bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary assessment and effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life, body composition, and physical fitness in Iranian postmenopausal women
Authors: Boushehri S. Najafpour , Farazmand M. , Zar A.
Published: February 2022

Menopause is an important period of life for women, all of whom experience this natural state. However, awareness of the bodily changes during this period is of great significance. Hence, not paying attention to the dietary, physical, and psychological criteria can reduce the quality of women’s lives. This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body composition, and physical fitness in postmenopausal women after Pilates exercises. Thirty postmenopausal Iranian women were randomly divided into Pilates (performed for 8 weeks) and control groups. The HRQoL Questionnaire (SF-12) was filled out, and a three-day record of food intake was also kept for dietary assessment. The diet of the women consisted of mean values of 1,923 Kcal daily energy, 16% protein, 72% carbohydrate, 12% fat, and 11.32 mg iron. Calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin E intake were respectively 73, 87.5, 81.7 and 83.53% of the recommended daily allowance. Pilates exercises had a significant effect on flexibility (P=0.002), endurance (P=0.001), muscle strength (P=0.001), body mass index (P=0.001), lean mass (P=0.003), body fat percentage (P=0.001), and quality of life (P=0.001). Therefore, Pilates is an appropriate training to increase body fitness and improve body composition, lean mass, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Predictability of Central Corneal Stromal Reduction After SMILE and FS-LASIK for High Myopia Correction: A Prospective Randomized Contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Luo Yiqi , He Shengyu , Chen Pei , Yao Huan , He Anqi , Li Yan , Qiu Jin , Lan Min , Zhuang Jing , Yu Keming
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

To compare small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser–assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in terms of the predictability of central stromal thickness reduction in eyes with high myopia.

METHODS:

In this prospective, randomized contralateral eye trial, 42 patients received SMILE in one eye and FS-LASIK (using the Amaris 750S excimer laser [SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions]) in the fellow eye for the correction of high myopia (manifest refraction spherical equivalent: < −6.00 diopters). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to measure the central corneal and epithelial thickness. Pre-operative and postoperative values were compared to determine the amount of central stromal reduction achieved.

RESULTS:

At the 6-month follow-up visit, the amount of central stromal reduction was overestimated by 20.05 ± 5.92 µm in the SMILE group (
P
< .0001) and underestimated by 8.21 ± 8.14 µm in the FS-LASIK group (
P
< .0001). The mean actual central stromal reduction achieved with SMILE was significantly less than that achieved with FS-LASIK (10.10 ± 18.01 µm, range: 1.90 to 18.29 µm,
P
< .001). The discrepancy between the planned and achieved central corneal stromal reduction was not associated with refractive overcorrection or undercorrection in either the SMILE group or the FS-LASIK group (
P
= .9743 vs
P
= .0777).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with high myopia, the laser software platform may underestimate and overestimate the amount of actual corneal reduction in eyes treated with FS-LASIK and SMILE, respectively. SMILE required less corneal stroma compared to FS-LASIK in the studied cohort using the Amaris 750S excimer laser when correcting a similar spherical equivalent refraction.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(2):90–97.]
The mean-field limit of the Lieb-Liniger model
Authors: Rosenzweig Matthew
Published: February 2022

We consider the well-known Lieb-Liniger (LL) model for \begin{document}$ N $\end{document} bosons interacting pairwise on the line via the \begin{document}$ \delta $\end{document} potential in the mean-field scaling regime. Assuming suitable asymptotic factorization of the initial wave functions and convergence of the microscopic energy per particle, we show that the time-dependent reduced density matrices of the system converge in trace norm to the pure states given by the solution to the one-dimensional cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) with an explict rate of convergence. In contrast to previous work [3] relying on the formalism of second quantization and coherent states and without an explicit rate, our proof is based on the counting method of Pickl [65,66,67] and Knowles and Pickl [44]. To overcome difficulties stemming from the singularity of the \begin{document}$ \delta $\end{document} potential, we introduce a new short-range approximation argument that exploits the Hölder continuity of the \begin{document}$ N $\end{document}-body wave function in a single particle variable. By further exploiting the \begin{document}$ L^2 $\end{document}-subcritical well-posedness theory for the 1D cubic NLS, we can prove mean-field convergence when the limiting solution to the NLS has finite mass, but only for a very special class of \begin{document}$ N $\end{document}-body initial states.
On dynamics and stationary pattern formations of a diffusive predator-prey system with hunting cooperation
Authors: Ryu Kimun , Ko Wonlyul
Published: February 2022

The current paper provides a qualitative study of a diffusive predator-prey system with a hunting-cooperation functional response under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. The considered functional response explains a behavioral mechanism in which predators search for and hunt their prey cooperatively. We investigate the global attractor for nonnegative time-dependent solutions to the system and the nonpersistence leading to the extinction of the predator species in the system. Moreover, we study the local stability at all feasible nonnegative constant steady states and the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation (i.e., the existence of time-periodic orbits) in the system. Finally, we study the existence and nonexistence of nonconstant positive steady states in the system, and the limiting behavior of the positive steady states according to the diffusion rate. Through this study, we observe interesting results, such as bistability, extinction of the predator species induced by a large consumption rate, and stationary patterns in the system with hunting cooperation in predators.
Dynamical behavior of a stochastic predator-prey model with Holling-type III functional response and infectious predator
Authors: Qin Chuangliang ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xinyang College, Xinyang 464000, China, Du Jinji , Hui Yuanxian ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we formulate a stochastic predator-prey model with Holling III type functional response and infectious predator. By constructing Lyapunov functions, we prove the global existence and uniqueness of the positive solution of the model, and establish the ergodic stationary distribution of the positive solution, which indicates that both the prey and predator will coexist for a long time. We also obtain sufficient conditions for the extinction of the predator and prey population. We finally provide numerical simulations to demonstrate our main results.
possibilidade da Comunicação: articulações entre Bergson e Bachelard na Nova Teoria da Comunicação
Authors: Dos Santos Vanessa Matos
Published: February 2022

Ciro Marcondes Filho (*1948-†2020) levou a cabo o empreendimento de compreender a Comunicação em sua maioridade, como Ciência, e lançou as bases da Nova Teoria da Comunicação (NTC) que, por sua vez, assenta-se na epistemologia metapórica. Assumindo a comunicação como fenômeno raro, que é impossível de ser capturado por métodos científicos tradicionais, o métaporo – procedimento de pesquisa da NTC – liberta o pesquisador para vivenciar aquilo que não é um fenômeno de racionalização, mas de intuição, de apreensão sensível; Acontecimento comunicacional. Apresenta-se, neste artigo, dois princípios filosóficos nos quais se assenta a epistemologia metapórica, quais sejam – a duração em Bergson e o instante em Bachelard, para, na sequência, explicitarmos de que forma se dá a articulação entre eles no escopo da NTC.
Da solidão compartilhada à virada relacional: entrevista com David Gunkel
Authors: Tomaz Tales , Naves de Oliveira Danielle
Published: February 2022

Tales Tomaz e Danielle Naves entrevistam David J. Gunkel, professor titular do Departamento de Comunicação na Northern Illinois University (Estados Unidos), amigo e colaborador de Ciro Marcondes Filho. Nesta entrevista, são discutidos temas que fizeram parte do diálogo de Gunkel com Marcondes Filho por mais de uma década: araridade da comunicação; a necessidade de uma fundação filosófica para o campo; as implicações desse empreendimento filosófico diante da chamada “virada relacional” no pensamento ocidental; e os desafios morais e éticos provocados pela crescente capacidade dos artefatos tecnológicos emularem funções sociais, especialmente coma proliferação de tecnologias de inteligência artificial, como robôs. David Gunkel ganhou projeção no cenário acadêmico estadounidense e internacional ao desafiar as concepções humanistas tradicionais em relação a esses tópicos em obras como The Machine Question: Critical Perspectives on AI, Robots and Ethics (2012) e, mais recentemente, Robot Rights (The MIT Press, 2018).
Walk With Me
Authors: C. Latunde Yvette
Published: February 2022

There is a need for transformative leaders who can usher in the changes that will help students and the academy realize their full potential. The existing literature on transformative leaders provides substantial evidence of the leadership of Black women in various enterprises. Much of the literature on leadership approaches leadership as a destination, but it fails to prepare Black women for the journey. The Black woman's journey is unique; the resources, strategies, and practices she uses as she exercises transformative leadership are different from those of others. This chapter identifies ways Black women aspiring to leadership within higher education may integrate transformative leadership qualities in their work to meet (or even exceed) professional expectations while mitigating factors that could damage them personally.
Supporting Black Women's Career Advancement
Authors: Scott Tamekia M.
Published: February 2022

This chapter provides narratives from seven Black women who participated in a narrative inquiry study about how they navigated racism and sexism in their career journeys to becoming senior student affairs officers. These life stories focus on the ways they utilized mentorship, sponsorship, and community support to navigate racialized and gendered work environments. Furthermore, their narratives include the importance of understanding the difference between a mentor and a sponsor and how to utilize them for career advancement.
Mentoring for Career Advancement
Authors: Del Priore Andrea
Published: February 2022

Existing research about the career advancement of Black women faculty in higher education focuses on the challenges Black women faculty face at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Conversely, this chapter focuses on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), taking a non-deficit perspective. The author investigates the mentoring supports Black women faculty use that aid them in their career advancement, leveraging an electronic survey to gauge how mentoring relates to career advancement for Black women faculty. This chapter focuses on the HBCUs where Black women have the highest percentages of tenure. Survey responses are analyzed by rank and discipline, and prior literature is reviewed and discussed in comparison with the survey results.
Mentoring
Authors: Lovett Marilyn D. , Vanager Sibyl , Dials-Corujo Shaneen , Troupe Faith
Published: February 2022

In this chapter, an exploration of establishing and maintaining relationships with faculty as beneficial for both students and faculty is discussed. Doing so moves both parties toward a positive educational connection in the meantime and a favorable mentoring interest long term. Experiences at HBCUs preparing students for future leadership opportunities by providing research expectations for students are considered. Examples involving psychology majors in some courses and as participants at research conferences are offered. Mentorship allows faculty to strive to a level of leadership allowing them to have more influence on their respective campuses. That influence enables students to gain more resources, necessary for the enhancement of their inherent leadership skills.
Digitally-Enhanced Literacy Learning
Authors: Larson Lotta , Clark Spencer
Published: February 2022

This chapter examines the potentially positive changes to teaching and learning, post pandemic, and ways to reinforce these changes and support students' new literacies and learning skills. The discussion will focus on digitally enhanced learning to promote new literacies resulting in 21st-century skills, also known as the 4 C's (creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration). The authors explore how teachers can support their students by cultivating these skills and new literacies to thrive in the digitally enhanced classroom and share lesson ideas and digital resources to support digitally enhanced learning across content areas. Lastly, they discuss the need for ongoing professional learning about digital tools to help teachers shift their mindset from deficit-based to asset-based thinking. To support this shift, they propose four steps: digital navigation, content area resources, pedagogical resources, student application of knowledge and skills. Each of these steps help teachers in using digital tools to supplement, enhance, and assess teaching and learning.
Teaching 1st Grade Environmental Studies on the Elementary Level With Video Explanations
Authors: Jančič Hegediš Polona , Kmetec Valentina , Hus Vlasta
Published: February 2022

In this chapter, the concept of flipped learning and teaching, explainer videos, and the criteria for the quality of their production is introduced. In this context, the focus was on tools for publishing video explanations intended for learning about the environment in distance education, which is the most used by classroom teachers. The goal of the research also presented in this chapter was to determine whether and to what extent teachers follow the established criteria when teaching remotely and designing guidelines for creating high-quality video explanations. Presented research demonstrated that teachers partially consider the criteria necessary for their quality when designing video explanations intended for the teaching of environmental learning in the 1st grade. Based on the literature studied and the research findings, guidelines for better video explanation production are listed at the end of this chapter.
Elementary School Educational Practices and the Need for Flexibility in Remote Learning Environments
Authors: Krishnasamy Hariharan N
Published: February 2022

This chapter focuses on educational practices at the elementary school level and the need for flexibility to enhance students' knowledge and skills. COVID-19 has proved to be catalytic in introducing online learning. This chapter draws heavily on the work of Vygotsky and the Zone of Proximal Development, together with Gee's notion of affinity spaces. The research questions focus on teachers' and learners' points of view. The research objectives are centered on the challenges of online learning in elementary schools in Malaysia, a comparison between online learning and the learning experiences in the physical classroom, and suggestions on ways to improve online learning. Data were collected from five remote schools in the northwestern state of Kedah, which borders Thailand. The responses of teachers and students showed that there are many issues that need to be addressed within the realm of online learning. The most important issues faced by students include the need for digital devices and internet connectivity. A strategic plan could be designed to address these issues.
Educational Transformation in the Post-COVID Era
Authors: Burriel Francesca , Lorenzo Neus
Published: February 2022

This chapter provides a window into how the coronavirus pandemic has suddenly transformed instructional classes, family-school communication, and parent-teacher interaction at planetary scale. The authors propose strategies to deal with digital interaction, privacy concerns, and protocol agreements inspired by an ongoing process of digital transformation in local primary schools in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain), based on inter-level support, teacher networking, and parent-school collaboration. In 2020, some schools started to develop their protocols for digital instruction and communication, but in 2021, they were suddenly forced by the pandemic to tailor them to improve digital family-school interaction, emotional support, and remote educational existence. The authors also provide a theoretical basis from agile education, gamification theory, and inquiring knowledge building or the spiral of inquiry.
Parental Involvement in EFL Learning With Preprimary Children
Authors: Estrada Chichón José Luis
Published: February 2022

A lockdown occurred in Spain in 2019-20 arising from COVID-19. This implied an adaptation from face-to-face to virtual teaching. Parents had to cope with their children's needs as for many learning areas (e.g., foreign languages). Taking into consideration children's English as a foreign language (EFL) learning, this work examines parents' (n=80) involvement by determining their familiarity with EFL, finding out whether they use tools for that purpose, and identifying their preferences about the features video tutorials should have. This is an exploratory mixed-methods research in which data were collected through a questionnaire. The results reveal that parents have a lower intermediate level of EFL and use it infrequently; they prefer videos to other tools like books, for example, and they opt for the features of video tutorials to be aesthetically appealing to kids and not related directly to language acquisition. So, parents do not get much involved in their children's EFL by using technological tools. Moreover, they have little knowledge of EFL and early language acquisition.
The Perceptions of Preservice Teachers on Creation and Use of Hologram Materials in Education
Authors: Karademir Coşkun Tuğra
Published: February 2022

In the study, the use of 3D simple hologram material (3DHM) in pre-school education is evaluated with different aspects from pre-school pre-service teachers' perspectives. Forty pre-service teachers selected by the criterion sampling method were included in the study which was designed with triangulation design. At the end of the five-week study including 3DHM development and pre-school adaptation, interviews were conducted with the pre-service teachers. The quantitative data obtained were subjected to frequency analysis, and qualitative data were subjected to in vivo coding and attribute coding in the first step and axial coding in the second step. As a result of the research, according to pre-service teachers, 3DHM can be used as a teaching material and an activity that can be done with students. In addition, according to pre-service teachers, 3DHM could develop children's cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills and also increase their motivation and interest and memorability.
The Past and Future of Remote Learning
Authors: Pedersen James Matthew
Published: February 2022

In March 2020, educators around the world rushed to implement remote learning programs for their students due to the national lockdown. Some schools were able to maintain connections with their children, while others struggled to maintain even the most basic level of instruction. Very early on in the lockdown, educators saw that a “digital divide” had occurred. This chapter will examine the background of distance learning and explore the current initiatives that are being used to promote remote instruction for k-12 as well as what the future of learning could look like for the next generation of students.
The Pivotal Role of Human Resource Management in Overcoming Employee Fear in Organizations of the Tourism Industry in Vietnam
Authors: Aquino Jr. Perfecto Gatbonton , Jalagat Jr. Revenio Cabanilla
Published: February 2022

Amid the increasing threats of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam arose the human resource management challenges in the tourism industry and the loss of jobs and the scarcity of workforce due to lockdown, business bankruptcy, and unstable business conditions in many businesses including the tourism sector. Previous studies have identified the shortage of skilled labor as well as the perceived lack of highly qualified talents with vast opportunities for success economically. This has exacerbated at the heights of the COVID-19 crisis as many employees live in fear of losing their means of living whenever companies declare work stoppage, closure, and other threatening measures to lessen unfavorable situations. Recently published articles and government regulations were examined and evaluated to determine the role of HRM in addressing employee fear within the organization. Interpretations and recommendations were proposed to effectively shed light on its resolution. However, further studies are needed to further validate these findings.
Integrating Talent and Knowledge Management Practices in the New Normal Business Environment
Authors: Masenya Tlou Maggie
Published: February 2022

Public sector organizations are faced with many challenges due to their continued reform, and new strategies are thus being implemented to ensure that these organizations adapt to the new normal business environment. However, no other issue is more important than developing effective leaders. Talent and knowledge are considered as critical resources to develop the most valuable assets of an organization and to support a sustainable competitive advantage and outstanding performance. But how can the principles of talent management be integrated with knowledge management practices to enhance leadership development within public sector organizations? This chapter critically reviewed literature pertaining to leadership capability development through integrating talent and knowledge management strategies. The transformational leadership theory, leadership development model, and talent management model were used as underpinning theories to guide the study. The chapter established that the integration of talent and knowledge management strategies leads to effective leadership development.
Understanding the Digitised Labour Market Through a Gendered Lens
Authors: Sharma Astika
Published: February 2022

With a view to understanding the changes taking place, studying their impact, and identifying potential opportunities for achieving gender equality, the chapter aims to look at women in the labour market and at the gender digital divide. It discusses the structural change for equality in the information and knowledge society and analyses women's autonomy in the new technology paradigm. It provides four different gendered perspectives to understand women in the labour market in the era of technological development. A gendered perspective on new forms of employment highlights how job markets can be opened up in new and inclusive ways to women. The chapter discusses that if the digital gap is bridged, then it can provide new sources of global economic growth.
Cashless Society and Development of Gender-Friendly Services Through Mobile Wallet
Authors: Mallawaarachchi Chammika
Published: February 2022

In the recent past, the idea of mobile wallets was very new to the world, but it is now becoming popular due to the expansion and development of smartphones with robust and sophisticated facilities. However, the literature on mobile wallets does not deeply identify and discuss how gender is significant in the business world with the power of mobile wallets and how it is helping to adopt the best strategies to incorporate it into the business through e-commerce activities. Therefore, this research contributes to knowledge by exploring mobile wallet users in Sri Lanka from a gender perspective and their significance in business development. The research adopts a qualitative research method to gather the primary data with a case study strategy. So, the case study found that mobile wallet has many inhibitions constraining its adoption and diffusion about gender. Also, it found that mobile wallets provided many social benefits that contributed to overcoming most of the gender-exclusive activities in e-commerce.
Gender Bias in Science and Technology
Authors: Nayak Sunita
Published: February 2022

This chapter is a medico's perspective on the impact of gender bias on science and technology. It is entirely about what a female doctor feels about the society and the struggles a female faces in her journey, the lacunae in our system, how we should deal with the people and the system for the betterment of humanity in general. Her experiences in the medical college as a student, as a doctor, as a researcher, and as a teacher have been shared. How to maintain a perfect work-life balance and still be happy and content in life without being stressed.
The Continuous Struggle for the Existence of Females in the Construction Industry in the 21st Century
Authors: Kaur Gaganpreet , Mishra Nandita , Singhal Puja
Published: February 2022

The construction industry in India holds second place in the development of the country after the agriculture industry. The construction industry consists of the employment of the most diverse culture of people employed, and the issue of gender inequality is one of the main problems associated with this industry. This chapter focuses on the various issues related to the diversity of the people employed and the gender inequality prevailing among them. A questionnaire was designed which was to be filled by the workers, and a total of 220 respondents were interviewed from different sites of Delhi and NCR. Various questions related to the issues such as gender inequality and other problems faced by the female employees apart from the troubles of the routine problems were asked. The application of various tests applied on the data collected helped to study the issues in detail. Based on the field study, various suggestions and recommendations are provided.
Need, Role, and Impact of Blockchain in the Manufacturing and Logistics Industries
Authors: Ravi Renjith V. , Ghonge Mangesh M. , Febina Beevi P. , Kunst Rafael
Published: February 2022

Blockchain technologies have lately risen to the top of the academic and industry agendas, owing to their potential advantages across a wide range of sectors. This is due to their practical skills in resolving many problems that are presently impeding progress in different industrial sectors. These problems include securely capturing and exchanging transactional data, creating automated and efficient supply chain procedures, and improving transparency throughout the whole value chain. Blockchain provides an effective method to address these problems using distributed, shared, secure, and permission transactional ledgers. The uses of blockchain technology in the manufacturing and logistics sectors have been examined in this chapter. The study shows many possibilities for using blockchain in different industrial sectors; nevertheless, certain obstacles must be solved before this technology can be fully used. This chapter also covers case studies and difficulties encountered in the industrial and logistics sectors while using blockchain.
Role of Blockchain Technology in Building Transparent Supply Chain Management
Authors: Singh Ram , Bansal Rohit , Chauhan Sachin
Published: February 2022

The chapter's fundamental goal is to discover and feature the job of blockchain technology in inventory networks including its benefits and impediments. The idea of the examination depends on auxiliary information and data. The necessary information and data have been gathered from different sites, magazines, and media reports. Supply affixes the need to confront difficulties as far as quality, cost, and speed. These boundaries can be accomplished effectively with blockchain in the inventory network of the executives.
IoT and Blockchain for Secured Supply Chain Management
Authors: K. Jayashree , S. P. Srinivasan , R. Babu
Published: February 2022

As supply chains become more dynamic, incorporate a scope of partners, and intensely depend on an assortment of outside counterparties, blockchain has arisen as a feasible possibility to de-tangle all information, archives, correspondence exchanges that exist inside the production network organization. Each production network will have enormous measure of information being traded between different stages in a supply chain network. To deal with colossal of measure of information and guarantee its security, supply chain can consolidate IoT and blockchain. This will help in further developing security, usefulness, proficiency, and benefit of the production network. This chapter examines the foundation of blockchain, IoT, and a portion of the issues confronting present day supply chain. The significant advantages for supply chains utilizing IoT and blockchain are analyzed, and future examination heading for Integration of IoT and blockchain for supply chain management are discussed.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Authors: Doctor Gayatri , Varkey Mayuri
Published: February 2022

Artificial intelligence simply means machine learning that can sense, reason, act, and adapt based on experience with the goal of contributing to the economic growth of the country and contributing to the betterment of people's standards of living. The main aim of artificial intelligence in healthcare is to make machines more useful in solving ambiguous healthcare challenges, and by using the latest technology, it is possible to interpret data accurately and rapidly. It helps in the early detection of many chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and several types of cancers like breast cancer, colon cancer, etc., which simultaneously reduces the financial burden and severity of the disease. The key areas where AI can be applied medically include disease detection and treatment, patient connection and engagement, and managerial and security activities. The research has been aimed at a study of AI systems in the healthcare sector in India. The methodology used here consisted of a systematic literature review followed by live, on field interviews.
Applying Lessons Learned From COVID-19
Authors: DeMarco Cindy Anne , Satterwhite Rodney D.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic put a proverbial magnifying glass on many societal and business issues. Business leaders were not as prepared as they would have liked to have been to address the issues and as a result learned multiple lessons, in particular, how to navigate increased need for attention to workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I). With these lessons in mind, understanding opportunities to expand how we think about and define diversity, the need for belonging/inclusion, how changing workplace demographics are becoming more influential, and the critical role organizational leadership plays in the D&I journey are essential as we move through the COVID-19-pandemic era. Leveraging transformational leadership as a mindset and an emerging model, reflect-forward framework, practical strategies are presented to help leaders reflect, assess, and set the stage to move forward. Due to the evolving nature of the topic, resources include a combination expertise of the authors, research data, popular press, and scholarly articles.
The Post-Pandemic Horizon of Hispanic SMEs
Authors: Rojas Ronald R.
Published: February 2022

The damage to Hispanic small businesses caused by the pandemic has triggered a sense of immediacy that poses a substantial threat to long-term operational viability. Pre-pandemic financial, educational, and social inequities were aggravated by low sales volume, supply chain disruptions, and employee health concerns. Many Hispanic small businesses have temporarily closed or remained in survival mode as they struggle to find relief from loans and subsidies, mainly from banks and government sources. Others are without guidance, training, or professional help as they navigate haphazardly through the inequalities of a post-pandemic era. Yet during times of crisis, leadership is sought, and the pandemic is a significant crisis for Hispanic business owners. A re-education of entrepreneurial leadership concepts proved valuable as a continuing education topic for many businesses. Providing entrepreneurial leadership initiatives and networking are seen as effective remedies to salvage the viability of Hispanic businesses as we traverse a post-pandemic era.
Making a Decision to Take or Not to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Vianna Margaret Huntingford
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this survey research study was to understand how information literacy and critical thinking skills might play a role in individuals' decision-making process toward taking or not taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The 106 participants, from Brazil and the United States, ranged from a spectrum of diversity in ethnicity, social and educational backgrounds, careers, and ages. Participants answered 21 closed-ended questions in a survey via electronic mail. Pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine groups ascertained that multiple resources were sought which led to informed decisions prior to choosing to inoculation or to forego the COVID-19 vaccine. The primary reasons to take the vaccine were cited as concerns for personal health and concerns for others' health. The 22 participants' central reasons for not taking the vaccine were to wait to see how the vaccine would affect others and a lack of confidence in vaccine efficacy.
Street Children
Authors: Lucas Tsungirirai
Published: February 2022

Street children face challenges that expose them to physical, social, psychological, and emotional difficulties that stifle their development and well-being. This chapter aims to address the plight and predicament of street life exploring how it affects the holistic development of children. The chapter dwells on provision of psychosocial support to street children by relevant stakeholders and the safety nets to be provided by the government and non-governmental organisations for the survival of street children. The chapter will be concluded by exploring different social protection mechanisms to be employed to protect street children who are at risk and to promote social justice among the underprivileged.
A Systematic Review of eHealth Studies on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kante Macire , Ndayizigamiye Patrick
Published: February 2022

In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare institutions have resorted to eHealth to manage the disruption in healthcare brought by the pandemic. However, the extent to which eHealth has been used in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been widely investigated. It is in this context that this study sought to systematically review research trends on the use of eHealth in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic era, the theoretical underpinnings of the studies on the use of eHealth in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions made by these studies. Findings revealed that most studies focused on the ‘health in our hands' and ‘interacting for health' components of eHealth while none of the studies focused on the ‘data enabling health' component. In addition, none of the reviewed studies used a theoretical framework. Albeit with limitations, these studies shed light on the use of eHealth applications for patients' data management and the provision of telemedicine in the fight against COVID-19.
Application of Deep Learning in Epilepsy
Authors: Sharma Gauri
Published: February 2022

Over the past few decades, chronic illnesses have been on a continuous rise of which epilepsy has been the most common neurological disorder. However, due to the recent progress that has been made by medical science, epilepsy can be controlled for about 70% of the cases. To diagnose epilepsy, EEG, CT scan, MRI, etc. are some of the most common ways, but in this chapter, diagnosis using EEG shall be most focused upon. Although EEG can be considered a good way to decide upon the results of epilepsy proving whether a person is epileptic or not, it is not a completely reliable method. Hence, for its accurate detection we must use sophisticated techniques like CNN and LSTM that will provide a timely and correct diagnosis, reducing the chances of frequent epileptic seizures and SUDEP. Using anti-epileptic drugs cannot guarantee epilepsy prevention, and even if they do, these drugs come with some serious side effects, so people must look back to yoga for a probable permanent treatment.
The State of Extended Reality Technologies in Language Education and Research
Authors: Barrett Alex , Pack Austin
Published: February 2022

Despite making headway in the entertainment sector, extended reality (XR) remains an experimental technology in many educational contexts. This chapter moves to enrich the understanding of XR for language researchers and educators with a review of the most current established theories, frameworks, and research. An exploration of recommended avenues for future research from recently published articles in VR for education will be discussed to provide readers with an outline of the current research conditions and suggested ways forward. The chapter concludes with an inspection of language learners' experiences using a high-immersion VR system for the purposes of learning paragraph structure. Trends in VR education and research point towards increasingly sustainable applications of the technology in the classroom with identified linguistic and affective benefits. As VR continues to evolve and its applications in language learning become more sophisticated, educators and researchers will need to stay acquainted with the prevailing usages. This chapter aims to assist in that endeavor.
Global Learning in a Pandemic
Authors: Warner-Ault Ann
Published: February 2022

This study explores using the Conversifi platform for video-based speaking activities to deepen students' intercultural learning and language skills during the Spring 2021 semester in a fully remote teaching environment. The study included 20 students in an intermediate/advanced college-level Spanish course at The College of New Jersey that focused on intercultural understanding. As part of the course students engaged in five 15-minute conversations via Conversifi with Spanish-speaking students in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Spain. The results of an anonymous survey conducted at the end of the course along with analyses of recorded conversations strongly suggest that this approach deepened students' intercultural awareness and improved their oral proficiency. The Spring 2021 survey results were compared with survey data from similar virtual exchange initiatives during four previous semesters. The comparison revealed slightly less satisfaction and learning in Spring 2021, but all of the exchanges showed positive gains in both language and intercultural learning.
Hong Kong Learner's Perceptions, Experiences and Motivation with Mobile App Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Kohnke Lucas
Published: February 2022

Second- and foreign language learners in higher education often have limited time for vocabulary development and retention, which may constitute a major challenge. This article reports on undergraduate students' perceptions of a vocabulary learning application developed in-house, Alphabet vs Aliens @PolyU. 14 undergraduate students at an English-medium university in Hong Kong participated. A qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews captured a holistic overview of student perceptions of the app. The results suggest that Hong Kong university students are strongly motivated to acquire second-language (L2) vocabulary. Participants also indicated a preference for mobile applications that use gamified features. The study offers considerations for future research into apps for English language learning..
Intermediate Learner Opinions on Captioned Video Cartoons for Language Acquisition
Authors: Maranzana Stefano
Published: February 2022

Second language acquisition researchers seem to agree that compared to traditional textbook-bound instruction, the use of video for pedagogical purposes provides significant enhancements in terms of context, discourse, paralinguistic features, cultural aspects, and student motivation. This study explores the use of the cartoon series Peppa Pig as a resource to enhance listening comprehension skills, vocabulary, and grammar acquisition, and to motivate students. Specifically, it enquires on how intermediate students of Italian perceive the effectiveness of the use of same-language captions while watching Italian (dubbed) children's cartoons in class. The qualitative data that were acquired throughout a 16-week semester show that greater accessibility to the videos was attained with captions on. While helping learners pick up the pronunciation of Italian words, captions also assisted them in isolating and noticing lexical elements, thus clarifying indistinct input and enabling word/phrase recall with more accuracy.
Big Data in Digital Media Platforms
Authors: Özkent Yasemin
Published: February 2022

Located in the center of contemporary information and technology society, big data causes evolutionary transformations in many areas. A potential competitive advantage is provided through big data analytics to revolutionize social, cultural, political, and economic relations. Just like other industries, television has also been affected by this digital transformation. The integration of television into technology can be observed in areas such as content production and distribution occurring through big data processing in digital media platforms. The digital transformation process in television was covered through the usage areas of big data in digital platforms and within the scope of current applications in this study. The importance of big data for media industry, which is closely related to technology, was presented through the innovations it provided to the new broadcasting ecosystem. With its theoretical approach, the study is aiming to examine the conceptualization of big data and the improvement and use of big data in digital media platforms.
Customer Value, Brand Experience, and User Experience on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Digital Streaming Services
Authors: Situmorang Syafrizal Helmi , Harmawan Wisnu Agus
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited people's access and mobility, forcing consumers to prefer home video streaming services over going to the cinema. This condition causes a decline in the performance of the cinema film industry but brings blessings to the digital streaming service industry. The growth of the streaming business jumped sharply, and as a result, the competition became increasingly fierce. This chapter analyzes the effect of brand experience, customer value, and user experience on customer satisfaction and loyalty in the millennial generation. Data analysis used Smart PLS-SEM to test the direct, indirect, and total effect of the relationship between variables. The findings of this study indicate that although satisfied with customer service, they are still not loyal. This is due to the ease with which customers switch services, cheap services, and the desire to seek new experiences from the content provided by streaming services.
The Causes and Their Influencers in the Age of Digital Business
Authors: Añaña Edar S.
Published: February 2022

This study evaluates the effect of Instrammers' recommendations pro and against the consumption of animal foods, on the attitude towards the animals' welfare, in light of respondents' involvement with the so-called healthy eating. The research uses a sample of 144 respondents, whose data were analyzed by structural equation modeling performed with the Smart-PLS-2.0. The sample was collected through online questionnaires, containing videos of four different influencers in favor and against the consumption of animal foods, to which the respondents were randomly assigned to. The result pointed out that influencer credibility, in this case, is best organized as a second-order construct, which in addition to the three factors suggested by Ohanian also incorporates the influencer's interactivity with the consumer. The result confirmed that both the involvement with the healthy eating cause, and the Instagrammers' credibility contribute directly or indirectly to the quality of information posted and to the attitude towards animal welfare.
The Role of Websites in Business Internationalization
Authors: Barbosa Belem , Santos Claudia Amaral , Katti Chaitra , Filipe Sandra
Published: February 2022

This chapter aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of websites in business internationalization by exploring how website overall objectives and their coherence with website strategies support website internationalization effectiveness. It provides empirical evidence on the experiences of Portuguese companies shared by 20 managers of large companies and SMEs of various activity sectors. Results show the importance of a clear website strategy (e.g., clear objectives and coherent tactics) for an effective role in internationalization. Findings also confirm that, while many managers are skeptic about the effectiveness of websites as an internationalization touchpoint, namely due to sector characteristics (e.g., type of customers, type of products/services), the website is perceived as an essential tool for reaching, attracting, and involving international customers, supporting other communication instruments such as participating in international fairs and sales force.
Drivers of SME Digital Transformation in the Context of Intergenerational Cooperation in Slovakia
Authors: Pilková Anna , Holienka Marian , Mikuš Juraj
Published: February 2022

Digital transformation is one of the key recent trends in business organizations, entire business sectors, and whole economies, and it reflects the recent economic, social, and technological challenges across societies. One of such challenges is the intergenerational context of (not-only) business enterprises that has become apparently relevant in recent years. In the following chapter, the authors offer a blended perspective on these two phenomena, with a purpose to examine the lived experiences of small business owner-managers from various generational groups with an aim to identify the key drivers, and experiences with digital transformation in Slovakia with the emphasis on the intergenerational cooperation. This chapter starts with introducing the context of the subject under investigation and explaining its background. Then, the empirical research undertaken by the authors is explained, its results are presented and discussed, and conclusions are offered.
Principles of a Hybrid Intelligence Framework for Augmented Analytics
Authors: Ryjov Alexander P.
Published: February 2022

Analytics is a key success factor for any business in the competitive and fast-changing world. Using good analytics, people, business, social, and government organizations become capable of making good decisions. With augmented analytics, human expertise actually becomes more crucial than ever. This chapter aims to introduce the hybrid intelligence approach by focusing on its unique analytical capabilities. The state-of-the-art in hybrid intelligence, symbiosis and cooperative interaction between human intelligence and artificial intelligence in solving a wide range of practical tasks, and one of the hybrid intelligence frameworks, a human-centered approach for evaluation and monitoring of complex processes, have been considered in this chapter. The chapter could be interesting for analysts and researchers who desire to do analytics with more intelligence.