bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activist*scholar collaborations in times of crisis, and beyond: Reflections on ‘Urban Activism: Staking Claims in the 21st Century City’
Authors: Portelli Stefano , Yildirim Tschoepe Aylin
Published: June 2022

A conference organized in September 2019 at Harvard University brought together a group of activists and scholars from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, to discuss the political and theoretical implications of the convergence between urban activism and urban scholarship. The interventions and debate are summarized here in relation to the shifting political context that followed the conference. We argue that the global demand to reframe the relationship between people and institutions should be addressed by reframing the production of knowledge, and we put forward three proposals: that academic departments develop permanent relationships with social movements that struggle against housing and resource dispossession, that research institutions demand that binding social impact assessments are undertaken for each development project, and that activists and scholars develop forms of collaboration on a broader scale to connect different models of grassroots governance into designing a new social contract.
Gaining/regaining housing stability through collective action: Individual uses and social functions of a migrants’ collective residence
Authors: Ferrero Laura
Published: June 2022

This article is based on research carried out at La Salette, a former squat in the city of Turin, Italy. The building has undergone a progressive process of legalization and has become a ‘collective transitory residence’ (residenza transitoria collettiva) for migrants. It is now run by a team formed by members of a cooperative organization, architects and volunteers. The internal regulations do not limit the number of months of permanence, in contrast to the rigidity of a refugees reception system that is rarely tailored to the subjectivity and personal trajectories. In this paper I look at how migrants make use of this safe and legal shelter. I rely on observation as well as interviews with inhabitants, social workers and volunteers. Migrants arrive at this accommodation after having experienced institutional reception centers, informal settlements, ghettos and other temporary housing solutions. For many of them, La Salette is their first ‘home’ in Italy. The fact that there is no institution that determines when they must leave the building allowed me to observe the uses migrants make of this house. Although many migrants are facing a housing crisis due to the effective lack of housing alternatives, through ethnographic methods I deconstruct the mainstream idea of ‘home’ as the goal of each and every migrant, and propose to re-build notions of housing alternatives starting from the observation of how actual uses of this collective residence.
INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPALS' LEADERSHIP STYLES ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NJORO DISTRICT, NAKURU COUNTY
Authors: Muhia Joseph
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of principals' leadership styles on students' academic performance The study was guided by the following specific objective: identify the leadership styles used by Principals in public secondary schools in Njoro District, determine the influence of Principals' leadership on the managements of schools, establish the influence of Principals' leadership on teachers' job satisfaction in secondary schools and identify the influence of Principals' leadership on the performance of students.

Design/ Methodology/Approach: This study used descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling was used to select the school principals, while simple random sampling technique was used to sample teachers, subordinate staff and students. A total of 380 respondents were targeted by the study (constituting 20 principals, 80 teachers, 40 subordinate staff and 240 students) out of which 372 responded (20 principals, 78 teachers, 34 subordinate staff and 240 students) giving a response rate of 98%. In sampling of the students, 12 students were sampled from form three classes in the schools selected. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as instruments for data collection.

Findings: Principals' leadership style influences school management in that it affects staff morale and decision making which impacts on service delivery among the teaching and non-teaching staff. The study further concludes that leadership style affects job satisfaction among the staff through their participation in decision making.

Contribution to policy and practice: The study concluded that principals should adopt the use of leadership style such as the participative style where the staff ideas are also considered in decision making. This will improve their morale and hence job satisfaction.

Originality/Value: The study extends the literature on leadershp style and management to improve performance in learning institutions.
INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES AT NATIONAL IRRIGATION BOARD IN KENYA
Authors: Munuve Veronicah
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Globally competitive enterprises and business organizations depend greatly on the uniqueness of the human resource management in order to achieve successfully their competitive advantages, therefore the human resources practices and their contribution on the employee performance has been greatly researched on by different scholars. The current study focused on the influence of human resource management practices on the performance of employees at the National Irrigation Board in Kenya.

Design/ Methodology/Approach: The current study adopted the use of the descriptive research. This research design was used to enable the researcher establish how human resources management practices influence employees’ performance at National Irrigation Board. A response of 100 was adopted where a response rate of 81 respondents was realized. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the employees of NIB from the 8 selected stations.

Findings: The study concluded that there are a number of variables on the human resource planning such as having the right people at the right time doing the right job, management focusing on the employee competencies, providing solutions necessary to satisfy the human resource needs, utilization of the changing needs which are related to the utilization of its employees, application of the systematic procedures for collecting, analyzing and documenting information provided about a particular job are all necessary and important in enhancing employees performance

Contribution to policy and practice: Differential training is necessary for the top management of the National Irrigation Board to initiate human resource planning to allow for the improvement of effectiveness.

Originality/Value: The study extends the literature on Human resources management. This study help reduce incidences of labor turnover and save the National irrigation board from incurring unnecessary recruitment costs.
The Effect of Dividend Policy on Share Price Volatility of Some Selected Companies on the Nigerian Exchange
Authors: Koleosho Adekunle Orelope , Akintoye Ishola Rufus , Ajibade Ayodeji Temitope
Published: June 2022

Share Price volatility has exhibited different patterns in different global exchange markets including the Nigerian exchange. Various attempts have been made to unravel the possible causes of this volatility and how they can be mitigated, but there have been fewer studies in this regard, especially in developing economies like Nigeria. Hence the study examined the effect of dividend policy on share price volatility of selected companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange. The study adopted ex-post facto research design and EGARCH for volatility measure. A sample of 49 companies out of 162 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange during the study period (2010-2020) was randomly selected for the panel data. The study found that the dividend policy had significant relationship with share price volatility (SPV) with Adjusted R2 = 0.116, Wald (3, 2156) = 32.89, p = 0.000 < 0.05; Specifically, Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR) has significant effect on SPV (DPR = 0.0036, t(2156) = 4.7237, p < 0.05); dividend yield (DY), dividend per share (DPS) and financial leverage (LEV) had a negative and no significant effect on SPV (DY = -0.0003, t(2156) = -2.713, p > 0.05; DPS = -0.0508, t-test = -1.8952, p > 0.05; and LEV = -0.2066, t-test = -1.4742, p > 0.05 respectively). The study concluded that dividend policy have significant effect on share price volatility. The study recommended that companies should focus more on the payout while investors should go for corporate entities with constant payout ratio.
POTENTIAL TOXICITY OF ALPHA AND BETA HYDROXY ACIDS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS: A REVIEW
Authors: Barote Aira Faye C. , Genelsa Edelweise H. , Alaba Frayne Bless J. , Encendencia Hannah Mae U. , Sumampong Maria Marissa Q. , Faller Erwin M.
Published: June 2022

Hydroxy acids have a significant role in various therapeutic circumstances, most notably in the cosmetics business. Despite its importance in treating acne, scars, pigmentation, skin dryness, and wrinkles, among other skin disorders, AHAs and BHAs have substantial side effect s, such as increased photosensitivity. In today's market, these products are becoming increasingly popular due to the promise of quick whitening benefits, which causes worry in the pharmaceutical cosmetics business. As a result, this analysis intends to provide a larger perspecti ve on the AHA-BHA, its current state within the healthcare sector, various linked cosmetics goods with FDA warnings, and related themes from the past to the present. The review resurrects founded papers in order to better comprehend the condition of AHA-BHA, acknowledge its subsisting role in the pharmaceutical industry, and comprehend the potential toxicity brought by AHA-BHA in order to pique readers' interest in using cosmetic products containing AHA-BHA with caution.
Uniform Civil Code: Why Implementation is a Himalayan Task
Authors: Dar Showkat Ahmad , Lone Dr.Naseer Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Every strict gathering, paying little heed to class or orientation, are represented
by common regulation, for example, the Uniform Civil Code, which administers issues like
marriage, separation, reception, and property legacy. The government is expected by
Article 44 of the constitution to bend over backward to guarantee that all Indian residents
are dependent upon a similar common code. In 1835, the Britinsh governmnent gave a
report suggesting that Indian agreement, proof, and wrongdoing regulations be arranged.
Moreover, individual laws of Hindus and Muslims won't be classified, as per the record.
The significance of having a uniform civil code in India is an interesting issue. Will the
party's next huge political push, in front of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, be the
Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The motivation behind this paper is to cause to notice the
squeezing need for an Indian Civil Code and challenges associated with it.
INOVAÇÕES TERAPÊUTICAS NO MANEJO DA SÍNDROME DO INTESTINO IRRITÁVEL
Authors: Neto Francisco Alves Grangeiro , Freitas Francisco Orlando Rafael de
Published: June 2022

Objetivo: verificar quais as inovações terapêuticas no manejo da síndrome do intestino irritável. Métodos: Para abordar adequadamente o assunto em questão e responder à questão de pesquisa, decidiu-se por realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com caráter qualitativo. A estratégia de pesquisa será efetuada por meio de uma busca na literatura nas bases de dados Medical Publisher (PUBMED) e no Science Direct com o intuito de identificar estudos relacionados com a síndrome do intestino irritável, seu manejo terapêutico e manifestações clínicas. Após a construção das etapas, a amostra final contou com 15 publicações. Resultados: Identificaram-se quatro âmbitos de intervenção para essa condição, sendo ela a psicossocial, por meio de terapias psicológicas, como a terapia cognitivo-comportamental, hipnoterapia, terapia de relaxamento, terapia psicológica de múltiplos componentes e psicoterapia dinâmica; o farmacológico, com modulação da microbiota intestinal com os medicamentos alosetron, eluxadolina e rifaximina; o cirúrgico, com transplante da microbiota fecal e de  modificações no estilo de vida dos pacientes, com boa alimentação, atividade física, dieta livre de FODMAPS. Conclusão: O tratamento da SII é feito, principalmente, por meio de mudanças de hábitos de vida, como a reeducação alimentar com ajustes na dieta evitando alimentos produtores de gases e diarreia, aumento da ingestão de fibras e do consumo de líquidos, a compreensão dos pacientes quanto à sua condição, a prática de exercícios físicos regulares que visam juntos uma melhora do trânsito intestinal, dos sintomas, como dores abdominais e o excesso de gases e fortalecimento do tônus simpático. A terapia cognitivo-comportamental e a hipnoterapia mostraram-se capazes de reduzir os sintomas do intestino irritável. Terapias físicas e comportamentais podem auxiliar na disfunção do assoalho pélvico, que é subdiagnosticada em pacientes com SII.
Educación superior para la formación ciudadana de profesores contexto angolano
Authors: Dongala Mulo
Published: June 2022

La formación humana se sitúa en el centro de atención a escala internacional y se convierte en uno de los retos esenciales ante el nuevo milenio; su contenido es la defensa de la cultura creada por la humanidad a lo largo de la historia. Esto constituye hoy un imperativo para las universidades, lograr las transformaciones necesarias en los comportamientos sociales de los profesores asentados en conductas, normas y actitudes en correspondencia con los requerimientos actuales y futuros. En tal sentido, la época actual impone a la Educación Superior el reto de formar profesionales cada vez más y mejor preparados con conocimientos de normas, leyes, valores y principios éticos y cívicos. Aspectos esenciales en la conducta social para poder acometer un proceso de formación ciudadana con los estudiantes que les permita enfrentar los desafíos de la sociedad moderna. Como vía de mejoramiento de la calidad de las diversas profesiones se hace necesario perfeccionar la labor de los profesores universitarios angolanos; al tomar en cuenta la importancia que representan para la sociedad las nuevas generaciones y el desempeño profesional de estos, para así lograr la formación integral a la que se aspira en niños y jóvenes. Lo anterior, indica prestar especial atención a la formación ciudadana en los profesionales universitarios, en especial en países como Angola, para afrontar los desafíos de esta sociedad, en cómo enfrentar comportamientos inadecuados en las instituciones de Educación Superior. En estas últimas, la transmisión de conductas y modos de actuar constituyen aspectos de gran importancia para el futuro, pues en las aulas se encuentra el embrión de los que serán los futuros profesionales que llevarán hacia adelante el desarrollo del país.
Algunas orientaciones pedagógicas para desarrollar una educación física en casa
Authors: Ospina Lozano Luis Eduardo , Gómez Henao Daniel Esteban
Published: June 2022

Más allá del tiempo de pandemia por efectos de covid 19, y teniendo en cuenta la importancia de la educación física en casa, aborda el artículo algunas orientaciones pedagógicas al respecto de modo general y lógico; esto con el objetivo de mostrar avances dentro de la investigación sobre los fundamentos pedagógicos para una educación física en casa, que se viene desarrollando en la Facultad de ciencias de la educación de la Universidad Libre con sede en Bogotá Colombia. El método responde a un enfoque cualitativo, documental, hermenéutico y descriptivo. Los resultados se consolidan en la construcción de los conceptos básicos y su interrelación con alcance de orden curricular: beneficios, competencias, objetivos, principios didácticos, contenidos, actividades y evaluación. Todo se argumenta desde un enfoque filosófico y pedagógico con coherencia suficiente para invitar a cambios sustanciales en la práctica profesional de quien haga las veces de educador. Se rescata igualmente el valor de la persona como objeto y sujeto del proceso educativo, el valor de la educación física como espacio de formación integral, el valor de la familia como primer ente formativo y la necesidad de entrar a teorizar en ámbito casero desde y para una educación física con calidad humana.
Las competencias profesionales de educación física en el proceso de formación académica: Revisión Sistemática
Authors: Brito Mancheno Flavio Daniel
Published: June 2022

Las competencias profesionales de educación física es un pilar importante para desarrollarse de la manera más adecuada en el ámbito profesional, por tanto, la formación académica en los estudiantes universitarios debe ser la más idónea. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la relación que tienen las competencias profesionales en el proceso de formación académica en la educación física. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de análisis bibliográfico a través de técnicas de rastreo analítico y cuantificación documental procedentes de diversos motores de búsqueda: Google académico, Dialnet, Redalyc, Scielo, donde se obtuvo un total 273 documentos, seleccionando la muestra de este, a posterior se continuo con la siguiente codificación: 1) Titulo del articulo; 2) País de publicación; 4) Nombre de los autores y año; 5) Objetivos; 6) Resultados. En los estudios se evidenció que los estudiantes universitarios asumen un papel de suma importancia, se detectó que las competencias profesionales tienen un papel importante en las diferentes capacidades pedagógicas en su proceso de formación. En conclusión, este estudio permitió conocer los conocimientos existentes de los últimos años y dar a conocer la importancia de las competencias profesionales en del proceso de formación académica en la educación física.
Covid-19, and the Educational System of Pakistan An Assessment
Authors:   National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad., Hassan Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad ,   Department of Pakistan Studies Abbottabad University of Science & Technology. KPK
Published: June 2022

This research regarding the impacts of Covid-19 on education sector of Pakistan analyses the situation resulted in the wake of officially declared pandemic by the World Health Organization. Like most of the countries, Pakistan faced serious repercussions in this regard; trade, industry, health and tourism have badly affected; however, unbearable loss to the education sector has almost shaken the country. This paper strives to highlight that how every sector especially education in Pakistan has been severely paralyzed by activities related to the coronavirus. Yet every possible effort has been made by the authorities to prevent the disruption of education by using online system of classes with the use of various apps including Zoom, Microsoft Team and WhatsApp etc. The adoption of Learning Management System (LMS), use of hybrid classroom and broadcast on television have been new ideas to be adopted in the wake of this pandemic. This research pinpoints that how a developing country like Pakistan, generally appears to face a challenge due to non-availability of valid tool, system and skill that caused damage to the education system of the country. Main objective of the study is to analyse the challenges, worries and impacts of transition process from formal to digital education. This research has focussed on the impacts of this pandemic on education sector, which has already been facing lack of basic infrastructure including trained teaching staff and modern equipment for tangible results. Keywords: Pakistan, Corona Virus, Education, Online Learning, Teachers Training
Heartland, Rimland, and the Grand Chessboard Deciphering the Great Power Politics in Central Asia
Authors:   School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad., Mirza Muhammad Nadeem , Ayub Shaukat ,   Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar
Published: June 2022

As the twenty-first century progresses, struggle for the control of Central Asia is growing, as rising China increases its economic and political clout while Russia is trying to regain its lost glory. The American presence in the region was considered as a threat not only by China, but also Russia who feared that the US is determined to carve out its sphere of influence at their expense. The recent withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan and Taliban re- taking Kabul further complicates the geopolitical calculations. China and Russia have been cooperating to ensure that the adjoining region, typically falling under Russian sphere of influence, may not become an American influenced area. Where China has emerged as one of the biggest trading partners of the Central Asian Republics, and Russia has signed several bilateral and multilateral security agreements to ensure its continued influence therein. Eurasia generally and Central Asia specifically, once again, is back to the limelight of great powers politics. This study traces the conceptual evolution of geopolitics, from Ratzel’s Lebensraum, Kjellen’s theory of state as an organism, to the Mahan conception of the sea power, among others. It discusses the collective geopolitical insights of Halford Mackinder, Nicholas Spykman, and Zbigniew Brzezinski who focussed on the concepts of Heartland, Rimland, and Grand Chessboard, respectively, to decipher the geopolitics of Eurasia. Keywords: Central Asia, Geopolitics, Lebensraum, Heartland, Rimland.
Climate Change Analysis in the Investment Process
Authors: Orsagh Matt
Published: June 2022

This report presents case studies aimed to educate investors about what climate change is and its economic impacts, best practices in analysis, and where to find information for integrating climate change in the investment process.
Use of LRFR Methodology for Load Rating of INDOT Steel Bridges
Authors: Khanna Prekshi , Bowman Mark D.
Published: June 2022

Load rating of bridges before 1994 was primarily conducted by Load Factor Rating (LFR). In 1994, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) developed and encouraged the use of a probabilistic-based method titled Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) for carrying out bridge design. A new methodology consistent with LRFD was also developed and adopted for conducting load rating. Thus, a new Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) was adopted by AASHTO in 2001 for load rating. Today, the bridges that were designed by the old LFD methodology are rated by both LFR and LRFR. Continued development suggests that load rating in future will be based only on LRFR, therefore LRFR is the recommended method for carrying out load rating of bridges even if they were designed by LFD. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) encountered some LFD designed bridges which were adequate by LFR methodology (i.e., produced a rating factor of more than 1.0) but inadequate for LRFR. The load ratings were carried out using AASHTOWare Bridge Rating (BrR) software. These bridges belonged to five different limit states: (1) lateral torsional buckling, (2) changes in cross-section along the member length, (3) tight stringer spacings, (4) girder end shear and (5) moment over continuous piers. This research study explores the inherent differences between LFR and LRFR to clarify some of the inconsistencies in the rating values. Load ratings for select bridges were carried out using both AASHTOWare BrR and a separate analysis using Mathcad and structural analysis results from SAP2000 for comparison purposes. Finally, the study also recommends some modifications in the BrR software input data that can be adopted for each of the above-mentioned limit states to resolve inconsistencies found between LFR and LRFR rating values.
Real Life Experience with Major Pavement Types
Authors: Shah Ayesha , Olek Jan , McDaniel Rebecca S.
Published: June 2022

Pavement performance is a complex issue which depends on many contributing factors. Examining the performance of real-life pavements across the state determines what the actual service lives are for the pavements. For the purposes of this study, only selected LTPP projects were examined, along with a database containing all the historic repair projects completed in Indiana. Pertinent information present in the Indiana Historic Contracts Database was extracted concerning the types of pavement repair and treatments options commonly employed within the state, the time between repairs, etc. These data were used to determine descriptive statistical parameters and was summarized in graph form. Similarly, data about selected LTPP GPS and SPS sites were downloaded from the online website, LTPP InfoPave and a comparative study between companion sites was performed. These data included study site and pavement-related information, such as construction dates, pavement structure details, maintenance and repair history, and pavement distress surveys. These data were used to draw conclusions about the impact of treatment applications, climatic and geologic factors, traffic volume, and pavement structures on pavement performance. Gaps in knowledge about pavement failure modes, distress data, and effectiveness of treatment applications mentioned in the contracts database file hampered efforts to form a complete picture of the effectiveness of treatment options and their timely (or untimely) application. Similarly, details about pavement mixture design and differentiating factors between companion sites prevented researchers from narrowing down the causes leading to the observed pavement distress.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ МЕТОДОЛОГІЇ ДИЗАЙН-МИСЛЕННЯ ДЛЯ РОЗВИТКУ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ ПУБЛІЧНОГО СЕКТОРА
Authors: Петраускене Рута , Сінкене Йолита , Даугелене Раса , Янюнайте Брігіта , Вайчюнене Йоланта , Гайжюнене Ліна , Штуопіте Eдіта , Дзвінчук Дмитро , Орлів Мар’яна
Published: June 2022

Дизайн-мислення – це творча методологія вирішення проблем, яку широко застосовують організації різного типу в усьому світі. Основна мета цієї публікації – допомогти публічному сектору інноваційно реагувати на виклики і міжсекторальні проблеми, з якими стикається сучасне суспільство, та сприяти зміцненню довіри до організацій публічного сектора. Видання призначене для керівників та інших працівників публічного сектора, здобувачів вищої освіти різних рівнів підготовки, які вивчають соціальні науки, учасників програм неформальної освіти, а також всіх, хто прагне творчо реагувати на будь-які виклики та шукати креативні рішення.
An Introduction to Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) Technique: A Full Spine Rehabilitation Approach to Reducing Spine Deformities
Authors: E. Harrison Deed , A. Oakley Paul
Published: June 2022

Chiropractic Biophysics® (CBP®) technique is a full-spine and posture correcting method that incorporates mathematical principles into a unique approach to treat spinal disorders. It considers that the identification of postural rotations and translations of human postures are first evaluated and compared to the radiographic assessment of the spine alignment. Mirror image® postural positions and movements are utilized including spinal extension positions to improve the spine and posture towards a normal/ideal alignment. Specifically, corrective exercises, corrective traction and chiropractic adjustments are performed encompassing a multimodal rehabilitation program with the goal of improving the posture and spine alignment. CBP Rehabilitation programs are typically performed in-office with supportive at-home measures. Repeat assessment including radiographs are used to quantify and monitor structural improvements. CBP technique is an evidence-based approach to treat spine deformities and is supported by all forms of clinical evidence including systematic literature reviews, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, case reports/series as well as is supported by biomechanical posture-spine coupling validity, radiographic and posture analysis reliability/repeatability and use of a validated biomechanical spinal model as the outcome goal of care. CBP technique is a proven method to improve pain, disability and quality of life in those with structural deformities.
Economic Assessment of Biomass Based Power Generation
Authors: Abdul Malek A.B.M.
Published: June 2022

Biomass based power generation systems can play a significant role to alleviate energy crisis and reduce fossil fuel dependency in the countries that possess abundance of agricultural and forest biomass resources. Particularly the countries to go for biomass energy in a large scale must know power and energy potential for biomass based commercial production with proper economic assessment of the possibilities. In-depth knowledge is must to assess the profitability and sustainability of the projects. Profitability measures how the investment in the project can be secured to have an ensured surplus to be shared by the stake holders and sustainability ensures the long-term existence in the business with a positive trend of gaining market share day by day or simply to be in the business. This chapter will present the details of the economic assessment of biomass- based energy projects in terms of net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), discounted payback period (DPB), and cost of energy. The economic profitability measure is a must before advancing to a venture whether it is self-financed or loan financed. So, it is hoped that readers of the chapter should develop a proper evaluation capability and know how to analyze the biomass-based energy projects.
Application of Nanocellulose Biocomposites in Acceleration of Diabetic Wound Healing: Recent Advances and New Perspectives
Authors: Baruah Rebika , Moni Das Archana
Published: June 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic health problem that increases the risk of infection and delays wound healing due to impairment of metabolic activity. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a chronic wound increases the risk of mortality. Finding the most appropriate wound dressings has been intensified with the increasing population and prevalence of chronic wounds. Nanofibers coated wound dressings have attracted more attention as innovative and biocompatible materials. Nanocellulose (NC) has been widely used as a reinforcing material to improve nanofibers’ mechanical and thermal properties. NC is biodegradable and derived from renewable sources and produced bionanocomposites with improved performance.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Larynx
Authors: Patel Tarang , Anandani Garima
Published: June 2022

Salivary gland tumours are rare tumours of larynx, hypopharynx and parapharyngeal space. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour of larynx. Subglottic region is the most common site followed by supraglottic region. AdCC usually involves elderly patients. Etiology of AdCC is mostly unknown. Clinically patient presents with dysphagia, cough, dyspnoea, hoarseness and rarely haemoptysis. Indirect laryngoscopy shows submucosal laryngeal mass. On CT scan, there is a submucosal mass, which may show extra-laryngeal extension. Histopathological examination shows epithelial and myoepithelial cells arranged in cribriform pattern, which may present with perineural invasion in the periphery of the lesion. Patients usually present in a later course of the disease. Tumour may present with pulmonary metastasis. The surgical approach depends on the tumour stage.
‘Complete Coverage and Covering Completely’ for Breastfeeding with Able, Bold, and Confident Mothers, for Sustainable Development, and Medical Education Excellence
Authors: Jain Sunil , Singh Kushwaha Arvind , Marwaha Vishal
Published: June 2022

Complete coverage of all infants, everywhere with wonderful evidence, and covering completely with first six months of exclusive breastfeeding and thereafter proper weaning while continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond is desirable. Reaching all rightly and robustly is required. All this will contribute greatly towards the growth & development of infants and grandly towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We propose the “ABC mothers” plan. Progress for required practices for results possible with making mothers—“Able for practices advantageous, bold with pertinent awareness, and confident with propitious attitude”. Strong efforts on sound footing are necessary for health of all our infants and happiness all around with sustainable development. Scientific infant feeding will contribute to advance the attainment of this. Medical education teaching best beneficial practices is for excellence. One promoting breastfeeding is the best. The US Surgeon General’s Implementation Strategies elaborate “Education content”, “Enabling competency”, & “Education continuing”. Competency-based curriculum for Indian Medical Graduates includes “to promote and support optimal breast feeding”. Need for inclusion in teaching curriculum across US, UK, & internationally has been documented. Given all the evidence for breastfeeding benefits, it should be a consistent essential component of training in all medical schools worldwide.
The Requirements of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) frameworks for integration and synergic collaboration with Omnichannel strategy
Authors: Mohammadian Noushin , Fatahi Valilai Omid
Published: June 2022

The Importance of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is inevitable in fulfilling the collaboration and integration of different disciplines engaged in product development processes. However, PLM has faced with challenges in the context of Industry 4.0; especially in alignment with the Omnichannel strategy. The integration of the processes related to product promotion and digital marketing is recognized as one of those dominant challenges. There is an essential requirement for improving the interaction of PLM disciplines and Omnichannel processes. This chapter is investigating the challenges and restrictions raised by the Omnichannel strategy for PLM and the capabilities of the Omnichannel strategy to increase the effectiveness of PLM frameworks. Considering the Omnichannel strategy capabilities which are highly active in sales and promotions, the characteristics of bidirectional relation with PLM disciplines have been focused. For creating this bidirectional and synergic relation among Omnichannel strategy and PLM disciplines, the following perspectives are essential. Firstly, the configuration of Omnichannel strategy as an active agent among PLM disciplines. Secondly, the Omnichannel strategy’s capabilities to solve challenges and problems in PLM. Moreover, the consequences of decisions and interactions when integrating Omnichannel strategy in the PLM framework will be worthy to be analyzed.
Magnetospheric Current Systems and the Polar Cap Index
Authors: Stauning Peter
Published: June 2022

The transpolar convection of plasma and embedded magnetic fields generated by the solar wind interaction with the magnetosphere can be characterized by the polar cap (PC) indices, PCN (North) and PCS (South). These indices are derived from polar magnetic variations and calibrated with respect to the solar wind merging electric field (coupling function), EM, considered to control the entry of solar wind energy into the magnetosphere providing power to disturbance processes such as magnetic storms, auroral substorms, and upper atmosphere heating. Thus, the PC indices could be used to quantify the solar wind intensities for solar-terrestrial research and to survey the entry of solar wind energy for space weather monitoring. The closest relations between PC indices and the geomagnetic disturbance processes are obtained by using the dual polar cap PCC indices built from the positive values of PCN and PCS. The present work demonstrates that the transpolar convection processes characterized by the PCC indices are closely related to the intensities of auroral electrojet currents, to substorm occurrences, and to the building of magnetospheric ring currents in the equatorial region at 4–6 earth radii distance.
Celiac Disease, Management, and Follow-Up
Authors: Ruiz-Carnicer Ángela , Segura Verónica , Sousa Carolina , Comino Isabel
Published: June 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated disorder characterized by a specific serological and histological profile triggered by gluten ingestion, which is given in genetically predisposed subjects. Heterogeneous clinical presentation is characteristic in CD, affecting any organ or tissue with gastrointestinal, extraintestinal, seronegative, or nonresponsive manifestations. CD diagnosis is based on several criteria, including genetic and serological tests, clinical symptoms and/or risk conditions, and duodenal biopsy. Currently, the available treatment for CD is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) that essentially relies on the consumption of naturally gluten-free foods, such as animal-based products, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, as well as gluten-free dietary products that may not contain more than 20 mg of gluten per kg of food according to Codex Alimentarius. However, it is difficult to maintain a strict oral diet for life and at least one-third of patients with CD are exposed to gluten. Difficulties adhering to a GFD have led to new tools to monitor the correct adherence to GFD and alternative forms of treatment.
Generalized Spectral-Temporal Features for Representing Speech Information
Authors: A. Zahorian Stephen , Liu Xiaoyu , Sadeghian Roozbeh
Published: June 2022

Based on extensive prior studies of speech science focused on the spectral-temporal properties of human speech perception, as well as a wide range of spectral-temporal speech features already in use, and motivated by the time-frequency resolution properties of human hearing, this chapter proposes and evaluates one general class of spectral-temporal features. These features, intended primarily for use in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) front ends, allow different realizations of general time-frequency concepts to be easily implemented and tuned through a set of frequency and time-warping functions. The methods presented are flexible enough to allow evaluation of the relative importance of the spectral and temporal features and to explore the trade-off between time and frequency resolution. Extensive ASR experiments were conducted to evaluate various spectral-temporal properties using this unified framework.
Perspective Chapter: Lattice Solitons in a Nonlocal Nonlinear Medium with Self-Focusing and Self-Defocusing Quintic Nonlinearity
Authors: Bağcı Mahmut , P. Horikis Theodoros , Bakırtaş İlkay , Antar Nalan
Published: June 2022

The fundamental lattice solitons are explored in a nonlocal nonlinear medium with self-focusing and self-defocusing quintic nonlinearity. The band-gap boundaries, soliton profiles, and stability domains of fundamental solitons are investigated comprehensively by the linear stability spectra and nonlinear evolution of the solitons. It is demonstrated that fundamental lattice solitons can stay stable for a wide range of parameters with the weak self-focusing and self-defocusing quintic nonlinearity, while strong self-focusing and self-defocusing quintic nonlinearities are shortened the propagation distance of evolved solitons. Furthermore, it is observed that when the instability emerges from strong quintic nonlinearity, increasing anisotropy of the medium and modification of lattice depth can be considered as a collapse arrest mechanism.
Machine Learning for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Drug Development
Authors: A. Shankarnarayan Shamanth , D. Guthrie Joshua , A. Charlebois Daniel
Published: June 2022

Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence which combines sophisticated algorithms and data to develop predictive models with minimal human interference. This chapter focuses on research that trains machine learning models to study antimicrobial resistance and to discover antimicrobial drugs. An emphasis is placed on applying machine learning models to detect drug resistance among bacterial and fungal pathogens. The role of machine learning in antibacterial and antifungal drug discovery and design is explored. Finally, the challenges and prospects of applying machine learning to advance basic research on and treatment of antimicrobial resistance are discussed. Overall, machine learning promises to advance antimicrobial resistance research and to facilitate the development of antibacterial and antifungal drugs.
HRTF Performance Evaluation: Methodology and Metrics for Localisation Accuracy and Learning Assessment
Authors: Poirier-Quinot David , S. Lawless Martin , Stitt Peter , F.G. Katz Brian
Published: June 2022

Through a review of the current literature, this chapter defines a methodology for the analysis of HRTF localisation performance, as applied to assess the quality of an HRTF selection or learning program. A case study is subsequently proposed, applying this methodology to a cross-comparison on the results of five contemporary experiments on HRTF learning. The objective is to propose a set of steps and metrics to allow for a systematic assessment of participant performance (baseline, learning rates, foreseeable performance plateau limits, etc.) to ease future inter-study comparisons.
Pneumococcal Carriage in Jordanian Children and the Importance of Vaccination
Authors: Al-Lahham Adnan
Published: June 2022

Pneumococcal carriage is a prerequisite for invasive and non-invasive infections, where children and elderly are the most vulnerable groups. Aims: Determine rates of carriage, resistance, and coverage of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in children attending day care centers (DCC) in north Jordan. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs (NP) were taken from healthy Jordanian children from north Jordan with ages ranging from 1 month to 14 years in the period from 2008 to 2019. Classical methods were used for cultivation, identification, resistance testing, and serotyping. Results: 1866 NP swabs were tested with carriage rate 39.3% (733 isolates). Resistance was variable; however, it showed highest rates for penicillin (89.3%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (73.0%). Serotype 19F predominates with 17.6% of all serotypes. Coverage of the future PCV20 was 73.1% compared to the old PCV7 (41.7%). About 493 cases had a previous 1–3 PCV7 injections, among which 256 (51.9%) cases were pneumococcal carriers, distributed as non-PCV vaccine serotypes (31.6%), and with PCV types (68.4%). Conclusions: The potential inclusion of the PCV vaccination in the national immunization program of the country is necessary.
Gravity Anomaly Interpretation Using the R-Parameter Imaging Technique over a Salt Dome
Authors: S. Essa Khalid , E. Diab Zein
Published: June 2022

Rapid imaging technique, so-called “R-parameter”, utilized for interpreting a gravity anomaly profile. The R-parameter based on calculating the correlation factor between the analytic signal of the real anomaly and the analytic signal of the forward anomaly of assumed buried source denoted by simple geometric shapes. The model parameters (amplitude, origin, depth, and shape factor) picked at the maximum value of the R-parameter. The technique has been proved on noise free and noisy numerical example, numerical example showing the impact of interfering sources. Furthermore, the introduced technique has been successfully applied to visualize a salt dome gravity anomaly profile, USA. The obtained results are in good agreement with those reported in the published studies and that with that obtained from drilling.
Per una fenomenologia critica della gravidanza
Authors: Miglio Nicole ,   Chiasmi International
Published: June 2022

In this paper, I outline some key epistemic premises for a critical phenomenology of gestational experience, working through the analysis of pregnant embodiment in Merleau-Ponty’s Psychologie et pédagogie de l’enfant. The first part of my paper introduces Merleau-Ponty’s anti-essentialist position; in the second part, I focus on pregnant embodiment, and I highlight Merleau-Ponty’s conception of the gestating subject as a self in the world and of the gestational body as lived body. In the third and final part, I suggest how critical phenomenology might account philosophically for the situated experience of the gestating self by considering the intersection of pregnancy and disability as a case study. These findings may suggest a path for fruitful further analysis of pregnant lived experience, taking into account the axes of oppression and marginalisation which shape one’s subjectivity.
Kulturkritik e fenomenologia nell’epoca della crisi ecologica
Authors: Iofrida Manlio ,   Chiasmi International
Published: June 2022

The emergence of ecology as a fundamental horizon not only of politics, but also of contemporary philosophy, pushes us to rethink the relationship that currents of thought such as Kuturkritik and phenomenology, especially the phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, can maintain with it. After a preliminary consideration of post-structuralist and postmodern positions from this perspective, the essay focuses on the French philosopher, and in particular on his courses on Nature and on his elaboration of the Husserlian concept of Stiftung. This results in Merleau-Ponty’s original position on the Kultur – Civilization alternative: critique of unlimited productivism, respect for the environment, and, at the same time, defense of the variety of cultures and traditions from a homogenizing globalization are valuable tools that his philosophy offers to the debates of our time.
Assessment of Station Keeping Capability for Dynamically Positioned Offshore Supply Vessel
Authors: Elkafas Ahmed G.
Published: June 2022

Dynamic positioning capability (DPCap) assessment is essential during the preliminary investigation of the positioning ability of a newly designed dynamic positioning system (DPS). Operational safety is always the first consideration in the design and operation of a new DPS. To be able to plan a safe and efficient operation, it is important to know the maximum environmental conditions that the DP vessel can withstand. The main objective of this article is to present a developed tool capable of conducting the DPCap analysis for offshore supply vessels based on the DNVGL methodology. The article describes the background studies, methodology, and mechanism associated with the formulation and development of the tool. The optimization of the design variables for the station-keeping criteria targets the highest capability at the lowest possible energy expenditure. Finally, the results are presented in the form of standard capability polar plots to show the application of the computational assessment procedure. The accuracy and reliability of the DPCap tool are validated by comparing with the results of the commercial one for the same case study ship at multiple simulation cases.

Introduction

Many offshore operations require the vessel to be kept in a position to face environmental loads from wind, waves and current. This can be achieved using Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) by using thrusters (Sørensen 2011).

Station keeping ability is used in different types of vessels with varying operational requirements. Cruise vessels and mega yachts use it in the form of virtual anchoring to avoid the environmental impact of anchoring in the sensitive estuaries they often ply. The importance of DPS is growing because of the increase in the number of offshore construction sites requiring DPS for their operations (Mehrzadi et al. 2020). Over the last four decades, dynamic positioning (DP) in deep water has been used in the marine sector, oil and gas industries, and military services in many tasks such as drilling, oil and gas floating production platform, cable, and pipe laying, docking and towing, firefighting, supply, search and rescue, surveying, and mobile offshore bases (MOB). Each of these operations benefits from a DP system’s ability to include precise position-keeping, freedom from the restrictions of mooring spread systems, the ability to move quickly from one site to another, and track-keeping capabilities (Elkafas et al. 2021; Mahfouz 2007).