bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video Forgery Detection using an Improved BAT with Stacked Auto Encoder Model
Authors: Girish Nagaraj  , Nandini Channegowda
Published: April 2024

There are various public and private places such as banks, roads, offices, and homes equipped with cameras for surveillance. The surveillance videos are consisting of a precious source of information related to critical application scopes. The main problem is to aid powerful and accessible software that changes the content present in the video for the forgery creation of a video. The forgery involves region duplication that has a common video tampering. The existing techniques are utilized to detect video tampering from the forged videos that showed complexity in the background. Thus, it is important to overcome the problem of forgery detection in the research. The Spatio-temporal averaging model is carried out for the collection of a video sequence for obtaining the background information. This can detect the moving objects effectively for forgery detection. Next, the ResNet 18 is used for extraction of the feature vectors, and the discriminative feature vectors were reduced and improved the training time and accuracy. The Single Auto Encoder (SAE) is not able to reduce the input features' dimensionality. Thus, the SAE has used 3 encoders stacked on the top for detecting the forgery. It is based on the sequence of videos. In comparison to the existing models, the proposed approach outperformed them with accuracy rates of 98.6%, sensitivity rates of 98.60%, specificity rates of 98.47%, MCC rates of 97.29%, and precision rates of 99.93%.
Investigation Performance Analysis and Evaluation of VANET Routing Protocol on Urban Scenario Simulation: A Case Study of Melaka
Authors: Nurul Fazleen Abdul Rahim  , Adam Wong Yoon Khang  , Aslinda Hassan  , Nadiatulhuda Zulkifli  , Johar Akbar Mohamat Gani  , Abd Shukur Ja'afar  , Vadym Shkarupylo
Published: April 2024

Vehicles on the road create a VANET network using IEEE 802.11P for wireless data exchange. However, VANET is challenging since the characteristics of VANET such as high mobility and frequent topology making it harder to design an effective routing protocol. The needs of an efficient performance routing protocol are crucial since it is to ensure a better network Quality of Service (QoS). In this paper, the evaluation of the IEEE 802.11P performance is simulated in real-world scenario using the Melaka City roadmap. In an urban setting, the impact of vehicle density on the performance of VANET routing protocols including OLSR, AODV, and DSDV are examined. Reviewing the effectiveness of the current VANET routing protocols is the goal of this research since it is crucial to know which routing has high performance under specific circumstances. Quantitative measurements including Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Packet Loss Ratio (PLR), and end-to-end delay are evaluated using the Network Simulator NS-3 and SUMO. Findings from the investigation show that while proactive routing protocols like OLSR and DSDV perform better in terms of end-to-end delay, AODV performs exceptionally well in terms of PDR and PLR.
Simulation Approach of Photovoltaic Thermal Based on Water Collector with Rectangular Model
Authors: Muhammad Zohri  , Prabowo  , Suwarno  , Ahmad Fudholi  , Sena Abraham Irsyad  , Ajeng Tri Rahayu  , Yadi Radiansah  , Dalmasius Ganjar Subagio  , Yusuf Suryo Utomo  , Aep Saepudin
Published: April 2024

The advancement of PVT technology in the contemporary era is experiencing an upward trend. This phenomenon can be attributed to the growing societal demand for energy, particularly renewable energy derived from solar sources. The present study investigates the rectangular configuration of a water-based heat absorber within a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system. The rectangular model PVT system was simulated using nine different mass flow rate of water variations within the rectangular model channel. The dataset has nine mass flow rate of water variants ranging from 0.001 kg/s to 0.009 kg/s, as well as six solar radiation variations: 500 W/m2, 600 W/m2, 700 W/m2, 800 W/m2, 900 W/m2, and 1000 W/m2. The maximum average outlet temperature achieved under 1000 W/m2 solar radiation is 50.53%, given a 0.001 kg/s fluid mass flow rate. The maximum average photovoltaic (PV) efficiency is 11.93% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. The maximum average photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) efficiency is 76.23% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. Therefore, utilizing rectangular collectors in water-based photovoltaic-thermal systems potentially substantially enhanced the average thermal efficiency and overall PVT efficiency. Consequently, it is advisable to consider incorporating rectangular collectors in the future improvements of PVT technology.
Numerical Study of the Air Outlet Effect Inside a Living Room Connected to an Aerovoltaic Solar Air Heater
Authors: Slah Driss  , Ridha Boudhiaf  , Aram Hmid  , Ismail Baklouti  , Abederrahmane Aissa  , Imen Kallel kammoun  , Mohameds Salah Abid
Published: April 2024

In Sfax–Tunisia, Fossil fuels such as coal, fuel oil and natural gas, are the principle elements responsible for heating of buildings. The problem of pollution result is from the blazing of these fossil fuels and the dramatic increasing in the price of electricity. Thus aerovoltaic solar air heater (ASAH) appears to be a suitable and inexpensive technique for supplying hot air to heat buildings in the sunny area. The idea behind this paper is to employ the ASAH to improve the indoor air quality and thermal comfort by connecting the room and the panel through the use of a pipe. The objective of this work is to develop the design of ASAH and to study numerically the aerodynamic and thermal structures during the heating of a living room connected to an ASAH by means of ANSYS Fluent 17.0.Numerical simulation, implementing a RNG k-ɛ turbulence model, shows that this technique has a positive effect to improve the thermal comfort in a living room. Thus, it is suggested to employ an ASAH to heat buildings.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Early Detection with Ultrasonography of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population
Authors: Baek Han-Sang , Ha Jeonghoon , Kim Kwangsoon , Bae Ja Seong , Kim Jeong Soo , Kim Sungju , Lim Dong-Jun , Kim Chul-Min
Published: April 2024

Background: There is debate about ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer and its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early screening (ES) versus symptomatic detection (SD) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Korea.Methods: A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ES and SD. The model considered direct medical costs, health outcomes, and different diagnostic and treatment pathways. Input data were derived from literature and Korean population studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 or 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainties of the model’s variables.Results: In a base case scenario with 50 years of follow-up, ES was found to be cost-effective compared to SD, with an ICER of $2,852 per QALY. With WTP set at $100,000, in the case with follow-up less than 10 years, the SD was cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that variables such as lobectomy probability, age, mortality, and utility scores significantly influenced the ICER. Despite variations in costs and other factors, all ICER values remained below the WTP threshold.Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that ES is a cost-effective strategy for DTC screening in the Korean medical system. Early detection and subsequent lobectomy contribute to the cost-effectiveness of ES, while SD at an advanced stage makes ES more cost-effective. Expected follow-up duration should be considered to determine an optimal strategy for DTC screening.
Comunicación intercultural en las organizaciones multinacionales, desde una perspectiva teórica
Authors: Vieyra Lilia Isabel
Published: April 2024

La creciente demanda de expansión empresarial, relacionada con la globalización que se ha dado en la actualidad, trae consigo nuevos retos para las organizaciones que operan en diversos países, atrayendo la atención de estudios y tendencias en el tema. La comunicación intercultural como competencia para resolver algunos temas de apropiación de la cultura, así como el clima y efectividad en los equipos de trabajo, es el tema principal del siguiente artículo. El propósito principal de este escrito, es hacer unarevisión sobre el análisis de la comunicación intercultural en las organizaciones y su relación con la apropiación de la cultura, con el clima y la efectividad en los equipos de trabajo. Este documento es una exploración teórica en torno a investigaciones recientes que abordan la interculturalidad y su correlación tanto con la cultura, como con la efectividad y el clima en las organizaciones. Para ello se analizaron 134 investigaciones, de las cuales únicamente dieciséis fueron de utilidad, por presentar una metodología completa y estar relacionadas directamente con el tema.

Fecha de recepción: 26/05/2023Fecha de aceptación: 15/08/2023
Graduating Accountancy Students’ Digital Competencies on Industry 4.0 Career Preparedness Moderated by: Experiential Learning
Authors: Alexandra I. Acuña Maria , Angel Marie P. Alcantara Lovely , B. Bansil Cynthia , F. Dayrit Kate , Niña Nicole V. Mallari Sandra , Mae S. Padilla Anna
Published: April 2024

Industry 4.0 continues to revolutionize every sector in the industry, including the accounting profession, requiring a new set of technical skills and competencies from aspiring accountants. A gap exists between what the industry requires and what the academe produces. Thus, the research aims to investigate the role of experiential learning on digital competencies and career preparedness, in the context of Industry 4.0, of the graduating accountancy students at Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU). This study employed a correlational research design. The participants are the 115 graduating accountancy students of DHVSU Main and Mexico Campuses. A three-partsurvey questionnaire was administered through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics, Pearson-r, and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis of data. The findings indicated a high level of digital competence, career preparedness, and knowledge gained from experiential learning. The variable digital competence significantly corresponded to the students’ career preparedness under Industry 4.0. The effect of experiential learning on digital competency and career preparedness was also found to be significant. The findings carry significant implications for key stakeholders, underlining the importance of students acquiring a higher degree of digital competence to effectively navigate the challenges that Industry 4.0 has brought to the accounting profession.
Shaping the Future of Transportation with Automation
Authors: J Sivaprakesh. , T Madhumita. , kumar.V Jaswanth , Gowri K.
Published: April 2024

This study explores the advancements and challenges of AI-powered self-driving cars, specifically in the context of urban planning, traffic management, and transportation systems. It investigates the technological components of autonomous vehicles, including computer vision, machine learning algorithms, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making systems. The research further delves into the training and learning procedures, focusing on the use of large datasets, deep neural networks, and reinforcement learning to continuously enhance driving capabilities through interaction with the environment. The goal is to assess the potential of AI to improve road safety, transit efficiency, and individual mobility, while acknowledging the obstacles that need to be overcome for widespread adoption and societal trust.
Wealth and learning achievement of pupils in primary schools in Uganda: Implications for government economic empowerment programs
Authors: Kyagulanyi Ronald , Rwothomio Joseph , Mpoza John Baptist
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the possession of family wealth and its impact on the academic achievement of primary school students in Eastern Uganda. A correlational survey design was employed to analyse UWEZO secondary data collected from eight districts in the eastern region of Uganda, encompassing 6,302 children and 6,031 families. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that socio-economic factors positively influence children's literacy and numeracy achievements. Families possessing solar lighting, mobile phones, tables, chairs, textbooks, and a reliable source of water demonstrated higher proficiency in literacy and numeracy skills. It is likely that children in households with these possessions were able to engage in private study at home, given the conducive study environment, well-lit rooms, essential furniture, and access to textbooks. Furthermore, these children were more likely to receive additional tutoring after school and had access to the internet through mobile phones and computers, allowing them to access crucial educational information. Based on these findings, we recommend that the government provide sustainable livelihood options for struggling families.
CREATIVITY IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEACHING: THE EVIDENCE FROM SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Nedzinskaitė-Mačiūnienė Rasa , Minelgaitė Inga
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the empirical studies on project management teaching in higher education, examining to what extent teaching methods are oriented towards creativity. The systematic review is based on an analysis of relevant papers published between 1983 and 2019 and extracted from the electronic the ProQuest database and International Journal of Project Management. Literature suggests diverse benefits creativity can bring about to project environment including communication, conflict management, goal setting, and addressing increasing complexity of projectification impacted environment. However, the systematic review revealed that creativity is virtually not addressed at all in teaching of project management in higher education, even though overall diverse teaching methods and learning methods are used in the education of future project managers.
Description of Navicula vanseea sp. nov. (Naviculales, Naviculaceae), a new species of diatom from the highly alkaline Lake Van (Republic of Türkiye) with complete characterisation of its organellar genomes and multigene phylogeny
Authors: Yılmaz Elif , Mann David G. , Gastineau Romain , Trobajo Rosa , Solak Cüneyt Nadir , Górecka Ewa , Turmel Monique , Lemieux Claude , Ertorun Nesil , Witkowski Andrzej
Published: April 2024

The current article describes Navicula vanseeasp. nov., a new species of diatom from Lake Van, a highly alkaline lake in Eastern Anatolia (Türkiye). The description is based on light and scanning electron microscopy performed on two monoclonal cultures. The complete nuclear rRNA clusters and plastid genomes have been sequenced for these two strains and the complete mitogenome for one of them. The plastome of both strains shows the probable loss of a functional ycf35 gene. They also exhibit two IB4 group I introns in their rrl, each encoding for a putative LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease, with the first L1917 IB4 intron reported amongst diatoms. The Maximum Likelihood phylogeny inferred from a concatenated alignment of 18S, rbcL and psbC distinguishes N. vanseea sp. nov. from the morphologically similar species Navicula cincta and Navicula microdigitoradiata.
Zhangixalus thaoae sp. nov., a new green treefrog species from Vietnam (Anura, Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Nguyen Tao Thien , Nguyen Huy Hoang , Ninh Hoa Thi , Le Linh Tu Hoang , Bui Hai Tuan , Orlov Nikolai , Hoang Chung Van , Ziegler Thomas
Published: April 2024

We describe a new treefrog species from Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam. The new species is assigned to the genus Zhangixalus based on a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) dorsum green, smooth; body size medium (SVL 30.1–32.2 in males); (2) fingers webbed; tips of digits expanded into large disks, bearing circum-marginal grooves; (3) absence of dermal folds along limbs; (4) absence of supracloacal fold and tarsal projection. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by: (1) dorsal surface of the head and body green without spots; (2) axilla and groin cream with a black blotch; (3) ventral cream without spot; (4) chin creamy with grey marbling; anterior part of the thigh and ventral surface of tibia orange without spots; posterior parts of thigh orange with a large black blotch; (5) ventral side of webbing orange with some grey pattern (6) iris red-bronze, pupils black; (7) finger webbing formula I1¼-1¼II1-2III1-1IV, toe webbing formula I½-½II0-1½III¼-1¾IV1¾-½V. Phylogenetically, the new species is nested in the same subclade as Z. jodiae, Z. pinglongensis, and Z. yaoshanensis, with genetic distances ranging from 3.23% to 4.68%. The new species can be found in evergreen montane tropical forests at an elevation of about 1,883 m a.s.l. This new discovery brings the number of known genus Zhangixalus species to 42 and the number of species reported from Vietnam to 10.
A Case of Metapneumovirus Pneumonia-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Young Adult Patient
Authors: Kim Tae Wan , Kim Won-Young
Published: April 2024

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections commonly present as mild upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adults, although severe respiratory complications have been observed, particularly in elderly and immunocompromised patients. We report a case in whom pneumonia caused by hMPV progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a healthy adult without underlying diseases. A 31-year-old female presented with fever and dyspnea, prompting transfer to our hospital for mechanical ventilation 3 days after symptom onset. Auscultation revealed coarse breath sounds and crackles in both lung fields, and chest X-ray showed non-specific infiltrative nodules with poorly defined borders throughout both lungs. ARDS caused by community-acquired pneumonia was diagnosed. hMPV was identified via rapid testing of respiratory samples for genes that encode pneumonia pathogens and drug resistance markers; we employed reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions to these ends. Six days later, the patient was weaned off the mechanical ventilator, and discharged from the hospital in good clinical condition.
Diagnosis, Clinical Course and Treatment of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Park Jong Sun
Published: April 2024

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory and fibrosing interstitial lung disease caused by inhaled antigens in susceptible individuals. Various environmental materials can serve as inciting agents of HP. Recent guidelines have defined typical radiologic and histopathologic findings of HP, classifying it into nonfibrotic and fibrotic HP categories, as this classification better correlates with clinical outcomes. Diagnosing HP poses challenges, necessitating multidisciplinary discussions based on clinical assessments and radiologic or histopathological features. The cornerstone of treatment lies in avoiding the causative antigen. Oral glucocorticoids serve as the initial treatment for symptomatic HP. Immunosuppressants may be employed in patients who do not respond to initial treatment, and antifibrotics could be considered for patients displaying progressive fibrosis. This review outlines the clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of HP.
The EU Countries’ Assessment with Respect to the Prevalence of Severe Material Deprivation and Determinants of Poverty: Application of Non-parametric DEA Approach
Authors: Kovářová Eva
Published: April 2024

Reduction of poverty or social exclusion belongs to the priorities of the EU countries defined in the Europe 2020 Strategy. This priority was defined as being interrelated with the priorities focused on employment and education. Numbers of people living in poverty varied between the EU countries, which also varied in the progress towards achieving their national targets concerning poverty reduction. The aim of the paper was to assess the EU countries with respect to the prevalence of poverty and its determinants in the context of the priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Two methods were used to meet the aim of the paper – the correlation analysis and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), including also the Malmquist Index. Results of the DEA revealed that all EU countries were not assessed as being fully efficient. A number of efficient countries first declined between the years 2008-2010, then it started to increase and reached the maximum value in 2017. Between the years 2010-2014, 11 countries improved their productivity, but between the years 2017-2019, improvement was identified only for five countries. Results of correlation analysis confirmed the importance of policies focused on households’ incomes and employment for the successful reduction of poverty. Keywords: DEA, determinants of poverty, EU countries, poverty, severe material deprivation.
Social Entrepreneurship Education at Croatian Universities
Authors: Konecki Irena , Detelj Kristina
Published: April 2024

The paper aims to examine how social entrepreneurship education (SEE) is implemented at Croatian universities. The research was conducted through in-depth interviews with five professors who teach the Social Entrepreneurship course or a related one that covers this topic. The undertaken research identified the dominant themes within the content of the analysed courses, the teaching techniques used, and the target competencies of SEE. The comparison of the results with SEE in other countries resulted in three opportunities for the development of the analysed courses: (1) emphasizing the importance of social enterprise scaling and local adaptation of existing social innovations; (2) greater use of service learning; (3) more significant focus on sales skills and financial management with an emphasis on new sources of financing aimed at social enterprises. The results will help policy creators support the recommended improvements of the SEE at Croatian universities. Key words: social entrepreneurship education; syllabus; teaching methods; competencies
Effect of Hybrid Learning on Students’ Academic Performance at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Oujda
Authors: Essadki Samia , Fourtassi Maryam
Published: April 2024

Following the restrictive security measures imposed by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, education, like all other social sectors, has been radically disrupted. All educational systems have been urged to adopt distance learning to guarantee the continuation of training. The present study aims to determine the effect of the mode of learning used in training on students’ academic performance at the Higher Institutes of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (HINPHT) of Oujda in Morocco. Academic results and collected using an exploitation form are compared between two groups of students registered at the institution. The first group includes students who enrolled in September 2019 and were admitted during the COVID-19 containment period. These students initially received face-to-face training in the first semester but were later transitioned to online training during the lockdown period (n = 185). The second comparison group comprises students who received face-to-face training throughout (n = 413). The results of the present study reveal a significant increase in the average number of students who benefited from the hybrid training mode in all semesters. However, failure and dropout rates have increased in the hybrid mode compared to the face-to-face mode. This decrease in the number of students graduating within six semesters is notable in the hybrid mode compared to the control group. Further research can be conducted to examine the effect technological teaching devices may have on learner motivation and sense of control during training.
Advancements in Satellite Remote Sensing for Predicting Large-Scale Wildfire Risks: An Image Processing Algorithmic Framework
Authors: Li Boxin , Ren Hong’e , Tian Jing
Published: April 2024

With the escalation of global warming and human activities, large-scale wildfires have become increasingly frequent, posing significant threats to both ecological environments and human societal safety. Satellite remote sensing technology plays a pivotal role in wildfire monitoring and risk assessment, providing extensive geographical coverage and continuous monitoring capabilities. Traditional methods for predicating wildfire risk, however, face limitations in processing large-scale remote sensing data, especially in cloud detection and temporal information analysis. In response to this challenge, a novel set of image processing algorithms has been developed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of wildfire risk prediction. Initially, a cloud detection and removal algorithm based on deep learning is introduced. This algorithm effectively identifies and eliminates cloud interference in remote sensing images, thereby significantly improving the quality and usability of image data. Subsequently, a temporal information capturing technique is proposed, capable of processing vast amounts of remote sensing data and extracting time series features. This technique provides robust data support for wildfire risk prediction. The application of these technologies not only improves the efficiency of the data processing workflow but also enhances the timeliness and accuracy of the prediction model, holding significant practical importance for guiding actual wildfire prevention and response measures.
The Impact of ChatGPT on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Li Mingsheng
Published: April 2024

The integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT is reshaping higher education by transforming teaching and learning dynamics. This article delves into ChatGPT's impact, exploring opportunities, challenges, and future potential. ChatGPT's deployment in higher education offers interactive and adaptive classrooms, enabling personalized learning experiences. Educators use ChatGPT to enhance engagement, critical thinking, and tailor content, fostering innovative teaching. However, integrating ChatGPT also introduces challenges, including plagiarism detection concerns due to AI-generated assignments and potential impacts on writing skills and independent thinking. Addressing misinformation risks from AI content requires responsible usage guidelines. Looking forward, ChatGPT holds promise in higher education, as AI-enhanced collaborative classrooms redefine teaching. The symbiosis of ChatGPT with human instructors enhances effectiveness, providing real-time insights and boosting student engagement.
Enhanced and Holistic Voyage Planning Using Digital Twins
Authors: Kaklis Dimitris , Antonopoulos Antonis
Published: April 2024

The chapter explains techniques and approaches to optimize a ship's voyage in terms of environmental and business parameters, utilizing the digital twin (DT) concept. It demonstrates how voyage planning and navigation management, in general, is enhanced by taking into account vessel state in real time as reflected and analyzed by the digital twin ecosystem. The theoretical backbone of voyage planning entails a multitude of state-of-the-art processes from trajectory mining and path finding algorithms to multi constraining optimization by including a variety of parameters to the initial problem, such as weather avoidance, bunkering, Just in Time (JIT) arrival, predictive maintenance, as well as inventory management and charter party compliance. In this chapter, the authors showcase pertinent literature regarding navigation management as well as how the envisaged DT platform can redesign voyage planning incorporating all the aforementioned parameters in a holistic digital replica of the en-route vessel, eventually proposing mitigation solutions to improve operational efficiency in real-time, through simulation, reasoning, and analysis.
The Fastest-Growing Aviation/Aerospace Cluster in Portugal and What We Can Learn From It
Authors: Moreira Miguel Centeno
Published: April 2024

This investigation reports on the recent evolution of a regional aviation/aerospace cluster in Portugal, located in Ponte de Sor, a small city in the region of Alentejo. Recognized as one of the driving forces of the cluster´s significant growth, the municipal aerodrome anchors the local and regional development in the last decade in this sector. In this chapter, recent and future investment cycles and their socioeconomic impacts are analyzed, the growing diversity and complementarity of activities are presented, and the municipal strategy is discussed going forward. The investigation, based on a Porter´s diamond model analysis, leads us to the conclusion that the Ponte de Sor cluster is set to become one of Portugal´s major aviation/aerospace keystones in future years.
Comparative Analysis of Seasonality Patterns in Faro Airport (Portugal)
Authors: Abrantes Jorge , Castro e Quadros Rui , Rodrigues António
Published: April 2024

Seasonality is a reality in leisure tourist destinations such as the Mediterranean and the Algarve (Portugal) Region in Europe. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the seasonal effects on passenger air operations to/from Faro airport (Algarve), based on a comparative analysis that takes into account a period of low season (February) and a period of high season (August). In methodological terms, the analysis will be exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative although based on quantitative elements, taking into account the origin destinations of the traffic, the airlines and their operations and the respective number of flights. The results obtained show the strong incidence of seasonality at Faro airport, both with an increase in the number of flights operated in high season, as well as a greater number of airlines and destinations (some of them operated exclusively seasonal).
The Role of the Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer Collections With Regard to Information Literacy
Authors: Williams Belinda Rachel
Published: April 2024

The role of collections and collection development with regard to information literacy cannot be ignored. Collections are depicting knowledge and information as well as research and research patterns. These collections must be examined, revealed, and advocated for educational, recreational, cultural, and academic reasons. Information literacy refers to the awareness of information that is captured in collections; knowing where, when, and how to find it; understanding the volume of information needed; and establishing the level of sophistication of the information. Information literacy is also the ability to determine why and when information is important, how it should be applied, who can obtain it, which audience will benefit from it, and which person or institution can be approached in endeavors to obtain it.
Nigeria cNGN Stablecoin
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: April 2024

Several firms have expressed an interest to develop a stablecoin in Nigeria called the compliant-Nigerian-Naira (cNGN). The purpose of this paper is to explore the features, benefits, and challenges of issuing a stablecoin in Nigeria known as the cNGN stablecoin. The study also compares the proposed cNGN with the eNaira central bank digital currency and offer several differences that are worth noting. The study shows that the proposed cNGN stablecoin offers many benefits. They include enabling faster payments, ensuring seamless cross-border payments, and increasing participation in the financial system for those who are already banked. The study also identifies some challenges of the proposed cNGN stablecoin. The study concludes by stating that the long-term success of the cNGN will be guaranteed if majority of Nigerians embrace it and if cNGN issuers collaborate with regulators to ensure that the cNGN is designed in a way that achieves financial stability objectives, transparency, and consumer protection.
Corporate Governance for Sustainable Development
Authors: Sridharan A. , Kumar Sunita
Published: April 2024

Governance relates to structures and processes within an organisation to ensure greater accountability, a higher sense of responsiveness, transparency, and rule of law. Corporate governance balances the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders, customers, vendors, financiers, the government, the community, and, very importantly, its own employees. While traditionally corporates had one clear agenda—i.e., make more profits and increase the shareholders' wealth—the 21st century saw the corporates turning a new leaf and looking at their growth from a societal perspective, specifically those relating to sustainable development like environmental protection. In the classical case of poor corporate governance, in the year 1984, the city Bhopal in India witnessed the most nightmarish experience, with the death of 16,000 people due to the leakage of a poisonous gas.
Navigating the Gap
Authors: Mohanta Abhinash , Bag Akash , Shreya  , Choudhary Kumud
Published: April 2024

Human migration has helped populations survive harsh environments. However, international law has mostly addressed migration caused by persecution, conflict, and war, leaving environmental migrants unprotected. This chapter critically evaluates four essential international human rights and environmental law tools to protect environmental refugees. These include the refugee convention, complementary protection, guiding principles on internal displacement, and UNFCCC. By carefully analyzing these instruments, it becomes clear that they cannot fully address environmental migration. This constraint highlights the need for a separate international mechanism to address environmental displacement. The instrument should strengthen affected populations' resilience and assist in relocation.
State Security Agent
Authors: Yang Meng , Li Yuhong
Published: April 2024

This chapter attempts to explore the interaction between national sovereignty and private security companies, taking Myanmar and Cambodia as examples. After the end of the cold war, some countries are still in the process of State-building. To ensure domestic and international security, the authorities decided to take their security off the border and entrust it to PSC. Among them, the adaptability of shared security sovereignty and the demand for security interests jointly determine the practice of shared security sovereignty of the state over PSC. During the military government period, Myanmar faced significant international pressure, but maintained a certain degree of national stability. the state and PSC had an unstable alliance relationship. After the democratization process began, overall international pressure weakened, and the two parties tended to be stable alliances or potential alliances. As for Cambodia, the lack of national capacity has led it to actively accept international norms and to strengthen cooperation with PSC. After a solid political authority was build, Cambodia began to reduce cooperation with PSC. Whether it is Myanmar or Cambodia, it has been shown that the disembedding of security is a last resort for transitional countries whose state construction has not yet been completed. Once a solid-state authority is established and it meets the needs of international norms, the state will often monopolize security supply. It does not allow private security companies to share security sovereignty.
Assimilative Potentials in Planning and Public Policy Analysis
Authors: Sacramento Noe John Joseph Endencio
Published: April 2024

This chapter builds on the argument that assimilative formulas to policy analysis are essential to mending the debate between the technocratic paradigms and the critical approaches to policy analysis. In real-world policy practice at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing public problems demands an innovative direction to advance policy initiatives that are both inclusive and transformative. The chapter's discussion reimagined the characteristics and role of the assimilative practitioner spanning across issues on social injustices, high inequalities, professionalization, and micropolitics. Critical insight from Chiang Mai City, Thailand suggests that a sound policy analysis goes beyond the hectic technical systems or a messy deliberative process. Lessons direct us to go beyond these boundaries and limitations and seek a creative reimagination of policy analysis that is both assimilative and critically pragmatic.
Literacy, Resilience, and Financial Well-Being in Higher Education Students
Authors: Dias Patrícia , Pinto Borges Ana , Vieira Elvira
Published: April 2024

The authors assessed the determinants of the overall financial literacy indicator of higher education students in Portugal and the relationship between the financial literacy indicator and the indicators of resilience and financial well-being. Based on a non-parametric quantitative analysis, the authors used a sample of 469 higher education students. They observed that students present globally more satisfactory indicators compared to the Portuguese population and are influenced by demographic factors such as age, gender, level of education, and income. The results are far from reasonable, especially in the dimension related to knowledge. As also statistically confirmed, there exists a positive and significant relationship between the financial literacy indicator and the indicators of resilience and financial well-being. Therefore, this study adopts a novel approach that intends to link these indicators with higher education students, as there is still a lack of research that addresses the concept of digital financial literacy within this context.
Fostering Student Engagement and Empathy
Authors: Sabeena G. , Jain Sunitha Abhay
Published: April 2024

The chapter highlights the potential of integrating service learning into mental health and human rights curricula. It emphasizes the transformative impact of service learning in fostering student engagement, empathy, and social responsibility by blending theoretical frameworks, historical context, and practical models. Service learning emerges as a powerful tool for promoting positive change within communities and encouraging student activism on mental health and human rights issues. Advocating for ongoing exploration and implementation of service learning initiatives is crucial despite India's delayed implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. Harnessing service learning's potential is essential for effectively addressing these critical issues.
Does the Concept of Property Rights Hold Relevance for Human Resource Performance?
Authors: Issaoui Fakhri , Abderrahim Zaher Meshari , Othayman Majed Bin , Slimani Slah
Published: April 2024

In a world where information technologies (ITs) are globalizing and acting directly and explicitly on organizations, the question of property rights neutrality becomes strategic. In this study, the authors investigated whether ownership is a determinant of human resource performance or whether it is driven by factors other than ownership (e.g., technology and IT). Thus, the major objective of this research was to find out under what conditions ownership exerts a nonneutral effect on the performance of human resources and whether these effects are dependent on the technological aspects of organizations. The authors' methodology included two techniques, namely, nonparametric tests applied to the main indicators of 21 privatized companies (operating in the IT and other sectors) in the Tunisian case, and panel data to explain the impact of privatizations on human resources. The results showed that the privatization process has allowed an improvement in productivity indicators through an increase in incentive systems, particularly for companies with high technological content. The application of the econometric technique evidenced a whole policy of restructuring the allocation of human resources, in the postprivatization period. This makes sense because the incentive system of newly privatized companies strived to be more efficient. Furthermore, the second model showed that human resource dynamics after privatization depends on the business cycle and the nature of investors and IT. The third model confirmed the idea that privatization leads to an improvement in the workforce and its productivity in the long term. Overall, the study generated important managerial implications, the most important of which is that privatization can only generate a positive effect on human resource performance when employees feel involved in the process and as much as the organization is involved in new ITs.
Should we perform sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in people under 45 years?
Authors: Leong Waiian , Guo Jia-Qi , Ning Chun , Luo Fei-Fei , Jiao Rui , Yang Dong-Ye
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The strategy for preventing colorectal cancer is screening by colonoscopy, which offers a direct way for detection and removal of adenomatous polyps (APs). American College of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend that people aged ≥ 45 years should undergo colonoscopy; however, how to deal with people aged ≤ 45 years is still unknown.

AIM

To compare the prevalence of APs and high-grade neoplasia between the left and right colon in patients ≤ 45 years.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single tertiary III hospital in China. This study included patients aged 18–45 years with undergoing initial colonoscopy dissection and pathological diagnosis AP or high-grade neoplasia between February 2014 and January 2021. The number of APs in the entire colon while screening and post-polypectomy surveillance in following 1–3 years were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 3053 cases were included. The prevalence of APs in the left and right colon was 55.0% and 41.6%, respectively (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.6–2.4; P < 0.05). For APs with high-grade neoplasia, the prevalence was 2.7% and 0.9%, respectively (OR 3.0, 95%CI 2.0–4.6; P < 0.05). Therefore, the prevalence of APs and high-grade neoplasia in the left colon was significantly higher than in the right colon in patients aged ≤ 45 years. There were 327 patients who voluntarily participated in post-polypectomy surveillance in following 1–3 years, and APs were found in 216 cases (66.1%); 170 cases had 1–3 polyps (52.0%) and 46 cases had > 3 polyps (14.1%; OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1–0.6; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy would be an optimal approach for initial screening in people aged ≤ 45 years and would be a more cost-effective and safe strategy.
Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of survival in biliary tract adenocarcinomas
Authors: Sahyoun Laura , Chen Kay , Tsay Cynthia , Chen George , Protiva Petr
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in detection and treatments, biliary tract cancers continue to have poor survival outcomes. Currently, there is limited data investigating the significance of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and environmental factors in biliary tract cancer survival.

AIM

To investigate how socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are associated with survival.

METHODS

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for biliary and gallbladder adenocarcinomas were extracted from 1975 to 2016. Socioeconomic data included smoking, poverty level, education, adjusted household income, and percentage of foreign-born persons and urban population. Survival was calculated with Cox proportional hazards models for death in the 5-year period following diagnosis.

RESULTS

Our study included 15883 gallbladder, 11466 intrahepatic biliary, 12869 extrahepatic biliary and 7268 ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma cases. When analyzing county-specific demographics, patients from counties with higher incomes were associated with higher survival rates [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97, P <0.05]. Similarly, counties with a higher percentage of patients with a college level education and counties with a higher urban population had higher 5-year survival rates (HR = 0.96, P = 0.002 and HR = 0.97, P = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Worse survival outcomes were observed in lower income counties while higher income and education level were associated with higher 5-year overall survival among gallbladder and biliary malignancies.
Effect of Aftermarket Modifications on ADAS Functionality – 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Light Vehicle
Authors: Bastiaan Jennifer , Muller Mike , Morales Luis
Published: April 2024

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming common on passenger cars and pickup trucks. Accordingly, the manufacturers and installers of aftermarket equipment for these vehicles have an interest in confirming the functionality of ADAS when their equipment is put in place. However, there is very little publicly available information on the effect of aftermarket components on original equipment ADAS. To address this deficiency, a research program was undertaken in which a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 light truck was tested in four different hardware configurations, including stock as well as three modified conditions. Aftermarket modifications to the vehicle consisted of increased tire diameters, a level kit, and two different lift kits. A series of physical tests were carried out to evaluate the ADAS performance of the vehicle with modifications. Tests were designed to investigate differences in driver alerts including lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, blind spot detections, and rear cross traffic alerts. These tests were also developed to assess the variation in vehicle responses when driver assistance technologies intervened. Intervention scenarios examined include lane keeping support, crash imminent braking, and traffic jam assistance. In general, results from the tests did not indicate significant ADAS performance differences when the vehicle was subject to modifications. Nevertheless, some tests showed a greater range in alert distances in certain modified configurations.
Test Vector Development for Verification and Validation of Heavy-Duty Autonomous Vehicle Operations
Authors: Siekmann Adam , Miller Brandon , Sujan Vivek , Moore Amy
Published: April 2024

The current focus in the ongoing development of autonomous driving systems (ADS) for heavy duty vehicles is that of vehicle operational safety. To this end, developers and researchers alike are working towards a complete understanding of the operating environments and conditions that autonomous vehicles are subject to during their mission. This understanding is critical to the testing and validation phases of the development of autonomous vehicles and allows for the identification of both the nominal and edge case scenarios encountered by these systems. Previous work by the authors saw the development of a comprehensive scenario generation framework to identify an operating domain specification (ODS), or external and internal conditions an autonomous driving system can expect to encounter on its mission to form critical scenario groups for autonomous vehicle testing and validating using statistical patterns, clustering, and correlation. Continuing this prior work, this paper focuses on the generation of test cases based on the critical scenarios identified that can be used to prioritize either the most common nominal driving scenarios or the least common severe driving scenarios. These test cases can then be used validate, through simulation or real-world testing, the operating design domain (ODD) for a generalized driving mission and built upon to identify spatial and temporal impacts on the driving mission of an autonomous vehicle.