bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreshock as a Source Region of Electron-scale Magnetic Holes in the Solar Wind at 1 au
Authors: Wang G. Q. , Volwerk M. , Xiao S. D. , Wu M. Y. , Chen Y. Q. , Zhang T. L.
Published: June 2021

Electron-scale magnetic holes (ESMHs) can dissipate energy and transport electrons in astrophysical plasmas. They are often observed in the solar wind at 1 au, but whether they are locally generated remains unclear. Here we investigate the ESMHs in the solar wind at 1 au based on observations of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) and Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) P1 spacecraft. There are 47 and 18 ESMH events observed by MMS1 and ARTEMIS P1, respectively, where an isolated ESMH or a train of ESMHs is regarded as an ESMH event. Our findings are as follows: (1) the occurrence rate of the ESMH events observed by MMS1 is much larger than that by ARTEMIS P1, which is located in the upstream solar wind; and (2) the proportion of the train of ESMHs in the ESMH events observed by each spacecraft is much higher in the ion foreshock than that in the undisturbed solar wind. These observations suggest that the terrestrial foreshock is an important source region of the ESMHs at 1 au, while some ESMHs come from the upstream undisturbed solar wind. The generation of these ESMHs can be explained by the electron vortex magnetic hole. Finding out the origin of the electron vortex may help to shed light on the whole chain of their generation and evolution in the foreshock.
Accretion-Induced Collapse of Neutron Stars in the Disks of Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Perna Rosalba , Tagawa Hiromichi , Haiman Zoltán , Bartos Imre
Published: June 2021

The disks of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have emerged as a rich environment for the evolution of stars and their compact remnants. The very dense medium favors rapid accretion, while torques and migration traps enhance binary formation and mergers. Both long and short gamma-ray bursts are hence expected. We show that AGN disks constitute an ideal environment for another interesting phenomenon: the accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of neutron stars (NSs) to black holes (BHs). Rapid accretion in the dense disks can cause NSs to grow to the point of exceeding the maximum mass allowed by their equation of state. General relativistic magnetohydrodynamical simulations have shown that electromagnetic signatures are expected if the NS is surrounded by a minidisk prior to collapse, which then rapidly accretes onto the BH, and/or if the NS is highly magnetized, from reconnection of the magnetosphere during collapse. Here we compute the rates of AICs and their locations within the disks for both isolated NSs and for (initially stable) NSs formed from NS-NS mergers. We find that the global AIC rates are ∼0.07–20 Gpc−3 yr−1, and we discuss their observable prospects and signatures as they emerge from the dense disk environments.
Element Abundance Analysis of the Metal-rich Stellar Halo and High-velocity Thick Disk in the Galaxy
Authors: Zhu Haifan , Du Cuihua , Yan Yepeng , Shi Jianrong , Ma Jun , Newberg Heidi Jo
Published: June 2021

Based on the second Gaia data release (DR2) and APOGEE (DR16) spectroscopic surveys, we define two kinds of star samples: high-velocity thick disk (HVTD) with v

ϕ
> 90 km s−1 and metal-rich stellar halo (MRSH) with v

ϕ
< 90 km s−1. Due to high-resolution spectra data from APOGEE (DR16), we can accurately analyze the element abundance distribution of HVTD and MRSH. These element abundances constitute a multidimensional data space, and we introduce an algorithm method for processing multidimensional data to give the result of dimensionality reduction clustering. According to chemical property analysis, we derive that some HVTD stars could originate from the thin disk and some MRSH stars could originate from dwarf galaxies, but those stars that have similar chemical abundance characteristics in both samples may form in situ.
Applicability of Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making for Land Forces
Authors: Tudorache Paul
Published: June 2021

Similar to other fields, also in the military one, the Artificial Intelligence has become recently an evident solution for optimizing specific processes and activities. Therefore, this research paper aims to highlight the potential uses of Artificial Intelligence in the military operations carried out by the Land Forces. In this regard, analysing the framework of the operations process and applying suitable research methodology, the main findings are related to AI’s contributions in optimizing commander’s decisions during the progress of planning and execution. On the other hand, picturing the AI upgrated combat power of the Land Forces is another significant result of this study.
Two new species of Drepanoctonus Pfankuch, 1911 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the Oriental region
Authors: Zheng Xin-Fang , Reshchikov Alexey , Liu Jing-Xian
Published: June 2021

Two new species of the genus Drepanoctonus Pfankuch, 1911 collected in natural habitats with Wild Tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) are described and illustrated: D. rimdahli Liu & Reshchikov, sp. nov. from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand and D. chamagudao Liu & Zheng, sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, China. Drepanoctonus bicolor Kusigemati, 1971 is recorded from China for the first time. An identification key to the species of the genus is provided.
Forecasting Air Travel Demand for Selected Destinations Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Firat Murat , Yiltas-Kaplan Derya , Samli Ruya
Published: June 2021

Over the past decades, air transportation has expanded and big data for transportation era has emerged. Accurate travel demand information is an important issue for the transportation systems, especially for airline industry. So, “optimal seat capacity problem between origin and destination pairs” which is related to the load factor must be solved. In this study, a method for determining optimal seat capacity that can supply the highest load factor for the flight operation between any two countries has been introduced. The machine learning methods of Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Linear Regression (LR), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Random Forest (RF) have been applied and a software has been developed to solve the problem. The data set generated from The World Bank Database, which consists of thousands of features for all countries, has been used and a case study has been done for the period of 2014-2019 with Turkish Airlines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that 1983 features have been used to forecast air travel demand in the literature within a model that covers all countries while previous studies cover only a few countries using far fewer features. Another valuable point of this study is the usage of the last regular data about the air transportation before COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, since many airline companies have experienced a decline in the air travel operation in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic, this study covers the most recent period (2014-2019) when flight operation performed on a regular basis. As a result, it has been observed that the developed model has forecasted the passenger load factor by an average error rate of 6.741% with GB, 6.763% with RF, 8.161% with ANN, and 9.619 % with LR.
Comparison of Outcomes Between Combined Sparing Laser Photocoagulation and Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment Versus Conventional Laser Photocoagulation in Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Ittarat Mantapond
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To report the clinical outcomes of combined sparing laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab treatment compared to conventional laser photocoagulation for the treatment of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP).

Methods:

A medical chart review was performed on all consecutive eyes with APROP that were treated with conventional laser photocoagulation or laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection between July 2019 and August 2020. The data were recorded for time to reversal of plus disease, time to total regression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intervention, total laser spots and area, proportion of eyes with satisfactory anatomical outcomes, and adverse events. Outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Results:

Sixteen eyes of 8 infants with APROP were included in the analysis. Eight eyes of 4 infants received combined sparing laser photocoagulation and IVB treatment, and 8 eyes of 4 infants received conventional laser photocoagulation. All 8 eyes in the combined treatment group and 6 of 8 eyes in the conventional treatment group showed regression of ROP with a satisfactory anatomical outcome. The average time to total regression of ROP was 34 days in the combined treatment group and 56 days in the conventional treatment group (
P
= .005). The number of laser spots was significantly lower in the combined treatment group (
P
= .03).

Conclusions:

Combined sparing laser photocoagulation and IVB treatment for eyes with APROP achieved ROP regression twice as fast, had fewer laser spots, and had a satisfactory anatomical outcome in comparison to conventional laser photocoagulation.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2021;58(5):292–297.]
Discrete approximation of dynamic phase-field fracture in visco-elastic materials
Authors: Thomas Marita , Tornquist Sven
Published: June 2021

This contribution deals with the analysis of models for phase-field fracture in visco-elastic materials with dynamic effects. The evolution of damage is handled in two different ways: As a viscous evolution with a quadratic dissipation potential and as a rate-independent law with a positively \begin{document}$ 1 $\end{document}-homogeneous dissipation potential. Both evolution laws encode a non-smooth constraint that ensures the unidirectionality of damage, so that the material cannot heal. Suitable notions of solutions are introduced in both settings. Existence of solutions is obtained using a discrete approximation scheme both in space and time. Based on the convexity properties of the energy functional and on the regularity of the displacements thanks to their viscous evolution, also improved regularity results with respect to time are obtained for the internal variable: It is shown that the damage variable is continuous in time with values in the state space that guarantees finite values of the energy functional.
Mejora de las propiedades mecánicas del compuesto base de aluminio reforzado con alambre de acero Ck75 mediante soldadura explosiva
Authors: Roudbari Maryam , Refahati Nima , Mehdipou Ali
Published: June 2021

La soldadura explosiva es aplicable en una amplia variedad de espesores, propiedades térmicas y mecánicas, por lo que tiene diferentes aplicaciones. En este trabajo, el compuesto de base de aluminio como refuerzo con alambre de acero Ck75 fue fabricado mediante soldadura explosiva. Los alambres de acero Ck75 se colocaron entre dos placas de aluminio. El alambre Steel Ck75 se utilizó para aumentar la resistencia del compuesto de base de aluminio. Los parámetros del proceso se evaluaron en detalle. La excelente calidad de unión de la interfaz sin vacíos se puede representar en imágenes de microscopio óptico. El intervalo de soldabilidad y la simulación con los datos experimentales confirmaron que los parámetros del material y del proceso estaban bien seleccionados. Los ensayos de tracción mostraron que el material compuesto reforzado mostró una resistencia mayor que el material compuesto no reforzado de aproximadamente un 8%.
Use of Experiential Learning in Higher Education Today
Authors: Alexander Julie , Giarraffa Phillip
Published: June 2021

One critical avenue for supporting experiential learning and learners is the award of credit through prior learning assessment and use of career pathways that are unique and individual to meet student needs and academic goals. Institutions must build on in-place practices and policies to enhance institutional infrastructure for translating non-credit coursework to certificate and degree programs, streamline internal business processes, and increase capacity through scaling to serve larger numbers of students in an effort to impact retention and completion.
The Unprecedented Rise in Cybercrime and the Role of the Human Vulnerability Factor
Authors: Conteh Nabie Y. , Royer Malcolm D.
Published: June 2021

This chapter is primarily intended to firstly define and review the literature in cybersecurity and vividly shed light on the mechanisms involved in the social engineering phenomenon. It will discuss the various attempts at network intrusion and the steps typically taken in the implementation of cyber-thefts. The chapter will provide the rationale behind the justification of why humans are considered to be the weakest link in these attacks. The study will also explain the reasons for the rise in cybercrimes and their impact on organizations. In closing, the chapter will put forward some recommendations to serve as preventative measures and solutions to the threats and vulnerabilities posed by cyber-attacks. Finally, measures, such as conducting regular, thorough, and relevant awareness training, frequent drills, and realistic tests, will be addressed with a view to maintaining a steady focus on the overall discipline of the organization, thereby hardening the component of the network that is the softest by nature—the human vulnerability factor.
Emerging Trends in the Mitigation of Data Security of Consumer Devices Industry
Authors: Jalloh Alusine
Published: June 2021

Previous literature has investigated if mobile applications unregulated by the United States, such as Tik-Tok, can have a detrimental impact regarding the vulnerability of personal identifiable information of their daily users and are therefore worthy of banned designation for consumer use in the United States. The research conducted in these findings aimed to assess the benefits and downsides of user-permitted data collection from mobile applications such as Tik-Tok including whether Tik-Tok indeed poses a serious national security threat due to its potential exploitation from foreign governments, therefore warranting government escalation from being closely monitored to banned status. This chapter's research also consisted of analyzing emerging trends in the mitigation of data security of consumer devices industry in the instances of cloud computing, 5G implementation in home automation, and mobile applications privacy. Previous findings implicate the potential vulnerability of PII in mobile applications and support the notion of Tik-Tok becoming banned by the United States.
Implementing Acceleration Programs
Authors: Pinto Sandra , Ossmane Elis Shaida , Carvalho Luísa Cagica
Published: June 2021

In a complex business world, startups need to quickly test their value propositions and go to business development as soon as possible with the best strategic fit to the market. Startups that start their journey at academic business incubators are mostly knowledge based or technology based and need adaptable acceleration programmes that allow them to improve their management capabilities at the same time as they achieve market fit and technology development until revenue. This chapter aims to explore some frameworks for acceleration programmes adjustable to academic business incubators and their incubatees, attending best practices already published. In addition, it draws some possible strategies and reflections for a framework as a proposal for acceleration programme at academic business incubators.
Industry 4.0
Authors: Alves Rui , Rolo Ana , Dima Adrian
Published: June 2021

This chapter aims to describe a research work in a real context, focusing on small industries and why they must become more digital, in order to create new and innovative business models and remain competitive in a post-COVID-19 scenario. It also aims to present the challenges small industries will face as a result of the digital revolution ahead, why they should reinvent their business models to be more prepared in the future, and why they should use the pandemic scenario as a lever to make this change faster and more agile. A qualitative methodology is used based on document analysis of use-case information collected from KFactory, a technological consulting startup that works with small industries and helps them identify opportunities and benefits in adopting Industry 4.0. The authors hope that the KFactory case study can contribute to a better understanding of how industries can benefit from technology to improve their production methods, adapt to a post-pandemic scenario, and engage in the new digital revolution.
Disruptive Innovation in Communication Apps
Authors: Moghavvemi Sedigheh , Guan Por Yew
Published: June 2021

The emergence of social payment and usage of social apps for buying and selling services and products was considered as threats to the banking industry. The usage of WeChat in China has fundamentally altered the whole digital communication landscape. WeChat has over 1.17 billion users. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WeChat implemented various plans to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including consumer awareness, WeChat live stream communication platform, and one-to-one consultation through social media services to assist retailers and increase sales. In addition, they implemented WeChat Work 3.0 for remote working during the pandemic, cross-border e-commerce, and Mini Club Program to converts overseas brick-and-mortar shoppers to online members. WeChat and Facebook facilitated WeChat pay and Facebook pay through their social commerce platform because of market power. This chapter discusses the emergence of WeChat and how it impacts the payment systems.
Artificial Intelligence, the Risk to Do Something Against the Man
Authors: Verrini Anna
Published: June 2021

A long time ago we started to speak about artificial intelligence. It was like a dream for many years, and now, with the tremendous computing capability and data availability, we are living in a kind of reality where we think everything is possible because we can train machines to do more or less everything man is able to do both with his hands and with his brain. But we must keep in mind that we can train machines to do what we do, in the way we do, but it is quite difficult, for example, to train machines, and not only, to take decision in the way and with the quickness usually necessary. And what about ethics? What kind of future can we design? This chapter explores the risks of artificial intelligence.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Casmiro Scarmagnani Giulia
Published: June 2021

Last January, the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union produced an estimate that, by the year 2035, the drones' sector will create up to 100,000 new jobs and, in addition, will have an economic impact of more than ten billion euros per year. This chapter takes its cue precisely from the central importance of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, and tries to sum up their future. Indeed, despite the enormous success of drones over the decades, many are the criticisms related to unmanned aircraft on board. The first section aims at outlining an historical framework, while the second section analyses the impressive role played by drones within the counterterrorism policy of the US presidency, with particular regard to Barack Obama's mandate. The third section applies a SWOT type analysis to UAVs, taking into account both their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the fourth section investigates the human factor problem within UAVs, which was inspired by Dr. Giovanni Miranda's PhD thesis.
Building Cultural Capital and Workforce Skills for Immigrants Through Adult Education in the United States
Authors: Tambascia Tracy Poon , Diaz Emma
Published: June 2021

In the United States, adult education has provided an avenue for immigrants needing basic language acquisition and skills for employment. Immigrants contribute to a diverse landscape by bringing their cultures, language, education, and skill. This chapter focuses on the role of adult education programs in the United States and the ways in which accessible, low-cost language and job skills courses enable adult immigrants to establish social and community networks and prepare for new career pathways. Findings from a small qualitative study on immigrants with college degrees are also discussed to provide context on the value of adult education for establishing communities of support. The chapter ends with recommendations on ways in which communities and governments can support the success of immigrants.
Employment Integration at Any Cost?
Authors: Golesorkhi Lara-Zuzan
Published: June 2021

This chapter discusses Germany's 2016 Integration Act, specifically the “Flüchtlingsintegrationsmaßnahmen” [Refugee Integration Measures], or abbreviated, the FIM program, as a case study to explore how integration measures affect social mobility of persons seeking protection. The chapter draws on interviews with 28 persons seeking protection (including refugees, otherwise protected, and asylum-seekers) and 10 representatives of non-governmental organizations working in the context of forced migration in Stuttgart and Regensburg, Germany. The collected data speaks to perceptions, challenges, and opportunities of the FIM program, as well as experiences of discrimination. By analyzing this empirical data and situating it in discourse on social mobility, the author shows that employment integration ‘at any cost', as exemplified by the FIM program, reinforces social disintegration and ethnic stratification.
Refugee Education
Authors: Radhouane Myriam
Published: June 2021

In this contribution, the potential of intercultural approaches to education and in particular the role of heritage language teachers is explored. Using data from a study dealing with the consideration of cultural diversity in educational contexts, the actions of these teachers will be analyzed and put into perspective with the needs of refugee students and their parents identified in the international literature. The results obtained after analysis of the semi-directive interviews are put into a theoretical perspective using the acculturation strategies model developed by Berry and the linguistic interdependence theory. This exploratory study shows the pedagogical potential of HL teachers regarding refugee and migrant pupils' integration; it also shows how intercultural approaches can be a relevant and powerful resource in this field. Nevertheless, this study has several limitations and thus needs to be considered as exploratory; further research needs to be conducted in this field.
Decolonial, Feminist, and Antiracist Pedagogies
Authors: Bejarano Maria Teresa , Téllez Virtudes , Martínez Irene
Published: June 2021

Faced with a globalization process of people, materials, and knowledge, we find diversity as a source of enrichment, but also as a cause of tension, violence, and inequalities. The main objective is to show how decolonial, feminist, and antiracist pedagogies help build critical educational processes. The current state of this socio-educational issue is explored, and an educational experience during initial teacher training is presented which is based on interculturality with a gender perspective. The need to build decolonial, feminist, and antiracist pedagogies as part of teacher training from an intercultural approach stands out among the main conclusions.
Conceptualizing a Win-Win in the Refugee and Higher Education Enigma
Authors: Ncube Alice , Mkwananzi Faith
Published: June 2021

Focusing on the subject of brain drain/brain gain in South Africa, the authors argue that as refugees flee their home countries, they possess, or have the opportunity to acquire, skills and knowledge necessary for individual and collective development through higher education. Consequently, such refugees may be seen to possess capabilities necessary for decent economic and social mobility in the host country. On the contrary, to their home country, they are viewed as lost assets as they leave with skills and knowledge. Drawing on the discourse of brain drain/brain gain, the argument in this chapter moves beyond focusing on the individuals as economic assets to focus on other valued dimensions as a result of higher education. The authors adopt the human development informed capability approach which focuses on the freedoms and opportunities that individuals have to pursue the lives they have reason to value.
Dentacoin
Authors: Pinto Rafael Duarte , Ferreira Diana Madaleno , Barbosa Maria Teresa , Nieto Margarida Chinita , Funenga Ana Filipa , Sousa da Silva Marta , Nevado Pedro Picaluga
Published: June 2021

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger of transactions shared amongst all participating web nodes, over which every data is recorded. Since the first blockchain was conceptualized in 2008, much research has been done to expand its applications to non-financial purposes. Dentacoin is the first cryptocurrency ever created worldwide that strives to create a dental industry community by rewarding people with a given token—Dentacoin cryptocurrency—for specific actions that have a desirable effect on the Dentacoin ecosystem. This concept aims to improve the global dental market by applying blockchain technology advantages and promoting intelligent prevention in dental healthcare. The purpose of this chapter is to review the concept of blockchain-based Dentacoin ecosystem, as it is expected that, in the future, this method will significantly improve dental health and oral hygiene habits, thus improving the quality of life for individuals resulting in overall health enhancement and increased longevity.
An Evolutionary Science Perspective on Intuition, Rationality, Conflict, and Moral Judgments
Authors: Honeycutt James M. , Rasner Ryan D.
Published: June 2021

Moral judgments can be the result of cognitive deliberations, which develop with age and socialization. Rationality began in humans with the development of the cerebral cortex. Alternatively, they can be the based-on survival mechanisms emanating in the sympathetic nervous based on innate, survival mechanisms (fight, flight, freeze) and the amygdala. Common examples are road rage (e.g., I was right while the other driver was wrong, cut me off, and could have killed me) and hold-your-ground state laws for self-defense (the victim was justified in killing the intruder, even though the intruder had no weapon when reaching into their coat pocket). Moral decision making can be based on an innate survival mechanism. Those who did this did not survive and were not our ancestors. This chapter reviews the research on signal detection theory, how aggression is favored over conciliation, as cognitive reasoning breaks down. Physiological studies involving the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are reviewed in terms of the amygdala and emotional intelligence.
Fake News?
Authors: Gong Xiaopeng , Ni ChungFan
Published: June 2021

Critical thinking is an essential skill in education and daily decision making. Research shows, however, that human brains are not designed to engage in complex cognitive processes such as critical thinking. Social intuition theorists propose that most people make fast and intuitive judgment for a given situation, then conduct post-hoc reasoning to support one's intuitive decision. Very few people engage in reasoned judgment and reflection, which are key elements of critical thinking. The chapter will examine what critical thinking is, its key features, a closely-related concept information literacy, and challenges of teaching critical thinking skills through the lens of social intuition theory. Advances in cognitive psychology are reviewed to help understand how the brain works, the challenges of engaging in critical thinking, and identify relevant strategies accordingly. The chapter will also include suggested strategies in education to improve critical thinking skills.
Gaming Literacy and Its Potential for Teaching Social and Emotional Learning to Adolescent Children
Authors: Farber Matthew
Published: June 2021

As interactive multimodal texts, video games can teach SEL because of their unique affordances. This chapter investigates how playing video games can teach literacy to adolescent children while also cultivating their opportunities to develop SEL skills. SEL is defined, as is the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) SEL Framework, a set of five competencies that also considers the nested environments that children inhabit. Next, emerging research on adolescent neuroplasticity when video games are used as an SEL intervention is reviewed. How the consumption of interactive media, like video games, affects well-being is explored, followed by the ways in which video games teach literacy through a variety of modalities. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how games and games genre map and align to CASEL's SEL framework.
Using Social-Emotional Learning and Literacy Tools to Bridge the Gap During and Beyond COVID-19
Authors: Stepniak Marianna , Shaffer Susan , Shaffer Seth
Published: June 2021

MAEC developed culturally responsive and accessible resources and tools to meet students' intersecting literacy and social-emotional needs during COVID-19, centering students and families from marginalized groups (considering race, gender, language, culture, socioeconomic status, and personalized learning needs). MAEC disseminated its materials by building the capacity of caregivers and educators to provide social and emotional learning and literacy to their students. Through MAEC's webinar and newsletter series, caregivers and educators learned how to enhance SEL and literacy skills through the use of technology and visual tools, common household items and experiments, and social justice literature. The approach and tools developed by MAEC in summer 2020 remain relevant and important as educators, families, and students move to re-enter, recover, and reimagine schooling.
A Review of Wireless Positioning From Past and Current to Emerging Technologies
Authors: Blom Rydell Joar , Otterlind Oliver , Sjöö Amanda
Published: June 2021

Many techniques for wireless positioning have existed for years, but with emerging technologies like 5G and ultra wideband, wireless positioning is becoming more accurate than ever. On the one hand, improved accuracy implies increased usefulness. It will open up new application areas and lead to advances in areas like internet of things (IoT), self-driving cars, and contact tracing. Furthermore, decision support systems can benefit from better positioning techniques. On the other hand, the ability to track connected devices with sub-meter precision brings some privacy and security concerns. This chapter aims to review indoor and outdoor positioning technologies and how they can be used for contact tracing. It then further discusses some of the data management, privacy, and security concerns that follow. To that end, this chapter studies the main techniques for wireless positioning, cellular-based positioning using 5G, and their use to contact tracing. Finally, the authors provide some insight into how 5G and UWB might help the area of positioning and contact tracking in the future.
Body Motion Capture and Applications
Authors: Akman Çağlar , Sönmez Tolga
Published: June 2021

The motion capture (MoCap) is a highly popular subject with wide applications in different areas such as animations, situational awareness, and healthcare. An overview of MoCap utilizing different sensors and technologies is presented, and the prominent MoCap methods using inertial measurement units and optics are discussed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. MoCap with wearable inertial measurement units is analyzed and presented specifically with the background information and methods. The chapter puts an emphasis on the mathematical model and artificial intelligence algorithms developed for the MoCap. Both the products from the important technology developers and the proof-of-concept applications conducted by Havelsan are presented within this chapter to involve an industrial perspective. MoCap system will act as a decision support system in either application by providing automatic calculation of metrics or classification, which are the basic tools for decision making.
Artificial Intelligent Controller-Based Speed Control of Switched Reluctance Motor
Authors: Pushparajesh V.  , Ramaiah Narayana Swamy
Published: June 2021

A new control methodology for controlling the speed of switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive using an intelligent controller is proposed in this paper. The control technology consists of an outer loop fuzzy controller as a speed controller and hysteresis current controller as the inner control loop along with control of switching angles for the four-phase, 8/6 SRM. In this proposed method, the speed control is optimized using the randomly determined fuzzy parameters. Fuzzy interfaced speed control of SRM is simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. The robust performance of the fuzzy logic controller is valued using the least combinations (matrix) of rules for wide ranges of speed and is compared with the proportional-integral (PI) controller. Simulation results reveal that fuzzy-based speed controller gives enhanced performance in the form of quick speed response varies between 0.02sec to 0.12 sec over an extensive range of speed thereby improving the dynamic efficiency of the SRM drive.
Machine Learning Approach for Brain Tumor Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Kumar Adesh , Chauda Pavan , Devrari Aakanksha
Published: June 2021

Brain tumor is one type of disease that affects the brain directly. MRI is the finest imaging technique for a brain tumor and features information about tumor size, location, and type. MR images are most appropriate for brain studies because it has the best content in soft tissue. The segmentation, detection, and extraction of contaminated tumor area from magnetic resonance (MR) images are prime concerns, but very tedious tasks for radiologists or medical practitioners, and the accuracy depends on their experience. The automatic brain tumor detection and segmentation of MR images help the clinical experts to carry the treatment in a specific direction. The image segmentation methods play a very important role in automatic segmentation of MR images. The research article emphasises the comparative performance analysis of the different image segmentation algorithms such as Otsu's, watershed, level set, k-means, and DWT for brain tumor detection application. The MATLAB simulation is performed for all these algorithms on online images of brain tumor image segmentation benchmark (BRATS) dataset-2012. The performance of these methods is analysed based on response time and measures such as precision, recall, and accuracy. The predicted accuracy of Otsu's, watershed, level set, k-means and DWT algorithms using machine-learning model are 73.90%, 78.12%. 81.90%, 84.75%, and 88.12%, respectively. DWT has proven the good score for tumor detection applications.
Intelligent Consensus Predictions of Biodegradation Half-Life of Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs)
Authors: Ghosh Sulekha , Ojha Probir Kumar
Published: June 2021

The present study explores the important chemical features of diverse petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) responsible for their biodegradation by developing partial least squares (PLS) regression-based quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models. The biodegradability is estimated in terms of biodegradation half-life (Logt1/2). All the PLS models were extensively validated by different internationally acceptable internal (R2= 0.849–0.861; Q2 = 0.833–0.849; R2adj = 0.845–0.858) and external (Q2F1= 0.825-0.848; Q2F2 = 0.822–0.845) validation parameters. The consensus predictions were also performed by using the “intelligent consensus predictor” (ICP) tool, which improves the predictive ability of individual models based on mean absolute error (MAE)-based criteria. The models suggested that the biodegradation of PHCs is dependent on the presence of substituents on the aromatic ring, 12 atom containing ring system, thiophene moiety, electron rich chemicals, large molecular size, degree of unsaturation, degree of branching, cyclization, and hydrophobicity.
Assessing Online Repurchase Intention in a Developing Country
Authors: Pobee Frederick
Published: June 2021

This research investigates the factors that influence online repurchase intention in a developing country, focusing on Ghana. The study also investigates the unexplored effect of perceived value on user satisfaction and online repurchase intention. The survey method of data collection was employed. The author used the purposive technique of data collection to collect data from 504 online shoppers in two regions of Ghana. The data were analyzed using the partial least square – structural equation modeling. The findings of this study indicate that information quality, system quality, and service quality are vital drivers of consumer perceived value of products/services and consumer satisfaction. The results also confirm that perceived value significantly drives consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, the research findings suggest that consumer satisfaction and perceived value significantly influences online repurchase intention. This study extends the research on online repurchase intention, particularly within the context of a developing country.
MAC Optimization Based on the Radio Resource Allocation in a 5G eMBB System Simulated in the MmWave Model
Authors: Angri Ismail , Najid Abdellah , Mahfoudi Mohammed
Published: June 2021

5G NR (new radio) systems support multiple use cases, namely enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), to meet the needs of different types of applications. The multi users-downlink packet scheduling (MU-DLPS) is used for the 5G NR radio resource management (RRM). In this paper, the authors show that the radio resource scheduling algorithms, which have been applied to 4G, are also efficient and can be used in 5G networks. In this objective, the authors simulated scheduling schemes in a 5G eMBB environment. The algorithms were developed in C++ for the first time and were simulated using the mmWave model of the NS-3 simulator. Mobility scenarios with fixed and mobile nodes have been implemented. The comparison was made using python programs, newly and specifically developed for the data extraction. The results show that five strategies achieve remarkable values in terms of system throughput and downlink latency.
TARM-1 Is Critical for Macrophage Activation and Th1 Response in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Li Xingyu , Wang Manni , Ming Siqi , Liang Zibin , Zhan Xiaoxia , Cao Can , Liang Sipin , Liu Qiaojuan , Shang Yuqi , Lao Juanfeng , Zhang Shunxian , Kuang Liangjian , Geng Lanlan , Wu Zhilong , Wu Minhao , Gong Sitang , Wu Yongjian
Published: June 2021

T cell–interacting activating receptor on myeloid cells 1 (TARM-1) is a novel leukocyte receptor expressed in neutrophils and macrophages. It plays an important role in proinflammatory response in acute bacterial infection, but its immunomodulatory effects on chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections remain unclear. TARM-1 expression was significantly upregulated on CD14high monocytes from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) as compared that on cells from patients with latent TB or from healthy control subjects. Small interfering RNA knockdown of TARM-1 reduced expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-18, IL-1β, and IL-8 in M. tuberculosis–infected macrophages, as well as that of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules CD83, CD86, and CD40. Moreover, TARM-1 enhanced phagocytosis and intracellular killing of M. tuberculosis through upregulating reactive oxygen species. In an in vitro monocyte and T cell coculture system, blockade of TARM-1 activity by TARM-1 blocking peptide suppressed CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation. Finally, administration of TARM-1 blocking peptide in a mouse model of M. tuberculosis infection increased bacterial load and lung pathology, which was associated with decreased macrophage activation and IFN-γ production by T cell. Taken together, these results, to our knowledge, demonstrate a novel immune protective role of TARM-1 in M. tuberculosis infection and provide a potential therapeutic target for TB disease.
Factors associated with emergency department length of stay of internal medicine patients
Authors: Vonk Sanne , Leermakers Jaap , Logtenberg Susan J.J. , Sankatsing Sanjay U.C.
Published: June 2021

Emergency Department (ED) Length Of Stay (ED-LOS) is associated with quality of care, patient safety and treatment outcome. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with ED-LOS of internal medicine patients and provide recommendations to shorten ED-LOS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single center in the Netherlands. Anonymised data of 7,380 ED attendances from January 2016 to January 2018 were analyzed. Data included time of ED arrival and departure, sex, age, source of referral, triage category, first or consecutive visit and number of radiological examinations. Univariate analyses were used. Mean ED-LOS was 220 minutes. Factors which significantly prolonged ED-LOS were older age, source of referral, triage category, need for admission, first visit, number of radiological examinations, presentation in winter or spring and time of arrival (day and evening). Several patient and circumstantial factors are associated with ED-LOS. To shorten ED-LOS, we recommend to anticipate need for admission for older patients who arrive by ambulance and to create time slots in the radiology program and to restructure the morning report.
Jehovah’s Witness survives severe favism complications: Advance provisions of treatment and new challenges for the physicians
Authors: Salvetti Massimo , Capellini Sara , Delbon Paola , Maghin Francesca , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Conti Adelaide
Published: June 2021

The management of an acute hemolytic event in a patient suffering from favism is based on transfusion support to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. If this measure could not be pursued, in case of severe anemia the risk of death from multiorgan failure would be relevant. Most of Jehovah’s Witness decline transfusion of whole blood and its main components, even in life-threatening situations. In this context, the treatment of severe anemia in these patients still represents a challenge from both medical and legal stand points. Authors report a case of a Jehovah’s Witness suffering from favism who refused blood transfusion, surviving a severe event of critical anemia associated with acute renal failure, thanks to the application of alternative therapies. It is essential that clinicians know the medico-legal aspects in such situations and are able to act promptly to support the patient’s vital functions, by complying with his/her wishes.
“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write”
Authors: Ghiadoni Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

I have accepted the role of Editor of Emergency Care Journal with great enthusiasm. I wish to thank Ivo Casagranda, who will continue into the future in the role of Senior Editor (and my guide) and all previous Editors for the contribution made to this journal up to now. (...)
Raw earth-based building materials: An investigation on mechanical properties of Floridia soil-based adobes
Authors: Parlato Monica , Porto Simona M.C. , Cascone Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Raw earth, like wood and stone, is one of the oldest building materials used across the world. Nowadays, given the growing role of circular economy, researchers are ever more interested in raw earth-based building materials, because they are widely available and environmentally friendly. The use of this traditional material has positive environmental consequences, especially in traditional rural building reuse and in rural landscape preservation. In fact, raw earth is locally available and totally recyclable and, thanks to its perfect integration into the landscape, it improves site visual perception. Additives and/or chemical stabilizer agents (i.e., Portland cement) are often used in the production of raw earthbased building components in order to increase their mechanical performance and durability. This production process reduces the environmental sustainability of the base material and causes a relevant increase on the embodied energy (i.e., the total energy required for the extraction, processing, manufacturing, and delivery of building components). This research work aimed at investigating how to improve the mix-design of earth-based building materials in order to increase their mechanical properties without any addition of chemical agents. A physical stabilization was performed on an original texture soil by adding various particle sizes. Mechanical tests were carried out on five different soil mixes by changing soil composition, aggregates, and water. Specimens made with mix-design 5 offered the best results in terms of flexural and compressive strength values which were 1.65 MPa and 6.74 MPa, respectively. Mix 3 obtained the lowest linear shrinkage rate (6.04%). Since raw earth-based materials are highly sensitive to soil composition and aggregates, this study attempted to obtain a repeatable process to produce semi-industrial adobes by optimizing and controlling various natural materials (i.e., soils, aggregates, and water).
Aberrant acquisition of T-cell associated markers in plasma cell neoplasms: An aggressive disease with extramedullary involvement and very short survival
Authors: Soliman Dina Sameh , Elsabah Hesham , Ganwo Ibrahim , Amer Aliaa , Taha Ruba Y , Szabados Lajos , Sharaf Eldean Mouhammad , Al-Sabbagh Ahmad , Ibrahim Feryal
Published: June 2021

Background:

Plasma cell neoplasms can show aberrant expression of a different lineage-related antigens, however, co-expression of T-cell associated markers on malignant plasma cells is extremely rare.

Material and methods: This is a report of clinicopathologic characteristics of three myeloma patients with emergent plasmablastic morphology and aberrant acquisition of T‐cell associated markers. An extensive literature search for similar cases was conducted and the relevant pathologic, clinical and prognostic characteristics were summarized.

Results: A total of 22 cases of plasma cell neoplasm, showed aberrant co-expression of T-cell markers. We found an evident association between aberrant expression of T-cell markers on malignant plasma cells and extramedullary involvement, aggressive morphologic features, high proliferative index ki67 >90%, aggressive clinical course, adverse outcome with short survival.

Conclusion:

Due to rarity of this aberrant phenotype and scarcity of the published data, the precise causative mechanism and its clinical implications have not yet been elucidated.