bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIALEKTIKA TASAWUF KH. MUHAMMAD SHALEH DALAM KITAB HAŻA AL-KITAB MATNU AL-ḤIKAM
Authors: Akhmad Luthfi Aziz
Published: April 2021

Tulisan ini akan membahas tentang konsep ketundukan hamba, keikhlasan, dan urusan dunia dalam kitab Haża Al-Kitab Matnu Al-Ḥikam karya KH. Muhammad Shaleh al-Samarani. Kitab ini bercorak tasawuf akhlaqi (sunni-amali), di dalamnya memuat berbagai konsep dan ajaran tasawuf yang menekankan pada konsep dasar Islam yaitu kepasrahan dan ketundukan seorang hamba kepada Tuhannya. Menurutnya, ada sepuluh cara agar seorang hamba terhindar dari tadbīr dalam kitab Haża Al-Kitab Matnu Al-Ḥikam. Sehingga, dengannya seorang hamba tidak tersibukan dengan urusan dunia dan lebih fokus untuk menjalankan kewajibannya kepada Allah daripada sibuk terhadap sesuatu yang sudah pasti dijamin oleh-Nya.
Comparative Study Regarding Thermal Behaviour of Mixtures Based on Hydroxyapatite and Methacrylate for Dental Use
Authors: Mateescu Madalina , Vlase Gabriela , Jumanca Daniela , Galuscan Atena , Avram Claudiu , Vlase Titus
Published: April 2021

Theobromine (Th) was documented during the last decades for its important role in the prevention of dental caries, having this role dueto its antibacterial action against the Streptococcus mutants and S. sanguinis, thus reducing the formation of dental biofilm on the teeth surface. Thermally induced interactions of theobromine in 1:1 mass ration bynary mixture with different types of Poly(methyl methacrylate) based materials and the induced interactions between Poly(methyl metha-crylate) based materials and HA were performed using thermal analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. This study aims to be a preliminary study for various mixtures of HA/methacrylate-based materials and Th with usage in dental applications. The instrumental techniques used can be successfully applied in the characterization of dental materials and can lead to conclusions on how to use them.Studies have led to the conclusion that Th can be used for the treatment of early decay by incorporation into the polymer material. It is recommended to use these materials as successive layers (Th with HA and after that dental material).
Effect of Crosslink Density on Cut and Chip Resistance of 100% SBR Based Tire Tread Compound
Authors: Kasi Elangovan , Josephraj Francis Xavier , Murugesan Arun Kumar , Pandian Balu
Published: April 2021

The effect of Crosslink density on Cut and Chip resistance was affected on a typical 100 percent styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)-based tire tread compound. In order to successfully develop products for tires used in off-road or poor roads and other demanding rubber applications, it is important to understand the C and C effect in rubber. Crosslink density varied by varying the sulphur to the accelerator ratio and also by changing the process aids. Basic polymer, filler and other ingredients such as activators and anti-degradants have remained unchanged. In the first setup, the sulphur was kept constant and the accelerator varied and the reverse was done in the second setup. It was made to achieve different crosslink density by changing the oil dosage and adding different resins. An attempt has been made to correlate Cut and Chip resistance to other physical properties. All these tests have been identified and optimized by the traditional tire tread compound.
Studies and Research on the Behavior of Polyethylene when Electrofusion Welding Fittings to High Density Polyethylene Pipes
Authors: Avrigean Eugen
Published: April 2021

This aim of this paper is to perform a study on the way the material of the fittings that can be welded through eletrofusion on polyethylene pipes withstands. The process is observed by means of the thermal and fast cameras. Also we intend to analyze the way the assembly consisting of the polyethylene fitting and pipe behaves during welding. The stresses caused by the welding process are observed, as well as the concurrent welding of the tapping tee and the branch saddle tee.
Experimental Study on the Dynamic Response of Polyurethane/fly Ash Ceramic Foam
Authors: Rotariu Adrian , Trana Eugen , Matache Liviu , Cirmaci-Matei Marius-Valeriu , Sandu Simona , Moldoveanu Cristian-Emil , Bucur Florina
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, the investigation of both classic and new materials for blast mitigation applications is a subject intensively approached in the scientific literature. Due to their mechanical behavior, the polyurethane foams are materials with high potential for this type of applications. Within the current paper a EUROPLASTIC� polyurethane foam grade mixed with fly ash ceramic micro powder was experimentally investigated. Using a single stage gas gun, the dynamic response of polyurethane/fly ash ceramic foam was thoroughly evaluated in terms of specific stress vs volumetric strain curves response and dissipated kinetic energy, also.
Research on Copper Ions Removal from Wastewater Using Fe3O4 and Fe3O4- PVP Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Covaliu Cristina Ileana , Stoian Oana , Matei Ecaterina , Paraschiv Gigel , Tanasa Eugenia , Catrina (Traistaru Gina Alina
Published: April 2021

Wastewater containing Cu (II) ions has become a huge environmental problem worldwide because ingestion of copper ions affects the human body leading to epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even death. The researches for new methods of treatment of wastewater polluted with heavy metals more efficient than the conventional ones led us to study Fe3O4 and his corresponding hybrid Fe3O4 -PVP as potential adsorbent nanomaterials for the removal of copper ions from industrial wastewater. First, the two nanomaterials were synthesized by precipitation method and characterized by XRD, FTIR and TEM analyses. Then, the two obtained nanomaterials were tested within the process of copper ions removal from wastewater and factors influencing the process including pH and contact time were investigated. The maximum wastewater treatment capacity reached up to 97 % under the optimal condition using Fe3O4 and 70% for Fe3O4 -PVP.
Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance in 3.5% NaCl Solution of Hybrid Coatings Obtained from Plastics Materials
Authors: Muresan Alina Crina , Buruiana Daniela Laura , Carp Gabriel Bogdan , Berbece Sorin , Trus Constantin
Published: April 2021

In this work, the corrosion resistance of hybrid coatings obtained from plastic materials was evaluated and compared with the corrosion resistance of Zn coatings. Zinc and hybrid coatings were obtained by electrodeposition from zinc sulphate electrolyte. For obtained hybrid coatings it was used as disperse phase two type of plastic materials: phenol-formaldehyde resin and epoxy resin. Polarization was used to measure the corrosion rate and behaviour of zinc and hybrid coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution. Tafel curves show that the including particles of plastic materials in zinc matrix disturbs the cathodic reactions and reduces anodic reaction leading to decrease of corrosion current and increase the corrosion resistance of hybrid coatings obtained at the same electrodeposition parameters as zinc coatings. Smallest values of corrosion rate were evaluated for hybrid coatings obtained with phenol-formaldehyde resin as disperse phase that indicates a good corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution.
Polyurethane Structures Used as a Drug Carrier for Epigallocatechin Gallate
Authors: Marin Aurel , Marin Maria Alina , Ene Ioan , Poenaru Marioara
Published: April 2021

The current study was proposed in order to obtain, to characterize by usually physico-chemical methods and to assess in vitro, the potential cytotoxic effect of polyurethane microstructures loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (PU_MS) on human pharyngeal carcinoma cells (Detroit 562) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-4). The results showed that polyurethane microstructures obtained are stable and have dimensions that make them biocompatible with the biological environment. The cytotoxicity of test samples is dependent on concentration and 72 hours after stimulation at the highest concentration tested the viability of tumor cells was below 50%, the decrease being much more pronounced in the case of squamous cell carcinoma. The novel nanostructures loaded with epigallocatechin gallate induced an augmented cytotoxic effect, suggesting that this drug carriers are suitable to enhance the antitumor effect of epigallocatechin gallate.
Effect of Cooling Agent on Temperature Profile During Molding Injection: Case Study for Polylactic Composites
Authors: Isopescu Raluca , Postelnicescu Paula
Published: April 2021

The paper presents a theoretical study for the cooling of polymer samples in an injection molding process. The study is applied for neat polylactic acid (PLA), PlA-talc and PLA-starch composite samples representing specimens for mechanical tests reported in literature. A one dimensional model was developed for the heat transport through the thickness of the sample from the polymer to the cooling agent: air in natural convection and water flowing through cooling channels. The heat of solidification of molten polymer was also considered. The model was solved in the frame of Matlab software. The results obtained consist in the evaluation of the final time required to reaches a temperature of about 60�C in the core of the specimen and the evaluation of the temperature profile along the cooling process. When using cooling air in natural convection the temperature profile shows insignificant space variation, but the duration of cooling is about 6 min. The use of cooling water proved to be more efficient in terms of cooling time is about 15-25s, while the temperature gradient in the thickness of the specimen is quite significant at any moment of time.
Factors For The Development Of The Culture Of Living In The Mahalla (Neighborhoods)
Authors:   Teacher, Department Of “Music Education”, Faculty Of “Art Sciences”, Gulistan State University, Uzbekistan, Khasanov Nuriddin Turonovich
Published: April 2021

This article outlines the factors that contribute to the development of the culture of life of the population and their description and characteristics. In our country there are suggestions and suggestions of the experts on propagation of propagandistic activities, such as their scope of work, which contradicts the spiritual values, culture and traditions of our people, preventing the spread of destructive ideas and their moral and enlightenment principles, upbringing harmoniously developed generation.
A critical systematic review of the Neurotracker perceptual-cognitive training tool
Authors: Vater Christian , Gray Rob , Holcombe Alex O.
Published: April 2021

In this systematic review, we evaluate the scientific evidence behind “Neurotracker,” one of the most popular perceptual-cognitive training tools in sports. The tool, which is also used in rehabilitation and aging research to examine cognitive abilities, uses a 3D multiple object-tracking (MOT) task. In this review, we examine Neurotracker from both a sport science and a basic science perspective. We first summarize the sport science debate regarding the value of general cognitive skill training, based on tools such as Neurotracker, versus sport-specific skill training. We then consider the several hundred MOT publications in cognitive and vision science from the last 30 years that have investigated cognitive functions and object tracking processes. This literature suggests that the abilities underlying object tracking are not those advertised by the Neurotracker manufacturers. With a systematic literature search, we scrutinize the evidence for whether general cognitive skills can be tested and trained with Neurotracker and whether these trained skills transfer to other domains. The literature has major limitations, for example a total absence of preregistered studies, which makes the evidence for improvements for working memory and sustained attention very weak. For other skills as well, the effects are mixed. Only three studies investigated far transfer to ecologically valid tasks, two of which did not find any effect. We provide recommendations for future Neurotracker research to improve the evidence base and for making better use of sport and basic science findings.
Is the author recognition test a useful metric for native and non-native English speakers? An item response theory analysis
Authors: McCarron Sean Patrick , Kuperman Victor
Published: April 2021

Studies of reading have shown the “Matthew effect” of exposure to print on reading skill: poor readers avoid reading, and ability develops more slowly compared to peers, while good readers improve more quickly through increased exposure. Yet it is difficult to determine just how much an individual reads. The Author Recognition Test (ART, Stanovich & West Reading Research Quarterly, 24(4), 402-433, 1989) and its multilingual adaptations are often used for quantifying exposure to print and have shown high validity and reliability in proficient readers in their dominant language (L1). When studying bilingualism and second language acquisition, it is ideal to have a single test which is equally reliable for all cohorts for comparison, but it is unclear whether ART is effective for speakers of English as a foreign language (L2). This study assesses the reliability of ART in English-medium university and college students with different language backgrounds. Following Moore and Gordon (Behavior Research Methods, 47(4), 1095-1109, 2015), we use item response theory (IRT) to determine how informative the test and its items are. Results showed an expected gradient in ART performance, with L1 speakers showing higher scores than L2 speakers of English, university students showing higher scores than college students, and both cohorts performing better than students in an English as a second language (ESL) university pre-admission program. IRT analyses further revealed that ART is not an informative measure for L2 speakers of English, as most L2 participants show a floor effect. Reasons for this unreliability are discussed, as are alternative measures of print exposure.
Intima Media Thickness of Carotid and Femoral Artery as predictor of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Rauf Naveed , Furqan Yaqub Pannu  , Ahmed Bilal , Ahmed Kamran  , Faryal Zafar  , Muhammad Arshad
Published: April 2021

Objective: To establish the correlation between IMT (presence and severity) of carotid and femoral artery detected on Doppler study and presence of subclinical CAD in asymptomatic patients for early detection of CAD and risk stratification by a non-invasive method. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in the Cardiology department of Mayo Hospital Lahore for a period of 1 year. One hundred and twenty asymptomatic subjects with and without conventional risk factors for CAD were included The thickness of the intima-media of carotid and the femoral artery was assessed by high-resolution B mode Ultrasonography. The patients enrolled in our study underwent coronary angiography. Data was entered and analyzed through SPSS (Statistical package for social science) version 16. Results: There were a total of 120 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1 The mean age of patients was 32.40 ± 10.74 years, minimum age of patients was 20years while the maximum age was 40 years. Most of our patients were overweight, smokers, and had established family history of heart disease. Most of the patients had a single-vessel disease and had severe CAD at the time of presentation. There were 93 patients whose IMT was >0.8 mm. There were 16 patients whose CMIT was <0.8 mm. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of B-mode USG (using CIMT and FA-IMT) were calculated as 85.32%, 72.73%, 96.88%, 33.33% and 84.17% respectively for CMIT. For FA-IMT sensitivity, specify, PPV, NPV and Diagnostic accuracy of B-mode USG was 84.4%, 54.55%, 94.85%, 26.09% and 81.67% respectively. Conclusion: The increased IMT is a predictor of coronary vascular disease, measured non-invasively with B-mode ultrasound. It can be used to predict future cardiovascular events and risk stratification. If patients are diagnosed in the earlier stages then timely treatment can prevent or regress the progression of the disease.
Satisfaction level of patients visiting orthopedics wards - A descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Israr Humayun , Haroon Israr  , Sabah Humayun
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Patients in the orthopedics ward are very anxious about the outcome of their illness and residual morbidity at the end of the treatment. We conducted this study in DHQ Teaching Hospital Sahiwal to assess the level of satisfaction among patients visiting the orthopedics ward and suggest improvements that could be made to improve the situation.Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate various factors responsible for patient satisfaction in the orthopedics ward.Materials and Methods: A total of hundred patients were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in DHQ Teaching Hospital Sahiwal for 3 months from October 2019 to December 2019.Results: Out of the 100 patients included in the study, 22 patients reported being unsatisfied with their ward experience, 46 patients were moderately satisfied while 32 patients were highly satisfied with ward experience. Several factors including increased consultation duration, cost-effective treatment, empathic behavior of staff, and provision of facilities in the ward all contributed towards positive patient satisfaction.Conclusions: Patient satisfaction can be improved by empathic behavior of staff, increasing consultation duration with the patient, and improving facilities in the ward which would result in the better long-term outcome of their illness.
Tailored Online Neurosurgical Evaluation in the Outpatient Setting during COVID-19 Pandemic—The Maldives Experience
Authors: Niyaf Ali , Kiran Niraula  , Mohamed Sajuan Mushrif  , Tej D. Azad  , Megha Ghimire  , Femi Maria Varghese
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has revealed important obstacles in our health care systems, including online specialist consultations. Amidst mass lockdowns and social distancing, we observed the importance of developing a consistent method of performing effective neurological examinations that yield accurate results in a time efficient manner.
Objectives: To describe our experience in the Maldives of performing effective online neurological examination.
Methodology: We designed and implemented a platform for patients to register for online consultation, collected a comprehensive neurological history, including pictures/scroll-videos of past radiological reports, and guided the patient and their aide through neurological examination methods- both verbally through online video consultation and informative pictorials that depict exactly how-to perform said examinations.
Conclusions: Neurological examinations are time consuming, detailed and require skill and expertise to be performed appropriately. Yet, can be customized and adapted to be performed remotely. Proper guidance by examiner and assistance by family or friend with use of pictorials can conclude a thorough online examination.
Convalescent plasma and covid-19: Meta-analysis of a century-old technique
Authors: Bano Shehar , Tareen Saffa , Hafiza Hussain  , Aleena Khan  , Maryam Salman  , Kitson Deane
Published: April 2021

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Trafikten Şikâyetim Var! Yaya ve Sürücü Gözüyle
Authors: Çıkrıkçı Prof. Dr. Rahime Nükhet , Yalçın Seher , Ayan Cansu , Şahin Kürşad Öğr. Gör. Merve , Kamış Ömer
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı motorlu/motorsuz araç sürücüsü ve yaya olarak bireylerin trafikte en fazla karşılaştıkları sorunları saptamak ve bu sorunların bireylerin cinsiyetleri ile sürücü belgesine sahip olup olmamalarına göre farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığını incelemektir. Araştırma, betimsel tarama modelinde tasarlanmıştır. Çalışma grubunu uygun örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen 66’sı erkek ve 155’i kadın toplam 221 lisans öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Veri toplamada araç olarak açık uçlu iki sorudan oluşan yarı yapılandırılmış bir sormaca kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde öncelikle betimsel analiz ile temalar belirlenmiş ardından ki-kare (χ2) testi ile belirlenen temaların bireylerin cinsiyetlerine ve sürücü belgesi sahibi olup olmamasına göre bağımlılık ilişkisi incelenmiştir. Geçiş hakkı önceliğinin tanınmaması, sık korna çalınması ve trafik işaretlerine uyulmaması, bireylerin yaya olarak en sık karşılaştığı üç sorun; bisiklet ve bisiklet yolu ile ilgili sorunlar, hatalı sollama ve hız ihlalleri ise bireylerin sürücü olarak en sık karşılaştığı üç sorun olarak tespit edilmiştir. Bireylerin yaya olarak karşılaştığı üç öncelikli sorundan şikâyetçi olma durumları ile cinsiyetleri arasında ve sürücü belgesine sahip olma durumları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmamıştır. Bununla birlikte, cinsiyet faktörü ve bireylerin sürücü olarak karşılaştığı üç sorundan şikâyetçi olma durumları arasında “Bisiklet Yolu” ve “Hız İhlalleri” sorununda istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmazken, “Hatalı Sollama” açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur. Sürücü belgesi sahipliği ile bireylerin trafikte sürücü olarak en sık karşılaştığı üç sorundan şikâyetçi olma durumları arasında ise istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki olmadığı bulunmuştur.
Relation between Quiescence and Outbursting Properties of GX 339-4
Authors: Bhowmick Riya , Debnath Dipak , Chatterjee Kaushik , Nagarkoti Shreeram , Chakrabarti Sandip Kumar , Sarkar Ritabrata , Chatterjee Debjit , Jana Arghajit
Published: April 2021

Galactic black hole candidate GX 339-4 underwent several outbursting phases in the past two and a half decades at irregular intervals of 2–3 years. The nature of these outbursts in terms of the duration, number of peaks, maximum peak intensity, and so on varies. We present a possible physical reason behind the variation of the outbursts. From a physical point of view, if the supply of matter from the companion is roughly constant, the total energy released in an outburst is expected to be proportional to the quiescent period prior to the outburst when the matter is accumulated. We use archival data of RXTE/ASM from 1996 January to 2011 June and of MAXI/GSC from 2009 August to 2020 July. Five initial outbursts of GX 339-4 between 1997 and 2011 were observed by ASM and showed a good linear relation between the accumulation period and the amount of energy released in each outburst, but the outbursts after 2013 behaved quite differently. The 2013, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019 outbursts were of short duration and incomplete or “failed” in nature. We suggest that the matter accumulated during the quiescent periods prior to these outbursts was not cleared through accretion due to a lack of viscosity. The leftover matter was cleared in the very next outbursts. Our study thus sheds light on long-term accretion dynamics in outbursting sources.
On the Stickiness of CO2 and H2O Ice Particles
Authors: Arakawa Sota , Krijt Sebastiaan
Published: April 2021

Laboratory experiments revealed that CO2 ice particles stick less efficiently than H2O ice particles, and there is an order of magnitude difference in the threshold velocity for sticking. However, the surface energies and elastic moduli of CO2 and H2O ices are comparable, and the reason why CO2 ice particles were poorly sticky compared to H2O ice particles was unclear. Here we investigate the effects of viscoelastic dissipation on the threshold velocity for sticking of ice particles using the viscoelastic contact model derived by Krijt et al. We find that the threshold velocity for the sticking of CO2 ice particles reported in experimental studies is comparable to that predicted for perfectly elastic spheres. In contrast, the threshold velocity for the sticking of H2O ice particles is an order of magnitude higher than that predicted for perfectly elastic spheres. Therefore, we conclude that the large difference in stickiness between CO2 and H2O ice particles would mainly originate from the difference in the strength of viscoelastic dissipation, which is controlled by the viscoelastic relaxation time.
Integrative descriptions of two new species of Dugesia from Hainan Island, China (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae)
Authors: Wang Lei , Dong Zi-mei , Chen Guang-wen , Sluys Ronald , Liu De-zeng
Published: April 2021

Two new species of the genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Hainan Island of China are described on the basis of morphological, karyological and molecular data. Dugesia semiglobosa Chen & Dong, sp. nov. is mainly characterized by a hemispherical, asymmetrical penis papilla with ventrally displaced ejaculatory duct opening terminally at tip of penis papilla; vasa deferentia separately opening into mid-dorsal portion of intrabulbar seminal vesicle; two diaphragms in the ejaculatory duct; copulatory bursa formed by expansion of bursal canal, lined with complex stratified epithelium, which projects through opening in bursa towards intestine, without having open communication with the gut; mixoploid chromosome complement diploid (2n = 16) and triploid (3n = 24), with metacentric chromosomes. Dugesia majuscula Chen & Dong, sp. nov. is mainly characterized by oviducts opening asymmetrically into female reproductive system; hyperplasic ovaries; expanded posterior section of bursal canal; vasa deferentia separately opening into mid-dorsal portion of seminal vesicle; asymmetrical penis papilla due to ventral course of ejaculatory duct, which has subterminal and dorsal opening at tip papilla; mixoploid chromosome complement diploid (2n = 16) and triploid (3n = 24); chromosomes metacentric. Apart from their anatomy, separate species status of the two new species is supported also by their genetic distances and by their positions in the phylogenetic tree. The sexualization process may have been induced by the lower temperatures, in comparison with their natural habitat, under which the worms were cultured in the laboratory.
Modelling Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes
Authors: Faria de Deus Raquel , Tenedório José António , Rocha Jorge
Published: April 2021

In this chapter, a hybrid approach integrating cellular automata (CA), fuzzy logic, logistic regression, and Markov chains for modelling and prediction of land-use and land-cover (LULC) change at the local scale, using geographic information with fine spatial resolution is presented. A spatial logistic regression model was applied to determine the transition rules that were used by a conventional CA model. The overall dimension of LULC change was estimated using a Markov chain model. The proposed CA-based model (termed CAMLucc) in combination with physical variables and land-use planning data was applied to simulate LULC change in Portimão, Portugal between 1947 and 2010 and to predict its future spatial patterns for 2020 and 2025. The main results of this research show that Portimão has been facing massive growth in artificial surfaces, particularly near the main urban settlements and along the coastal area, and reveal an early and intensive urban sprawl over time.
Seasonal Contrast of Land Surface Temperature in Faridabad
Authors: Ghosh Swagata , N. Krishna Vidhata , Kumar Sunil , Midya Kousik
Published: April 2021

The chapter has highlighted the adverse impact of conversion of natural land cover into urban concrete over inter-seasonal variation of land surface temperature (LST) in Faridabad district which is a major threat for sustainable urbanism. Apart from high LST in the dense urban area built-up in Faridabad city, inter-seasonal variation of LST has been observed in dry deciduous forested areas due to defoliation, fallow land, and over-grazed land in rural surrounding areas. Compared to NDVI, NDBI has significant positive and stable correlation with LST in all seasons (Pearson index: 0.35 to 0.60). Weaker correlation (Pearson index: 0.02 to 0.48) between NDVI and LST accounts for the seasonal impact over NDVI due to defoliation and agricultural practices over the study area. Overall, it can be remarked that image-based spectral indices and thermal band can be used for the evaluating thermal environmental contrast across seasons. Use of in situ measurement with good network of meteorological stations can validate satellite-derived LST better and increase the accuracy of the study.
Three-Dimensional Modelling for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Marques Luis , Roca Josep
Published: April 2021

The creation of 3D models of urban elements is extremely relevant for urbanists constituting digital archives and being especially useful for enriching maps and databases or reconstructing and analyzing objects/areas through time, building/recreating scenarios and implementing intuitive methods of interaction. The widespread data available online offer new opportunities to generate realistic 3D models without the need to go physically to the place. This chapter aims to demonstrate the potential 3D modeling and visualization/interaction of urban elements in the city for multiple purposes, and it is organized in four main topics: The first deals with the theoretical framework regarding the bases of the human perception of the spatial environment and the importance of 3D modelling. The second and third deal with technical procedures on terrestrial/aerial data acquisition and demonstrate alternatively data gathered online to generate 3D models for the visualization of urban elements of the city, and the fourth introduces 3D model visualization within an augmented reality environment.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Smart Cities
Authors: Shmelova Tetiana , Lazorenko Vitalii , Burlaka Oleksandr
Published: April 2021

In this chapter, the authors are presenting opportunities for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in town. Methods for the optimization of flight routes of UAVs in the dependence of target tasks in the city are presented, for example, area monitoring; search and rescue operations; retransmission of communication (in places, where the antenna coverage cannot be set due to terrain specifications); organization of logistics as the safe, cheap, and fast transportation method of goods; for aerial photography, for controlling traffic; for the provision of the first aid to people in emergencies; unmanned taxi. It is done using air navigation information and mathematical methods. Authors suggest dynamic programming methods, GRID analyses, expert judgment method, and fuzzy-logic methods for estimation of risk/safety of flights in the city. Optimization of flows and flexible redistribution of UAV routes in multilevel airspace is provided according to air navigation requirements and standards.
Introduction to Simulation Learning in Emergency and Disaster Management
Authors: Drumhiller Nicole K. , Wilkin Terri L. , Srba Karen V.
Published: April 2021

Simulation and game-based learning is an essential learning application especially as it pertains to a high-stakes field like emergency and disaster management. Introducing real-life learning applications into the classroom allows the learner to make critical decisions at different points throughout a simulation providing practical learning that leads to a cognitive understanding of the material. These simulated practices ensure memory and longer retention of these events or tasks, a requirement to ensure that learning transpires. Likewise, these simulations also place the learner under acute stress, something that replicates the stress felt during real-life disasters. Therefore, it is crucial to have students apply what they have learned in simulations as a demonstration of their learning. These learned skills are essential for students to be marketable and thrive in a career field where decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking are vital for their success.
Simulation Scriptwriting and Storyboarding Design Considerations for Production
Authors: Smith Robert Eugene , Coulson Gordon Samuel , Wilson Wendy Smith
Published: April 2021

This chapter will describe the process for writing a script and storyboard as part of the design and development of a simulation experience to be added to an existing, computer-facilitated, emergency management learning curriculum or course primarily in a higher-education setting; however, the information in this chapter relates to FEMA Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) exercise types as well. This chapter will detail steps and considerations to be taken as part of the analysis and design of a simulation, which will ease the development process and avoid unintended complications by first focusing on identifying the instructional needs and objectives of the simulation, scriptwriting and storyboarding scenario decision points that will address the learning needs second, then afterward taking into consideration what level of media representation is appropriate to implement the scenario. Design decisions that affect difficulty to represent in certain media are analyzed.
Online Simulations and Gamification
Authors: Wilkin Terri L.
Published: April 2021

Higher education has seen a dramatic increase in the number of courses and programs offered in an online environment over the past two decades. As most online educational courses are asynchronous in nature, ensuring that applied learning happens in scenarios that replicate real-life events is of utmost importance especially in certain disciplines such as emergency and disaster management. With the advent of newer and advanced technologies, online gamifications and simulations offer a learning method that requires the students to use decision-making, problem solving, and critical thinking skills in a fictional scenario that imitates events that individuals in the particular career field will experience. This chapter is an examination of the use of gamifications and simulations in online higher education highlighting a holistic approach to gaming and simulations designed and implemented across an undergraduate emergency and disaster program.
Autonomous Robots
Authors: Finkelstein Robert
Published: April 2021

Primitive autonomous robotic vehicles were first developed during World War I and deployed during wars throughout the 20th century. More recently, autonomous vehicles with cognition were enabled by new technologies, especially in sensors, processors, and software, along with advances in humanoid and other legged robots. The autonomous car, a transformative and disruptive technology, will lead over the coming decades to the development of ubiquitous autonomous robots with increasing levels of cognition for many different applications. These robots will fill nearly every economic sector and occupational niche. The potential impact of autonomous intelligent robots on society, by the end of the century, will lead to ethical and moral dilemmas, as well as impacting jobs across the globe. There is a need to provide alternative sources of income, or alternative employment, for unemployed humans. There is also a need to consider the consequence of the possible emergence of robot self-awareness, consciousness, and free will.
Enhancing Mental Health
Authors: Gambhir Parvind
Published: April 2021

Mental health is one of the health priorities in the 21st century along with cardiovascular, cancer, and diabetes. Technology nowadays is most sought for getting any information. There are numerous online platforms that have been developed to assist in assessment, provide feedback, suggest management, and thereafter monitor mental disorders in target patients with a view to enhancing the quality of mental health care provided by traditional face-to-face services. In the current situation where the world is facing a challenging situation in COVID-19, technology has become highly sought after for managing the health of patients.
Space Tourism and Commercial Deep Space
Authors: Bushnell Dennis Meyer
Published: April 2021

After some 60 years of highly trained astronauts going into space, the related technologies and costs have altered to the point where increasing numbers of private citizens can become space tourists, initially suborbital for minimal times and Earth orbital for up to the order of two weeks. There has also developed a rapidly improving digital reality/immersive virtual presence technology providing space tourism experiences at minimal cost and available essentially to everyone. The safety aspects of physical space tourism need further development, but those that relate to the space environment are tolerable for a few weeks from the 60 years of manned space flight experience. As space tourism over the years expands beyond earth orbit to moon, Mars, asteroids, other planets, etc., the safety issues will need to be seriously worked. Tourism is only a portion of what will become major opportunities and expansion of commercial space beyond earth utilities into deep space, enabled by the ongoing major reductions in the costs of space access.
Risk Management in the Era of Blockchain
Authors: Abu Khaled Mohammed Fisal
Published: April 2021

This chapter intends to document the various ways that the nascent technology, blockchain, and other forms of distributed ledger technology (DLT) can provide both increased and decreased risk as well as offer FinTech industries a fertile environment to pursue key technological advancements that can help shape almost every facet of the financial world. Issues of trust, transparency, and privacy will be explored as it pertains to the execution of blockchain technology within financial sectors. Strengths and weakness will be explored within regulations, legal environments, risk management, and the environment. Based on the findings of a comprehensive literature review, possible solutions and recommendations will be provided for governmental agencies, regulators, and users of financial services with a special focus on Islamic FinTech. Future research directions will also be shared that can assist Islamic FinTech.
FinTech in the Saudi Context
Authors: Abubotain Faisal , Chamakiotis Petros
Published: April 2021

With the constant development in FinTech globally, Saudi Arabia is a late arrival in the FinTech world. However, the FinTech growth pace in Saudi is fast and not slowing down. This fast pace is confusing stakeholders, including bankers. This chapter unpacks how FinTech is developing in Saudi Arabia, considers the challenges and opportunities that FinTech may be facing in Saudi, and discusses how these changes may affect current bankers and how future bankers can be ready to enter the new market. The study draws on interviews with professionals in the banking and FinTech industries and makes two contributions: It suggests that FinTech is affecting retail and long-tail clients of banks (i.e., the effect on core banking operations, such as corporate banking and treasury). Findings also highlight that professionals should upgrade their knowledge around matters necessary to retain their jobs in the sector. The study has implications for future bankers (i.e., university students), suggesting that university curricula should be updated to include relevant knowledge and professional placements.
Digital Business Transformation in the Banking Sector
Authors: Campino José , Brochado Ana , Rosa Álvaro
Published: April 2021

Financial technology companies (fintechs) have gained tremendous importance in the last decade and particularly in the last four years. They have contributed with disruptive technological solutions and provided not only complementary but also substitute products to the traditional banking sector. New incumbents have been challenging banks already established and forced them to innovate in order to remain competitive. Indeed, banks have a heavy burden of slow processes, costly business models, and few innovative solutions. The authors collected 100 articles from Scopus related with the fintech and bank topics. This study adopted a hybrid design comprising a systematic qualitative review methods and narrative, supplemented by semantic network analysis. Based on the results of the systematic literature review, the authors explored the impacts that fintechs have had on traditional banking sector.
Enablers and Inhibitors of Merchant Adoption of Mobile Payments
Authors: Afeti Eunice Yeboah , Amanfo Joshua Ofori
Published: April 2021

Merchant adoption of mobile payments is facilitating new business models and changing the way merchants run their brick and mortar businesses. Despite the advantages of mobile payment adoption to the merchant, they still hesitate to adopt mobile payments. Thus, the study seeks to explore qualitatively through a case study the enablers and inhibitors to merchant adoption of mobile payments. The study identified that merchants are adopting mobile payments to facilitate new business models, to promote the disintermediation of traditional intermediaries, to offer different possibilities of growing their businesses, and to reduce transaction costs. Even though merchants believe that mobile payments adoption and use improve operational efficiency to their businesses, there are instances of fraud, particularly in the peer-to-peer transfer sector, data breaches, data security, and privacy concerns. Therefore, it is imperative for service providers of mobile payments to enhance technological issues regarding privacy protection that could enhance trust towards mobile payment adoption.
A Comparative Study of Mobile Banking Adoption
Authors: Sampet Jomjai , Changchit Chuleeporn , Lonkani Ravi
Published: April 2021

Recently, mobile banking has gained significant importance, and the growth of the field is accelerating. Due to a rapid increase in smart phone users, banks have shifted the competitive landscape from physical banking branches to internet banking and mobile banking services. However, many customers remain reluctant to use this banking channel. It is crucial for banks to meet customers' need and understand which factors play an important role in encouraging or discouraging them from using mobile banking. Culture can also play an important role on these factors. This study compares the mobile banking perceptions between the consumers in the U.S. and in Thailand and reveal various factors that influence mobile banking adoption for these two nationalities. The findings suggest factors that banks should consider when implementing mobile banking services, thus allowing them to design the services that meet the needs of their customers.
Risks of Using Statistical Analysis Tools in Project Management Environments
Authors: Albuali Murtadha
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the risks of using statistical tools on a project basis. A systematic search of certain academic databases has been conducted for this study. Statistical tools could be used in a project, and they should be properly planned and designed. Statistical tools include major activities such as collecting and analyzing data and provide meaningful interpretation as well as reporting findings. When dealing with statistical tools, there are several risks that may arise and impact the project positively or negatively. This study covers a brief outline of the risk management, statistical tools, and the relationship between the two concepts. Finally, a discussion of the common type of risks that are initiated by using statistical analysis tools where the risks could be planned, identified, and analyzed in the early stage of the project is done.
Digitalization, Robotics, and Genomic Research in Livestock Development
Authors: Inna Lozynska , Lukash Svitlana , Nataliia Maslak H. , Alina Brychko
Published: April 2021

The article explores the scientific, innovative, and technological trends of livestock development, such as digitization, robotics, and genomic research. The authors highlighted the restraining factors of the widespread introduction of digitalization and peculiarities impact of genomic research on the development of livestock products. Also they analyzed the evolution of technological stages of introduction the innovative technologies for maximum automation and robotics of all technological processes. This approach provides the farms with the necessary tools and leverage to make the decisions to improve milk quality, manage the herd, increase cow productivity, and profitability of production, outlining the overall synergistic effect.
Evolution of Entrepreneur Women From Traditional Companies to E-Business
Authors: Cervantes-Guzmán Jovanna Nathalie
Published: April 2021

The need to implement innovations for the growth of SMEs lies in the need to create favorable conditions and the conducive environment for women entrepreneurs to develop the potential of their businesses. The study will be presented from the opinion of the experts composed of founders and CEOs of exponential certified SMEs from developing countries in the artisanal sector. It will expose the tangible and intangible factors that influence decision-making from the perspective of neuroeconomy. The study sets out the opinions of experts, who are decision makers in companies. They were analyzed as they sought to analyze what factors they use to be businesses validated by international NGOs to give them their certification.
A Deep Neural Network Model for Cross-Domain Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Kumari Suman , Agarwal Basant , Mittal Mamta
Published: April 2021

Sentiment analysis is used to detect the opinion/sentiment expressed from the unstructured text. Most of the existing state-of-the-art methods are based on supervised learning, and therefore, a labelled dataset is required to build the model, and it is very difficult task to obtain a labelled dataset for every domain. Cross-domain sentiment analysis is to develop a model which is trained on labelled dataset of one domain, and the performance is evaluated on another domain. The performance of such cross-domain sentiment analysis is still very limited due to presence of many domain-related terms, and the sentiment analysis is a domain-dependent problem in which words changes their polarity depending upon the domain. In addition, cross-domain sentiment analysis model suffers with the problem of large number of out-of-the-vocabulary (unseen words) words. In this paper, the authors propose a deep learning-based approach for cross-domain sentiment analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed approach improves the performance on the benchmark dataset.
Steganography Technique Inspired by Rook
Authors: Bansal Abhishek , Kumar Vinay
Published: April 2021

A steganographic technique inspired by rook is presented in this paper to ensure privacy and secrecy. In this approach, the cover image is partitioned into n × 1 pixel blocks and converted equivalent n × 8 binary bit planes. Then the functional output of each block is calculated on the basis of the number of rook positions, which are attacked by opponent rooks. The rook is a chess piece that moves only forward and backward in a straight line. In binary bit plane, 0 and 1 are considered as a black and white opponent rook, respectively. The secret information is considered as stream of binary bits. The binary bits of secret information are compared with the functional output of the corresponding block. If it is equal to the functional output of the corresponding block, then nothing needs to be done. In case of inequality, the small number of bits needs to be flipped in such a way that the functional output of the corresponding block becomes equal to the corresponding secret binary bits and the distortion of the cover is minimized.