bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary view on some Genetic Aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with regards to Neuropsychiatric Manifestations –
Authors:   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, LUTA Gabriel  , LEFTER Radu  ,   Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi, CIOBICA Alin  ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi, Academy of Romanian Scientists, BALMUS Ioana Miruna ,   Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, MAVROUDIS Ioannis ,   Electron Microscopy First Department of Neurology, Aristotle University, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, CIMPEANU Sorin Cristian ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, CIMPEANU Mirela  ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi
Published: July 2022

Since the newest functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnostic criteria (ROME IV), the formely functional bowel disorder – irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – is currently known as a common chronic disorder of the brain – gut interaction. The main clinical symptomatology including abdominal pain, discomfort, and altered gastrointestinal motility, as well as the absence of any organic impairment or significant histological changes led to the confirmed hypothesis of multicomponent pathology and multifactorial etiogenesis. Thus, considering our previous experience in this area of research, this mini-review aimed to present a preliminary view of the possible genetic component underlying or predisposing to neurolopsychiatric and gastrointestinal impairments co-ocurring in IBS.
Silymarin Based Complexes – a mini review
Authors:   Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Centre of Physical Chemistry, PALTINEAN Gertrud-Alexandra , TOMOAIA Gheorghe ,   Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Academy of Romanian Scientist, RIGA Sorin ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Centre of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Romanian Scientist, MOCANU Aurora  ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Centre of Physical Chemistry, TOMOAIA-COTISEL Maria  ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Centre of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Romanian Scientist
Published: July 2022

Silymarin (SIL) is a component extracted from Silybum marianum herb and is studied in medicine due to its protective activities on certain organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain). The review discusses some methods that increase silymarin bioavailability such as development of complexes with cyclodextrins, phospholipids, liposome and nanostructured material (hydroxyapatite-HAP). The interactions between SIL and alpha-lipoic acid, metallic nanoparticles (gold nanoparticles-GNP, and silver nanoparticles – SNP), some carotenoids (β-carotene and lycopene) and curcumin were debated too. Some combined treatments (e.g. SIL + curcumin) highlighted anticancer activity against colon cancer cells (DLD-1, HCT116 and LoVo) and protective effect against chemicals toxicity.
Aprendizaje innovador y desarrollador de competencias matemáticas
Authors: Chila Hernán , Chila Yessica , Chávez Lucia , García Michael , Mendoza Doris , Moreno María , Angulo Karen , Estrada Kelly , Rodríguez Jaime , Cuenca Christopher , Gruezo Mariela
Published: July 2022

Los autores del presente libro digital cuyo título es: Aprendizaje innovador y desarrollador de competencias matemáticas, conducen al lector a la comprensión de la necesidad imperiosa de construir los conocimientos apoyados con el uso de las herramientas tecnológicas. La construcción de estos conocimientos potencia la relación de saberes previos y nuevos más avanzados, como gestores de zonas potenciales de aprendizaje para afianzar las capacidades del saber conocer, hacer, ser, convivir y emprender el avance de competencias matemáticas, comunicativas, digitales y socio afectivas, situadas en la producción del pensamiento, para lograr plenitud de gozo, felicidad y humanidad en el vivir viviendo.
Reproductive and developmental toxicity screening test of new TiO2 GST in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Baek Hyung Seon , Park Myeong Kyu , Kim Hye Min , Im Jae Min , Seo Heung Sik , Park Hee Ju , Nah Sung Soon
Published: July 2022

TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in paints, plastics, cosmetics, printing ink, rubber, food products, pharmaceuticals and other products (photocatalyst, etc.). However, there is little toxicological information during reproduction and developmental period. This study was performed to obtain safety data for new TiO2 powder, GST (Green Sludge Titanium) produced through sludge recycling of the sewage treatment plant for Reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in according to the OECD test guideline (TG 421). Based on the results of the dose-range finding study (14-day repeated toxicity), GST was orally administered to rats at doses of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg B.W/day. Males were dosed for 35 days beginning 14 days before mating, and females for a maximum of 53 days beginning 14 days before mating to day 13 of lactation, including throughout the mating, gestation and lactation periods. In the reproductive and developmental examinations, there were no marked toxicities in terms of general clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, organ weights, macroscopic / microscopic findings, stages of spermatogenesis in the testis, reproductive finding (estrous cycle, copulation-fertility-gestation index), developmental finding (number of corpora lutea and implantations, pups parameters including live birth and viability index). The NOAEL for reproductive/developmental screening toxicity was concluded to be 2000 mg/kg/day under the present study conditions.
Desarrollo económico y abastecimiento de energía en el mundo
Authors: Diaz Dumont Jorge Rafael
Published: July 2022

Según la UNESCO, nuestro mundo alberga 1,800 millones de jóvenes de entre 10 y 24 años de edad; estos jóvenes se enfrentaran a una serie de realidades y retos, que van desde el desabastecimiento de alimentos, el deterioro del medioambiente, la inminente escasez de energía proveniente de restos fósiles; entre muchos otros elementos que tendrán que ser materia de concertación multilateral para su adecuada gestión, en donde las principales economías del mundo tendrán que tomar decisiones conjuntas, previendo el bienestar de las futuras generaciones. En este contexto, se tiene que la dependencia en cuanto al abastecimiento de energía en el mundo está en el combustible fósil que representa el 81% en comparación a otras fuentes y la realidad científica es que este es un recurso finito que tendrá que agotarse; ello implica que se alcance una capacidad máxima de producción y luego una reducción (caída) en la producción de Petróleo (que tendrá que llegar). Es una voz de alerta según el modelo matemático propuesto por Marion King Hubbert que es una realidad matemática.
PAEFAM y PAECOM: Esencia de enfermería familiar y comunitaria
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Tayacaja Daniel Hernández Morillo, León-Montoya Gladys Bernardita
Published: July 2022

Ha sido una gran satisfacción que mi colega y admirada Gladys León Montoya me haya pedido prologar este libro. Nuestra vinculación se remonta a una estancia que realicé en la Universidad Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de la región Amazonas en 2014. Allí, tuve la oportunidad de conocer el excelente trabajo de tutorización y docencia que realiza con el alumnado durante el periodo de internamiento comunitario. Debo decir que me dejó gratamente sorprendida comprobar cómo se reflejaba su sensibilidad y profesionalismo en las narrativas de sus alumnos/as, cuando exponían el proceso de atención de enfermería familiar y comunitaria, que habían desarrollado en distintas comunidades rurales de la amazonía. Pienso que la pasión y rigor que la profesora Gladys aporta en la tutorización del internado comunitario, hace de éste una experiencia inolvidable para el alumnado. Su gran conocimiento del proceso de atención de enfermería con comunidades y familias de diferentes regiones del Perú, su formación en Salud Pública y, su inquietud investigadora, son transmitidas a sus alumnos/as con el entusiasmo que la caracteriza en todos los proyectos que emprende. Por ello, creo que es muy difícil no amar la Enfermería Comunitaria después de haber pasado por sus aulas.
Effect of Ketamine on Vasopressor Needs in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hui Channing , Filipe Monteiro Joao , Trivedi Dyuti , Vasant Dhruv , Carino Gerardo
Published: July 2022

Background

Ketamine has many recognized effects that may be beneficial in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. While ketamine provides sedation and analgesia, it has additional sympathomimetic properties that may help support critically ill patients in shock. We hypothesized patients undergoing mechanical ventilation with continuous ketamine infusion as an adjunct to sedation agents would be associated with a lower vasopressor requirement.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on 200 mechanically-ventilated patients (205 hospital encounters) in two academic hospitals between 2015 to 2019. Patients on ketamine as an adjunct (K-G) to another sedative were utilized as the intervention group. Patients on both propofol and fentanyl (PF-G), a common sedation regimen, were used as the control group. The primary outcome was vasopressor requirements before and after initiation of ketamine or propofol and fentanyl. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, 30-day mortality, ICU length-of-stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and ventilator-free days.

Results

The overall proportion of males was 63.4% (p-value =0.5016). The norepinephrine average dose (up to 48 hours after initiating sedatives) was lower in K-G (8.7 mcg/kg/min) when compared with PF-G (14.2 mcg/kg/min), p-value<0.0001. The ICU, 30-day or any time all-cause mortality was similar in both groups (22.0, 21.5 and 32.2%, p-value=0.8952, 0.9709, 0.8019, respectively). The average ICU and hospital stay overall were 8.8 (p-value=0.5174) and 16.6 (p-value=0.9280) days, respectively. The average ventilator-free days for K-G was 22.8 days compared to 23.2 days in PF-G (p-value=0.5567).

Conclusions

In our study, ketamine as an adjunct sedation agent was associated with decreased vasopressor requirements in patients on mechanical ventilation when compared to the standard use of propofol and fentanyl. Further prospective research is necessary before ketamine can be broadly recommended as an adjunct to sedation in critically ill patients with shock.
Impact of Wattpad Reading on Filipino Junior High School’s Reading Habit and Social Values
Authors: Rabang Rosemarie , Tajolosa Teresita , Beguina Leonora
Published: July 2022

The present study investigated the teenage learner’s perceptions of the impact of Wattpad reading on their lives. A total of 120 Filipino junior high school students participated in a qualitative survey of their perceptions of Wattpad reading influence on their reading habit and values. Data showed that Wattpad as a reading platform, has positively influenced the reading habit and values of the teenage users. Undeniably, a good number of the participants have gained maturity, self-reflection, motivation, creative imagination and love of reading from consistent Wattpad engagement. Still, there are negative effects for those who have developed addiction to reading such as (1) development of an irritable temperament, (2) reduced interest in socializing with loved ones and friends, (3) mismanagement of time, (4) disregard for health  and (5) profanity. Despite the disadvantages, the academe could capitalize on students’ natural interest for Wattpad. This study recommends that Wattpad be used in the classroom in developing the reading habits, reflection and writing skills of students while strengthening their sense of maturity, open-mindedness and empathy; thus be a valuable addition to the teachers’ arsenal of teaching and learning tools especially in these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beschäftigungsförderung für Langzeitarbeitslose – ein Beitrag zum Abbau sozialer Ungleichheiten ?
Authors: GOTTSCHALL KARIN , NIVOROZHKIN ANTON , PROMBERGER MARKUS
Published: July 2022

In den Jahren 2020 und 2021 gab es in Deutschland einen nach wie vor robusten Arbeitsmarkt – der Covid-19-Krise zum Trotz. Ein seit Jahren stabiler Anteil Langzeitarbeitsloser zeigt allerdings, dass es selbst unter günstigen Rahmenbedingungen am Arbeitsmarkt für bestimmte Gruppen anhaltend Re-Integrationsprobleme gibt, die sich mit den hier noch nicht berücksichtigten Rückwirkungen des Ukrainekriegs auf den deutschen Arbeitsmarkt vermutlich nicht abmildern werden. Dabei steht auch die aktivierende Arbeitsmarktpolitik der Hartz-Gesetze in der Kritik. Offen ist, ob die Förderung von Beschäftigung für Arbeitslose eher im ersten Arbeitsmarkt zu Marktpreisen oder aber über einen zweiten sogenannten Sozialen Arbeitsmarkt erfolgversprechend ist. Das 2019 in Kraft getretene Teilhabechancengesetz setzt einen starken Akzent bei Letzterem, auch wenn es beide Optionen ermöglicht. Der Beitrag untersucht zum einen, ob dadurch arbeitsmarktferne Gruppen besser erreicht werden. Zum anderen geht es darum, ob die Reformen des Teilhabechancengesetzes eher in Richtung einer De- oder Rekommodifizierung von Arbeit weisen.
Eine europäische Arbeitslebensversicherung? Auf den Spuren des Revolutionärs Immanuel Kant
Authors: SCHMID GÜNTHER
Published: July 2022

Die Arbeitsmarktpolitik auf europäischer Ebene hat durch die Krisen der letzten Jahre wiederholt neue Impulse erhalten. Mit den Initiativen für eine europäische Arbeitslosenrückversicherung, einen europäischen Mindestlohn, eine europäische Jugendgarantie und – vor Kurzem – Europäische Sozialanleihen ist die EU mittlerweile eine arbeitsmarktpolitische Akteurin geworden, welche die nationalen Aktivitäten ergänzt oder unterstützt. Die Covid-19-Krise könnte ein Gelegenheitsfenster sein, den Europäischen Sozialfonds um bestimmte Elemente einer Europäischen Arbeitslebensversicherung weiterzuentwickeln. Das Ziel sollte nicht nur darin bestehen, in europäischer Solidarität auf zyklische oder pandemische Krisen des Arbeitsmarkts zu reagieren, sondern auch die nationalen Kapazitäten zu stärken, um Einkommensrisiken im gesamten Erwerbsverlauf abzusichern. Die Innovation dieses Essays besteht darin, die Grundzüge einer Arbeitslebensversicherung auf die revolutionäre Trias „Freiheit, Gleichheit, Selbstständigkeit“ von Immanuel Kant zurückzuführen. Kants Konzept der „bürgerlichen Selbstständigkeit“ – anstelle der „Solidarität“ – erweist sich als überaus fruchtbar, um ein institutionell fundiertes Grundrecht auf würdige Arbeit zu begründen.
Europäischer Tarifbericht des WSI – 2021/2022 : Tarifpolitik im Zeichen von Krise, Krieg und Inflation
Authors: LÜBKER MALTE , JANSSEN THILO
Published: July 2022

Europäische Tarifpolitik ist derzeit mit einer Vielzahl von Unsicherheitsfaktoren konfrontiert: Der im Februar 2022 begonnene Angriffskrieg Russlands gegen die Ukraine dämpft die Aussichten auf eine Fortsetzung der 2021 beobachtbaren wirtschaftlichen Erholung. Für das Jahr 2022 zeichnen sich aufgrund der derzeitigen hohen Inflation signifikante Kaufkraftverluste für die Beschäftigten und negative verteilungspolitische Konsequenzen ab, die durch Lohnsteigerungen zu kompensieren wären. Zugleich sind Warnungen vor möglichen Risiken einer Spirale aus steigenden Preisen und Löhnen hörbar. Die Tarifparteien stehen damit vor einer ungewöhnlich komplexen Situation. Vor diesem Hintergrund betrachtet der vorliegende europäische Tarifbericht mögliche Risiken und Potenziale der Tarifpolitik. Die Berechnung des Verteilungsspielraums auf Basis von Produktivitätsentwicklung und HVPI bzw. alternativ dem BIP-Deflator als Preisindex der inländischen Wertschöpfung deutet auf eine aus Beschäftigtensicht negative Verteilungsbilanz hin. Dies impliziert, dass nicht die Lohnentwicklung, sondern die Gewinninflation preistreibend wirkt. Um in Anbetracht der regionalen und sektoralen Herausforderungen der Krisen die Steuerungsfähigkeit der Tarifpolitik zu verbessern, könnte eine Stärkung des institutionellen Rahmens der Tarifpolitik sowohl auf europäischer als auch nationaler Ebene erfolgversprechend sein.
Tarifbindung und betriebliche Interessenvertretung: Ergebnisse aus dem IAB-Betriebspanel 2021
Authors: ELLGUTH PETER , KOHAUT SUSANNE
Published: July 2022

Mit diesem Beitrag wird die jährliche Berichterstattung des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung zur Tarifbindung und betrieblichen Interessenvertretung mit Daten für 2021 fortgesetzt. Zunächst wird die Tarifbindung der Betriebe nach Branchen und Betriebsgrößen dargestellt. Dabei wird auf die nach wie vor vorherrschenden Unterschiede zwischen West- und Ostdeutschland abgestellt. Als Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass die Flächentarifbindung in beiden Landesteilen seit 1996 deutlich rückläufig ist. Auch für die betriebliche Ebene der Mitbestimmung ist in der langen Sicht ein abnehmender Deckungsgrad zu konstatieren. Abschließend wird in der gemeinsamen Betrachtung der betrieblichen und sektoralen Ebene der Interessenvertretung auf die ausgedehnten betrieblichen Vertretungslücken sowie die „weißen Flecken“ in der Tarif- und Mitbestimmungslandschaft hingewiesen.
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right? A Historical Comparison of the 1975 and 2016 British Referendums
Authors: HÄUßLER Mathias
Published: July 2022

The article offers a detailed comparison of the 1975 and 2016 British referendums in light of the larger debates surrounding Britain’s relationship with European inte‐ gration. Rather than depicting ‘Brexit’ as the likely, or even inevitable, outcome of British European policy since 1945, it situates both referendums in their respective historical contexts, showing how each one was highly contingent and should be un‐ derstood against the particular background of its time. Yet the article also identifies some broader structural similarities and longer-term continuities, such as the paramount importance of domestic politics, and the lack of a clearly articulated ra‐ tionale for EC/EU membership in the British political discourse. In the end, both referendums were decided by dynamics that stretched far beyond the question of EC/EU membership, highlighting both the general rise of Euroscepticism since the 1990s and some distinct British particularities.
Noes That Should Have Been Yeses: the Dutch Referendums Concerning the European Constitutional Treaty (2005) and the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement (2016)
Authors: REIDING Hilde
Published: July 2022

This article discusses two European referendums held in the Netherlands in 2005 and 2016 on the approval of the European Constitutional Treaty and the ratification of the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement respectively. It investigates their backgrounds and outcomes and how they unfolded, drawing conclusions on striking similarities that can be discerned between them. In both cases, legislation that made the referendums possible was driven by ideas of popular involvement; the referendum campaigns were characterised by the discomfort of the political elite and the dominance of the no-camp; and they resulted in a popular rebuff, an outcome that the legislature could and would only very partially honour. The article demonstrates how the experience resulted in disillusionment, both for voters and politicians, and eventually led to the withdrawal of the corrective referendum bill.
The Microbial Degradation for Pectin
Authors: Mosaad Khattab Abdelrahman
Published: July 2022

Pectin considers one of the most plentiful natural components having many applications. It is widely distributed in the middle lamella and cell walls of the terrestrial plant in various concentrations. Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide that involved galacturonic acid and methanol as the main components. Pectin is degraded by the pectinase enzyme, producing several compounds that have industrial applications. This Enzyme is produced by several organisms such as plants, protozoa, nematodes, insects, and microorganisms. However, the microbial source is the most common in commercial production due to its massive applications in various industries. Consequently, this chapter will show the importance of microorganisms to degrade pectin, the different types of microorganisms that can degrade pectin, and their applications.
Vermicompost for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioconversion of Terrestrial Weed Biomass into Vermicompost
Authors: Devi Chaichi , Khwairakpam Meena
Published: July 2022

Organic fertilizers are alternative to chemicals used in agriculture which enhance soil quality, prevent harmful chemicals entering into food chain, improve health and contribute to sustainable future socially, economically and ecologically. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer which promotes plant growth and improves soil quality. Vermicomposting is an economically feasible and environment friendly technology in which organic wastes are bio-converted into value added product and various organic wastes are used in this process. Terrestrial weeds are the plant species which grow on land and invasive in nature. These plants are responsible for various nuisances in the environment, agriculture and society. The weed biomass generated after various management methods are considered as organic waste. The terrestrial weed biomass is a possible option for the production of vermicompost. In this chapter scope of vermicompost for sustainable agriculture, the vemicomposting mechanism and the bioconversion of terrestrial weed biomass into vermicompost have been discussed.
African Traditional and Complementary Therapies
Authors: Ozioma Ezekwesili-Ofili Josephine , Okechukwu Ogbonna Anthony
Published: July 2022

Complementary therapies describe a wide range of healthcare practices that can be used alongside conventional treatments to deal with chronic health problems, treat symptoms, or simply to stay healthy. Examples include herbalism, bloodletting, purgation, prayers and incantations, hydrotherapy, diet, exercise, massage, etc. The basis for these practices stems from core beliefs: imbalance of body functions causes illness, the body can self-heal under the right conditions, and treatment should be of the whole body and not just symptoms; religion, spirituality, and culture are very strong underlying factors. The reasons for using complementary therapies are primarily to maintain good health, dissatisfaction with conventional medicines, taking charge of one’s own health, ready availability, and notions of safety. In rural Africa, complementary therapies have been used solely as alternative therapies due to inadequate healthcare. This chapter deals with the African traditional complementary therapies that coexist with conventional medical practices and their advantages and disadvantages.
Collagen-Based Biomaterial as Drug Delivery Module
Authors: Kumar Verma Amit
Published: July 2022

In the field of medicine, controlled drug delivery has become a major challenge due to inefficiency of drug at critical parameters such as permeability, solubility, half-life, targeting ability, bio- & hemocompatibility, immunogenicity, off-target toxicity and biodegradability. Since several decades the role of drug delivery module has been a crucial parameter of research and clinical observations to improve the effectiveness of drugs. Biomaterials- natural or artificial are mainly used for medical application such as in therapeutics or in diagnostics. Among all the biomaterials, collagen based-hydrogels/ films/ composite materials have attracted the research and innovations and are the excellent objects for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressings and gene therapeutics etc. due to high encapsulating capacity, mechanically strong swollen structural network and efficient mass transfer properties. Substantial developments have been performed using collagen-based drug delivery systems (DDS) to deliver biomolecules with better efficacy. In spite of significant progress, several issues at clinical trials particularly targeting of intracellular molecules such as genes is still a challenge for researchers. Experimental results, theoretical models, molecular simulations will boost the fabrication/designing of collage-based DDS, which further will enhance the understanding of controlled delivery/mechanism of therapeutics at specific targets for various disease treatments.
Non-Manakovian Propagation in Optical Fiber
Authors: Moeller Lothar
Published: July 2022

Solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation or similar calculus is essential for designing today’s long-haul optical communication systems. Associated numerical and analytical approaches were extensively studied over the past four decades; simplifications and adaptions for various applications and purposes have been introduced. Optical fibers installed in long-haul systems possess nonideal features such as birefringence, which some of these adaptions partially address to improve the simulation accuracy. But as the fiber birefringence frequently and randomly changes along a link, finding a mathematical solution is a more complex problem and beyond the task of dealing with the nonlinear nature of the corresponding equations. Recently, a novel propagation phenomenon related to the polarization evolution of a signal has been observed. In links with considerable length, i.e., bridging transatlantic or transpacific distances, the polarization state of a light wave is impacted by neighboring signals via the Kerr nonlinearity in glass. Established formalisms for describing polarization effects based on the nonlinear Schrödinger equation cannot fully capture this phenomenon. Here we discuss a first-order calculus for this problem. We start with high-level reviews of experimental observations to introduce the phenomenon and ways to model regular nonlinear propagation. Then we present a first-order calculus to describe the statistics behind the phenomenon by specifically discussing the interplay between fiber birefringence and fiber nonlinearities.
Basic Animal Breeding Methods
Authors: Singh Thakur Mohan
Published: July 2022

In the era of genomic selection, basic animal breeding methods are still playing a very important role in animal selection and their improvement. Animal Breeding involves the selective breeding of domestic animals with the intention to improve desirable and heritable qualities in the next generation. An animal’s overall performance is mostly influenced by genetic potential acquired from its parents, as well as the environment, which includes nutrition, health, management, and other factors. This chapter covers a brief outline of traditional breeding methods for the selection of animals and their improvement.
Carissa spinarumL.: A Case Study in Ethnobotany and Bioprospecting Research
Authors: Smyth Ciara , Sheridan Helen
Published: July 2022

This study explores ethnobiological and bioprospecting research through the lens of Carissa spinarum L., using it as a case study to examine wider trends in such research. Hunn’s Phasing in Ethnobiology is used as a framework, analysing the extensive research of a species used in healing, diet and other domains. Most reported studies are illustrative of Phase I Ethnobiological research based on the lack of basic context, emic or ecological detail, or a sense of collaboration with participants or across disciplines. Elements of Phases II, III and IV are evident in some studies highlighting ethnographic context, ecological issues or indigenous knowledge and rights. The extractive character of Phase I research, usually used for bioprospecting purposes, decontextualises plant use and may contribute to the historically poor results from ethno-directed bioprospecting. The widespread marginalisation of the social sciences in bioprospecting research can invalidate the whole research project and in turn ethnomedical plant use itself. A species such as Carissa spinarum L., emerging from Phase I research, can become a mere collection of its phytochemical parts, invalidated if those parts do not meet scientific measures of value. The collaborative character of Phase IV and V Ethnobiology would reward with more ethical and effective research with healing plants.
Water Availability for the Environmental Flow in Two Rivers of Mexico under Climate Change
Authors: González-Villela Rebeca , Banderas Tarabay Alfonso , Mijangos Carro Marco
Published: July 2022

Adaptation to climate change requires, among others, the modification of river flow regimes to account for the change in household, agricultural, industry, and energy water consumption as well as their short/medium/long-term socioeconomic impact. In this study, the comparative analysis of the variation of the precipitation in relation to the availability of water in the Yautepec and Cuautla rivers in Morelos, Mexico, for the previous period and subsequent period is carried out, to determine the change in the availability of water in the ecosystem. In winter (February), an increase in rainfall on the Yautepec and Cuautla River was observed, where annual seasonal agriculture and Pine and Oyamel forest are the characteristic vegetation. In autumn (October), a decrease in precipitation takes place. The flows in some regions do not coincide with the increase in the percentage of precipitation (Oaxtepec and Las Estacas Stations) and point out the synergistic effect of the human use of the water resource and the effects of climate change. On Ticumán Station, the depletion of the flow only can be associated with the use of the resource by human influence. The modifications caused by alteration of a river’s flow regime and climatic change must be studied through comparative multidisciplinary studies that give to decision-makers the design of environmental flows.
The Nutritional Challenges in Dysphagia: Not Only a Matter of Nutrients
Authors: Germain Isabelle
Published: July 2022

Oropharyngeal dysphagia can significantly affect food ingestion. Texture-modified foods and thickened fluids are proposed to alleviate this difficulty. The nutritional density of adapted foods is often insufficient to maintain adequate nutritional intakes. The current scientific knowledge relies on a weak correlation between clinical assessment and meals consumed by patients as well as few clinical trials to support the efficacy of any treatment. The negative organoleptic perceptions associated with dysphagia diets further exacerbate undernutrition and malnutrition. Over the years, scientist in food science, nutritionists, psychologists and other health professionals have proposed parameters when formulating novel foods for the treatment of dysphagia. Beyond the nutritional composition of adapted foods for the treatment of dysphagia, this chapter will present multidimensional factors affecting food intake, sensory evaluations, rheological parameters as well as the available research to date with respect to optimizing nutritional treatment of dysphagia. To date, extrapolation to everyday food formulations remains a real challenge. To ensure success, thorough, individualized nutritional care plans need to be implemented and monitored regularly. An international knowledge transfer database must be considered to help document the innovations proposed in texture-modified foods and thickened fluids in order to benefit patients of all ages and origins.
Virus World Vulnerability: A Critical Reading of Gender and Performance in Bo Burnham’s “Inside” (2021)
Authors: McWade Chris
Published: July 2022

Through an engagement with the seminal work of Raewyn Connell on masculinities and hegemonic masculinity, this chapter argues for the hegemonic norm as producing behaviour among men that can be traced in multiple male subjectivities. The argument is that men respond to the prevailing masculine norm by enacting self-protective disavowal—a complex psychological process that involves the reordering of reality in the interests of the maintenance of power, and one that is seen in cases of both legitimate and imagined threats to the self and the body. Self-protective disavowal is at the core of the “Same Shit” phenomenon—the idea that while the experience of masculinity varies across culture and position in the gender order, self-protective disavowal is a constant that leads to predicable patterns among men. The discussion then explores deliberate vulnerability as a kind of anti-protective disavowal in Bo Burnham’s INSIDE, a complex, undefinable ‘special’ released on Netflix in 2021. The chapter considers Burnham’s work as a departure from self-protective disavowal and “Same Shit” masculinity through deliberate vulnerability and critically evaluates the value of this alternative, especially given the nihilism that reigns over the work and calls into question the validity of uncritically romanticization of alternatives.
Characterisation and Application of Nickel Cubic Boron Nitride Coating via Electroless Nickel Co-Deposition
Authors: Ngah Norsilawati , Bahiyah Baba Nor , Azinee Said Nor , Habir Ibrahim Mohd , Shari Na’ain
Published: July 2022

The chapter describes the characterisation and application of nickel cubic boron nitride (Ni-CBN) coatings using the electroless nickel co-deposition method. Two different types of substrates were used, that is, high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide. The characterisation of Ni-CBN coating was conducted using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) JSM-7800F coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX). As for the application, coated end mill cutting tools were inserted into DMU 50 CNC machine to conduct the machining testing. Cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut were chosen for the Taguchi L9 3-level factors. Taguchi analysis was employed to determine the optimal parameters for the Ni-CBN (HSS) surface finish. The ANOVA evaluation was used to identify the most significant effect on surface finish parameters. The FESEM images prove that the nano-CBN powders were embedded in the Ni-CBN coatings and are uniformly distributed. The findings show Ni-CBN-coated tool life is 195 minutes compared to the uncoated is 143 minutes. The surface roughness, Ra values using Ni-CBN-coated tools ranges between 0.251 and 0.787 μm, whereas the uncoated tools Ra values between 0.42 and 1.154 μm. It can be concluded that Ni-CBN HSS cutting tools reduce tool wear and extend tool life. The Taguchi optimum machining condition obtained is 1860 RPM spindle speed, 334 mm/min feed rate, and 2 mm depth of cut.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Adetutu Adisa Rahmat , Adegboyega Sulaimon Lateef
Published: July 2022

Over 1 million cases of liver cancer are estimated to occur by 2025, making it a global health challenge. In almost 90% of cases of liver cancer, it is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The main risk factors for HCC development are infection with hepatitis B and C viruses, although nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus is becoming more prevalent in the West. The molecular pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated HCC is unique. A quarter of all HCCs present with mutations that are potentially actionable but have not yet been translated into clinical practice. In the advanced stages of the disease, systemic therapy is expected to be administered 50–60% of the time to HCC patients. In phase III trials, six systemic therapies have been approved (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab), and new trials are evaluating combination therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors or anti-VEGF therapies. The findings of these clinical trials are expected to alter the landscape of managing HCC at all stages of the disease.
An Emerging Global Understanding of Arsenic in Rice (Oryza sativa) and Agronomic Practices Supportive of Reducing Arsenic Accumulation
Authors: Aide Michael , Braden Indi
Published: July 2022

Arsenic uptake in rice (Oryza sativa) is recognized as a global health emergency, requiring the development of agronomic protocols to reduce human exposure to rice having elevated arsenic concentrations. Recent rice-arsenic investigations have centered around numerous agronomic approaches, including: (i) rice breeding and cultivar selection, (ii) altering irrigation water applications to reduce arsenic soil availability, (iii) application of soil amendments which either support arsenic adsorption on iron-plaque or provide antagonistic competition for root uptake, and (iv) phytoremediation. Given that rice cultivars vary in their arsenic accumulation capacity, this manuscript review concentrates on the influences of water management, soil amendments, and phytoremediation approaches on arsenic accumulation. Water management, whether alternating wetting and drying or furrow irrigation, provides the greatest potential to alleviate arsenic uptake in rice. Phytoremediation has great promise in the extraction of soil arsenic; however, the likelihood of multiple years of cultivating hyperaccumulating plants and their proper disposal is a serious limitation. Soil amendments have been soil applied to alter the soil chemistry to sequester arsenic or provide competitive antagonism towards arsenic root uptake; however, existing research efforts must be further field-evaluated and documented as producer-friendly protocols. The usage of soil amendments will require the development of agribusiness supply chains and educated extension personnel before farm-gate acceptance.
How to Measure Organizational Health Literacy?
Authors: Hayran Osman , Dundar Ege Seyda
Published: July 2022

Organizational Health Literacy (OHL) is defined as the ability of health organizations to provide services and information that are easy to find, understand and use, to assist people in decision making, and to remove existing barriers to all individuals who are seeking services. OHL is mainly related to communication, navigation, and leadership in organizations, which in turn leads to patient satisfaction, high quality of healthcare, better services for culturally diverse populations and people with disabilities, and risk minimization in healthcare services. Due to its multi-dimensional and complex nature, there are many criteria, ways, and methods for the implementation and evaluation of OHL. Although several measurement tools have been developed in the recent decade, valid and reliable scales are still needed to assess OHL levels in health care organizations. Brief information regarding these methods is presented in this section.
Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata): Biology, Oil Processing, and Technological Potential
Authors: García Cabrera Odalys , Magalhães Grimaldi Larissa , Grimaldi Renato , Paula Badan Ribeiro Ana
Published: July 2022

The global production of vegetable oil has increased since the beginning of the century, reaching a peak of 209 million tons in 2020/2021 and is projected to continue to increase due to population growth and the impact of the biodiesel industry. In this context, palm oil and soybean oil have stood out. However, both palm oil and soybean oil production chains are not fully sustainable, leading to socioeconomic and environmental challenges, which have driven the search for new raw materials with sustainability potential. Macauba [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. Ex Mart.] is an oleaginous palm distributed mainly in Central and South America, and most of the Brazilian territory. It is one of the species with greater potential for economic exploitation due to its high oil productivity and use of by-products from oil extraction and processing. This chapter addresses the most up-to-date information in biology, oil production, and oil processing from fruit to oil applications.
Minimising CO2 Emissions from Coal Gasification
Authors: Cassim Shaakirah , Kauchali Shehzaad
Published: July 2022

Traditional coal-to-liquid processes use gasification with excess steam to obtain hydrogen-rich syngas for downstream manufacturing of methanol or Fischer-Tropsch liquids. Such processes are shown to produce very large amounts of CO2 directly by the Water-Gas-Shift (WGS) reaction or, indirectly, by combustion in raising steam. It is shown how any coal gasifier can operate under auto-thermal conditions with methane as source of hydrogen instead of steam. This co-gasification system produces syngas for a poly-generation facility while minimising the formation of process CO2. It is shown that minimal steam is required for the process and a limit on the maximum amount of H2:CO can be obtained. Co-gasification of coal is shown to have a major advantage in that a separate WGS reactor is not required, less CO2 is formed and methane is reformed non-catalytically within the gasification unit. Furthermore, regions of thermally balanced operations were identified that enabled a targeting approach for the design of co-gasification systems. The method will guide gasification practitioners to incorporate fossil fuels and renewable-H2 into coal-to-liquids processes that require syngas with H2:CO ratio of 2. An important result shows that low-grade coals can be co-gasified with methane to obtain CO2-free syngas ideal for power generation.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Onset and Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Čolak Emina , Žorić Lepša , Mirković Miloš , Mirković Jana , Dragojević Ilija , Mirić Dijana , Kisić Bojana , Nikolić Ljubinka
Published: July 2022

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, degenerative and progressive chronic disease that leads to severe visual loss. The prevalence of early AMD accounts for 18% in the population between 65 and 74 years of age and even 30% in subjects older than 74 years. The articles published in the last decade point out to a significant role of oxidative stress in the onset and development of age-related macular degeneration. Generally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the eye during light absorption and physiological metabolic processes. The level of oxidative stress is kept under control by the action of antioxidants and reparative enzymes. Excessive synthesis of ROS leads to increased oxidative modification of lipids, proteins and DNA, causing oxidative damage of cytoplasmic and nuclear cell elements and changes of the extracellular matrix. The accumulation of oxidatively modified compounds in drusen deposits will initiate the onset and development of AMD. The objective of this review was to highlight the mechanisms of oxidative stress in order to elucidate their significance and association with the pathogenesis of AMD.
Perspective Chapter: The Role of Knowledge Employees’ Voices in Creating Knowledge in Digital Startups
Authors: Hosseini Elahe , Tajpour Mehdi , Mohiuddin Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Knowledge capital is the most important asset for an organization in today’s context. Digitalization and platformalization of the economy transformed the organizational ecosystem where we need continuous improvement through innovation and creativity. To that end, knowledge employees play an important role in raising their voices with feedback and ideas. This chapter explores the role of knowledge employees in digital startups and how top management can ensure an organizational ecosystem where knowledge employees can flourish and contribute to the competitive advantage of the firms. Our analysis shows that top management needs to create both conducive organizational culture and infrastructure of the organization to fully explore and exploit the knowledge of employees’ expertise and experience for organizational advantages.
The Maintenance Management
Authors: Pelantová Věra
Published: July 2022

The chapter deals with the maintenance management. The review is based on maintenance and management trends in organisations in 2022 and on other findings. There are also historical parallels. Aspects such as maintenance planning and control and management including downtime, resources in terms as material (spare parts and added materials) and personnel are discussed. The issue is linked to other management systems such as quality control, occupational safety, and environment and information security. The methods of planning and control of equipment maintenance are presented. The application of the process approach and the concept of maintenance as a process that needs to be improved are described. The relationship to the Industry 4.0 is mentioned. Linking to risk management is included in this chapter. The chapter is based on a small survey probe in several organisations, and points out identified nonconformities of the maintenance and suggested actions. The goal is effective maintenance for needs of organisations in a current dynamic environment.
Potential Applications of Motor Imagery for Improving Standing Posture Balance in Rehabilitation
Authors: Fujikawa Shoya , Ohsumi Chihiro , Ushio Ryu , Tamura Kousuke , Sawai Shun , Yamamoto Ryosuke , Nakano Hideki
Published: July 2022

Improving standing posture balance is an essential role of rehabilitation to prevent falls in the elderly and stroke victims. Recently, motor imagery has been reported to be an effective method to improve standing posture balance. Motor imagery is a simulation of a movement in the brain without actual movement. Motor imagery is believed to have a common neural basis with actual movement and is effective in reconstructing motor functions. Recently, it has also been shown that motor imagery can be enhanced through use in combination with neuromodulation techniques. In this chapter, motor imagery contributing to the improvement of standing postural balance and its combination with neuromodulation techniques are reviewed.
The Potential Roles of Biochar in Restoring Heavy-Metal-Polluted Tropical Soils and Plant Growth
Authors: Kadir Salam Abdul
Published: July 2022

Biochar shows interesting and environmentally useful properties, among which is its relatively high cation exchange capacity (CEC). High CEC may lower the easily plant-available heavy metals in soils due to the increase in the soil adsorption capacity resulted from biochar application. Quite a lot of current researches reveal that the extracted heavy metals in tropical soils particularly Cu and Zn were significantly lowered in the presence of biochar at 5−10 Mg ha−1. Heavy metal–contaminated tropical soils planted with corn plants (Zea mays L.) show significant decreases in Cu and Zn concentrations at moderate- and high-level addition of heavy metal–containing waste. The growth and dry masses of roots and shoot of corn plant improved immediately as a result of biochar amendment. Planting heavy metal–polluted soils treated with biochar with thorny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) also demonstrated a similar phenomenon.
Boron-Based Cluster Modeling and Simulations: Application Point of View
Authors: Hassani Nasim , Reza Hassani Mohammad , Neek-Amal Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Among sub-nanometer clusters, boron-based clusters and their atom-doped counterparts have attracted great attention due to their mechanical, physical, and chemical properties as well as their applications. Molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations and ab initio methods, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, have been used to understand the physical and chemical properties of different materials. Much research has recently been conducted by using various methods to determine the different properties of boron clusters. In this chapter, we briefly introduce the relevant modeling and simulation methods, then review very recent theoretical researches on the application of small boron clusters, such as gas sensors, electrodes, H2 storage, drug delivery, and catalytic applications.