bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean Diet and Tourism Innovation, Experiences, and Sustainability
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandra Rodrigues , Ramos Célia M. Q. , Viegas Carina
Published: August 2023

HoST Lab is an integrative approach that aims to innovate based on Mediterranean diet (MD) creating new products, services, and experiences, involving producers and distributors. The lab research also aims to know the emotions and sensations associated with eno-gastronomic experiences of the Mediterranean diet and their welcome among visitors-tourists, using a triangulation of traditional methods (interviews, focus groups, workshops), but also developing a digital solution for sharing results (webpage, digital survey, sentiment analysis). A set of reference indicators and a nutrition economic label will be developed and used to evaluate and monitor research results, both in a laboratory and in a real environment. The HoST Lab pretends to be a sharing and learning research space between the academy, the tourism, and the hospitality sector, in which proposals are tested, results transferred to the community, and well-being promoted among the local population and visitors, aspiring for a growing sustainable destination.
Model for Action and Cooperation on Accessible Tourism
Authors: Gondos Borbála , Nárai Márta
Published: August 2023

The study highlights the importance of accessible tourism, presents the actors of accessible tourism, including people with reduced mobility, and discusses their opportunities in tourism. The aim of the authors is to describe the ACT model and demonstrate its use in tourism. Creating an accessible environment provides comfort not only for people with reduced mobility but for almost everyone, so it has greater potential even from an economic point of view. The ACT model was born from the information obtained during the research in Hungary and summarizes and illustrates well what actors are involved in the topic of accessible tourism and what kind of relationship exists between them. Each actor and factor of the three levels of the theoretical model are important in order to ensure that accessibility is achieved, and that disabled people can participate in tourism in the same way as non-disabled people.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Authors: Hashmi Beenish Qureshi
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence has become the most rapidly developing technology of our time. This chapter provides a detailed introduction of artificial intelligence, history of AI, and key components of AI. Recent advancements in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision have made it possible to create AI systems that can perform tasks that were previously thought to be the exclusive domain of human intelligence, and it has become important to understand its role in ICT and the potential benefits and concerns associated with its use. The chapter is also providing a detailed overview of recent advancements in ICT and applications of AI, including machine learning, the development of deep neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and unsupervised learning.
AI-Powered Antennas and Microwave Components
Authors: Talpur Hafsa , Muneer Badar , Memon Mohsin Ali , Abbas Nadeem , Waqas Abi
Published: August 2023

In wireless communication systems, high-performance antenna, microwave, and radio frequency design systems are essential to meet end-user requirements. As demand for these components increases, it's crucial to design optimized structures in a short amount of time with guaranteed best results. This has led to the need for a higher level of intelligence in the design process. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as evolutionary algorithms (EAs), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and knowledge representation have been widely used to find parameter values of antenna and microwave components, leading to optimized designs in minimum processing time and overcoming long processing times and poor results. This chapter focuses on the major AI methods in the area of antenna, microwave, and other radio frequency (RF) components, including phase shifters, intelligent reflective surfaces (RIS), waveguides, filters, stubs, etc. The chapter discusses different EAs and ML algorithms and their use in optimizing antenna and microwave designs.
An Investigation Into the Use of Deep Learning to Recognize Human Activity
Authors: Bera Tuhin Kumar , Acharjya Pinaki Pratim
Published: August 2023

Human activity recognition (HAR) is a study area concerned with the voluntary detection of routine human activity using sensor-based time-series data. However, sensor-based HAR systems have higher misclassification rates for complex actions like running, jumping, wrestling, and swinging because of sensor reading errors. The HAR system's overall performance is decreased by these sensor errors, which produce the worst classification outcomes imaginable. For complex tasks, better accuracy can be attained using vision-based HAR systems. This technique builds a deep convolutional neural network, and then uses it to extract features from the input sequence in order to gather data. Then, the temporal connections between the images will be ascertained using LSTM. This model's accuracy was suggestively higher than that of other cutting-edge deep neural network models after it was effectively validated on the UCF50 dataset. The implementation of the models to maximize their efficacy has been covered in this chapter.
Co-Teaching
Authors: Etheridge Lisa , Johnson Joseph , Kane Marie , Carpenter Angela , Lott Cathy
Published: August 2023

As schools move to adopt more inclusive practices for students, there is a call for more collaborative opportunities for teachers, such as professional learning teams, to meet the needs of all students. For these professional learning teams to be successful, they must be designed for high quality and performance to promote student learning and achievement. The purpose of this chapter is to focus on using the co-teaching model as an instructional strategy for meeting the diverse needs of all students. The chapter will include the six co-teaching strategies and how to implement them effectively. Furthermore, the chapter will discuss the training of teacher candidates at the higher education level in order to be ready to meet the needs of all students through collaboration using the co-teaching model. Lastly, the chapter will provide real-life scenarios incorporating the co-teaching strategies for the reader to work through and discuss.
Analysing the CEFR/CV in University Language Centres in Spain
Authors: Díez-Bedmar María Belén , Luque-Agulló Gloria
Published: August 2023

Although the use of the CEFR and CV in language assessment has been extensively discussed, there is little information regarding the actual raters' viewpoint. Thus, the objective of this chapter is to analyse how the raters perceive the documents, their level of knowledge of the CEFR/CV, their opinions on the documents' effectiveness, clarity and impact, and the degree of implementation of the CEFR and the CV in the evaluation of candidates in University Language Centres in Spain. To do so, data was elicited by means of a previously expert-validated 38-item questionnaire distributed to University Language Centres accredited by ACLES in Spain. The results confirm that the raters in this study are familiar with the CEFR and, to a lesser extent, the CV. However, the findings also highlight the need for continuous training to focus on some communicative language competences, the use of descriptors in rubrics, mediation and the action-oriented approach.
Using Performance Data as a Lever for Improvement
Authors: Casanovas Neus Figueras , Escubairó Josep Maria Montcada
Published: August 2023

The study described in this chapter was set to explore – 25 years on – the perceived values, acceptance, and ownership of the Escola Oficial d'Idiomes examination system in Catalonia by those stakeholders with responsibilities in its implementation in schools: teachers and administrators. The study focused in particular on the perceived usefulness of the performance data systematically shared with schools after each examination session. In order to fulfil their objectives, the authors used a mixed-methods approach, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data via surveys and focus group discussions. The analysis of the data collected allowed for possible courses of action to revise and improve the existing examination system, present and future language teaching and learning processes, and to increase the accountability of the system.
Addressing Pedagogical and Linguistic Challenges in CLIL Assessment
Authors: Otto Ana , Serrano-Moya María Elena
Published: August 2023

Content and language integrated learning (hereinafter, CLIL) has consolidated as a competence-based educational approach in which an additional language is used for the learning and teaching of content and language. However, assessment in CLIL is still a controversial topic mainly due to the duality between the content and the language, which makes it difficult to decide on the weight given to the language, and the lack of teacher training in this respect. Other factors which might explain this scarcity of research are the variety of contexts in which CLIL is displayed, the different subjects taught through this approach, and the varied language and educational levels where it is implemented. This chapter has been conceived to be of practical value to classroom teachers, administrators, and teacher educators as it aims to answer the most common questions about assessment in CLIL programs by addressing linguistic and pedagogical challenges.
Alternative Assessment in ELT
Authors: Koç Fatma Şeyma , Ölmez-Çağlar Funda
Published: August 2023

Alternative assessment procedures have so far been researched and implemented widely both in mainstream education and in second/foreign language (L2) education for decades. In response to the shortcomings of more traditional assessment procedures, L2 professionals have included alternatives in their assessment processes. More specifically, a wide variety of alternative procedures such as portfolios and projects have been employed by English language teaching (ELT) professionals. Based on this framework, the current chapter initially defines and conceptualizes alternative assessment. It then underscores the complementary nature of standardized and alternative assessment and discusses the validity and reliability issues. Following this, the chapter introduces alternative assessment types and discusses them in relation to language learning and teaching. Upon underlining the benefits of and challenges to the use of alternative assessment particularly in the process of English language learning and teaching, the chapter finally provides some implications and future directions.
Improving Novice EFL Teachers' TPACK With Padlet Self-Reflective E-Portfolios
Authors: Aamri Siham Mohammed Al , Gabarre Cécile , Gabarre Serge
Published: August 2023

The Padlet TPACK training was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic when teachers needed guidance with online synchronous lessons. In Oman, professional development programs do not always result in an effective knowledge transfer into teaching practices. Therefore, in response to impeding factors, a grounded action research was conducted with six primary EFL novice teachers to investigate an alternative approach. The Padlet training provided a rich educational environment and facilitated peer-cooperation. Furthermore, peer feedback and reflective e-portfolios helped teachers identify their strengths and address their weaknesses which improved their technological pedagogical content knowledge. This chapter provides educators, supervisors, and trainers with tips and recommendations to design and conduct alternative PD educational technology training programs.
An Investigation of ELT Teachers' Perceptions of Digital Technology Integration via SAMR Model in the 21st Century Education System
Authors: Orak Suheyla Demirkol
Published: August 2023

It is difficult for educators to teach young students to keep up with 21st-century education demands, even while the 21st century demands that learners be digitally savvy and self-driven to cope with technological innovation. Digital technology integration into the courses, however, can be thought of as the most time-appropriate and modern practice of the teaching-learning process, compared to other ways, in order to educate the students as adaptive to the needs of the 21st century. In particular, the SAMR Model is the most direct way to invest, gate teachers' perspective and technology integration levels because one of the needs of the 21st-century ELT is to stay up with the century and integrate digital sources into the lessons. This chapter intends to create a procedural connection between aspirations of the 21st century and their collaboration with the adoption of digital technology into activities. The SAMR Model and the function of teacher perceptions, as established by the literature, are also defined in the study along with some suggestions.
Developing Simulation Materials to Support Teacher Anti-Racist and Anti-Ableist Practice During IEP Meetings
Authors: Perouse-Harvey Ebony
Published: August 2023

Research demonstrates discriminatory and inequitable practices related to students identified with (disabilities). Inequitable practices and discrimination reveal the necessity of collaboration and advocacy as an integral part of the pedagogy of professional development for members of the IEP team. Providing pre-service (or preparing) teachers simulated experiences of individualized education program (IEP) meetings can support PSTs understanding of how ableism and racism can manifest in schools, develop skills in collaborating with families, and begin to develop advocacy practices that support students that are marginalized at the intersection of their race and ability status. This chapter focuses on how to develop materials that leverage critical theoretical frameworks, provide learning experiences that mirror teacher practice in schools, and provide authentic representations of families of color to develop PSTs collaborative and advocacy practices.
All the Voices
Authors: Scott Lynn M. , Anderson Kiera , Parsons Christine , Hirn Juliana , Kerns Christina , Romualdo Annette
Published: August 2023

Educational research indicates collaborative engagement strategies often exclude caregivers of students with disabilities. The chapter highlights an experiential learning opportunity for preservice teachers that builds community and value for those whose voices are traditionally unheard. Emphasis is placed on the need for a holistic approach to engagement with a focus on open and honest communication, building trusting relationships beyond the classroom, and capacity development for the educator and caregiver partnership. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyze preservice teachers' collaborative informal interviews of caregivers of individuals with disabilities and educational experiences across the lifespan. Findings suggest listening to caregivers positively influences preservice teachers' future as well as present admirations. Results align with previous work advocating for a trauma-informed, intersectional, and critically reflexive approach to family and educator involvement. Recommendations to improve parent exposure in teacher-education programs are provided.
Assay of Molecular Imprinted Polymers as Food Additive Detectors
Authors: Nag Shreya , Das Debangana , Roy Runu Banerjee
Published: August 2023

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a promising class of materials for the selective detection of food additives due to their high affinity and selectivity toward target molecules. This chapter provides an overview of the recent advances in MIP-based sensors for detecting food additives, with a focus on the development and application of MIPs for the detection of formalin and vanillin. The chapter discusses the various methods and techniques used for the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of MIP-based sensors, including electrochemical and optical sensors. The commercial application and real-time applications of MIP-based sensors are also discussed, along with the future prospects and challenges in the field of MIP-based food additive detection. Overall, this review highlights the potential of MIPs as a valuable tool for the detection of food additives, providing a robust, selective, and cost-effective approach to food safety and quality control.
Pre-Service Teachers' Pedagogical Knowledge and Perceptions of Climate Change Education
Authors: Njurai Evelyn W. , Gisore Billiah
Published: August 2023

Climate change education (CCE) has been proposed to be a driver for the much-needed knowledge and skills on climate change (CC). Teachers, and consequently learners, are key change agents in any society; therefore, it is necessary that they have knowledge and skills on CC and how to mitigate and adapt to these changes. This chapter discusses pre-service teachers' pedagogical knowledge and perceptions of CCE. The discussion is contextualized through research conducted in Kenya. While it was evident that the pre-service teachers had basic knowledge and skills about CC, they also had misconceptions. Further, CCE was not documented in their curricula. They propose that CCE can be integrated with other subjects or implemented as a stand-alone subject or both. The study consequently identifies pre-service teachers' knowledge gaps and reports on their mixed perceptions of CCE. The need to include CCE in the curriculum is then underscored in view of targeted agencies.
Climate Change and Its Implications on School Education in Kenya
Authors: Ogendi George Mokua
Published: August 2023

Climate change is the greatest challenge of the 21st century. It is threatening all aspects of societal life. The right to education of children is negatively impacted by these climate-induced challenges. This chapter presents findings of a study on the effects of climate change on the education of the younger generation. The study used a mixed research design method and was done within Kisii Municipality, Kenya. The findings were that climate change and its effects have brought about increased waterborne diseases, reduced available income for families, and compromised living standards, thereby negatively impacting on children's education. To address the effects of climate change, however, provision of appropriate education can go a long way in mitigating these climatic challenges. Secondly, topics on climate change should be included in the school curriculum.
Best Practice in the Use of the Water Sources of Portoviejo Canton, Ecuador, and Its Parishes
Authors: González Arturo Luque , Ponce José Humberto Ponce , Popescu Cristina Raluca Gh.
Published: August 2023

Water is a fundamental element for the sustenance of all living beings in nature, hence the importance of its conservation and the correct management of its sources. In the case of the Portoviejo River, water is used as a means of irrigation in plantations, a drinking water supply to the city, and a space for developing tourism. However, new settlements along the banks of the Portoviejo River have led to a rise in pollution levels and other misuses of the water. Owing to these circumstances, there was a clear need to evaluate the historical background and conservation mechanisms of water sources used by the canton authorities and its control bodies. The main objective of this study was to carry out an exhaustive analysis of good practices in the use of water sources within the Portoviejo Canton. The study used a hermeneutic research approach, which allows the researcher to perform a qualitative analysis of various interpretations of different texts through a dialectical process, which supports the investigation and substantiates the results obtained.
Dynamics of Teaching in the Era of Climate Change Education
Authors: Yambo John M. Onyango
Published: August 2023

This chapter addresses the dynamics of teaching in the era of climate change education. It equally looked at encounters of mobile schools and teaching and facilities in mobile schools in mitigating climate change. It necessitates that the education researchers engage in inquiry and involvement of other stakeholders. Two methods were used, partial relevant literature review and qualitative assessment of teaching methods. The study targeted policy makers, curriculum and instructional designers, faculty, administrators, teacher educators, and other stakeholders interested in averting the impact of climate change and promoting sustainable development in Kenya and beyond.
Effectiveness Information Communication Technology Systems and Its Impact on Organizational Performance
Authors: Hainane Wilhelm , Shihomeka Sadrag Panduleni
Published: August 2023

This chapter evaluated the effectiveness of the current information communication technology systems in use by ELCIN and its impact on overall performance in the administration of the church. The study utilised a quantitative approach with a randomly selected sample . The findings reveal that only 14% of ELCIN staff had PCs. On ICT skills competences, the digital illiteracy rates are high with databases (illiterate= 85%, literate=0%), PowerPoint (illiterate=87%, literate =13%), and Excel (illiterate=20%, literate=20%, not sure=60%). The study further reveals that there is generally non-usage (f=27, 90%) of specialised administrative software such as Oracle, Pastel, and SAP. The research also showed that there are varied reasons for the low adoption of ICT in ELCIN that include inadequate hardware and software and low skills capacitation among others. It is therefore recommended that ELCIN sends the staff members to refresher courses in basic ICT and to strengthen the digital literacy training. Also, proper system implementation should be accompanied by appropriate expertise.
Spirituality, Comics, and Social Justice
Authors: DeHart Jason D.
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, the author pushes back on the divisions and dichotomies that have become part of national discourse in the United States and advances the notion that the ethical perspective is linked to inclusive practices and embracing diversity. The notion of an ‘enemy' figure in religion is explored in relation to the mythic that is part of secular and sacred storytelling. Particular attention is given to popular comics narratives and the ways in which the mythic are presented when exploring both the idea of evil, including the othering of individuals.
Evaluation of the Distributed Strategies for Data Parallel Deep Learning Model in TensorFlow
Authors: Ravikumar Aswathy , Sriraman Harini
Published: August 2023

Distributed deep learning is a branch of machine intelligence in which the runtime of deep learning models may be dramatically lowered by using several accelerators. Most of the past research reports the performance of the data parallelism technique of DDL. Nevertheless, additional parallelism solutions in DDL must be investigated, and their performance modeling for specific applications and application stacks must be reported. Such efforts may aid other researchers in making more informed judgments while creating a successful DDL algorithm. Distributed deep learning strategies are becoming increasingly popular as they allow for training complex models on large datasets in a much shorter time than traditional training methods. TensorFlow, a popular open-source framework for building and training machine learning models, provides several distributed training strategies. This chapter provides a detailed evaluation of the different TensorFlow strategies for medical data. The TensorFlow distribution strategy API is utilized to perform distributed training in TensorFlow.
Distributed Deep Learning for Smart IoMT Challenges in the Healthcare Domain
Authors: Thangavel Agila Harshini
Published: August 2023

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) collects and transfers healthcare data over the network using sensors, software applications, and Edge devices. A greater number of Healthcare devices are being manufactured and there are various challenges like Interoperability, Security, Scalability, and privacy. IoMT devices are used to monitor and deliver treatments to patients remotely. For IoMt devices to reach their full potential the challenges need to be addressed. Healthcare devices when compromised can harm patients by disrupting personal data.
Eye Gaze Capture for Preference Tracking in a Scalable Environment
Authors: Ananthi G. , Shenbagalakshmi G. , Pujaa M. , Amretha V.M.
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, eye gaze tracking of real-world people to acknowledge what they are seeing in a particular page is trending; but its complexity is also growing fast, and the accuracy is not enough. In the proposed system, the image patch of the eye region is extracted from the input image using the Viola Jones algorithm for facial feature detection. Then SqueezeNet and U-Net are combined to train the model for pixel classification of iris and pupil from the eye image patch with a training dataset that contains manually labelled iris and pupil region. After extracting the iris and pupil features, the eye gaze tracking is formulated by using 2D pupil center extracted by applying Mean-Shift algorithm and 3D eyeball center. The system achieved an accuracy of 99.93% which is best comparable to the state-of-the-art methods.
The Impact of Epidemiology on COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
Authors: El-Amin Abeni
Published: August 2023

In consideration of the importance and scope of epidemiology on SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID-19), essential aspects are conveyed regarding how to improve vaccine confidence through awareness and education. Further, from a natural history context, the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and spread throughout the world. As a result, governments and organizations experienced challenges managing the pandemic. Explained are characteristics of the COVID-19 epidemiological approach. For example, the utilization of epidemiological studies is performed to obtain rates and probability of occurrence. Reviewed are the use of epidemiology in determining COVID-19 causality, the health status of the population, delivery of services, program planning, and social policy.
An Efficient Early Diagnosis and Healthcare Monitoring System for Mental Disorders Using Machine Learning
Authors: Reddy C. Kishor Kumar , Satvika Pullisani , Doss Srinath , Hanafiah Marlia M.
Published: August 2023

Recently, the increase in internal health problems in society has led to an increase in research on the development of mechanistic capacity models to detect or predict internal mental health. The effective use of internal health assessments or discovery models allows internal health interpreters to redefine internal suffering more objectively than ever before, and in the early stages when interventions may be more effective. In this work, we aim to apply a bias mitigation system based on multitasking literacy to perform a fairness analysis and to fear the predicted model using the Reddit dataset. This article employs an efficient technique for machine learning random forests. The proposed model was evaluated against various performance metrics and the model showed 91.00% accuracy. This is an advantage compared to existing approaches.
Evaluating Occupational Accidents and Disease-Based Sustainable Performances of the Turkish Development Regions Using a Hybrid MCDM Approach
Authors: Ordu Muhammed
Published: August 2023

Occupational health and safety (OHS) culture is one of the critical indicators of the sustainable development level of regions. There is a need to analyse the performance of development regions in terms of occupational health and safety, which directly affects the productivity of businesses, in order for Turkish Development Regions to progress socioeconomically and to eliminate inequalities between each other. A hybrid MCDM approach integrating AHP and TOPSIS methods is used to rank the occupational accidents and diseases-based performances of Turkish Development Regions. 11 sub-criteria are determined for the comparison of 26 alternatives. The weights of the criteria are calculated by the AHP method, and the Development Regions are ranked by the TOPSIS method. In conclusion, the development agencies should attach more importance to occupational health and safety than ever before by taking into account the human factor which is the basis of sustainable development.
Sustainable Use of Kitchen Waste in Advanced Microbial Enzyme Production
Authors: Poddar Ruma , Bose Debajyoti , Nambiar Nisha , Poddar Sandeep
Published: August 2023

Raw vegetable and fruit materials' processing waste as well as kitchen waste is a big environmental issue in recent scenario. Management of this food processing materials causes major environmental pollution. One of the best solutions is enzyme production through vegetable and fruit peels as medium by microbial fermentation. The main aim of this review is to find out the recent advances of enzyme production through fruits and vegetables peels by microbial fermentation. Fruit and vegetable waste is rich in hydrolyzable elements and fiber, especially soluble sugars. It has already been proved that different fruit and vegetable peels are good sources of different enzymes which are valuable products in different industries. Therefore, the use of food waste from the processing of fruits and vegetables to create new products with additional value is an exciting field of study.
Computational Cognitive Analysis for Intelligent Engineering Using EEG Applications
Authors: Kanna R. Kishore , Gomalavalli R. , Devi Yamuna , Ambikapathy A.
Published: August 2023

NFT increases EEG's higher alpha band to improve working memory. Five sessions of visual cue feedback instructed patients. Single-channel EEGs collect EEG signals. Each participant's unique alpha frequency band calculated the Higher Alpha band. LabVIEW programme extracted the higher alpha band (10–13hz) signal. The patient was then encouraged to relax by watching the device's nature. Thus, higher alpha waves predominate Relaxation creates alpha waves. Thus, the NFT retrains the brain to make alpha waves on its own and boosts activity. Participants learned and increased alpha band amplitude. Neuro-feedback training using NFT enhanced cognitive processing speed. 60-65-year-olds were selected for this training. This research examined if training improves elderly people's cognitive processing speed. Visual input improves brain control and consistency. Brainwaves were rewarded with visual messages. The training uses Lab View. Finally, mental, physical, and emotional health improves Neuro-feedback system to assess healthy volunteers and the elderly's cognitive performance might be built.
IoT-Based Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring in Aquaculture Systems Enhancing Aquatic Species Health
Authors: Kasu Sai Amulya , Mathukumalli Shravani , Done Harshitha , Yalavarthy Grahya , Veeramalla Santhosh Kumar
Published: August 2023

For the health and well-being of aquatic species, it is crucial to monitor and maintain ideal water quality in aquaculture systems. Manual testing and inspection are two traditional water quality monitoring techniques that can be time- and money-consuming. Through the use of sensors and other IoT devices, the IoT offers a possible solution by enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of water quality. Using a variety of sensors, including a turbidity, soil moisture, and gas, we discuss the design and implementation of an IoT-based system for monitoring water quality in aquaculture in this project. The outcomes of our field tests show how well the system works for measuring water quality parameters precisely and sending prompt notifications when variations from normal values are found. Overall, our research indicates that the adoption of IoT technology can enable continuous, real-time monitoring of water quality, which has the potential to substantially enhance the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture operations.
Students' Performance Prediction in Higher Education Using Multi-Agent Framework-Based Distributed Data Mining Approach
Authors: Nazir M. , Noraziah A. , Rahmah M.
Published: August 2023

An effective educational program warrants the inclusion of an innovative construction that enhances the higher education efficacy in such a way that accelerates the achievement of desired results and reduces the risk of failures. Educational decision support system has currently been a hot topic in educational systems, facilitating the pupil result monitoring and evaluation to be performed during their development. In this literature survey, the authors have discussed the importance of multi-agent systems and comparative machine learning approaches in EDSS development. They explored the relationship between machine learning and multiagent intelligent systems in literature to conclude their effectiveness in student performance prediction paradigm. They used the PRISMA model for the literature review process. They finalized 18 articles published between 2014-2022 for the survey that match the research objectives.
Increasing the Speed of Formation of the Structure of Fine-Grained Concrete and its Strength
Authors: Shyshkin Alexander
Published: August 2023

It was determined that the active component of modern concrete is water. Water has a variable structure, the type of which depends on the temperature at which the water was processed. The use of water in the production of concrete, which has a certain changed structure, allows influencing the rheological properties of concrete mixtures and modifying the structure of cement stone in such a way as to give concrete properties that ensure high operational reliability of structures. However, this method of increasing the strength of concrete has certain disadvantages that prevent its wide application. The purpose of the research is to determine the effect of a mixture of water of different structure on the strength of fine-grained concrete and the speed of its formation.
Human resources for health in Sri Lanka over the post-independence period: key issues
Authors: De Silva Dileep , Chandrathilake Madawa , De Silva Nilanthi
Published: August 2023

No abstract available
Maternal health in Sri Lanka: 75 years of national commitment towards excellence
Authors: Senanayake Lakshmen , Ranathunga Ananda , Kaluarachchi Athula
Published: August 2023

Sri Lanka has a legacy of religious and cultural practices promoting health, and its rulers have been responsive to health needs of the populace. The healthcare milieu that prevailed in the pre-colonial and colonial periods favorably influenced the evolution of maternal health in the last 75 years. Since independence, maternal health in the country improved in many dimensions and directions, in the backdrop of multiple sociodemographic changes and geopolitical fluxes, while far-reaching advances in the medico-technological and communication fields were taking place at global level.By 1948, maternal health services were extensive with maternity hospitals, midwifery training school and functional health units in place. The establishment of a cadre of government-trained midwives instead of training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) was a key policy decision that brought long-term dividends. The WHO supported training primary health care workers even before opening their country office in 1952. In the early days, obstetricians relied mostly on their skills to conduct dexterous maneuvers with the generous use of rotational forceps rather than resorting to abdominal deliveries.The Family Planning Association was founded in 1953, which introduced family planning services to the country till the government took over the subject in 1958. A rigorous campaign (punchi pawla raththaran), promoting sterilization was conducted for population control in 1974, which resulted in the total fertility rate coming down significantly.Maternal Death Surveillance and Response system (MDSR) was established in 1981 which has been recognized globally as a success and is being upscaled to a confidential Inquiry status. Commitment and untiring efforts of the Ministry of Health: Family Health Bureau, professional organizations, development partners including the WHO, have contributed for the achievements in the area of women’s health.
Neurosarcoidosis: The Pan-Neurology Disease
Authors: Agarwal Ayush , Garg Divyani , Garg Ajay , Shamim Shamim A. , Sharma Meher Chand , Jain Deepali , Srivastava Achal K.
Published: August 2023

Neurosarcoidosis (NS) is a protean illness with multiple clinical and radiological presentations giving it the moniker of “a chameleon” or the great mimic. NS can present as a wide spectrum of neurological syndromes localizing both to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The absence of a diagnostic serum test makes it difficult to diagnose with certainty and remains largely a histopathological diagnosis and one of exclusion. A high index of suspicion should be there in suspecting NS, and it should always be excluded among patients presenting with acute to subacute neurological deficits.
A Descriptive Study on Online Health Information-seeking Behavior among Adults Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Kerala
Authors: Sebastian Shaliet Rose , Joseph V. T. Anjusha , Sibichen Ann Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Background:

The internet plays a crucial role in educating and empowering the health consumer, by providing a large quantity of information on health and health services at their convenience. Although people pay attention to the health information available online, they seldom remember the source of information or are mindful about the credibility of internet sites. As a consequence, online information can lead to patients being misinformed, a sense of distress, and an increase in the tendency toward self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

Aim:

This study aims to study the pattern of seeking online health information among adults attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Kerala.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 adults attending a tertiary care hospital in central Kerala.

Results:

Sixty-six percent of the study participants surfed the Internet to gather information about symptoms related to their condition. Forty-one percent of the study population preferred to discuss the information with their doctor. Majority of study subjects (58%) preferred better opportunities for doubt clearance with their consulting doctor instead of googling their symptoms.

Conclusion:

The present study recommends that online health information should be used in synergy with doctor–patient interactions which give them viable and true information to cope with their problems to disseminate the right knowledge in the community.
Mastering the craft: Creating an insightful and widely-cited literature review
Authors: Li Shengwen Calvin
Published: August 2023

The art of constructing an insightful literature review manuscript has witnessed an exemplar in the work of Oz et al (2023), wherein concept progression harmoniously merges with figures and tables. Reflecting on retrospective data science, it is evident that well-cited articles can wield a transformative influence on the Journal Citation Reports Impact Factor score, as exemplified by Robert Weinberg’s landmark on cancer (Hanahan and Weinberg, 2011). Here, we aim to spotlight a commendable contribution by Tuba Oz, Ajeet Kaushik, and Małgorzata Kujawska in this issue while pivoting towards identifying the hallmarks of a subpar literature review-elements that hinder rather than promote advancement. The hurdles and roadblocks encountered within subpar literature reviews are multifold. Anticipation of emerging trends, identification of challenges, and exploration of solutions remain conspicuously absent. Original Contributions fail to surface amidst the vast sea of pre-existing literature, with noticeable gaps amplified by the lack of illustrative figures and tables. The manuscript, at times, assumes a skeletal form, reflecting an attempt to accommodate an excess of references, leading to convoluted sentences laden with citations. In contrast, a potent solution lies in adopting a comprehensive approach. A nuanced and critical evaluation of sources can culminate in a robust discussion, surpassing the mere summarization of conclusions drawn by others. This approach, often dismissed, holds the potential to elevate clarity, coherence, and logical flow, ultimately inviting engaged readership and coveted citations. The critical necessity of integrating visionary insights is underscored and achieved through a rigorous analysis of pivotal concepts and innovative ideas. Examples can be harnessed to elucidate the application of these solutions. We advocate a paradigm shift, urging literature review writers to embrace the readers’ perspective. A literature review’s purpose extends beyond providing a comprehensive panorama; it should illuminate avenues for concept development within a specific field of interest. By achieving this balance, literature reviews stand to captivate a devoted readership, paving the way for manuscripts that are both widely read and frequently cited. The pathway forward requires a fusion of astute analysis and visionary insights, shaping the future of literature review composition.
Foreign subsidies and financial contributions: much fine-tuning ahead
Authors: Merola Massimo , Cogoni Alessandro
Published: August 2023

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which came into force on 12 January 2023, constitutes the missing piece to protecting the internal market from the distortive effects of public intervention and bridges a glaring regulatory gap. However, although tackling distortions of competition caused by non-EU countries’ public intervention has always been widely recognized as a worthy objective, the complexities and administrative burden deriving from Commission-designed tools have been broadly and harshly criticized.

Even though more conceptually interesting topics are on the table, the present contribution focuses on the issue that seems to be the most controversial in the current phase: the quantity and type of information required in the notification process with regard to foreign subsidies/financial contributions received by the notifying undertaking in the previous three years. Indeed, the Commission requires all foreign financial contributions to be listed (with few exceptions) in the context of concentrations and public procurement procedures.

Therefore, after a brief overview of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the contribution analyses the rationale and related risks of the Commission’s choice to require the notification of foreign financial contributions rather than foreign subsidies, it evaluates the possible alternative paths proposed during the public consultation and it concludes by proposing a reasonably balanced solution.
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation: the challenge of notifying non-selective tax expenditure
Authors: Luja Raymond
Published: August 2023

The European Union’s new Foreign Subsidies Regulation will lead to particular challenges in the tax domain. While the final version of the FSR now contains clear links to State aid, the differences are all the more noticeable. Third country tax measures that benefit group financing or equity financing warrant special attention. Repayment of foreign tax incentives to the European Commission, as a last resort measure, might come at odds with taxing prerogatives as divided under existing bilateral tax treaties. Compliance with notification obligations when engaging in public procurement or planning a merger with or acquisition of an entity active in the EU will be hardly doable. Unlike EU State aid rules (and WTO subsidy rules), notification may also involve non-selective and non-beneficial tax measures received within a group. If these have come into the FSR’s scope by intent and not by omission, then this is to be strongly reconsidered. Sustainability tax incentives aimed at greening investment have not been exempt from scrutiny. Thus, EU subsidiaries of third country parent companies and EU parents of third country subsidiaries should gather more information for the purpose of this regulation than one might expect at first sight.
Closing the regulatory gap – answers (and new questions) from the Foreign Subsidies Regulation
Authors: Lowe Sir Philip , Yarak Simon
Published: August 2023

This article discusses the way in which the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) attempts to close a regulatory gap left between EU State aid rules, WTO anti-subsidy rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) monitoring rules. In particular, it presents key similarities and differences in the substantive assessment undertaken by the Commission in State aid control, and that which it may be expected to apply under the FSR, from the economics perspective. While the Commission is likely to apply very similar tools to those of State aid control in order to determine whether a foreign financial contribution confers a benefit on an undertaking (i.e. the market economy operator principle), there are also a number of ways in which the assessment under the FSR may be expected to differ from State aid practice. Specifically, the FSR is likely to require a more in-depth assessment of the distortive effects of foreign subsidies. This will require a novel approach to developing and testing ‘theories of harm’, taking inspiration from State aid, trade defence and merger control. Finally, the broader scope of the ‘balancing test’ (weighing up positive and negative effects of subsidies) compared to State aid, while likely necessary to match the closer focus on distortive effects of the aid, raises new question on its application by the Commission in practice.
Assessment of verbal and visual episodic memory, post-concussive complaints, and their relathionship following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kochbati Imene , Audrit Hélène , Laguë-Beauvais Maude , Tinawai Simon , Elaine de Guise
Published: August 2023

Neuropsychological deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are usually discrete and sometimes difficult to detect. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between episodic memory and post-concussive symptoms (PCS). The sample was composed of 55 participants (aged 20 to 64 years), including 25 patients with mTBI and 30 healthy control participants. Participants completed the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF), and questionnaires measuring the intensity of memory complaints, fatigue, and sleep quality. Analysis of the data revealed: (a) no significant differences between both groups in episodic memory performance, in either the verbal or visual modalities (b) the intensity of PCS was significantly higher than expected in the normal population (no PCS symptoms), (c) no significant association was found between PCS and memory performance. These results suggest that, despite the fact that patients with mTBI complain of significant memory difficulties and PCS, the neuropsychological tests most commonly used in clinics, do not objectify the memory complaints.