bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iris recognition method based on segmentation
Authors: Mahameed Ans Ibrahim , Ahmed Mohammed Kassim , Abdullah Noor Basim
Published: March 2022

The development of science and studies has led to the creation of many modern means and technologies that focused and directed their interests on enhancing security due to the increased need for high degrees of security and protection for individuals and societies. Hence identification using a person's vital characteristics is an important privacy topic for governments, businesses and individuals. A lot of biometric features such as fingerprint, facial measurements, acid, palm, gait, fingernails and iris have been studied and used among all the biometrics, in particular, the iris gets the attention because it has unique advantages as the iris pattern is unique and does not change over time, providing the required accuracy and stability in verification systems. This feature is impossible to modify without risk. When identifying with the iris of the eye, the discrimination system only needs to compare the data of the characteristics of the iris of the person to be tested to determine the individual's identity, so the iris is extracted only from the images taken. Determining correct iris segmentation methods is the most important stage in the verification system, including determining the limbic boundaries of the iris and pupil, whether there is an effect of eyelids and shadows, and not exaggerating centralization that reduces the effectiveness of the iris recognition system. There are many techniques for subtracting the iris from the captured image. This paper presents the architecture of biometric systems that use iris to distinguish people and a recent survey of iris segmentation methods used in recent research, discusses methods and algorithms used for this purpose, presents datasets and the accuracy of each method, and compares the performance of each method used in previous studies
Expected Competencies of Quantity Surveyors in Zimbabwe
Authors:   Department of Quantity Surveying, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6001, SOUTH AFRICA, Moyo Tirivavi , Mukawa Mernard ,   Department of Construction Economics and Management, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, ZIMBABWE, Moyo Cynthia ,   Department of Construction Economics and Management, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, ZIMBABWE, Chigara Benviolent ,   Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6001, SOUTH AFRICA
Published: March 2022

Complex clients’ requirements and numerous construction industry challenges require an interrogation of the quantity surveyor’s competencies. This article reports on a study that sought to determine the expected competencies of quantity surveyors and to establish statistically significant differences in ranking due to quantity surveyor designations. A questionnaire survey research design was employed to collect the primary data. Quantity surveyors from all quantity surveying firms and those working for construction companies in the major cities of Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe participated in the study. Eight components were revealed through factor analysis, with the highest ranked component consisting of project finance control and reporting, sustainability issues and conflict avoidance management and dispute resolution procedures. While the traditional competencies of effective financial control and conflict management remain vital, sustainability issues have also become a priority. Hence, continuous professional development programmes and curricula redesigns that cater for these competencies are essential. A statistically significant difference due to the consultants’ and contractors’ quantity surveyor designations was revealed, indicating a differentiation of their roles. Thus, relevant weighted competency assessment frameworks also need to be instituted. However, owing to the exploratory nature of the study, only views of quantity surveyors were considered.
Impact of External Risks on International Construction Projects Success: Evidence from Commonwealth Caribbean Islands
Authors:   Economics Sciences Faculty, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cali, Valle 760008, COLOMBIA, Parra Hernan Albeiro , Zuñiga-Collazos Alexander ,   Economics Sciences Faculty, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cali, Valle 760008, COLOMBIA, Cruz-Caicedo Luis Fernando ,   Economics Sciences Faculty, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cali, Valle 760008, COLOMBIA
Published: March 2022

Since risks on international construction show region to region variation, the present study investigates the impact of external risks on international construction project (ICP) success and the relationships between them, from the perspective of construction professionals working in the Commonwealth Caribbean Islands (CCI) states. After a literature review, a survey questionnaire was designed with the input of a small group of experts. An instrument was tested and then sent to the construction professionals working in the CCI. Seventy valid surveys collected were processed using the structural equation model (SEM). The results suggest that the reason why CCI is an attractive region for construction enterprises looking into developing countries is because they do not support a direct impact of external risks on the project success, contrary to the findings in other studies on developing regions. The SEM confirmed that global risks influence economic risks, while economic risks influence legal risks and, in this region, influence the social risks. Results obtained help to address the knowledge gap for the ICP risks for the Caribbean region. The study will help the firms and the professionals looking to venture into the CCI or other regions with similar characteristics to create their risk management plan.
Solutions to Overcome Integrated Project Delivery Implementation Barriers: A Meta-Synthesis Approach
Authors:   Department of Project and Construction Management, MehrAlborz University (MAU), Tehran, IRAN, Kahvandi Zahra , Melhado Silvio ,   École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Université du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA, Viana Marina L. ,   School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh, VIETNAM
Published: March 2022

Construction projects encounter myriad problems, some of which may be connected to the project delivery model. Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an approach that removes the gap between the planning and the construction stages of a project. Various barriers to implementation exist within the construction industry and these can be resolved by effective solutions. Identifying and classifying these solutions is considered essential for successful project delivery. In this context, this study aims to illustrate and classify the solutions that have been proposed since the introduction of IPD as a new approach for the implementation of construction projects. In this study, a meta-synthesis approach has been used as a qualitative method, and pattern and descriptive coding and analysis have been used to analyse the data. The solutions analysed in the meta-synthesis suggest that all stakeholders—including designers, construction engineers, construction team members and operation and maintenance team members—each have the same responsibility to improve IPD and meet the project goals. This study is significant because it suggests important resolutions to the barriers to IPD implementation and may help construction industry stakeholders better facilitate IPD and enhance clauses of their contracts.
Collaborative Project Procurement in the Construction Industry: Investigating the Drivers and Barriers in Malaysia
Authors:   Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA, Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Lim Sin Ying ,   Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA
Published: March 2022

The traditional construction procurement approach engenders adversarial attitudes and the pursuit of individual organisation’s gain has led to inefficiencies and poor project management. Previous studies suggest collaborative working in the construction supply chain may produce better outcomes. This article examines the drivers and barriers to embracing collaborative procurement practices pertinent to the construction industry in the developing world; using Malaysia as a base of the study. Drawing on an empirical survey involving construction professionals (contractors, consultants and clients), the significance of the drivers and barriers are prioritised based on mean scores. The most significant drivers are better quality outcome, better cost control, better time control, effective problem solving and increased client satisfaction. As for the barriers, resistance to change current way of working, communication problem, incompatible personalities and organisational cultures, lack of top management support, and inadequate training and guidance rank the highest. Next, Kruskal- Wallis tests were selected to compare the results given by the three groups of respondents. All the drivers are homogeneously perceived except for “long-term relationship”. Homogeneous perceptions are observed for all drivers. Results from this study are expected to benefit both construction practitioners and researchers in the exploration, planning and implementation of collaboration-based project procurement arrangements.
RETURNABLE BAKING WASTE — A NEW TYPE OF RAW MATERIALS FOR DISTILLATES PRODUCTION (PART IV. SPIRIT DRINK)
Authors: Krikunova L. N. , Dubinina E. V. , Obodeeva O. N.
Published: March 2022

A distillate is a basis for the blend of a spirit drink. Distillate ripening is necessary to stabilize the physicochemical composition and achieve certain flavor characteristics. Softened water is the second ingredient of the spirit drink blend in terms of volume. The mineral composition of water influences the consumer properties of a drink. The aim of this work is to reveal factors that influence quality indicators of a spirit drink from a new type of a raw material. The objects of the research were the samples of the distillate from baking waste, commercial batches of softened water and experimental blends of a spirit drink. The authors determined the volume fraction of ethanol, organoleptic characteristics and mass concentration of the main volatile components by the gas chromatography method in the objects of the research. It was established that upon distillate ripening, the most intensive oxidative processes occured in a period of 10 to 20 days. This led to an increase in the acetaldehyde concentration by 6–27% depending of a raw material type. At the same time, an increase in the mass concentration of ethyl acetate by 15 to 30%, as well as the total concentration of ethyl caproate, ethyl caprate, ethyl caprylate by 27–38% was observed. An effect of the strength of the spirit drink on its organoleptic characteristics was revealed. The mineral composition of the soften water samples prepared by the method of ion exchange and reverse osmosis was studied. Based on the analysis of the taste and aroma profiles of spirit drinks, an effect of the concentration and ratio of mineral salts in water on product quality characteristics was shown. The authors recommend the optimal duration of distillate ripening before blending — not more than 20 days, the blend strength 40–42% vol. The necessity to use soften water prepared by the method of ion exchange or reverse osmosis with the controlled content of ions of calcium (not more than 9 mg/dm3), sodium (not more than 60 mg/dm3), sulfates (not more than 65 mg/dm3) and hydrogen carbonates (not more than 80 mg/dm3) for blending was substantiated.
Quantifying uncertainties in crystal electric field Hamiltonian fits to neutron data
Authors: Scheie Allen
Published: March 2022

We systematically examine uncertainties from fitting rare earth
single-ion crystal electric field (CEF) Hamiltonians to inelastic
neutron scattering data. Using pyrochlore and delafossite structures as
test cases, we find that uncertainty in CEF parameters can be large
despite visually excellent fits. These results show
Yb^{3+}3+
compounds have particularly large gg-tensor
uncertainty because of the few available peaks. In such cases,
additional constraints are necessary for meaningful fits.
Determining factors of intention to adopt internet banking services: A study on commercial bank users in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Ayeasha , Mobarak Karim Md. , Jannat Sabeha , M. Anwarul Islam K.
Published: March 2022

E-commerce and e-business are necessary components of today’s internet banking due to the developing global economy. Alternatively, in this technological era, the banking sector’s success is associated with creating bank users’ intention to adopt internet banking services. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the influencing factors of intention to adopt internet banking services of commercial bank users’ in the Bangladeshi context. A survey questionnaire was formulated based on past works of literature to find out the research objective. The convenience sampling method has been used in this study. For the data collection purpose, 250 bank users were asked request to participate in the research. As a fully completed survey, 180 responses were received where the response rate was 72% and the sample size was n = 180. For correlation analysis and hypotheses testing, SPSS version 26.0 was used. The results of the study show that Perceived Security Risk (PSR), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Social Influence (SI), and Consumer Innovativeness (CI) have a statistical and significant impact on the intention to adopt internet banking services. It is concluded that the bank management committee should utilize PU, PEU, SI, and CI to amplify the level of willingness to adopt and embrace general banking services through internet platforms among bank users in their online banking transactions. For the future research study, this paper outlines several significant implications and offers some directions for the bank management committee of a commercial bank.
The relationship between risk-taking and maqasid shariah-based performance in Islamic banks: Does shariah governance matter?
Authors: Prasojo  , Yadiati Winwin , Fitrijanti Tettet , Sueb Memed
Published: March 2022

A dearth of studies linking risk-taking with maqasid shariah-based performance has been the motivation for analyzing this relationship. This study also examines the moderating effect of shariah governance. The study uses time-series data with the dynamic panel technique to examine the relationship between variables. The number of samples in this study was 75 Islamic banks operating non-window banking from 19 countries. Results prove that risk-taking has a significant adverse effect on the performance of Islamic banks. Lower risk-taking indicates a bank is more efficient, resulting in higher maqashid shariah-based performance. The governance has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between risk-taking and the performance of Islamic banks. Increasingly quality SSB strengthens the risk-taking relationship with maqashid shariah-based performance. This study implies that Islamic banks with quality SSB will be more efficient in managing risk to increase performance that complies with maqashid shariah criteria in the long term. This study concludes that managers must improve risk management in the distribution of funds so that Islamic banks are more efficient. Furthermore, policy-making authorities in each country must support the policy on the existence of SSB and the composition of the background so that it is of higher quality.
Transmembrane pH Gradients In vivo: Measurements Using Fluorinated Vitamin 86 Derivatives*
Authors: Mason Ralph P.
Published: March 2022

It is well recognized that pH plays a significant regulatory role in most cellular processes. Increasingly, there is interest in transmembrane pH gradients, particularly with respect to tumor growth and response to therapy. NMR offers a non-invasive approach to monitoring cellular pH and detecting changes in response to interventions. This review will consider the strengths of various approaches to measuring pH with particular focus on the reporter
molecules designed to interrogate the cellular milieu. In particular, fluorinated vitamin 86 derivatives (6-fluoropyridoxol and 6-fluoropyridoxamine) will be described, which for the first time provide a practical non-destructive method to measure simultaneously intra- and extracellular pH, i.e., the transmembrane pH gradient in animals in vivo based on a single reporter molecule.

*In honor of the 75th birthday of Dr. John H. Mason, a lifelong advocate of non-destructive testing.
Factibilidad técnico-económica de implementar LIDAR en una empresa forestal
Authors: Alzamora Rosa María , Becker Julio César , Escudero Manuel , Pinto Rodriguez Antonio Alfonso
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar el proceso de toma de decisión de una empresa forestal para implementar la tecnología Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) en aplicaciones para sistemas de información cartográfica y de inventario. El análisis consistió en comparar el uso de datos obtenidos con LiDAR, vs técnicas fotogramétricas y contra el uso de datos obtenidos con restitución de imágenes satelitales, bajo dos enfoques: i) precisión altimétrica en la determinación de perfiles de terreno, y ii) precisión planimétrica en la determinación de perímetros y áreas. Como resultado, se obtuvo que El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar el proceso de toma de decisión de una empresa forestal para implementar la tecnología Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) en aplicaciones para sistemas de información cartográfica y de inventario. El análisis consistió en comparar el uso de datos obtenidos con LiDAR, vs técnicas fotogramétricas y contra el uso de datos obtenidos con restitución de imágenes satelitales, bajo dos enfoques: i) precisión altimétrica en la determinación de perfiles de terreno, y ii) precisión planimétrica en la determinación de perímetros y áreas. Como resultado, se obtuvo que LiDAR mostró mayor precisión en el análisis altimétrico; no obstante, LiDAR no generó diferencias significativas, respecto al método fotogramétrico, en el análisis planimétrico. La evaluación económica de incorporar LiDAR para planificar faenas de cosecha, caminos y establecimiento de plantaciones, resultó rentable con un valor actual neto de USD 2 095 000, a una tasa de descuento de 10%.
Lignina: composición, síntesis y evolución
Authors: Maceda Agustín , Soto-Hernández Marcos , Peña-Valdivia Cecilia B. , Trejo Carlos , Terrazas Teresa
Published: March 2022

La lignina es una de las principales estructuras de la pared celular de las plantas y varía en su composición entre los grupos taxonómicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la estructura de la lignina, el proceso de lignificación y las propuestas de patrones de evolución de esta. Para esto se revisó la literatura existente, cada punto se analizó y explicó para finalmente proponer una hipótesis evolutiva del proceso de lignificación en angiospermas. La lignina está compuesta por diversos monómeros y polímeros, su biosíntesis ocurre en plastidios y retículo endoplasmático, para posteriormente polimerizarse mediante diferentes grupos enzimáticos en la pared celular, donde ocurre el proceso de lignificación cooperativa. Durante la evolución de las plantas se desarrollaron los sistemas genéticos y enzimáticos para la biosíntesis de la lignina. Los dos principales tipos de lignina que se acumulan en los elementos traqueales de las plantas son lignina de tipo guayacilo y lignina de tipo siringilo/guayacilo. La presencia de siringilo en especies de Isoetes, Selaginella, Lycophyta y algas por convergencia evolutiva confirió resistencia a patógenos y rayos UV. La presencia de enzimas promiscuas catalíticamente funcionales propició la aparición de lignina, suberina y cutina, además de que la diversificación anatómica y química de la pared celular en angiospermas favorecieron su distribución en diferentes condiciones ambientales.
Alterações físico-mecânicas na madeira de cambará (Qualea paraensis) termorretificada
Authors: Medeiros Dayane Targino de , Batista Felipe Gomes , Melo Rafael Rodolfo de , Mascarenhas Adriano Reis Prazeres , Pedrosa Talita Dantas
Published: March 2022

Objetivou-se analisar o efeito do tempo e da temperatura de tratamentos térmicos nas propriedades físico-mecânicas da madeira de cambará (Qualea paraensis Ducke). Foram confeccionados corpos de prova de 5 lotes da madeira de cambará submetidos ao tratamento térmico em estufa sob temperaturas de 180 °C e 200 °C e períodos de 2 h e 4 h. Determinou-se densidade aparente (ρ12%), perda de massa (PM), umidade de equilíbrio (UE), contrações nos eixos longitudinal (βl), radial (βr) e tangencial (βt), contração volumétrica (βv) e fator anisotrópico (fa). Mecanicamente, a madeira foi avaliada quanto à resistência e rigidez nos ensaios de flexão estática (fM e EM) e compressão paralela às fibras (fc0 e Ec0). Após os tratamentos térmicos, os valores de ρ12% aumentaram, em média, 7,72% e a UE foi reduzida em 24,3%. Os maiores valores de PM (3,67%) foram observados para o tempo de exposição de 2 h em temperatura de 200 °C. Com este tratamento, obteve-se também os menores valores de βt (5,73%) e βv (9,69%). Os tratamentos térmicos aumentaram a densidade aparente, reduziram a umidade de equilíbrio e aumentaram a estabilidade dimensional da madeira. Na maioria dos tratamentos térmicos, observou-se redução da resistência e aumento da rigidez à flexão estática. Ocorreu aumento da resistência e da rigidez à compressão paralela à grã em todas as combinações de tempo e temperatura. De modo geral, a maior estabilidade dimensional com menores perdas da resistência à flexão estática e compressão paralela foram obtidas com o tratamento de 200 °C e tempo de 2 h.
Estimación alométrica de biomasa arbórea mediante un enfoque generalizado a nivel de especie y multiespecie
Authors: Paz Pellat Fernando , Salas Aguilar Víctor , Velázquez Rodríguez Alma , Sánchez Sánchez Cristóbal
Published: March 2022

Los ecosistemas terrestres tienen almacenes en la biomasa aérea (B) de alta importancia para acciones de mitigación del cambio climático a través de mecanismos tales como REDD+. Para obtener posibles compensaciones financieras por evitar deforestar o degradar los bosques, además de la conservación, incrementar los almacenes de carbono y manejo forestal sustentable, es necesario evaluar los errores de estimación de biomasa y carbono, que generalmente están asociados al modelo alométrico usado. Los modelos alométricos sobre las relaciones entre diámetro normal (D) y altura total (H) con la biomasa usan técnicas estadísticas que no aprovechan las relaciones entre los parámetros de los modelos, ni las relaciones entre las constantes y exponentes de cada modelo, por lo que en este trabajo se presenta un marco teórico generalizado aplicable a nivel de monoespecies y multiespecies, el cual fue aplicado a un conjunto de 684 mediciones de D, H y B, provenientes de 23 bases de datos de especies individuales. Los resultados obtenidos, cuando se cuenta con datos, prácticamente no presentaron error cuando se consideraron todos los parámetros. Cuando faltó información de un parámetro, las estimaciones reali­zadas con diferentes aproximaciones mostraron errores de estimación comparables con los obtenidos por los métodos clásicos de generación de modelos alométricos generalizados. El proceso metodológico desarrollado sirve de base para plantear cambios en los enfoques de generación de información alométrica, para simplificar modelos y para reducir los errores en la estimación de la biomasa y el carbono.
Equivalencia entre modelos alométricos y alometría pantropical flexible
Authors: Paz-Pellat Fernando , Velázquez-Rodríguez Alma
Published: March 2022

La estimación de la biomasa aérea total en bosques tropicales es una tarea crítica para la gestión forestal y los mercados del carbono. Los modelos pantropicales multiespecies y multisitios tratan de desarrollar estimaciones para el caso general de falta de conocimiento de modelos locales específicos. Bajo un enfoque algebraico simple, este trabajo presenta las equivalencias entre los modelos analizados, los cuales son parametrizados por regresión lineal simple en el espacio log-log mediante una base de datos pantropical (bosques tropicales), con 4004 mediciones en 58 sitios en el mundo; incluye mediciones del diámetro a la altura del pecho (D) y altura total (H), así como estimaciones de la densidad de la madera (ρ). Los resultados soportan la equivalencia de los modelos alométricos. Adicionalmente se realizó una parametrización de los modelos alométricos usando la base de datos pantropical a través de regresión lineal simple de las transformaciones logarítmicas de los modelos. El modelo que usa D, H y ρ a nivel local (clases de densidad o sitios) resulta en la estimación con menor error. El modelo alométrico pantropical estimado se propone como un modelo global; aunque con una discusión sobre su aplicabilidad con relación a los modelos locales. Una aproximación al modelo global es introducida al parametrizar un modelo en función de la densidad de la madera y dos enfoques con relación al exponente de la relación potencial analizada. Los modelos pantropicales desarrollados muestran estimaciones ligeramente mejores que el modelo pantropical, dando flexibilidad al error de estimación al asociarlo a la densidad de la madera de las especies de árboles.
Arterial Elasticity: Linking of Cardiovascular Risks, Pulse Pressure, Dementia, Aging, and Drug Targeting
Authors:   Cavitation-Control Technology Inc., Farmington, CT 06032, USA, D'Arrigo Joseph S.
Published: March 2022

Cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, and several other cardiovascular (or "inflamm-aging" type) diseases, are more frequent and advanced in subjects with Alzheimer's disease compared with normal aging. In addition, the observed pathogenic link to dementia (and its associated cerebral microvascular damage) is readily explained by alterations of arterial elasticity. A therapeutic strategy to delay dementia could be based upon localized drug delivery, using lipid nanocarriers (i.e., biobased nanoemulsion technology), targeted toward a major serum amyloid A (SAA) receptor involved in certain proinflammatory, SAA-mediated, cell signaling events. Moreover, by incorporating drug molecules into such lipid nanocarriers, one can obtain a "combination therapeutic" capable of targeting simultaneously (via cell-surface scavenger receptors) a variety of cell types, each potentially implicated in Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia, for focused drug delivery in vivo.
Use and Perception of Digital Health Technologies by Surgical Patients in Germany in the Pre–COVID-19 Era: Survey Study
Authors: Korn Sandra , Böttcher Maximilian David , Busse Theresa Sophie , Kernebeck Sven , Breucha Michael , Ehlers Jan , Kahlert Christoph , Weitz Jürgen , Bork Ulrich
Published: March 2022

Background

This survey study investigates surgical patients’ use and perception of digital health technologies in Germany in the pre–COVID-19 era.

Objective

The objective of this study was to relate surgical patients’ characteristics to the use and perception of several digital health technologies.

Methods

In this single-center, cross-sectional survey study in the outpatient department of a university hospital in Germany, 406 patients completed a questionnaire with the following three domains: general information and use of the internet, smartphones, and general digital health aspects. Analyses were stratified by age group and highest education level achieved.

Results

We found significant age-based differences in most of the evaluated aspects. Younger patients were more open to using new technologies in private and medical settings but had more security concerns. Although searching for information on illnesses on the web was common, the overall acceptance of and trust in web-based consultations were rather low, with <50% of patients in each age group reporting acceptance and trust. More people with academic qualifications than without academic qualifications searched for information on the web before visiting physicians (73/121, 60.3% and 100/240, 41.7%, respectively). Patients with academic degrees were also more engaged in health-related information and communication technology use.

Conclusions

These results support the need for eHealth literacy, health literacy, and available digital devices and internet access to support the active, meaningful use of information and communication technologies in health care. Uncertainties and a lack of knowledge exist, especially regarding telemedicine and the use of medical and health apps. This is especially pronounced among older patients and patients with a low education status.
Using Twitter to Examine Stigma Against People With Dementia During COVID-19: Infodemiology Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bacsu Juanita-Dawne , Fraser Sarah , Chasteen Alison L , Cammer Allison , Grewal Karl S , Bechard Lauren E , Bethell Jennifer , Green Shoshana , McGilton Katherine S , Morgan Debra , O’Rourke Hannah M , Poole Lisa , Spiteri Raymond J , O'Connell Megan E
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

During the pandemic, there has been significant social media attention focused on the increased COVID-19 risks and impacts for people with dementia and their care partners. However, these messages can perpetuate misconceptions, false information, and stigma.

OBJECTIVE

This study used Twitter data to understand stigma against people with dementia propagated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We collected 1743 stigma-related tweets using the GetOldTweets application in Python from February 15 to September 7, 2020. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the tweets.

RESULTS

Based on our analysis, 4 main themes were identified: (1) ageism and devaluing the lives of people with dementia, (2) misinformation and false beliefs about dementia and COVID-19, (3) dementia used as an insult for political ridicule, and (4) challenging stigma against dementia. Social media has been used to spread stigma, but it can also be used to challenge negative beliefs, stereotypes, and false information.

CONCLUSIONS

Dementia education and awareness campaigns are urgently needed on social media to address COVID-19-related stigma. When stigmatizing discourse on dementia is widely shared and consumed amongst the public, it has public health implications. How we talk about dementia shapes how policymakers, clinicians, and the public value the lives of people with dementia. Stigma perpetuates misinformation, pejorative language, and patronizing attitudes that can lead to discriminatory actions, such as the limited provision of lifesaving supports and health services for people with dementia during the pandemic. COVID-19 policies and public health messages should focus on precautions and preventive measures rather than labeling specific population groups.
Infodemic Emergency in Italy: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Web Interest in Sources of Dis-Misinformation, Epidemiologically Dangerous Behaviors, and Vaccine Hesitancy During COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Rovetta Alessandro
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 infodemic is a relevant public health situation that has undermined the effectiveness of sanitary and containment measures.

OBJECTIVE

This paper investigates the web interest of Italian users in sources of COVID-19 dis-misinformation and assumption of behaviors in contrast to the anti-pandemic vaccination regulations. The main purpose is to provide guidance for targeted interventions by health authorities.

METHODS

Infodemic keywords have been mined and verified thanks to the fact-checking websites "Bufale.net" and "Butac.it" and then searched on Google Trends. Multi-comparative tests and linear regressions were employed to compare the relative search volumes (RSV) of the pre-pandemic (2017-2020) and post-pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Since the adjustment for the multi-comparison is subject to authors' bias and there is no clear consensus in the literature, we provide both the adjusted P-values (P) and the adjusted P-values (Adj. P).

RESULTS

These findings reveal a drastic and widespread growth in the web interest of Italian netizens towards sources of fake news and illegal and epidemiologically risky practices such as the purchase of counterfeit green passes. Almost all infodemic keywords' RSV increased significantly (16/17, from 40% to 2700%, Adj. P<.001). The web interest in disinformation channels such as "ByoBlu" and "Radio Radio" recorded the most significant relative increase, especially during the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. The RSV of keywords "buy green pass," "unlimited green pass," (buy green pass-related query), "fake green pass cost," "fake green pass where to find it" increased from 40% to 350% during the first week of February 2022. Other relevant queries in the same period were "create fake green pass," "how to create fake green pass," "how to have fake green pass" and "fake qr code green pass". Moreover, the query "cancel vaccine" reached 7% of all web searches containing the word "covid" from January 2021 until February 2022. All related queries concerned the cancellation of the COVID-19 vaccine reservation and were reported as "breakout" (i.e., drastically increasing) and were growing during the first week of February 2022 (from 50% to 110%). Nonetheless, this query could be influenced by the number of new COVID-19 infections.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the growing vaccination hesitancy and intention towards counterfeiting green passes, government authorities are recommended to take appropriate countermeasures promptly. Google Trends should be adopted as a quick surveillance complementary tool for making targeted public health and disclosure interventions. The increasing web interest in fake news sources signals the need to build resilience to dis-misinformation in the population.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Cogley Clodagh , Carswell Claire , Bramham Kate , Chilcot Joseph
Published: March 2022

Individuals with severe mental illness, including conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are at a higher risk of developing CKD. Higher incidences of CKD in this population can be partially explained by known risk factors, such as the use of lithium treatment and higher rates of cardiovascular disease. However, this does not fully explain the higher proportion of CKD in individuals with severe mental illness, and further research investigating the factors influencing disease onset and progression is needed. Similarly, although it is well documented that mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety, are highly prevalent among individuals with CKD, there is a lack of published data regarding the rates of severe mental illness in individuals with CKD. Furthermore, for individuals with CKD, having severe mental illness is associated with poor health outcomes, including higher mortality rates and higher rates of hospitalizations. Evidence also suggests that individuals with severe mental illness receive suboptimal kidney care, have fewer appointments with nephrologists, and are less likely to receive a kidney transplant. Limited research suggests that care might be improved through educating kidney health care staff regarding the needs of patients with severe mental illness and by facilitating closer collaboration with psychiatry. Further research investigating the rates of severe mental illness in patients with CKD, as well as the barriers and facilitators to effective care for this population, is clearly required to inform the provision of appropriate supports and to improve health outcomes for individuals with CKD and co-occurring severe mental illness.
OD DANAS DO SUTRA: RADNI USLOVI NEFORMALNIH SAKUPLJAČA SEKUNDARNIH SIROVINA U USLOVIMA COVID -19 KRIZE
Authors: Birmančević Jelena , Pavlović Danijela
Published: March 2022

Neformalni sakupljači sekundarnih sirovina žive i rade u veoma lošim uslovima, a u kontekstu izmenjenom COVID-19 krizom javile su se nove teškoće koje su dodatno ugrozile njihov položaj. Više nego ranije, potrebno je pokazati solidarnost prema ovoj društveno ranjivoj grupi koja doprinosi celokupnom društvu. Osnovna istraživačka namena ovog rada je da na konzistentan način prikaže novi kontekst u kojem rade neformalni sakupljači, odnosno da identifikuje nove teškoće sa kojima se oni suočavaju. Metodološki pristup obuhvata analizu sadržaja prethodnih istraživanja i terensko istraživanje (upitnik i intervju sa 15 neformalnih sakupljača) realizovano na teritoriji grada Šabac. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na nepovoljan uticaj COVID-19 krize na kontekst rada neformalnih sakupljača, koji se ogleda u: ograničenju radnog vremena; onemogućavanju rada na deponijama i ulicama (zbog karantina, policijskog časa ili strože kontrole zabranjenih aktivnosti vezanih za neformalno sakupljanje); ograničenju saradnje sa domaćinstvima koja ne žele da budu u kontaktu sa neformalnim sakupljačima zbog straha od virusa; povećanom riziku ugrožavanja zdravlja. Novi kontekst rada je uzrokovao brojne teškoće, poput smanjenja zarade, gladovanja, povećanja konkurencije na ograničenim mestima rada i narušavanja zdravlja. Podrška neformalnim sakupljačima od strane javnog sektora u otežanim uslovima nije dovoljna, a kontinuirana podrška u naturi obezbeđena je uglavnom kroz civilni sektor. Izazovi sa kojima se susreću neformalni sakupljači zahtevaju izmenu pristupa politike i prakse, kao i podsticanje društvene solidarnosti.
Advanced Vehicle Security System
Authors: Mudda Mallikarjun , Krishna D. Vamshi , Reddy B V Ramana , Mahendra R. Sampath
Published: March 2022

Abstract: This most important & goal of this proposed venture work is an try to layout a complicated car security utility which could discover automobile accident detection and hearth detection alert can ship the info over GSM to authorized persons. In gift present security models, there's no such automation machine for you to ship alert to the consumer while an coincidence is meet or if it receives stuck with fireplace. It could be very difficult to perceive the automobile in this example we are featuring the brand new safety machine for four wheelers, with a purpose to have given protection to the car. In this gadget, the vehicle will have Position sensor and bump sensors inside the vehicle to discover the vehicle coincidence and we have a temperature sensor to stumble on engine overheating and alert the consumer inside the automobile with buzzer sound and an alert is dispatched over GSM module. The entire safety gadget is controlled with Arduino UNO board. This entire system is designed deliberating the low variety motors to offer them excessive protection. Keywords: GSM module, fire detection, Accident detection, bump sensor.
AUCTIONAIRE – A Blockchain Based Online Auction System
Authors: Shelar Sumeet
Published: March 2022

Abstract: Today, the growth of electronic communication is increasing rapidly and with that, several applications are going online. This helped many businesses in gaining profit in their respective sectors. One of the various applications of electronic communication which is getting highly appreciated these days by many users is E-Auction System. E-Auction System is an effective E-Commerce system that allows bidders and sellers to interact through an online platform. This online mode has reduced many limitations of traditional auction i.e. geographical location, timing and traveling, a limited number of people, etc. In this auction system we have introduced Blockchain and smart contract as a revolutionary technology which has gain the interest of many different industries. Payment gateways are also highly secured. These technologies provide best security and make the system fully secure. Our model aim is to provide each and everyone to host their own auctions or take part in the auction from anywhere in the world. With the variation in the technology, we also have to change our self accordingly. Keywords: E-Auction, Blockchain, Smart contracts, Decentralized, MATIC, Metamask
Flight Ticket Price Prediction Using Regression Models
Authors: Krishna S. Manoj , Sharitha G. , Ganesh P. Madhu , Kumar G.V. Ajith , Karthika G.
Published: March 2022

Abstract: Many people nowadays choose to travel by flights. The cost of an airline ticket has a significant impact on a traveller’s decision on which mode of transportation to use. A wide number of factors influence the price of an airline ticket, including social, competitive, marketing, and financial factors, among others. Every airline has a different technique for determining ticket prices. We can uncover the rules that airlines may use to model their fare variation using Machine Learning. In this project paper, we propose developing a web-based application for projecting the price of a flight ticket using Kaggle data, where the dataset contains various data related to 10,000 flights. The framework proposed will be used to simulate several regression algorithms for estimating projected flight fares. The model that will produce extremely accurate forecasts will be finalized, and it will solely be utilised to forecast the price. Keywords: regression, machine learning, model, prediction, algorithms
Review Paper Identify Citizens Receiving Multiple Benefits like Pensions under Different Schemes of the Centre and State
Authors: Patel Mr. Amik , Rathod Prof. S. B.
Published: March 2022

Abstract: In this paper we describe a deployed recommender system to predict insurance products for new and existing beneficiary. Our main objective is to provide our customers individual suggestions depend upon what other similar people have same portfolios, in order to make sure they were adequately covered for their needs. Our system uses customer behavior in addition to customer portfolio data. Since the number of probable products is relatively small, as compared to other suggested domains, and missing data is relatively frequent, so we decide to use Bayesian Networks for designing our system. Experimental results show advantages of using probabilistic graphical models over the widely used low-rank matrix factorization model for the insurance domain. Keywords: Recommender systems; Bayesian Networks; Insurance domain; Structure Learning; Deployed system
Foot and mouth disease ready? How co-creation of and participation in knowledge development and sharing can transform relationships between livestock producers and other animal health stakeholders — an Australian case study
Authors: Manyweathers Jennifer , Maru Yiheyis , Hayes Lynne , Loechel Barton , Kelly Jennifer , Felton Simone , El Hassan Marwan , Kruger Heleen , Woodgate Rob , Hernandez-Jover Marta
Published: March 2022

Building a strong and trustworthy communication network to report unusual signs of disease will facilitate Australia's response to a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. In a four-year study, the FMD Ready Farmer-led surveillance project adopted the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) framework, modelling transformation of how knowledge is co-created, valued, and communicated. The FMD Ready project has highlighted the need for multiple stakeholders' voices to be heard, and the importance of regulatory bodies to listen. Relationships take time and need to be valued as a necessary tool in a participatory, innovative approach to animal health and disease management.
Valuing visitors' knowledge: the experience of Association Traces at the crossroads between science communication, participatory activities and social inclusion
Authors: Merzagora Matteo , Aguirre Claudia , Boniface Paul , Bricout Clementine , Martineau Celine
Published: March 2022

In this “practice insight” we present a series of experiences run by Association Traces, injecting participatory approaches into science engagement activities by valuing the knowledge of the public rather than focusing on their ignorance. Starting from the observation that a sort of hybridization is occurring between cultural activities and public engagement with science on one side, and co-creation and participatory activities on the other, we provide some insight on the features of each approach. Examples are then used to highlight the potential value of this hybridization: as a way of making participatory activity more recognizable and accessible to a wide audience; to ensure that scientists have a professional interest in engaging in the communication activity; to raise a sense of ownership and empowerment in the audience, etc. These examples will eventually show that participation may lead to science communication practices that are socially-inclusive and/or productive for research, and ideally both.
#finaltrashtination. An art-based intervention to collaboratively generate conversations about climate change
Authors: Weder Franzisca
Published: March 2022

In this practice insight, an art-based, participatory intervention (#finaltrashtination) is presented as higher education assignment in environmental and climate change communication. The project #finaltrashtination made dominant environmentally destructive ways of wasting visible and stimulated students to take responsibility, advocacy and authorship for transformation. Beyond the one-day eco-culture jam, the project engaged the wider public through conversations about a specific environmental problem. Thus, the project shows how conversational problematization and sensemaking around scientific facts can be initiated by using eco-culture jams promoting very unsettling moments of reflection.
Including younger children in science-related issues using participatory and collaborative strategies: a pilot project on urban biodiversity
Authors: Campos Rita
Published: March 2022

Young children are actors usually excluded from political decisions and also from many science communication projects. Participatory science communication models can help to connect their everyday life with both local policies and science-related content. Using visual methodologies for engagement, we aimed at understanding what preschool children prefer in the city landscape. Results show how young children envision a “better city” and how that construction might defy current scientific knowledge. It further illustrates how science communication can be used to co-produce new knowledge, contributing to the debate about people's needs and perceptions related to science-based options.