bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Controversies and Debates on Ethnography
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez José G. , González Francisco Javier J. , Vargas-Gonzàlez Omar C.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze some of the controversies and debates of ethnography focusing more on organizations. It is assumed that the interdisciplinary nature of ethnology in a common epistemological approach to the methodology of ethnography aims to engage with the world. The methodology used is based on reflective meta-analysis of the review of conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature. It is concluded that ethnography research offers promising ethnographic opportunities to support the theorizing of organizational and management practices.
The Dynamics Contributing to the Success of Populism and Far Right in Europe
Authors: Ozcan Merve Suna Ozel , Kaya Emine Erden
Published: December 2024

Following the Cold War, changes in the international landscape often trigger significant shifts within domestic political systems. This new era has ushered in fresh and pressing challenges, including the rise of non-state actors and a surge in global crises. Developments in the domestic arena reflect and influence global dynamics, often exploited by groups seeking power. The cyclical nature of far-right parties in Europe shows a pattern where their popularity rises and falls in response to shifting social and political contexts. Support for these parties often surges during economic uncertainty, immigration crises, or cultural tensions. They capitalize on these moments by promoting nationalist, anti-immigration, and anti-establishment narratives. Far-right parties in Europe demonstrate cyclical popularity, surging during economic uncertainty, immigration crises, or cultural tensions. Issues like financial crises and xenophobia have bolstered support for these parties. This study will explore the dynamics behind the success of rising far-right parties in Europe.
Navigating New Security Realities
Authors: Ateed Ejazul Haq
Published: December 2024

In the post-Cold War era, Germany's security policy has been one of the areas that have undergone a sea change. The country's security approach to its two traditional allies, NATO and the EU, has received major attention from policymakers and analytical circles. Following reunification, Germany has gradually shifted from a passive to a proactive security policy. Nevertheless, the notion of not standing aloof as a major security imperative has had a significant impact on the country's security policies. This article seeks to provide an analysis of Germany's foreign policy towards NATO and the European Union and to explain its role in the security processes of the two organizations. The study argues that during the post-Cold War period, Germany sought to strike a balance between passive security policy and proactive participation, by involving in NATO and EU missions through a collective security approach.
Listening to US Foreign Policy
Authors: Kaya Salih
Published: December 2024

The chapter argues that while the U.S. has historically wielded significant power through both military might and economic means, its approach to global dominance has evolved, particularly since the fall of the Soviet Union. By integrating critical geo-economics with structural power theories, it highlights how the U.S. employs economic instruments—such as sanctions, trade policies, and international financial institutions—to project power and maintain influence. By incorporating insights from scholars like Mikael Wigell, Susan Strange and Michael Cox, the chapter offers a deeper exploration of how great powers construct their own worlds, both culturally and economically. The chapter concludes by addressing the perceived decline of U.S. weight in international system and exploring why, despite political motivations that might undermine its dominance. Inspired by John Adams's composition, this narrative weaves together geopolitical, economic, and cultural dimensions to present a holistic view of U.S. strategic moves in a changing world.
Short-Term Rentals in the Tourism Sector
Authors: Renda Ana Isabel , de Almeida Cláudia Ribeiro
Published: November 2024

This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of short-term rentals (STRs) in the context of tourism, based on a systematic literature review (SLR) of the past six years. The review, conducted using the PRISMA tool and focusing on European studies, offers a deep understanding of the topic and instils confidence in the research findings. The review of 98 articles from 67 journals published between 2018 and the end of 2023 reveals a significant increase in the number of papers, covering a wide range of theories, practices, methods, and results. The study categorises the significant topics identified, such as economic and socio-cultural impacts, competitiveness, and resilience of destinations, across various dimensions of the subject areas. It also underscores the need for further analysis and explores direct linkages between STRs and tourism, providing new future directions aligned with emerging travel trends on tourism demand, which could significantly shape the future of the tourism sector.
Competing Interests and the Reconstruction of Positions of Responsibility in Finnish Lapland
Authors: Päläs Jenna , Rahikainen Kati , Hakkarainen Maria
Published: November 2024

While reshaping the operational environment of tourism, short-term renting (STR) has also transformed Finnish Lapland into a battle arena for the struggle of competing interests. Since the current law on STR is perceived as an ambiguous grey zone, influencing the law has become a central means for the different stakeholders to legitimize their interests as legally acceptable conduct and objectives. This chapter provides a legal perspective into the process of institutionalization of interests by examining the constitutive interrelation of law and society. By combining an empirical understanding of the local field of interests and doctrinal legal research with institutionalist and legal-theoretical notions, this multidisciplinary case study illustrates how competing interests are (re)constructing the positions of legal responsibilities and the normative reality of law. The study stresses the importance of comprehensively identifying competing interests and positions of influence constituted by law and societal power structures to reveal inequalities reaffirmed by law.
The Role of Harmonised Data Collection in Evaluating Short-Term Rentals
Authors: de Almeida Cláudia Ribeiro , Renda Ana Isabel , Bezruchonak Andrei
Published: November 2024

The rapid expansion of short-term rentals (STRs) in Portugal, driven by platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, has significantly reshaped the lodging sector. This growth is further bolstered by the increased accessibility provided by low-cost carrier routes, attracting tourists seeking short breaks and flexible, unique accommodation experiences. STRs have evolved from a niche market to a significant competitor, diversifying accommodation options and fuelling tourism growth. However, significant challenges exist in gathering accurate, timely STR supply and demand data. Discrepancies between Portuguese (INE) and European (Eurostat) data lead to an incomplete market view. To analyse this reality, this chapter uses a quantitative approach to assess how fragmented data affects STR market analysis in Portugal. By examining STR growth, spatial distribution, and demand, the study highlights significant reporting gaps, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, stressing the need for harmonised data collection to inform regulatory strategies and support sustainable tourism development.
Cultural Heritage and Aerification in UNESCO Art Cities
Authors: Iovino Giorgia , Di Marco Emiliano
Published: November 2024

The work addresses the issue of short-term rentals (STR) and their impacts, using Naples as illustrative evidence. In recent years, the intense growth of tourist flows in the city has been accompanied by a significant increase in Airbnb accommodations and a profound transformation of the historic centre, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. The effects of these processes have yet to be thoroughly studied. The analysis focuses on two main aspects: 1) the characters and the spatial distribution of the Airbnb phenomenon on a suburban scale and 2) the impacts of this growing supply on the city and its neighbourhoods, with specific attention to the housing market and long-term rentals. The conclusion is that, beyond the rhetoric of the “sharing” economy, the costs and benefits of airification are unevenly distributed across the urban space, threatening, in some cases, the fragile social balances of a “city of inner peripheries” like Naples.
Learning Mechanisms in Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Kumar Munish , Verma Rashmi , Sharma Harshita , Singh Charanjeet
Published: November 2024

Neuromorphic research seeks to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically artificial neural networks, into hardware that accurately replicates the highly dispersed character of these bioinspired designs. This chapter covers an analysis of various learning methods used in Neuromorphic Computing. It also compares its key components, principles, implementation details, and applications. This chapter additionally addresses this article and provides an overview of fundamental concepts and operational principles, including neurons, activation function, and feed-forward networks. It also evaluates the performance of various techniques in terms of their usefulness, computation complexity, and energy consumption. Furthermore, this article examines the advantages and constraints of various AI designs, providing a comprehensive review of the progress and uses of Neuromorphic computer systems.
Neurocomputing Advancements to Unlock Image Intelligence for Industrial Computer Vision
Authors: Saha Soumitra , Lilhore Umesh Kumar , Simaiya Sarita
Published: November 2024

Distinct technologies have been formulated at different times to improve technology, and unique technologies are continuously emerging. Neurocomputing has significantly expanded technologies, revealed moderately acceptable results, and provided ultimate collaboration. It is a type of computational system that executes its functions by mimicking the workings methodology of the human brain. Neurocomputing utilizes artificial neural networks managed by interconnected nodes, which collectively perform miscellaneous tasks. Each node processes small portions of information and communicates it to the next node, which assembles an extensive network and cracks many complex problems. This functional capability of neurocomputing can provide fruitful solutions for any complex task related to computer vision, enabling the computer system to extract meaningful information from images effortlessly. The functional benefit of neurocomputing, whereas manifold applications and computer vision components are determined to yield unthinkable results using images in the industrial sector.
Analysis of Climate Change Governance for Enhancing ESG Frameworks for Corporate Success
Authors: Dadhich Manish , Bhaumik Amiya , Hiran Kamal Kant , Janarthanan Midhunchakkaravarthy
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of Climate Change Governance Practices on enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to drive corporate success. Utilizing hypotheses derived from existing literature, the analysis employs Smart-PLS to evaluate data from 192 respondents collected through convenient sampling. The findings reveal a sizable association between CCGP and ESG Performance and the crucial role of Board Diversity (BRD) in strengthening ESG outcomes. Additionally, the study confirms that improved ESG performance significantly contributes to corporate success. These insights underscore the importance of integrating robust climate governance strategies and diverse leadership structures within corporate frameworks. Future research should explore longitudinal studies and larger, more diverse samples to validate and expand upon these findings, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which climate governance can enhance corporate sustainability and success.
Fruit Detection and Yield Prediction
Authors: Bhole Chitra , Joshi Chandani , Chakrabarti Prasun , Sharma Arvind
Published: December 2024

Open orchards are seriously threatened by climate change, which might affect fruit production and put the livelihoods of orchard communities in jeopardy. This proposal investigates how, under this situation, combining technology for fruit recognition and yield prediction can improve community resilience. We put forth a methodology that leverages YOLO NAS to maximize the model's efficiency for real-time applications and YOLOv4 for reliable fruit detection in orchard imagery. To estimate the final harvest quantities, the detected fruit count is linked with algorithms for yield prediction. With the use of this data, farmers can better allocate resources (such as water and fertilizer) and modify their management strategies in response to climatic difficulties (such as pest outbreaks and droughts). This method encourages data exchange and capacity building within orchard communities, which increases the community's ability to make well-informed decisions and use resources effectively.
Leveraging Climate Change for Business Innovation and Resilience
Authors: Rani S. Yavana , Riya R. , Poddar Sandeep , Priya B. Shanmuga
Published: December 2024

This study examines the dynamic intersection of climate change and business, exploring how companies can navigate the evolving landscape of climate-related opportunities and challenges. Leveraging a conceptual framework, the research highlights the dual nature of climate change as both a significant risk and a fertile ground for innovation and growth. Key insights reveal that businesses integrating climate risk management into their operations, utilizing big data, and adopting sustainable practices not only improve their environmental footprint but also enhance financial and operational performance. The study highlights the importance of robust policy support and innovative financing to facilitate these transitions. And it explores the strategies businesses employ, from proactive innovation and regulatory engagement to the development of social capital and technological adjustments. The findings provide recommendations for businesses to manage climate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring sustainable and resilient growth in a carbon-constrained world.
Smart Cities and Climate Resilience
Authors: Mallick Rwitabrata
Published: December 2024

Smart cities integrate digital technology and data to improve urban life, streamline city operations, and secure long-term growth. To drastically reduce emissions, cities will need to utilize less energy and make better use of intermittent renewable energy sources. Climate resilience in smart cities reduces climate-related damage and disruption, protects economic activities and lowers recovery costs, preserves ecosystems and biodiversity, protects all community members, particularly vulnerable populations, and promotes sustainable development and resource management. The integration of Smart Cities and Climate Resilience can be accomplished by using data from smart city technologies to guide climate resilience strategies and leveraging smart systems to optimize the use of water, electricity, and other resources under climatic stress. Integrating smart city technology with climate resilience techniques establishes a solid foundation for sustainable and flexible urban development.
Respiratory Diseases Affected by Informal Workers
Authors: Srinivasan S. , Tyagi Nidhi
Published: December 2024

The research emphasizes health hazards in the informal sector, covering various occupations. It emphasizes the prevalence of work-related health risks and their impact on workers' well-being. With 174 participants from 10 diverse job categories, including cement workers, handloom company employees, construction workers, traditional sculptors, rice mill workers, quarry workers, poultry workers, brick makers, crackers powder makers, and warehouse waste handlers, the study provides insights into occupational health challenges. Conducted in Thuraiyur, Uppuliyapura, Lalgudi, and Pullambadi block, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu, India it employs a descriptive research design, focusing on health-related processes through interviews and questionnaires. Key highlight concerns such as quality of life, economic status, and respiratory health issues, including respiratory hazards, eye, and skin problems. The research aims to raise awareness of the urgent health needs of informal workers and emphasizes the role of AI in detecting and managing respiratory diseases.
Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Science
Authors: Yadav Bhuvnesh
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents the capacity of machines/ software to perform tasks that are mostly done with human intelligence. AI is influencing every domain from engineering to healthcare and beyond. This chapter delves into the manifold applications of AI in health sciences, including its role in forensic science. AI introduces novel challenges and opportunities, shedding light on the advantages and pitfalls inherent in leveraging AI methodologies for criminal investigations. In comparison to conventional forensic methodologies, AI deploys a diverse array of algorithms aimed at delivering precise and expedient outcomes in tasks like age estimation, sex determination, assessment of the development of teeth, digital evidence analysis, toxicological analysis, forensic entomology and determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI). This chapter undertakes a comprehensive overview of the ethical quandaries, implications for crime investigation facilitated by AI, and inherent limitations.
Drug Discovery and Development Processes
Authors: Selvakumar P. , Seenivasan S. , Jadhav Raina , Deshmukh Satyajit M. , Elavarasi V.
Published: December 2024

Drug development is a process that combines computational, experimental, translational, and clinical models to recognize potentially narrative therapeutic substances. Despite improvements in biotechnology and our sympathetic of physiological systems, the progression of emergent new drugs is still difficult, costly, time-consuming, and ineffectual, with an elevated eating away rate in the search for novel therapeutics. Drug design is the progression of identifying a biological target and applying creativity to create new medications. The basics of drug design involve building molecules with the same charge and shape as the chemical target. Computer modeling approaches and bioinformatics methods are employed, albeit not usually, in drug design in the big statistics era. In adding together to small compounds, therapeutic antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals are emerging as a major class of drugs. Computational techniques for civilizing the stability, selectivity, and affinity of these protein-based therapies have also advanced significantly.
Ensuring Privacy and Security of EHR With Secure Collaborative Transfer Learning (SCTL)
Authors: Dhinakaran D. , Raja S. Edwin , Ramathilagam A. , Jasmine J. Jeno , Suganya S.
Published: December 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, preservation of electronic health records (EHRs) has become paramount. The sensitivity of healthcare data, around personal, medical, and financial information, necessitates vigorous privacy and security measures to prevent breaches that could lead to distinctiveness theft, financial loss, and compromised patient care. This chapter discourses the critical challenge of ensuring data privacy and security in healthcare by leveraging advanced generative AI techniques. Specifically, we present and explore Secure Collaborative Transfer Learning (SCTL), a novel algorithm that syndicates the strengths of Transfer Learning and Federated Learning. The key objective is to improve the security and privacy of EHRs while maintaining high model performance and obedience with regulatory standards. The performance assessment of SCTL demonstrates its usefulness in maintaining high levels of data privacy and security without conciliation on model accuracy or operational effectiveness.
Internet of Things Cyber-Physical Systems in Smart Healthcare
Authors: Shah Imdad Ali , Sial Quartulain , Jhanjhi N. Z.
Published: December 2024

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is a new and developing intelligence system that combines cutting-edge computers and communication technology in various physical domains. Engineered systems that integrate computing, communication, and physical resources are called “CPS.” Embedded computational algorithms and networks can monitor and control physical components at the same time. It is to use a synergy of machines, sensing devices, multiple communication systems, and embedded computational intelligence to achieve this goal efficiently. This suggests that CPS can operate independently based on their physical surroundings. Advancements in intelligence technologies and communication paradigms, on the other hand, are fueling demand for more connected and intelligent CPS applications that can effectively interact with their surroundings and make intelligent judgments.
The Intersection of AI in Finance and Healthcare
Authors: Khan Nasrullah , Rehman Abdul , Jabeen Riffat , Siraj Muzzammil , Ahmed Ijaz , Iftikhar Atir
Published: December 2024

This exploration investigates the relinquishment trends, challenges, and profitable impacts of AI in the finance and healthcare sectors. The study reveals that while AI significantly enhances functional effectiveness and profitable returns in both fields, distinct sector-specific challenges must be addressed. In finance, rapid-fire integration of AI technologies leads to advancements in trading, threat operation, and client service, but compliance with nonsupervisory fabrics poses hurdles. In healthcare, AI-driven inventions ameliorate diagnostics and patient issues, yet ethical enterprises regarding data sequestration and algorithmic impulses must be navigated. The study uses a mixed-system approach to analyze quantitative data from assiduity checks and qualitative perceptivity from expert interviews. Findings emphasize the necessity of acclimatized strategies prioritizing pool chops, data vacuity, and ethical considerations.
Speech Disorder Assessment
Authors: Dixit Arshit , Tyagi Arpit , Sharma Shanu , Dhir Saru
Published: December 2024

Speech disorders are the conditions in people which affect their ability to speak properly i.e., different from normal fluency in speaking. These speech issues are usually generated due to a variety of neurological issues. The proper and correct analysis of these disorders is always required for the recommendation of their treatment. The analysis of speech signals may provide a deep insight into the type of speech-related issues. In this paper, a thorough analysis is performed for speech signals-based speech disorder analysis. Various types of speech disorders are discussed here, along with their treatments and diagnosis methods. Furthermore, various steps involved in the speech signals-based analysis are thoroughly examined. Various traditional models as well as novel deep learning models are further discussed along with their applicability in detecting different types of disorders. Speech disorders such as Dysarthria, stuttering, voice disorders, etc. are considered here for analysis.
Transforming Healthcare Security and Sustainability Through Pioneering Generative AI Solutions
Authors: Miran Safdar , Siraj Muzzammil , Mumtaz Marium , Khan Nasrullah , Rehman Abdul
Published: December 2024

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare represents a transformative vault towards enhancing both security and sustainability within the sector. This paper explores how pioneering generative AI results are reshaping healthcare by addressing critical challenges. Generative AI, characterized by its capability to produce new data and patterns, offers advanced styles for securing patient data, prognosticating and precluding security breaches, and optimizing resource operation. These technologies enable healthcare associations to develop robust security fabrics and apply sustainable practices by using AI-driven perceptivity. Through a comprehensive review of current operations, case studies, and arising trends, this paper highlights the eventuality of generative AI to drive significant advancements in healthcare security and sustainability. By examining real-world executions and assessing the impact of these technologies, the study provides a forward- looking perspective on how generative AI can address the evolving requirements of the healthcare sector
AI and ML Applications in Wildlife Conservation and Forest Management
Authors: Hammouch Hind , Raghav Anjali
Published: December 2024

AI and ML have opened new avenues into wildlife conservation, linking efforts worldwide to improve forest management. However, a comprehensive review highlights the manifold applications of these new technologies for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. These technologies are automated species identification and population monitoring to predict habitat degradation and anti-poaching strategies, all contributing immensely to the preservation of Wildlife. This chapter outlines how AI-powered drones and sensor networks can quickly monitor environments, find illegal actions as they happen, and collect reams of data on wildlife behavior. It also explores the opportunities for ML algorithms to study intricate ecological inter-relationships, predict climate change effects & optimize forest restoration and management activities. AI and ML provide a roadmap of the great promise that emergent technologies hold in providing new configurations in Wildlife Conservation and Forest Management to promote a Sustainable future.
Prospects and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Forest Protection
Authors: Janjua Laeeq Razzak , Ahmed Saquib , Singh Bhupinder
Published: December 2024

The protection of Earth's ecology and balancing ecology rests heavily on forest preservation. Issues like trafficking of wildlife, illegal logging, and deforestation are still existing. Conventional methods of monitoring techniques and safety precautions have drawbacks and are inefficient to address these ecological problems. In the present era, Artificial Intelligence is advancing, and it has given a fresh hope in preserving the forest. The chapter examines the best possible use of Artificial Intelligence in forest preservation concentrating on certain situations like wildlife conservation, illegal logging surveillance and prediction of fire forests. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology makes available greater accuracy and efficiency than conventional techniques, allowing for quicker detection and reaction to forest damage activities. AI will become more significant in the future because of additional technical developments and the growth of application areas, opening new avenues for the preservation and sustainable use of forests.
Role of Machine Learning and Deep Learning in Forest Management Through Data Analytics
Authors: Ravish  , Singh Anurag , Raghav Anjali , Singh Bhupinder , Kaunert Christian , Kaushik Tarun Kumar
Published: December 2024

Everyone must create a good framework to handle environmental, financial, and social issues if we are to move towards sustainability. Many researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to forward sustainable development goals by building a highly efficient system that supports a circular economy and aligns the needs of the current generation while safeguarding the capacities of future generations. Artificial intelligence has made significant progress in recent years, leading to significant changes in various industries including healthcare, transportation, agriculture, energy, and media. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the junction between artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability together with several possible directions for the next investigation.
Benefits and Opportunities of Geospatial AI Adoption
Authors: Yambal Sucheta , Waykar Yashwant Arjunrao
Published: December 2024

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is transforming industries such as agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, environmental conservation, and defense. AI's data processing power, combined with GEOINT's geographic insights, is enhancing decision-making and predictive models. Urban planners are using this technology to create smarter cities and optimize infrastructure amid growing urbanization. In agriculture, AI-powered precision farming improves crop yields and food security while reducing environmental impact. In disaster management, the integration enables faster evaluations and better coordination of relief efforts. Despite its potential, challenges like AI biases, ethical concerns, and data privacy issues must be addressed for responsible deployment. Together, AI and GEOINT offer innovative solutions for a resilient, sustainable future.
Conquering the Competitive Landscape
Authors: Kafoe Alieu Stephen
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel approach, a strategic framework uniquely combining Porter's Five Forces model (defensive strategy) with the Blue Ocean Strategy (offensive strategy). This innovative fusion allows organizations to comprehensively analyze their competitive landscape, identify opportunities for value innovation, and create new, uncontested market spaces. The Five Forces model provides a structured method for understanding industry dynamics, competitive forces, and profitability drivers. At the same time, the Blue Ocean strategy encourages the creation of new value propositions and differentiation. By merging these strategies, their limitations are mitigated, and their effectiveness is enhanced, enabling organizations to compete within existing markets and pioneer new growth avenues – a crucial element for sustained success in today's dynamic business environment. The strategic successes of Tesla, Apple, and Pfizer serve as compelling examples of the practical application of this framework, which effectively leverages both strategies to establish a solid competitive advantage
Cybersecure Futures
Authors: Burton Sharon L.
Published: December 2024

This qualitative study, employing a literature review and case study design, investigates the complex interplay between minimum wage policies, STEM field transitions, and the digital divide. It examines how these factors influence employment dynamics and economic stability. It focuses on the barriers displaced workers face in accessing STEM education and employment, exacerbated by inadequate digital infrastructure in underserved areas. The research highlights the economic and technological impacts on workers, emphasizing the need for adaptable policies and support systems. The study proposes targeted interventions to foster a more inclusive workforce and resilient economy by addressing research gaps. The findings underscore the significance of integrating digital literacy, tailored educational programs, and robust mental health support into policy frameworks. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to mitigate economic disparities and enhance workforce adaptability.
Maturity of Healthcare IS/IT Systems
Authors: Gomes Jorge Vareda , Romão Mário José Batista
Published: December 2024

The use of information systems and technology (IS/IT) in healthcare has been recognized as crucial for improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quality, and safety of medical care delivery. IS/IT has the potential to enhance individual health outcomes and provider performance by delivering better quality care, achieving cost savings, and increasing patient involvement in their own health. Two major drivers have spurred IS/IT investments in healthcare: the rapidly increasing burden of chronic diseases, with costs growing significantly, and the recognition of the need for substantial improvements in the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. Maturity models (MM) are based on the premise that people, organizations, functional areas, and processes evolve through a development process, progressing towards a more advanced state of maturity by passing through distinct levels. The application of MM in healthcare offers significant opportunities to enhance information and knowledge management. This paper summarizes some of the recent developments in this area.
O CAMPO BRASILEIRO NO PERÍODO DA DITADURA MILITAR – ALGUMAS CONSIDERAÇÕES ACERCA DAS MUDANÇAS PARA A AGRICULTURA E PARA AS RELAÇÕES DE TRABALHO
Authors: Santana Aurelane Alves
Published: November 2024

Trazer à baila algumas considerações acerca das mudanças para a agricultura e para as relações de trabalho no campo brasileiro ocorridas no período da ditadura militar é muito importante, assim, definimos o objetivo deste artigo. Em um primeiro momento, discute-se o papel opressor da ditadura militar e a ação dos governos militares em frear as reivindicações lideradas por movimentos sociais – principalmente pelas Ligas Camponesas –, apontando como esse processo desembocou no desenvolvimento da política de modernização da agricultura. Depois, aponta-se como essa maior inserção de capital no campo foi transformando as relações de trabalho, ditando um novo ritmo laboral e de vida para os trabalhadores, que tiveram de conviver com a ampliação das desigualdades sociais provenientes de uma política que protegia os interesses da elite agrária. E, por fim, debate-se a retomada dos movimentos sociais durante o reestabelecimento da democracia no país, momento em que ressurge a organização da classe trabalhadora em busca de direitos. Dessa análise, chega-se à consideração de que o período da ditadura militar desencadeou forte opressão sobre os trabalhadores e ampliou as desigualdades sociais no campo. Na consecução do texto foram utilizadas a leitura de autores como Andrade (1980), Delgado (1985), Silva (1999), Oliveira (2004; 2007), entre outros.
ESPAÇOS RESIDENCIAIS FECHADOS E A AUTOSSEGREGAÇÃO EM CIDADES PEQUENAS: O CASO DE PIRAPOZINHO/SP
Authors: De Lima Brambilla Pamela
Published: November 2024

Explorando a influência das múltiplas relações e conjuntos de forças que marcam a estrutura urbana, datada da dinâmica contemporânea diferencial, a presente pesquisa faz um trabalho empírico de investigar, na cidade de Pirapozinho, região do pontal do Paranapanema do Estado de São Paulo, a ocorrência de rearranjos espaciais derivadas do processo de segregação socioespacial, à luz da autossegregação residencial. A investigação decorre da implantação, na última década, dos dois primeiros espaços residenciais fechados, localizados nas franjas externas do perímetro urbano. Utilizando métodos qualitativos – entrevistas semiestruturadas – a intenção deste artigo é fomentar o debate sobre os processos contemporâneos de segregação, evidenciando a lógica fractal na reestruturação de espaços urbanos não metropolitanos, em especial das cidades pequenas. Como resultado, confere a hipótese da urbanização planetária, no novo milênio, como tendência em curso nas cidades pequenas, o que reforça a relevância da atuação do capital incorporador enquanto agente produtor do espaço urbano e a autossegregação enquanto vetor de dinâmicas socioespaciais.
An Overview of the Synthesis and Prospects of Grafted Graphene Oxide Nanohybrids
Authors: Nasir Amara , Yasin Tariq , Sadiq Amna , Saleem Fozia
Published: November 2024

Hybrids of graphene oxide (GO) are emerged as multifunctional nanomaterials since the realization of their technological potential in EMI shielding, water treatment, sensors, catalysis, and more. They can be formed by combining organic species onto a GO substrate. Recently, the graft polymerization method has been used to develop nanohybrids of GO with varieties of monomers such as aniline, acrylonitrile, glycidyl methacrylate, and 4-vinyl pyridine at PIEAS. Graft polymerization can be done by chemical or radiation methods. This process offers quite a good control to tailor the properties of desired product by optimizing the reaction parameters. If possible chemical modifications of nanohybrids will also open new applications in different research areas. An overview of research recent work carried out at PIEAS on the graft polymerization of monomers on a GO substrate is presented. This work describes the published work on the successful synthesis of the grafted nanohybrids and the importance of optimizing the reaction conditions to obtain good yield of desired product. The practical prospects of the grafted GO nanohybrids in selected applications has also been presented. These polymer grafted GO nanohybrids can be seen as a green materials in many potential applications.
Synthesis, Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Poly(Styrene-co-Acrylonitrile) Grafting Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Khlifa Moussa , Abdussalam-Mohammed Wanisa , Zaed Ahmed , Arrighi Valeria , Kraft Arno
Published: November 2024

A series of styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer nanoparticles were prepared by grafting styrene–acrylonitrile from both aggregated silica and colloidally dispersed silica nanoparticles using atom-transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP). Cross-linking and macroscopic gelation were minimised by using a miniemulsion system. The thermal and mechanical behavior of composites were made from PSAN aggregated silica nanoparticles or colloidally dispersed silica has been examined by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The filler particles increased the rubbery modulus above the Tg of PSAN considerably and led to a temperature-independent plateau of the modulus between 130 and 240 °C similar to that normally observed for crosslinked amorphous polymers. Covalent attachment of PSAN to the silica nanoparticles, by grafting the polymer from the surface of the silica using atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), gave rise to hybrid materials with a comparable elastic plateau. While neat PSAN started to flow and deform irreversibly above 120 °C, the new silica nanoparticle–polymer hybrid materials proved stable up to 240 °C, which was more than 120 °C above the Tg of the polymer. Aggregated silica nanoparticles displayed more affect compared to colloidally dispersed silica.
Detection of an Outbreak of Bacillary Haemoglobinuria in a Herd of Goats in Sri Lanka Through Combined Microbiological and Histopathological a Pproach
Authors: Ubeyratne J. K. H. , Perera G. I. S. , Satheskanth J.
Published: November 2024

A recent disease outbreak experienced in a goat herd in Sri Lanka with the clinical signs of fever, anaemia and haemoglobinuria, along with histopathological evidence of hepatic necrosis, revealed a severe and fatal Clostridium novyi infection. Clostridium is a Gram positive, motile, obligate anaerobe that produces endospores. Pathogenesis of C. novyi infection is based upon germination of spores in the damaged liver tissues under the anaerobic environment created by parasitic infections in liver or other predisposing factors of liver damage, and production of toxins. Salient lesion of both characteristically similar C. novyi type D and C. novyi type B infections is hepatic necrosis, but haemolysis due to beta toxin is largely produced by C. novyi type D, leading to haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria. Therefore, the current outbreak in goats with C. novyi infection is indicative of bacillary haemoglobinuria. The diagnosis was established based on epidemiological findings, clinical history, gross necropsy lesions, histopathology and bacteriology.
Corneal Ulcers: The Most Common Eye Condition Among Dogs in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nuwanshika R. M. N. S. , Rajapaksha R. A. D. E. I. , Ariyarathna H. M. H. S. , Wijekoon H. M. S. , Hartley C. , Wijayawardhane K. A. N.
Published: November 2024

This study was aimed to investigate the incidence of corneal ulcers (CU) in dogs focusing on breed, age, gender, affected eye, type of ulcer, location of ulcer, and identifying common causes for formation of CU. A complete ophthalmic examination was conducted on 193 (2.54%) out of 7603 dogs presented to the Rover Veterinary Hospital, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, from August 2021 to July 2023 with ocular conditions. Of those 193 cases, CU was diagnosed in 38 (19.68%) dogs. The highest incidence of CU was found in dogs aged 1 month to 5 years (71.1%), with males showing a higher ulceration rate (60.5%). Shih Tzu exhibited the highest incidence (34.2%) of CU, and the right eye was more commonly affected (47.4%) with bilateral presentation observed in 18.4% of the cases. Idiopathic ulcers (24.5%) were the mostly reported CU while possible dog/cat fights and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) each rated at 17.8% (n=8) as the cause of CU. Superficial ulcers were more frequently found in non-brachycephalic breeds, while descemetocele showed a higher incidence in brachycephalic breeds. Most ulcers were located centrally (73.3%). The environmental temperature analysis revealed a mean of 29.20°C, with a varying pattern of eye conditions throughout the year. During May and October, a higher overall incidence of eye conditions was observed, with certain months showing a predominantly higher number of CU cases. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of CU in dogs in Sri Lanka, emphasising the influence of factors such as age, gender, breed, and environmental conditions. Understanding these aspects contributes to improved diagnosis, management, and preventive strategies for canine CU.
Diagnosis and Surgical Correction of Anal Stenosis in a Calf– A Case Report
Authors: Priyadarshani R. M. R.
Published: November 2024

Anal stenosis is a rare condition in calf. Formation of scar tissue is the main reason for this condition due to injury which may result from foreign bodies or trauma, as a complication of inflammatory disease or due to neoplasia. In humans, anal stenosis is commonly encountered after haemorrhoid surgery, venereal disease, irritation caused by persistant diarrhoea, and congenital malformation. This case report discusses the history, clinical signs and treatment in a six- month old, male crossbred calf in Paragahakele Grama Niladhari division in Ampara veterinary range. History revealed continuous diarrhoea for about one month and a wound closer to the anus in the past two months, pain and straining during defecation. Severe straining and narrowing of anus and passage of small pellets of faeces were the clinical signs. Physical examination revealed narrowing of anus due to scar tissue formation around the anus close to a chronic wound predominantly on the dorsal aspect, and around the anus. According to the history, clinical signs and general clinical examination, this condition was diagnosed as anal stenosis caused by scar tissue formation. Stenotic part was removed surgically under local anaesthesia as the treatment. Five days postoperatively the surgical wound was reasonably healed allowing the passage of dung normally without straining. Anal stenosis encountered in this case was due to a stricture caused by a chronic wound closer to the anus caused by irritation presumably due to persistent diarrhoea. It was corrected without damaging the external anal sphincter which resulted in a successful outcome.
Physiotherapists transgressions lodged at the Health Professions Council of South Africa between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Dantile Nokuzola D. , Mshunqane Nombeko , Van Staden Cornelius W.
Published: November 2024

Background: Complaints of ethical and professional misconduct are lodged and processed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in accordance with their legal mandate.Objectives: This study describes the nature and frequency of transgressions by physiotherapists as concluded by the HPCSA for the period from 2010 to 2020.Method: A total sampling method was used to extract all records of transgressions lodged against physiotherapists between 2010 and 2020. In a quantitative retrospective records review design, data were captured with the objective to report these descriptively. Ethics approval was granted by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria and permission to use the records was granted by HPCSA.Results: Twenty-one transgressions by physiotherapists during the study period were recorded at the HPCSA. Most transgressions were charging for services not rendered (n = 20 times), invoices drafted inaccurately (n = 17) and false claims submitted to the medical aid schemes (n = 15). Other transgressions included failure to obtain informed consent and patient identity prior to treatment, charging for an unkept appointment, overservicing, misleading advertisements, love relationship with a patient and treating an animal in the same practice as humans.Conclusion: The transgressions were unprofessional in nature with the most frequently reported being false claims and accounts submitted to the medical aid by physiotherapists for services not rendered.Clinical Implications: The knowledge of transgressions will influence decision making and restrain infringement to enhance sound ethical practice.
The Effects of Glutathione Monoethyl Ester on Different Biochemical, Oxidant, and Antioxidant Levels During Storage in Leukoreduced Red Blood Cells
Authors: Ghezelbash Behrooz , Deyhim Mohammadreza , Azarkeivan Azita , Pourfathollah Ali Akbar , Eskandari Nahid
Published: November 2024

Background:

It is essential to maintain the quality of the stored blood, because various factors affect the stored red blood cells (RBCs) over time, some red blood cell storage lesions (RCSL) develop during storage, and it could reduce the function of the RBCs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of glutathione monoethyl ester on different biochemical changes, oxidant, and antioxidant levels in the leukoreduced RBCs (LR-RBCs) during storage.

Materials and Methods:

About 10 units of LR-RBC were collected, processed and stored according to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Each unit divided into 2 equal parts; LR-RBC treated with glutathione monoethyl ester and a control group. Exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microvesicle derived from the RBCs (RBC-MVs), were measured by the flow cytometry method. ELISA was used to measure the level of glutathione, and 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity was measured with a chemistry autoanalyzer.

Results:

The levels of glutathione reduced the initial value in the treated group (80%), and the control group (60%), respectively. Exposure of surface PS, ROS and RBC-MVs increased significantly during storage time for consecutive weeks to the amount of GSH. The levels of 2,3-DPG decreased with increasing storage time.

Conclusions:

Overall, The study suggest that glutathione monoethyl ester is effective to reduce the oxidative stress and the quality of RBCs can be improved.