5As0.5O7 (MII = Co and Cu) are treated. The structural study shows that the cobalt and copper isotype materials can be crystallized in the tetragonal and monoclinic systems, respectively. The electrical study using impedance spectroscopy technique showed that these mixed diphosphate diarsenates are fast electrical conductors; however, the cobalt material exhibited more conductive property than the copper compound. In addition, the powder perovskite manganites La0.7M0.2M’0.1MnO3 (M = Sr, Ba and M’ = Na, Ag and K) have been prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction. The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of these perovskite manganites compounds were studied extensively by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements. These samples were crystallized in the distorted rhombohedral system with R3c space group. The variation of magnetization (M) vs. temperature (T) reveals that all compounds exhibit a second-order ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition in the vicinity of the Curie temperature (TC). A maximum magnetic entropy change, ΔSMMax, of 4.07 J kg−1 K−1 around 345 K was obtained in La0.7Sr0.2Na0.1MnO3 sample upon a magnetic field change of 5 T. The ΔSMMax values of La0.7Ba0.2M’0.1MnO3 are smaller in magnitude compared to La0.7Sr0.2M’0.1MnO3 samples and occur at lower temperatures.
Exercise Training in the Spectrum of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cristina Corrêa Figueira Ana , Pereira Ana , Leitão Luis , Ferreira Rita , Alberto Duarte José
Published: March 2022

Exercise training and regular physical activity have been mentioned as one of the non-pharmacological approaches to enhance breast cancer outcomes. Such evidence encourages health professionals to recommend it as an adjuvant in treatment conditions to improve cardiorespiratory fitness that, can increase the rate of completion of pharmacologic therapies, reduce cancer-related fatigue, and improve muscle strength and quality of life. Research results have highlighted a positive relationship between exercise and breast tumor outcomes, that seem to be dose dependent (the more activity the more protection) and can be mediated through several biological mechanisms. In this chapter, we intend to summarize the current knowledge about the effects of exercise in the regulation of metabolic and steroid hormones, tumor-related inflammation, and the attenuation of cancer-induced muscle wasting, highlighting the exercise designs that can prompt the best results.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Facilitated Collagen Scaffold Production for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Srinivasan Periasamy , Hsieh Dar-Jen
Published: March 2022

The rise of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) is a developing field that focuses on the advancement of alternative therapies for tissue and organ restoration. Collagen scaffold biomaterials play a vital role as a scaffold to promote cell growth and differentiation to promote the repair and regenerate the tissue lesion. The goal of this chapter will be to evaluate the role of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology in the production of collagen scaffold biomaterials from various tissues and organs and relate it to the traditional decellularization techniques in the production of collagen biomaterials for TERM. Therefore, we will study the collagen scaffold biomaterials produced using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology and their characteristics, such as chemical-physical properties, toxicity, biocompatibility, in vitro and in vivo bioactivity that could affect the interaction with cells and living system, relative to traditional decellularization technique-mediated collagen scaffolds. Furthermore, the chapter will focus on supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology for the production of collagen scaffolds biomaterial appropriate for TERM.
Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Vulnerable Populations – Sexual Minorities
Authors: Díaz López Elsa
Published: March 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, causing cancers including cervical cancer and diseases such as genital warts and oral papillomatosis, these diseases affect both men and women. HPV vaccination has been one of the main tools to decrease the burden of HPV disease. In many countries, national vaccination programs do not provide for their application to boys, men, as well as adults, although their efficacy and immunogenicity has been demonstrated. There are vulnerable populations such as the LGBTTTIQA population (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transvestite, Intersex, Queer and Asexual) in which HPV immunization should be emphasized since they present greater risks of infection and, they face not only social stigmatization but also often that coming from medical services resulting in cases with more advanced cancers and little primary prevention. When talking about sexual and reproductive health, points of inequity that require their resolution must be analyzed, initiating this, from a bioethical analysis.
E3 Ligase for CENP-A (Part 2)
Authors: Niikura Yohei , Kitagawa Katsumi
Published: March 2022

Centromeric CENP-A, a variant of histone H3, plays a central role in proper chromosome segregation and its function is highly conserved among different species. In most species with regional centromeres, an active centromere relies not on defined DNA sequences, but on the presence of CENP-A proteins in centromeric nucleosomes. CENP-A is proposed to be the non-DNA indicator (epigenetic mark) that defines proper centromere assembly and function. Recently, many post-translational modifications (PTMs) of CENP-A and their functions have been reported. They revealed the importance of the functions of CENP-A PTMs in CENP-A deposition at centromeres, proteolysis/protein stability, and recruitment of other centromere-kinetochore proteins. Ubiquitylation and sumoylation by E3 ligases regulate multiple functions, including proteolysis and signaling, and play important roles in the cell cycle and mitotic control. Recently, the function of E3 ligase that ubiquitylates/sumoylates and controls CENP-A protein has emerged as an important regulatory paradigm in different species. Many have reported the importance of CENP-A ubiquitylation and sumoylation in CENP-A deposition at centromeres and for protein stability, which is regulated by specific E3 ligases. Therefore, here we summarize what is known about the E3 ligases for CENP-A ubiquitylation and sumoylation and their biological functions and significance in different species.
Characteristics of Cow Milk Proteins and the Effect of Processing on Their Allergenicity
Authors: Lajnaf Roua , Feki Sawsan , Attia Hamadi , Ali Ayadi Mohamed , Masmoudi Hatem
Published: March 2022

Milk proteins are well known for their nutritional and functional properties. However, they are also members of the Big-8 food allergens including egg, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, wheat and tree nuts, in terms of prevalence. The most common milk allergens are casein fractions and β-lactoglobulin naturally not present in human breast milk. Thus, the examination of cow’s milk proteins as potential allergens that may cause food allergies and the identification of methods of reducing their immunogenicity are of great interest. The main objective of this chapter is to review the physico-chemical characteristics cow milk proteins as well as their studied allergenicity and immunogenicity as a function of some denatured dairy processes such as heating, high pressure, enzymatic hydrolysis and lactic acid fermentation.
Imidazolium-Based N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) and Metal-Mediated Catalysis
Authors: B. Gudimetla Vittal , P. Joy Bony , Paul Sudeep
Published: March 2022

The journey of “carbenes” is more than a century old. It began with a curiosity to understand a then less familiar carbon moiety in its divalent state. It reached an important milestone in the form of 1,3-imidazolium-based N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), where the quest for bottleable carbenes was achieved through simple and elegant synthetic routes. The properties of these carbenes were finely tunable through the steric and electronic factors via chemical modifications. Thus, it became one of the unique and extensively studied ligands for its properties and applications. This chapter first briefs about structural details of NHCs and different synthetic routes for the preparation of imidazolium-based NHC precursors. The later section focuses on various methods for characterizing the steric and electronic properties of these ligands and their metal intermediates, which are crucial for developing efficient catalytic processes. Finally, the chapter concludes with NHC-metal-mediated catalytic applications and its immediate challenges.
Musculoskeletal and Nerve Ultrasonography
Authors: Cristian Dinescu Stefan , Adrian Ionescu Razvan , Valeriu Popoviciu Horatiu , Avram Claudiu , Ananu Vreju Florentin
Published: March 2022

Musculoskeletal ultrasound had gained more and more importance lately and there is no doubt now about its role in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis and crystal related arthropathies. We can say that now, US is a widely available, non-invasive, and cost-effective technique suitable for the evaluation of the articular and periarticular structures, such as joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bursa. The real-time capabilities of the US allow continuous observation of those structures during movement and of the needle placement during musculoskeletal interventions. More than this, recently, ultrasonography (US) has gained its rights in the evaluation of Sjogren syndrome and giant cell arteritis. Thus, US can detect changes secondary to both inflammatory joint diseases, like synovitis, tenosynovitis or enthesitis, and to degenerative disease, like osteophytes or tendinosis. US can identify calcium pyrophosphate and urate deposits at the level of the cartilage and tendons and to recognize the changes at the level of the salivary glands in the context of the Sjogren’s syndrome and the ones at the level of the temporal artery, secondary to giant cell arteritis.
Olive Oil: Extraction Technology, Chemical Composition, and Enrichment Using Natural Additives
Authors: Hassan Sakar El , Gharby Said
Published: March 2022

Virgin Olive oil (VOO) is considered the primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet. Its consumption is linked to numerous health-promoting properties along with its high energetic value. These properties are the results of various chemical compounds (fatty acids, tocopherols, polyphenols, etc.). VOO provides monounsaturated fatty acids, which lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. VOO is obtained by three mechanical extraction processes, which can be classified into two systems that can be followed to extract olive oil from olives: the so-called traditional or discontinuous method, and the modern or continuous one. After the extraction of olive oil, its oxidative stability and chemical composition are subjected to deterioration especially when stored under inappropriate conditions (light, O2, temperature, etc.). To deal with the problem, VOO enrichment using natural additives became an important practice to enhance VOO oxidative stability and its chemical composition. In this chapter, various aspects related to VOO extraction processes, chemical composition, stability oxidative and enrichment via natural additives will be reviewed and discussed in light of published literature.
Temperature-Dependent Linear Solvation Energy Relationship for the Determination of Gas-Liquid Partition Coefficients of Organic Compounds in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ayad Amel , Mutelet Fabrice , Negadi Amina
Published: March 2022

In this work, a new group contribution method was used for calculating gas-to-ionic liquid partition coefficients (log KL) of molecular solutes in ILs with a temperature-dependent linear solvation energy relationship. About 36 group parameters are used to correlate 14,762 log KL data points of organic compounds in ionic liquids. The experimental log KL data have been collected from the published literature for different solutes in ionic liquids at different temperatures within the range of 293.15–396.35 K. The calculated log KL data showed a satisfactory agreement with experimental data with an average absolute relative deviation (AARD) of 6.39%.
Highlighting the Design and Performance Gaps: Case Studies of University Buildings
Authors: Kashyap Karishma , Iyer-Raniga Usha , Myla Andamon Mary
Published: March 2022

Buildings are one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases globally. To reduce the detrimental effects of buildings on the environment and recognise their potential for emissions reductions, a transition towards sustainable building solutions has been observed globally. This trend and the associated benefits have been discussed and argued for more than three decades now. However, the impacts of sustainable buildings are yet to be demonstrated at macro, meso, and micro levels in the community, as the actual versus expected performance of such buildings are still being questioned. Consequently, this entry discusses the concepts underpinning sustainable buildings outlining the drivers and practices to achieve sustainable built environment solutions from the design to operation stage using university buildings as a case study. The chapter also recommends evidence-based solutions on understanding the actual and perceived gaps to achieve expected performance using “Green Star” rated academic buildings in Australia.
Dietary Fermented Rice Bran Is an Effective Modulator of Ulcerative Colitis in Experimental Animal
Authors: Sultana Afroza , Fazal Mohammad Nazmus Sadat Abul , Alauddin Md.
Published: March 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disorder with colon and rectum, characterized by recurring bloody diarrhea due to microbial dysfunction and some autoimmune response. Scientists have linked microbial disruption in the gut to several chronic conditions such as UC and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Surprisingly, our gastrointestinal tract contains more than 100 trillion microbial cells. Some microbes in the gut microbiome are friendly bacteria that can help to treat UC by influencing metabolism, nutrition, immune function, and more in the gut. The conventional medical treatment of UC relies on the use of amino-salicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics. Multiple new mechanisms in the treatment of UC are being developed and many are showing promising results in ulcerative colitis. Still need scientific evidence to support the role of gut microbiota in the etiology of UC. The dietary fermented rice bran (DFRB) may include the active potential for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The DFRB may attenuate intestinal inflammation by regulating gut permeability for cellular infiltration and maintenance of luminal safety with favorable efficacy in UC. In this chapter, we discussed and summarized the insight mechanism of DFRB’s modulatory activities for the management or treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Urban Green Spaces Prospects and Retrospect’s
Authors: Sangwan Akanksha , Saraswat Anjali , Kumar Nand , Pipralia Satish , Kumar Ashwani
Published: March 2022

Urban green spaces (UGSs) are integral structural elements of the city’s existence and are promoted to serve diverse functions such as recreation, ecological services, regulation of ambient air temperature and hydrological regime pollution abatement, social inclusion, enhancing amenity value, etc., in sum, they help minimize the adverse impacts of urbanization on the environment and improve citizens’ habitable experiences. However, due to competing economic interests and demand on land for various purposes such as residential, commercial, industrial and institutional, UGS in cities take a back seat and are seldom given desired attention, and Indian cities are no exception. The challenges faced by UGS are many and include Land availability, quantity, quality, distribution, accessibility, lack of intended purpose and stakeholder participation. Therefore, it is imperative to explore strategies for planning UGS to ensure their adequate provision and maintenance in cities. Unlike Western countries cities in India have diverse classification and hierarchy of green spaces, therefore, this text examines typology of green spaces, their provisions, associated benefits, emergent concerns in the Indian context through case studies and concludes with plausible strategies for inclusion in urban planning framework.
The Impact of Second Step Child Protection Unit Teacher Training: Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach
Authors: Kim Sunha , B. Nickerson Amanda , E. Kim Tia
Published: March 2022

Given the high prevalence and harmful consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA), we need to empower teachers to play a critical role in prevention/intervention efforts. We therefore explored the potential of CSA teacher training to improve preventive outcomes based on teachers’ CSA knowledge. Analyzing the data from the implementation of a CSA prevention program using structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed a significant effect of CSA teacher training on improving teachers’ CSA knowledge, particularly in teachers with lower prior knowledge.
Cervical Arthroplasty
Authors: M. Highsmith Jason
Published: March 2022

Technological advances have allowed spine surgery to follow the trend toward minimally invasive surgery in general. Specifically, we have seen a corresponding rise in the popularity of cervical arthroplasty. For the treatment of cervical disc disease, arthroplasty is a less invasive option than the gold standard of cervical discectomy and arthrodesis, which by nature is more disruptive to surrounding tissues. Arthroplasty preserves the facets, maintains motion, and reduces the rate of adjacent segment breakdown. These factors counteract the negative impacts of fusion while maintaining the benefits. Arthroplasty implants themselves have become more streamlined to implant as well with less native bone destruction, and biomechanics more compatible with the native disc. While initial implants were ball and socket devices with complex fixation and plane-specific movements, later devices incorporated such motions as translation and compression. Viscoelastic components and materials more closely resembling native tissues afford a more biocompatible implant profile. Until cell-based therapies can successfully reproduce native tissue, we will rely on artificial components that closely resemble and assimilate them.
Pressure Inhomogeneities across Large Samples Using Gas Pressure Media at Low Temperatures
Authors: Batista Leão Juscelino
Published: March 2022

In-situ inert gas high pressure vessels for neutron scattering for pressures of up to 1.0 GPa, and temperatures as low as 1.5 K, pose a particular problem due to the P × T phase diagram of the pressure media. Hydrostatic pressure under constant pressure and volume, passing through the pressure versus temperature phase diagram (P × T) of the gas to achieve low temperatures (1.5 K < T < 30 K) will cause an overall pressure reduction at base temperatures of at most 25% of the pressure read at the P × T. A methodology for pressurization to ensure minimal pressure loss as temperature falls below the pressure media phase change and at the same time minimizing pressure inhomogeneity throughout the length of the sample is presented within this work. The technique proved to reduce the isochore loss of pressure by a factor of 5. Moreover, for the first-time direct experimental quantitative evidence of the reduction in pressure inhomogeneities across large samples is reported here, and the average inhomogeneity reduction in pressure across top and bottom of a 45 mm long sample is better than a factor of 3.