bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Dust Depletion in a Misaligned Protoplanetary Disk with JWST
Authors: Espaillat C. C. , Thanathibodee T. , Zhu Z. , Rabago I. , Wendeborn J. , Calvet N. , Zamudio-Ruvalcaba L. , Volz M. , Pittman C. , McClure M. , Babb J. F. , Franco-Hernández R. , Macías E. , Reynolds M. , Yan P.-G.
Published: September 2024

Here we report the detection of dust depletion in a misaligned inner disk around UX Tau A using JWST MIRI spectra. Mid-infrared (MIR) continuum “seesaw” variability was detected in this disk by Spitzer and attributed to variable shadows cast on the outer disk by the inner disk. The JWST MIRI spectrum of UX Tau A also shows seesaw variability but with a significant decrease of emission shortward of 10 μm to nearly photospheric levels. We argue that UX Tau A’s MIR continuum variability is due to depletion of dust in a misaligned inner disk. We speculate that this dust depletion occurs because the inner disk is misaligned from the outer disk, which can disrupt the replenishment of the inner disk from the outer disk. Using contemporaneous measurements of the mass accretion rate of UX Tau A and estimating the amount of dust necessary to produce the MIR excess in the Spitzer observations, we estimate a minimum dust depletion timescale of ∼0.1 yr. These observations show that we can indirectly detect the signatures of misaligned inner disks through MIR continuum variability and that in some cases the inner disk may be significantly depleted of dust and become optically thin.
Soil macroarthropod communities of amazon degraded pastures restore differently during their natural regrowth
Authors: Castro Daniel , Peña-Venegas Clara , Rodriguez Carlos , Duran-Bautista Ervin , Sterling Armando
Published: September 2024

Understanding the recovery of soil macroarthropod communities during natural regrowth is crucial for effective soil restoration. This study investigates the recovery of soil macroarthropod diversity, density, and biomass across different stages of natural regrowth, focusing on both: taxonomic and functional dynamics of groups. Macroarthropod communities were analyzed in a chronosequence from pastures to various stages of natural regrowth (young-age, middle-age, and old-growth). A total of 20 plots and 100 TSBF monoliths at four different soil depth layers were sampled. As expected, results revealed a significant increase in the total macroarthropod diversity, biomass, and density with regrowth, but these do not occur in similar way for all macroarthropod groups or do not occur at all for some groups, emphasizing the complexity of ecological succession. Termites emerged as key ecosystem engineers shaping community composition at each regrowth stage. Predators and decomposers also exhibited significant changes in response to regrowth, reflecting sensitivity to ecological disturbances. In contrast, ants and some herbivores showed higher densities and biomass in pastures and early regrowth stages, with notable shifts in species composition over the time. Vertical distribution of macroarthropod revealed a higher activity at 0-10 cm depth. Macroarthropod composition of litter and at 10-20 cm soil depth was similar, highlighting important macroarthropod activity in the litter and topsoil were mineralization and humification occurs. These findings highlight the critical role of ecosystem engineers in soil restoration and highlight the need for targeted conservation and management strategies to enhance soil health in tropical ecosystems. Including the monitoring of edaphic communities helps to understand the stage of restoration in which the soil is and serves as a support tool for soil restoration
A new species and some new distribution records of the genus Apatetica Westwood from China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Apateticinae)
Authors: Chang Jin-Kang , Schillhammer Harald , Tang Liang
Published: September 2024

Five species of Apatetica Westwood, 1848 from China are recorded and illustrated: Apatetica angusticollissp. nov. from Sichuan, A. confusa Assing, 2018 from Yunnan, A. intermedia Cameron, 1930 from Sichuan, A. laevicollis Fauvel, 1904 from Guangdong and Guangxi, and A. sikkimi Fauvel, 1895 from Xizang. The last four are new to China. The new species is described, and a photograph of a living specimen is presented. Apatetica intermedia and A. sikkimi are redescribed and diagnosed. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided.
Enhancement of ferroelectricity in perovskite BaTiO3 epitaxial thin films by sulfurization
Authors: Le Xuan Luc , Phu Nguyen Dang , Duong Nguyen Xuan
Published: September 2024

Sulfur is a promising anion dopant for exploring exotic physical phenomena in complex perovskite oxides. However, sulfurization to the epitaxial single-crystal oxide thin films with high crystallinity is experimentally challenging due to the volatility of sulfur element; thus, sulfurization effects on the associated properties have been scarcely studied. Here, we demonstrate an enhancement of ferroelectric polarization of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films by sulfur doping. Initially, the epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films with high crystallinity were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Then, sulfurization to epitaxial BaTiO3 films was performed using a precursor of thiourea (CH4N2S) solution via a spin-coating technique. The crystalline structure of sulfurized BaTiO3 films was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The structural distortion with the elongated out-of-plane lattice constant was observed in the sulfurized BaTiO3 films. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses also confirmed the surface morphology of films after sulfurization. Interestingly, we found an enhanced ferroelectric polarization in sulfur-doped BaTiO3 films accompanying the improved tetragonality in the crystal structure after sulfurization. The increments in the remnant (~34.8%) and saturated (~30.6%) polarizations of sulfurized BaTiO3 films were obtained in comparison with pure BaTiO3 films. Our work could be a primary study for a thorough understanding of the sulfur doping effect in perovskite oxides, opening up the potential of oxysulfide materials.
Analysis and Measurement of Tuberculin Skin Test Induration Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Akinola Olubunmi Adewale , Orimolade Joseph Folorunsho , Afolabi Akindele Segun , Shopeju Habeeb Kehinde , Adetiba Emmanuel , Adewale Adeyinka Ajao
Published: September 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) posited that tuberculosis (TB) is among the world’s ten greatest causes of mortality. Early case identification and timely treatment could minimize TB morbidity and death rates. This study adopts the UNets model for automatically detecting TB in subjects by using a deep neural network to assess the size of induration after tuberculin was injected into their hands. In order to do this, two neural network models were fine-tuned utilizing pre-learned weights from the 2012 ILSVRC ImageNet. Algorithms were developed to perform semantic segmentation of induration and compare it to that of a reference object of a known dimension. This was used to classify the status of the subject as either positive or negative. A series of experiments performed demonstrated that the optimal selection of neural network hyperparameters may provide a satisfactorily high F1 score of up to 0.977.
The Role of 3D Printing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Education in General and Special Schools
Authors: Kefalis Chrysovalantis , Skordoulis Constantine , Drigas Athanasios
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the significant role of 3D printing and digital applications in enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in both general and special schools. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the integration of these technologies into educational systems has become increasingly critical. This study reviews various study works that demonstrate how 3D printing technology enriches learning by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills and offering a more interactive and engaging educational experience. Special attention is given to its impact in special education, where it facilitates inclusive learning and aids in creating tailored educational tools. A case study from a vocational high school in Greece is presented, showcasing the successful implementation of a 3D printing and educational robotics club. This club highlights the practicality and effectiveness of 3D printing in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. The paper concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of 3D printing in preparing students for future challenges and advocating for its wider adoption in STEM education.
Adaptive Control Using Radial Basis Function Neural Networks for Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Systems
Authors: Duong Minh-Duc , Viet-Thanh Nguyen  , Dao Quy-Thinh
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel adaptive controller employing neural networks, particularly radial basis function (RBF) algorithms, to enhance the control performance of pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM)-based systems. The proposed controller seeks to address the nonlinearities and hysteresis inherent in PAM-based systems by integrating neural approximation. Experimental testing and comparisons with conventional controllers are conducted using an antagonistic configuration of PAMs. The results illustrate the precision and reliability of the proposed controller, suggesting potential for future advancements in trajectory tracking control of PAM-based systems.
A Novel Validation Study of a Wrist Orthosis for the Objective Evaluation of Rigidity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ribeiro Caio Tonus , Hilário da Silva Daniel , Rodrigues da Silva Souza Leandro , Munari Nardo José Renato , Alves Pereira Adriano
Published: September 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting millions, marked by mobility issues and characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia, postural instability, and rigidity. Diagnosis often relies on subjective assessments such as the Movement Disorder Society Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). This study focuses on validating a wrist orthosis designed to quantify rigidity in PD patients objectively. Developed at the Center for Innovation and Technological Evaluation in Health (NIATS), the orthosis integrates a Faulhaber linear motor (LM 2070-080-11) and microcontroller (MCLM 3006 S RS). Calibration experiments, including varied mass assessments, established the orthosis’s reliability. Results indicated a newly calculated force constant of 14.28 N/A, 18.49% higher than the manufacturer’s value, with a strong Pearson correlation coefficient (0.9997189). The orthosis detected masses ranging from 39.07 to 812.64 grams without yielding. Angular displacement calibration, utilizing a GP10 goniometer and Myosystem-Br1 software, demonstrated linearity, supported by Pearson coefficients of 0.9995091 and 0.995259. These findings underscore the orthosis’s potential as a reliable tool for measuring rigidity in PD patients, promising advancements in physiotherapy and disease monitoring.
Wi-Fi Enabled Textile and Wearable Antennas for Healthcare Devices
Authors: Noghanian Sima , Alemaryeen Ala A. , Shadid Reem , Ali Shahid Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Wireless connectivity has become integral to our daily routines, with Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology serving as a key enabler. This role has gained even greater significance in the current landscape, marked by the proliferation of sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices that rely on WLAN for control. Most WLANs adhere to the IEEE 802.11 standards, commonly known as Wi-Fi networks. Notably, these networks operate within the frequency bands 2.401-2.484 GHz and 5.170-5.835 GHz. The recent Wi-Fi 7 adds the new band of 5.95 GHz-7.125 GHz The primary focus of this chapter is on compact textile antennas that may be placed on different body parts, as a single-element antenna or forming a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna system capable of communicating with WiFi Access Points (APs) featuring diverse polarizations. This chapter explores the types of wearable antennas, materials, and fabrication technologies, performance analysis under bending, crumpling, and sweating, integration with Wi-Fi transceivers, and safety regulations and considerations.
Design and Characterization of Advanced Body Worn Antennas for Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Ali Saiyed Tazen , Sharma Virendra Kumar , Singh Vinod Kumar , Ali Zakir
Published: September 2024

Antennas worn on the body are commonly used on wireless communication systems for different sectors like healthcare, sports monitoring, military operation, etc., because they tend to be small in size and flexible. Furthermore, material selection in body-worn antennas is a crucial factor too. Antenna fashion is yet another aspect which is rather trivial. Being flexible and biocompatible, two key materials properties are indispensable for comfortable and body-compatible devices simultaneously with excellent electrical output ability. The disadvantage of masking small objects from RFID readers for data security reasons was the additional complexity because of textile-integrated antennas and printable conductive inks; however, recent advances in these areas have addressed these concerns. In this chapter, the authors focus on wearable antennas advancement and its process of finding the different parameters like return loss, gain, SAR value, etc.
Design and Simulation of Wearable Antennas for Healthcare
Authors: Eswaran Ushaa , Eswaran Vishal , P. G. Gopinath
Published: September 2024

This chapter provides an overview of designing and simulating wearable antennas for wireless body area networks (WBANs) and remote healthcare monitoring. It covers key design considerations, simulation methodologies, and experimental techniques. The discussion includes challenges such as antenna miniaturization, human body effects, and balancing performance with comfort and wearability. Advances in computational electromagnetics and prototyping techniques are highlighted, aiding accurate simulation and practical realization of antenna designs. Applications in healthcare, like real-time patient monitoring, implantable devices, and telemedical systems, are explored. Future trends include the use of advanced materials, intelligent reconfigurable antennas, and antenna arrays for enhanced performance and adaptability in dynamic healthcare environments.
Advanced Banking Solutions for Industry 5.0
Authors: C. M. Naveen Kumar , Addula Santosh Reddy , Seranmadevi R. , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: September 2024

As industries move towards the fourth industrial revolution, commonly referred to as Industry 4.0, the banking sector stands at a critical juncture. With the advent of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the internet of things, coupled with the rise of data-driven decision-making, the banking industry is on the top of transitioning towards Industry 5.0. This chapter explores the evolving landscape of banking solutions through the lens of industry stakeholders, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges presented by this paradigm shift. From the industry's perspective, advanced banking solutions offer a myriad of benefits, ranging from enhanced operational efficiency and cost reduction to improved customer experiences and competitive differentiation. By leveraging technologies such as robotic process automation and predictive analytics, banks can streamline their processes, automate routine tasks, and extract actionable insights from vast datasets.
Modern Smart Banking With Cutting-Edge Technologies
Authors: Kiran Kumar M , Srinidhi V. , Shamanth B. S. , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: September 2024

In today's rapidly changing world/digital landscape, the banking sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by cutting-edge technologies. This chapter examines the convergence of smart banking with innovative technologies and explores its implications for using sustainability within the financial ecosystem. Modern smart banking leverages a constellation of technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and blockchain, to revolutionize traditional banking processes and deliver enhanced value to customers. By harnessing these technologies, banks can offer personalized financial services, automate routine tasks, and optimize decision-making processes, thereby improving operational efficiency and customer experiences.
Revolutionizing E-Commerce
Authors: Swami Shalini , Singh Pushpa , Singh Bhawna
Published: September 2024

Augmented reality (AR), computer vision (CV), and deep learning (DL) techniques enable a machine or application to enhance the e-commerce sectors. An integrated approach of AR and CV maximizes the visual information and interaction of the product in the digital environment. This chapter explores the synergistic effect that exists between AR and CV in the e-commerce sector, analyzing the applications and user experiences. It captures how these technologies revolutionize the interaction of consumers with products and an online shopping experience, giving them personalized online journeys, product recommendation, virtual-try-on, try-before-buy, and image-based product search. Furthermore, the chapter highlights that deep learning (DL) techniques such as CNN, GNN, and RNN revolutionized the e-commerce sector when integrated with AR and CV.
The Role of Futuristic Technologies in Building Sustainable Environment
Authors: Arumugam Senthil Kumar , Tyagi Amit Kumar , Tiwari Shrikant , Kumari Shabnam
Published: September 2024

In the face of global environmental challenges, the integration of futuristic technologies has emerged as a pivotal factor in the pursuit of a sustainable future. This paper explores the multifaceted contributions of advanced technologies towards building and maintaining a sustainable environment. By examining the intersection of innovation and environmental stewardship, we delve into the transformative potential of futuristic technologies across various sectors. The advent of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, and advanced materials has paved the way for a paradigm shift in environmental sustainability. AI-driven predictive models enable precise resource management, optimizing energy consumption, and minimizing waste. The IoT facilitates real-time monitoring and control of environmental parameters, offering a data-driven approach to conservation efforts. Additionally, renewable energy technologies play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts.
The Impact of AI Integration on Workforce Dynamics
Authors: Gayathri J. , Mangaiyarkarasi S.
Published: September 2024

The research delves into the dual-edged nature of AI in business, highlighting both its potential for creating new opportunities and its role in displacing existing jobs. It examines case studies where AI has led to significant changes in workforce requirements and explores the legal framework's response to these changes. Key areas of concern include the protection of displaced workers, the evolution of employment contracts, and the need for regulatory updates to address the challenges posed by automation.Additionally, the study assesses the effectiveness of current labor laws in safeguarding worker interests amidst rapid technological advancements. It proposes potential legal reforms and policy measures aimed at ensuring a balanced approach to AI integration, where technological progress does not come at the expense of worker rights and job security.
Decoding Work-Life Balance Conundrum
Authors: S. A. Sajidha , Vijayanand Deepshika , Rajagopal Madhumitha , Sambasivam Dhanush , V. M. Nisha
Published: September 2024

To unravel the complex facets of optimal equilibrium between professional commitments and personal life, this research delves into the intricacies of work-life balance dynamics, employing machine learning to predict factors influencing equilibrium. A stacking-ensemble method utilizes the mutual complementary effects of the base models to improve the performance with better generalization of the model. ML algorithms including gradient boosting algorithm, ridge regression, lasso regression, huber regression, sgd regressor, support vector regressor (SVR), k neighbours regressor, kernel ridge regressor, RANSAC regressor, K means boosting algorithm, and generalized additive model (GAM) were trained meticulously. Fine-tuning the performance of random forest performance having R2 value of 0.9353, the lowest using the stacking ensemble to 0.9999 was performed. The base model combinations encompass a wide array of techniques with random forest as meta learner gave is a notable improvement in its prediction performance.
Emerging Technologies in E-Commerce Security
Authors: Ahuja Bhavisha , Prabha Chander , Garg Gunjan
Published: September 2024

Protecting and Securing the privacy of customers is the most crucial factor for E-commerce companies' growth, since, most transactions occur via online channels. Unfortunately, hackers cause data breaches by getting access to E-commerce platforms and by taking advantage of loopholes in systems and networks. These fissures violate customer privacy and compromise data integrity, thus, leading to mistrust among consumers and retailers. To inactive and reduce these risks to some extent or all; organizations are adopting advanced technologies to enable fraud protection and threat reduction in real-time. Many secure payment gateways are established to protect financial transactions. The encryption of data protects sensitive data. In addition to the above, security layers are added by Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and susceptibilities and vulnerabilities are reduced by regular software upgrades and patches. User privacy rules and regulatory compliance also improve security and build customer trust. The chapter explores the emerging technologies for securing E-Commerce in brief.
Exploring Decision-Making Processes in Neuroeconomics
Authors: Jacob Leema , Reddy K. Jayasankara
Published: September 2024

This chapter delves into the profound neuroeconomic principles that lay the foundation of health behaviors, offering a deep understanding of the brain mechanisms that profoundly influence decision-making in health-related situations. This study harmoniously blends neuroscience and behavioral economics principles to unravel how the brain meticulously evaluates potential advantages and disadvantages of health-related choices. This chapter employs cutting-edge neuroimaging research and behavioral assessments to illuminate the impact of brain networks on the intricate interplay between cognitive processes, emotional responses, and health-related decision-making. The key focus areas encompass reward processing, risk perception, and the influence of social variables on health behavior. This chapter provides invaluable insights into the construction of impactful treatments that foster healthier lifestyles and reduce health disparities by uncovering the neural mechanisms that underpin health-related decision-making.
Psychological Factors Shaping Vaccine Hesitancy During COVID-19 in India
Authors: Lakhotia Yashika , Chakraborty Swarnali , Thirani Yadavi , Poulose Joachim George , Anthony Madalaimuthu , Sreedharan Yogeswarie
Published: September 2024

Vaccine hesitancy represents the refusal or delay in vaccine acceptance, despite its availability. In developing countries, such as India, villages and areas with diminished awareness served as a breeding ground for rumors and false beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccines. In this context, this study aimed to understand the behavioural, emotional, and cognitive factors contributing to the spread of misinformation and rumours. By employing semi-structured interview, this qualitative study collected data from participants. Thematic analysis revealed that negative perception towards vaccine, belief in non-scientific healing practices, negative nocebo emotional reactions led to vaccine hesitancy. These findings have implication in designing choice architecture and nudging desirable behaviour for intervention plan to curb future resistance and develop effective communication strategies to avert similar outbreaks.
Analysis of Virtual Reality Team Performance in Private Organizations
Authors: Chari S. Lakshmana , Singla Atul , Mohammed Q. , Rao G. Ananda , Bargavi Y Krishna
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact that a number of leadership and team characteristics, namely perceived electronic leadership along with perceived team dynamics, have on the performance of virtual teams (VT) in a public organisation. This study used a survey tool to gather information from 185 individuals who were participating in a virtual workplace. These individuals were employed by one of the major public organisations in India. Statistical approaches and the PLS-SEM software are used in this investigation. The findings of this study indicate that the perceived dynamics of the team, which encompasses the behaviour of team members, the level of cooperation, and the level of support, has a considerable medium influence on the performance of VT members. On the other hand, perceived e-leadership, which encompasses components such as leaders' trust, leader communication and coordination, and leader behaviour, has a large but relatively small impact on VT performance.
Exploring the Short Virtual Reality to Deliver the Natural Experience During the Working Days
Authors: Rajani D. , Dutt Amit , Abood A. , Mahenderreddy M. , Poornima E.
Published: September 2024

The National Health Service (NHS) staff are frequently subjected to extreme levels of stress, long working hours, and emotionally challenging circumstances, all of which have the potential to unfavorably influence their accepted welfare in addition to their performance on the job. Among the stick members of the National Health Service (NHS), this research considers using virtual reality (VR) to increase welfare. A singular and approachable arrangement for lowering stress and reconstructing insane energy is the aim of this project. This will be accomplished by presenting short computer simulation occurrences that are established characters all the while work breaks. Both all-inclusive calculations (in the way that evaluations of stress and air) and qualitative comments from parties are included in the research project that create use of an assorted-systems approach.
Leveraging Virtual Reality to Improve Communication and Collaboration in Remote Work
Authors: Pathak Supriya , Malpani Dipti
Published: September 2024

The rise of remote work has enhanced flexibility but poses challenges in communication and collaboration. Virtual reality (VR) offers a transformative solution, providing immersive experiences that simulate face-to-face interactions, create dynamic virtual meeting spaces, and facilitate collaborative work. This chapter explores VR's practical applications, showcasing successful implementations in various industries. It also covers the technical and organizational aspects of VR adoption, guiding organizations to leverage VR for improved remote work outcomes.
Virtual Reality and Metaverse Methods to Supporting the Simulation Training
Authors: Chari S. Lakshmana , Singla Atul , Mohammed Q. , Saha Amrita , Raju Nadimpalli Venkata Ganapathi
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change in educational practices, with most students now attending courses remotely via video conferences. Students are less likely to actively participate in class as a result of this shift. Notably, practical lessons need both empirical and theoretical understanding, which video education falls short of providing. The current distant methods of practical education have their limitations. This research proposes a system that uses metaverse and virtual reality techniques in the classroom to address these issues. The proposed system is used to build an aviation repair simulator and test it against video instruction. Knowledge retention and acquisition tests were evaluated, and presence was explored via survey replies, to assess the efficacy of the educational process. The experimental findings indicate that the team using the above-proposed approach achieved superior scores compared to the video instruction control on both knowledge assessments.
Strategies for Business Resilience and Sustainability in Volatile Environments
Authors: McLouth Tom
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores strategies for business resilience and sustainability in volatile environments. It emphasizes the importance of theoretical foundations in international relations and risk management principles to navigate geopolitical challenges. Sustainable business practices, including the use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, are highlighted as essential for long-term viability. The chapter also examines practical approaches to operating during political protests, focusing on maintaining operations, ensuring employee safety, and protecting assets. Through case studies from various regions, the chapter provides actionable insights and recommendations for businesses to enhance their resilience and sustainability in complex modern business environments. By implementing these strategies, companies can better prepare for and adapt to disruptions to ensure continued growth and stability.
Navigating Healthcare Complexity
Authors: Reis da Silva Tiago Manuel Horta
Published: September 2024

The chapter discusses the importance of integrating business principles into nursing leadership to improve healthcare delivery. It highlights the need for nurse leaders to be knowledgeable in strategic planning, financial management, human resources, and organizational behavior. The chapter highlights the need for a holistic approach that includes both clinical and business competencies. Key business domains include financial stewardship, strategic management, and human resource management. It also discusses the role of healthcare economics, policy implications, and data analytics in performance improvement. The chapter advocates for the incorporation of business education in nursing curricula and ongoing professional development to cultivate a new generation of nurse leaders capable of thriving in complex healthcare environments.
Strategic Synergy
Authors: Takawira Blessing , Pooe David
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the strategic synergy between supply chain and procurement management in enhancing pharmaceutical industry resilience. It examines how integrating these functions, supported by advanced digital technologies and sustainable practices, can improve operational efficiency and industry resilience. The chapter highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities in this field, emphasising the importance of strategic alignment to navigate global challenges and market uncertainties. The findings underscore the potential for innovation and sustainability in pharmaceutical operations through a unified supply chain and procurement management approach, providing valuable insights for industry leaders and future research directions.
A relação entre a contabilidade de hedge e o risco idiossincrático no mercado de capitais brasileiro
Authors: Feitosa Dhiego Augusto Solino , Ambrozini Marcelo Augusto , Azevedo Yuri Gomes Paiva , Moreira Antônio Rafael
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Este trabalho examina o efeito da adoção e divulgação da contabilidade de hedge no risco idiossincrático das companhias de capital aberto listadas na Bovespa (B3), tendo como fundamentação teórica a Teoria de Agência, Assimetria de Informação e Teoria de Sinalização.Método: Foi empregado como metodologia uma regressão linear múltipla pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ordinários, tendo como base o período 2009-2018. Os dados foram extraídos da Economática® e das notas explicativas das companhias.Originalidade/Relevância: A originalidade central do estudo está na análise da relação entre o efeito da adoção e divulgação da contabilidade de hedge no risco idiossincrático das companhias de capital aberto listadas na Bovespa (B3).Resultados: Como resultado, verificou-se uma relação significativa e negativa entre adoção da contabilidade de hedge e o risco idiossincrático.Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas/práticas: O presente estudo contribui à literatura internacional e nacional, ao prover evidências empíricas sobre o impacto do uso da contabilidade de hedge e da transparência da gestão de risco no risco idiossincrático das companhias, fornecendo maior entendimento sobre a eficiência da norma relativa à contabilidade de hedge no Brasil.
Relação entre oportunidades de investimentos e agressividade tributária: análise econométrica nas empresas de capital aberto
Authors: De Andrade Aline Mendonça , De Souza Bispo Jorge
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: este artigo empírico objetiva verificar se empresas que possuem maior conjunto de investimentos são mais agressivas em seus planejamentos tributários, além de mensurar esse efeito.Método: trata se de um estudo descritivo que utilizou os dados secundários extraídos das demonstrações financeiras de empresas listadas na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (B3) na base de dados Economática® para o período entre 2012 até 2020, com um total de 1.998 observações empresa ano em painel desbalanceado. A análise estatística para estimação dos coeficientes foi feita via método dos momentos generalizados com instrumentos colapsados para painel dinâmico.Originalidade/Relevância: o trabalho apresenta evidências acerca da relação entre o conjunto de oportunidade de investimentos e a agressividade tributária em empresas brasileiras, considerando a existência de uma lacuna sobre este tema, principalmente, em estudos nacionais, em que não foram identificadas pesquisas envolvendo o relacionamento entre essas variáveis.Resultados: o conjunto de oportunidade de investimentos não influencia a agressividade tributária, independente da proxy utilizada, ademais, verificou se a relação negativa e significativa entre o tamanho da empresa e a taxa efetiva de impostos, demonstrando que empresas maiores são mais agressivas no planejamento tributário.Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas/práticas: o trabalho contribui para a literatura nacional trazendo evidências da necessidade de se conhecer melhor as proxies que formam o conjunto de oportunidade de investimentos, apresentando sugestões de mudanças para futuros trabalhos, considerando as peculiaridades dos dados disponíveis sobre as empresas nacionais.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of Ga-Al-As diode in immature permanent mandibular first molars direct pulp capping: A 12-month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shbat Laila , Makhoul Fadi , Kassis Joul
Published: September 2024

Aim:

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to investigate the effect of Ga-Al-As Laser, a type of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), on the pulp exposure of immature permanent mandibular first molars treated with direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in comparison to teeth treated with the same previous capping material without laser in terms of clinical and radiographic signs.

Methods:

Thirty carious immature permanent mandibular first molars free of endodontic symptoms were obtained from healthy children aged 6–9 years. The study was planned to cap half of the samples with MTA, while the other halves were subjected to laser therapy, followed by standard MTA capping. Assessment was performed at three separate times: immediately following the procedure (T0), after 6 months (T1), and after 12 months (T2).

Results:

The collected data were analyzed with SPSS version “24.” The results were evaluated using a two-tailed t-test with a significance level of 0.05 for correlated samples. Teeth treated with LLLT demonstrated improved apical development during the first 6 months, as well as superior analgesic characteristics throughout the first 12 h following the surgery, as compared to MTA alone.

Conclusion:

In addition to its analgesic and antibacterial properties, LLLT may assist immature teeth in completing the apical development process.
Yoga among Antenatal Women: A Cross-sectional Study at Rapti Provincial Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Samjhana G.C. , Pokharel Babu Ram , Acharya Sushila , Paudel Binita Kumari , Kandel Suresh
Published: September 2024

Context:

Yoga practice during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for maternal and fetal health, yet its prevalence and acceptance among pregnant women in Nepal remain understudied.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of yoga practice and its acceptance as part of antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women attending ANC at Rapti Provincial Hospital, Dang, Nepal.

Settings and Design:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the ANC unit of Rapti Provincial Hospital, involving pregnant women attending ANC visits.

Methods:

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, family and health history, and yoga practice.

Statistical Analyses:

Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Among 227 respondents, 16.7% practiced yoga during pregnancy, with 50.2% perceiving acceptance of yoga in ANC. The practice and acceptability of yoga in pregnancy were significantly associated with age, ethnicity, age at marriage, husband’s age, employment status, husband’s employment status, and prepregnancy yoga practice in bivariate analysis. While taking those factors in multivariate analysis, practice was found to be associated with husbands’ employment status and prepregnancy yoga practice and acceptability was found to be associated with ethnicity, husbands’ employment status, and prepregnancy yoga practice.

Conclusions:

The study revealed the low yoga prevalence among pregnant Nepalese women, necessitating targeted interventions for its promotion during pregnancy. Integrating yoga into routine ANC could enhance maternal and fetal outcomes by educating women about its benefits and fostering supportive environments for practice.
Status of Health-care Systems for Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy in Jordan: Stakeholders and Health-care Providers Survey
Authors: Allatayfeh Motasem , Al Shdaifat Amjad , Mariotti Silvio P.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of health services for diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Jordan in terms of availability and accessibility by interviewing people engaged with health-care process including decision makers, professional providers, and community representatives.

METHODS:

This is a qualitative study where participants were invited to respond by direct interview to a standard questionnaire that is validated by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Tool for Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy and DM Management Systems”. The questionnaire casts out of the WHO Health Systems Framework concept, assessing the presence of programs, guidelines, health technology and workforce, health promotion, and financing of DM and DR care in Jordan.

RESULTS:

Forty-two participants were included. DM is considered as priority in Jordan, but no programs are implemented. National guidelines are present for DM but not for DR. Networking should be improved between different disciplines caring for DM and DR. Human resources for DM and DR care were found insufficient and inadequately distributed. Health technology is only present in major cities and central hospitals. There is no nationwide data on disease burden nor a screening program for DR. More collaborated efforts should be spent on health education and raising awareness among people living with diabetes about the risk of DR.

CONCLUSION:

Advanced DM and DR care is not accessible to most people. Programmatic efforts from the government and NGOs must formulate a national action plan to reduce the human and financial impact of the disease in Jordan.
A Population-based Study of the Prevalence of Cataract and Its Relationship with Smoking in the Northwest of Iran: The Azar Cohort Eye Study
Authors: Razzaghi Shahryar , Khalili Ali F. , Faramarzi Elnaz , Motlagh Behzad F. , Zeinalzadeh Ali H.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the to determine the prevalence of cataract and study the relationship of smoking and other potential risk factors with visually significant cataract.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study based on the Azar cohort databases including 11,208 participants aged 35–70 years of the general population. According to the questionnaire, participants were divided into five groups in terms of smoking. Eye examinations were performed in two steps. The first step was performed by an optometrist, and in the second step, participants with poor red reflex or visual acuity of <8/10 were examined by an ophthalmologist for diagnosing cataract.

RESULTS:

Of the participants, 4992 (44.5%) were male and 6216 (55.5%) were female, with a mean age of 50.1 ± 9.27 years. The prevalence of visually significant cataract was 7.2%. The frequency of ex-smoking in the male and female population in the cataract group was significantly higher than that in the noncataract group (male: P = 0.008, female: P = 0.01), but after adjustment for age and education level, lost its significance (male odds ratio [OR] = 1.1 [0.8–1.5], P = 0.4; female OR = 1.5 [0.5–4], P = 0.3).

CONCLUSION:

There is no association between cigarette smoking in different doses and the history of smoking with cataracts but other factors such as aging, education level, and underlying diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and myopia have statistically significant association with visually significant cataract.
Big data to guide glaucoma treatment
Authors: Wu Jo-Hsuan , Lin Shan , Moghimi Sasan
Published: September 2024

Ophthalmology has been at the forefront of the medical application of big data. Often harnessed with a machine learning approach, big data has demonstrated potential to transform ophthalmic care, as evidenced by prior success on clinical tasks such as the screening of ophthalmic diseases and lesions via retinal images. With the recent establishment of various large ophthalmic datasets, there has been greater interest in determining whether the benefits of big data may extend to the downstream process of ophthalmic disease management. An area of substantial investigation has been the use of big data to help guide or streamline management of glaucoma, which remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In this review, we summarize relevant studies utilizing big data and discuss the application of the findings in the risk assessment and treatment of glaucoma.
Big data for imaging assessment in glaucoma
Authors: da Costa Douglas R. , Medeiros Felipe A.
Published: September 2024

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with many individuals unaware of their condition until advanced stages, resulting in significant visual field impairment. Despite effective treatments, over 110 million people are projected to have glaucoma by 2040. Early detection and reliable monitoring are crucial to prevent vision loss. With the rapid development of computational technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) algorithms are emerging as potential tools for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring glaucoma progression. Leveraging vast data sources, these technologies promise to enhance clinical practice and public health outcomes by enabling earlier disease detection, progression forecasting, and deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms. This review evaluates the use of Big Data and AI in glaucoma research, providing an overview of most relevant topics and discussing various models for screening, diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, correlating structural and functional changes, assessing image quality, and exploring innovative technologies such as generative AI.
В. А. Фок. К 125-летию со дня рождения
Authors: Tulub Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Sheikin Anton Andreevich , Trifonov Evgenii Dmitrievich , Fedotov Aleksandr Aleksandrovich , Shabaev Vladimir Moiseevich
Published: September 2024

Дан очерк жизни и научной деятельности Владимира Александровича Фока - выдающегося физика-теоретика, одного из творцов квантовой механики и основателей ленинградской школы теоретической физики.
Risk-Adaptive Rendezvous Planning for Resupply Missions in the Battlefield
Authors: Damgaard Thomas Jonsson , Rittri Mikael , Franz Patrick
Published: September 2024

Resupply missions are critical logistical parts of modern warfare. Supply vehicles carrying fuel and ammunition are high-value targets meaning that the route chosen to approach such a mission is sensitive to risk and a critical time of delivery. We address the problem of a supply vehicle that needs to find a secure path to link up with a mobile frontline unit that has a fixed known itinerary. This paper presents a resupply path planning algorithm, the Adaptive Intercepting Path Planning (AIPP) algorithm, that balances risk and travel time to find the most suitable rendezvous point among several. The algorithm generates the least risky route that meets the rendezvous deadline.
The Art of Open-Standard System Architecture for Military Ground Vehicles
Authors: Dattathreya Macam
Published: September 2024

The art of open-standard system architecture (OSSA) and its usage for military ground vehicles is often misconstrued while using the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles. This miscomprehension leads to the production of highly expensive, unmaintainable, and unscalable systems. This paper discusses some of the major symptoms of a misconstrued OSSA and its impacts while using MOSA and MBSE, reasons for misinterpreting, and a corrective perspective of the art of OSSA for military ground vehicles.
Enabling Multi-Vendor Model Based Application Development Using the FACE TM Technical Standard
Authors: Snyder Mark , McBroom Mark , McCane Kirsten
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses how a software development approach based on the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) standard and COTS model-based development tools can enable modular and open software applications to be rapidly developed and deployed in a manner strongly aligned with the Army’s Ground Combat Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA) objectives. We describe the use of multiple model-based tools for data architecture, software generation, and system architecture, and describe how these tools have evolved to better support open standards. It then describes the methodology used to integrate Simulink with multiple FACE Transport Services Segment (TSS) implementations. The paper discusses the tools and techniques used, the software components involved, and the testing and validation process.