bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harvester-based Sensing System for Cotton Fiber Quality Mapping
Authors: Schielack III Vincent P. , Thomasson J. Alex , Sui Ruixiu
Published: January 2023

Precision agriculture in cotton production attempts to maximize profitability by exploiting information on field spatial variability to optimize fiber yield and quality. For precision agriculture to be viable economically, collection of spatial variability data within a field must be automated and incorporated into normal harvesting and ginning operations. An automated prototype system that uses image processing to estimate the micronaire value of cotton fiber during harvest was designed and built. The system was based on a camera with a visible Indium Gallium Arsenide detector sensitive to a broad range of visible and near-infrared (NIR) energy. Image processing algorithms were developed to identify foreign matter in the images so that it could be excluded from the measurement of reflectance in three NIR wavebands. After the effects of foreign matter were removed, the NIR reflectance measurements had a strong relationship to standard micronaire measurements, even though the measurements were made on seed cotton, which has a high level of foreign matter compared to fiber samples. A simplified version of the system could be constructed from a similar camera with only three optical band-pass filters at 650, 1550, and 1600 nm. The prototype system developed shows promise for in-situ measurement of cotton fiber quality, specifically micronaire, and can enable creation of fiber quality maps to improve crop management and ultimately profitability.
Physical Processing and Emission Characteristics of Firelogs from Cotton Ginning Byproducts
Authors: Bajwa Dilpreet S. , Bajwa Sreekala G. , Wedegaertner Tom C. , Holt Greg a.
Published: January 2023

Cotton burr with stems (CBS), a byproduct from cotton ginning operations was evaluated for its suitability in firelogs. Firelog burn quality was examined by varying the CBS to paraffin wax ratio, and firelog processing conditions. The firelogs were burned in a wood stove to quantify the burn quality, burn time, product durability, and gaseous emissions. Firelog composition had no effect on the burn temperatures. Carbon monoxide (CO), ammonium (NH4), hydrogen (H2), and nitrous oxide (NO) gases were not detected in the gaseous emissions. Air emission samples from combustion showed the presence of n-alkanes, n-alkenes, oxygenated volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), halogenated alkane, cyclic terpenes, benzene derivatives and naphthalene. Overall this study showed the potential of CBS as an alternative material for manufacturing firelogs.
A caracterização da cultura do pêssego no estado de São Paulo, 2013-2017
Authors: Baptistella Celma , Coelho Paulo , Fagundes Priscilla , Ramos Rejane
Published: January 2023

The state of São Paulo holds a significant share of Brazil’s peach production, being the country’s second largest peach producer in 2015. Focused on the fresh market, this crop has an important input in the workforce. The objective of the study is to analyze the data of the All-purpose Technical Assistance Coordination (CATI) of the Institute of Agricultural Economics (IEA) regarding the following aspects: planted trees (new and in production), production results, state’s production value, number of people employed, and growers’ income in the different production process stages, between the years of 2013 and 2017. The finding of the analyzed data pointed out that São Paulo’s peach production share is concentrated (86.4%) in four regions of the state (Campinas, Bragança Paulista, Itapeva and Avaré). Data analysis leads to the conclusion that there been not only a trend to decrease peach cultivation, but also a migration of this production to other areas in the last years. Investments in research are needed to create new crop varieties and improve the handling and post-harvest management of these fruits, allied with public policies for the state to regain its production levels. Government agencies should foster São Paulo’s peach production to avoid the rural exit, insofar as this culture is based on small farming.
Análise comparativa de metodologias aplicadas nas estimativas de áreas produtoras de café no estado de São Paulo no ano-safra 2015-16.
Authors: Martins Vagner , Vegro Celso
Published: January 2023

The outcomes derived from two methodologies used in the state of São Paulo in the crop year 2015-16 in coffee areas were evaluated in order to help improve the accuracy of the results about crop areas. In the first technique, the areas were estimated by orbital remote sensing. In the second model, the estimates were obtained by the subjective method. The estimates arising from these two methodologies are evaluated in this study by region and state. The high correlation found between both indicates that they can be combined, thus creating a new methodology that emphasizes the virtues of each method and minimizes their limitations.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Immunocompromised cancer patients in Basrah Provence, Southern Iraq
Authors: Jaffer Shams AL-Duha E. , Awad Abdul Hussein H.
Published: January 2023

The current study was conducted in Basrah province during the period from Dec. 2020 to Oct. 2021. The purpose of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies of toxoplasmosis in cancer patients in Basrah province, southern Iraq, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study was conducted on 173 people, including 123 people with cancer who were taking chemotherapy and 25 healthy people as a first control group and 25 people with cancer who were not taking chemotherapy were considered as a second control group. The results showed that the incidence of chronic) IgG) toxoplasmosis was 31 and acute (IgM) toxoplasmosis was 0.8%.
An example of environmental risk assessment with L-type method: Cold storage in food industry
Authors: Yardımcı Dogan Selin , Coskun Sezen , Beyhan Mehmet
Published: January 2023

In this study, the environmental risk assessment for a cold storagefor food industry in the Mediterranean region was determined by the L matrix method. Waste amounts of the cold storage area and offices, possible environmental hazards have been identified. Environmental risks in wastewater, hazardous wastes, other solid wastes, and air pollution were analyzed for risk values. As a result, the activities with the highest environmental risk valueshave been identified as wastewater generation from fruit washing, mercury pollution that may occur due to fluorescent lamps from office and cold storage, contaminated packaging due to detergents to be used for cleaning in cold storage.
Our responsibility in climate change
Authors: Kádár Péter
Published: January 2023

Almost half of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions come from heat and electricity production. The rise of renewables’ share can barely keep up with the growing energy demand. The environmental impact and material consumption of renewable energy production and electromobility cannot be neglected either, as confirmed by the ecological footprint, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), or Material Input per Service Unit (MIPS) methodologies.

In addition, the individual’s energy consumption (electricity, fuel, material consumption) is very significant. The latter is also shown by the significant production of waste. But does the individual have any influence at all on these processes, because a single person is very small compared to the 8 billion inhabitants of the earth? How could one take personal responsibility for the world’s problems?

The first step forward the solution is for the individual to be aware of the source, amount, and environmental impact of the energy and materials they consume. He/she must understand the sustainability of the current system. This can be followed by energy awareness, which strives to be frugal in all its actions. The best energy is energy that is not consumed (not produced) or consumed (but not stored) during renewable production.

Education for moderation begins in kindergarten and should not only cover energy. It is our responsibility to be aware, to do a little for the greater good - but the physics in the world works independently of us. The solution is the triple E, as the Energy consciousness – Environment consciousness – Earth consciousness
Effect Covid-19 Pandemic Outbreak Towards Customer Satisfaction on Online Shopping
Authors: Bing Bing
Published: January 2023

This paper concerned about the factors that will increase the customer satisfaction on online shopping during pandemic Covid-19. From the previous study, it shown that online shopping is one of convenience way which it has be emerging the trend among consumer nowadays. There are 241 respondents involve in this research to test the relationship between the seven variable which is security, information availability, shipping, quality, pricing, and time towards customer satisfaction on online shopping. The SmartPLS and SPSS are used to analyzing the data of the respondent. Hopefully, some information in this paper will assist the future research that will diversify more factors that may give impact on customer satisfaction.
Efficacy of adding pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to mobilization and exercises in patients with TMJ dysfunction after facial penetrating injury: A randomized single-blinded study
Authors: Kadry Ahmed Mahmoud , El hameed Raafat Ezz Eldeen Abd , Hanafy Abeer Farag , Ahmed Ahmed Aref
Published: January 2023

Background. Facial penetrating wound can affect TMj function, even if it didn’t cause a facial bone fracture. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT) is a common physical therapy modality that used to speed up musculoskeletal injuries’ recovery. No previous studies described the effect of adding PEMFT to traditional TMj mobilization for the treatment of such cases. Aim. is to investigate the effect of in combination with traditional physical therapy on the pain and mouth opening, after facial penetrating wound injury with no facial fractures, that treated conservatively. Materials and Methods. Thirty-three patients were complaining from TMJ pain and mouth opening limitation after 1 month of facial penetrating wound injury and met the selection criteria were randomized to either study or control group. Control group received TMJ manual physical therapy program (mobilization and gentle isometric exercises). Study group patients received PEMFT in addition to the manual physical therapy program. Treatment was administrated for 12 sessions 3 times per week for both groups. Patients’ pain was assessed using visual analogue scale while mouth opening was measured using digital Vernier caliper, before and after one month of treatment. Results. all 33 patient results were analyzed. After treatment values showed a statistically significant reduction in pain and increase in mouth opening in comparison to pretreatment values at both groups with (P-value < 0.001). Post-treatment between groups comparison showed a significant difference in pain and mouth opening variables (p-value = 0.0001 and 0002 respectively), in favour of group B (Study group). Conclusion. adding PEMFT to TMJ manual physical therapy program, in treatment of patients with TMJ dysfunction (pain and limitation of mouth opening) after facial penetrating wound injury, has a superior effect in comparison to using of manual physical therapy treatment program only.
Cyber-Physical Systems Framework for Predictive Metrology in Semiconductor Manufacturing Process
Authors: Lee Jay , Dong Huwei , Ji Dai-Yan , Kundu Pradeep
Published: January 2023

The process of semiconductor manufacturing is very complex, and the downtime caused by equipment degradation at any process stage reduces yield and production efficiency. Thus, semiconductor machines’ maintenance and calibration are important in maintaining stable production output and yield improvement. Traditionally, semiconductor manufacturers emphasize the importance of product quality to distinguish product defects. However, as semiconductor reaches nanometer-level precision, monitoring process quality is necessary to control process variability and achieve optimal yields. This paper presented a 5-level Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) predictive metrology architecture to investigate the process quality. The proposed architecture performs a peer-to-peer comparison to satisfy self-comparison ability, which is critical for chamber-to-chamber matching in the semiconductor manufacturing process. This concept has been demonstrated using the 2016 PHM public dataset in which the material removal rate was predicted in the chemical-mechanical planarization process. The results show that this innovative 5-level CPS predictive metrology framework is promising and feasible.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)–Based Surface Quality Prediction Model for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) Milling Process
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Nam Jungsoo , Kim Geun Young , Lee Sang Won
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study is to develop a surface quality prediction model for CFRP milling based on artificial intelligence and enhance the model performance by proposing a novel feature through signal processing and applying it to machine learning algorithms. In this paper, the data-driven approach is applied based on data that is obtained by various sensors such as a two-axis load cell, an acoustic emission (AE) sensor, and an accelerometer, and surface quality is predicted as one of three grades based on surface roughness value. To establish the models, a novel feature, referred to as the tool rotation frequency (TRF) feature, was introduced as well as the conventional wavelet transform (WT) feature. Then, three machine learning algorithms – artificial neural network (ANN), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM) – are used to construct the surface quality prediction models. Each model is trained with 450 data sets obtained from 45 experimental cases, and their predictive accuracy is evaluated by the k-fold cross validation method. Next, to confirm each model’s robustness, 200 data sets obtained from additional 20 experimental cases designed with untrained conditions are tested. Finally, the monitoring software is developed for visualizing prediction results of the surface grades.
Coleophora gecidiella Baldizzone, sp. n., a new species from Turkey. The female of Coleophora turca Baldizzone, 1994. Contribution to the knowledge of the Coleophoridae CLI (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae)
Authors: Baldizzone Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Coleophora gecidiella Baldizzone, sp. n., new species from Turkey belonging to the group of C. onobrychiella Zeller, 1849 is described based on specimens collected by Günther Baisch. The female of C. turca Baldizzone, 1994, a species of which only the male is known, is described for the first time.
Eremopola lenis magnifica (Rothschild, 1914) a species new for lepidopterofauna of the Maltese Islands (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Xyleninae)
Authors: Catania Aldo , Sammut Paul , Borg John J. , Seguna Anthony
Published: January 2023

The genus Eremopola Warren, 1911 and Eremopola lenis magnifica (Rothschild 1914) are recorded for the first time from the Maltese Islands.
Adult population fluctuation of Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt, 1847) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)
Authors: Jiménez-Vásquez Manuel , Llanderal-Cázares Celina , Miranda-Perkins Kalina , Vargas-Hernández Mateo , López-Romero Rosa María , Campos-Figueroa Manuel
Published: January 2023

Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt, 1847) is an insect highly regarded for its commercial and nutritional value. Adult fluctuation in a plantation of Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck was determined using ultraviolet light traps. Trapped adults were counted weekly during three periods (December 2013 to December 2014, December 2014 to December 2015, and December 2015 to June 2016), and temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Adult population was present 157 days on average, from December to May, with peak capture on day 83. The average sex ratio of females to males was 1:14. Average environmental conditions that favoured the highest capture in the three periods were 17.8º C and 47.1% relative humidity. Knowledge of the period of adult presence and the influence of temperature and relative humidity are important for management and conservation of the insect population by farmers and gatherers.
New and interesting Portuguese Lepidoptera records from 2021 (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Corley Martin F. V. , Cardoso Helder , Nunes João , Valadares Ana , Valkenburg Thijs
Published: January 2023

13 species are added to the Portuguese Lepidoptera fauna, of which three are new for the Iberian Peninsula, and two species deleted, mainly as a result of fieldwork undertaken by the authors and others in 2021. In addition, second and third records for the country, new province records and new host-plant data for a number of species are included. A summary of recent papers affecting the Portuguese fauna is included.
Emerging Challenges to Deterrence Stability in South Asia: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Akhtar Nasreen
Published: January 2023

The nuclear deterrent and conventional capabilities of both Pakistan and India contribute extensively towards maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region. In South Asia, both states have significantly increased their nuclear and conventional capabilities. The recent new trends, at regional as well as global levels, such as growing conventional asymmetry, changing policies of the non-proliferation regime, and the introduction of more sophisticated weapon capabilities pose a direct pernicious challenge to deterrence stability of Pakistan and India - as both nuclear states are immensely increasing their defence system. Through the lens of structural deterrence theory, this paper examines the strategic threats posed to deterrence stability in South Asia. Complete deterrence has become a mirage in South Asia. This paper examines the strategic imbalance in South Asia as the most pertinent threat - the two nuclear adversaries, India and Pakistan, are accumulating military power. This paper argues that strategic imbalance has serious implications for the South Asian region. In this paper, we employ the interpretative methodology.
Deterrence under Surveillance: Indian Space-based ISR Capabilities and Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence
Authors: Shah Akash
Published: January 2023

India is rapidly building up its space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Although Indian military assets in space are in contention to Chinese space program, they are expected to make Pakistan apprehensive about the future of its nuclear deterrence. Pakistan acquired nuclear weapons to deter its much larger and stronger archnemesis India from violating its territorial integrity. Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence and strategy is aligned with the Perfect Deterrence Theory, a diversion from Classical Deterrence Theory used in the understanding of deterrence relationship between the USA and USSR during the Cold War. The study addresses the impact of India’s space-based ISR capabilities on Pakistan nuclear deterrence and posture. The growth of Indian military space program along with its great interest and investment in supersonic cruise missiles and ballistic missile defense program indicates that India is building up its First Strike potential against Pakistan’s strategic assets and installations. The developments will have a tremendous impact on deterrence stability in South Asia as it will increase the likelihood of a nuclear escalation in future.
Rambeng: Isang Natatanging Uri ng Pag-aasawa ng mga Manuvu at ang Impluwensiya ng Bagong Panahon
Authors: PEPITO RODELLO DUMAGUIT
Published: January 2023

Abstrak

Ang pananaliksik ay pinamagatang Rambeng: isang natatanging uri ng pag-aasawa ng mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon at ang impluwensiya ng bagong panahon. Maraming tribung Manuvu ang nakakalat sa iba’t ibang lalawigan ng Mindanao, tulad ng Davao, Cotabato, at Agusan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, nagkaroon ng sariling bansag at wika ang bawat tribu (Ebido, 2019). Kung kaya, isang hamon ang pananaliksik na ginawa sa kultura ng mga Manuvu sa Bukidnon upang mapangalagaan at mapanatili ang pagpapahalaga sa kultura at paniniwala ng mga katutubo sapagkat ang kultura ay pagbabahagihan ng kaalaman tungo sa pagkilala ng kaparaanan ng pamumuhay ng bawat isa (Hufana, N. et’al, 2018). 

Layunin sa pananaliksik na masagot ang katanungan na (1) Ano ang natatanging uri ng pag-aasawa ng mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon?  (2) Ano-ano ang proseso sa uri ng pag-aasawa ng mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon? at (3) Ano ang impluwensiya ng bagong panahon sa uri ng pag-aasawa ng mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon? Ginamitan ng Indehinus at deskriptibong paraan ang pananaliksik upang maanalisa, at mailahad ang bunga ng saliksik na dumaan sa pakikipanayam at istraktyurd na interaksyong berbal sa komunidad ng mga Manuvu para sa pangangalap ng mga datos.

Natuklasan sa pagsusuri, natuklasan na ang natatanging uri ng pag-aasawa ng Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon ay tinatawag na Rambeng. Nalaman din na may kakaibang proseso ng pag-aasawa ang Rambeng ng mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Kung tutuusin, ang kasal sa mga Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon ay kadalasang may mga kasunduan sa pagitan ng mga magulang ng bawat panig na nasa anyong ginsa (pakiusap), kagun (bridewealth), at apa (handaan ng kasal).

Sa kasalukuyan, ang proseso ng pagkakasal sa Manuvu ay naimpluwensiyahan ng makabagong panahon simula nang makapag-aral ang ilang mga katutubo ay namulat sila sa makabagong paraan ng pag-aasawa lalo na sa mga batas na ipinatupad para sa kababaihan at kabataan (VAWC); at sa makabagong paraan ng pag-aasawa na kanilang nakikita sa lipunan maging sa sosyal medya. Ngunit, may iilan pa ring mga katutubong Manuvu ang sumusunod sa kanilang kaugalian ng pag-aasawa. Napaglalahat na may tanging uri ng pag-aasawa ng mga katutubong Manuvu sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon na sinusunod ng ilang katutubo bilang bahagi ng kanilang kultura sa kabila ng pagbabago ng panahon.  

Mga Susing-salita: Rambeng, Manuvu, Kagun, Ginsa, Apa
Spaceborne Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): A New Microwave Remote Sensing Mode
Authors: Liang Jian , An Liang
Published: January 2023

The transient information like a ‘picture’ can be obtained by the traditional microwave remote sensing system. It will bring some shortcomings for detection of the moving targets and long-time monitoring of the variational scene over the region of interest. As a new imaging mode, more and more scholars and agencies have focused on the video Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) due to it can provide continuous surveillance over the region of interest. The spaceborne video SAR has the corresponding advantages over the spaceborne SAR image system and the optical video system. The working principles, imaging algorithm, and application method of spaceborne video SAR have been proposed in this chapter. First of all, a theoretical System of spaceborne video SAR has been constructed. The operation and application mode have also been defined. Some key performances have been discussed. To meet the demand for video SAR applications, one imaging algorithm has been proposed for dealing with the spaceborne video SAR data. Experiments on simulated data show that the algorithm was effective.
Processing of Oilseeds in the Tropics: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: M. Ikegwu Theophilus , C. Ezegbe Clement , N. Odo Eunice , A. Okolo Chioke , C. Mba Joy , O. Agu Helen
Published: January 2023

Oilseeds have been cultivated from antiquity with increasing demand in agricultural industries world trade. Many economies such as Malaysia depend largely on oilseed crops which are grown primarily for the edible oil production; and for additional meal fraction arising from the seed. The meal is rich in protein and used for animal feed. Recent developments in research have posited oilseeds as a viable source for the production of biodiesel. In the tropics, most of the oilseeds are underutilized; and interest in its mass production and utilization are lacking. Some other seed such as neem seeds, pawpaw seeds, Jatropha curcas L. seeds, etc. have not been put to use in tropical countries leading to subsistence production and their applications in other areas. The oilseed crops could be used either for human, animal or for industrial purposes. There is need to increase the volume of production of these oils in tropical countries through improved quality farming techniques that would encourage breeding in other to meet up with increasing demands. Notably, there are many conventional methods that have been used to increase oilseeds yields. However, the adoption of each technology improvement should be sustainable, while other unknown oilseeds should be discovered for increased utilization.
Gratitude and Happiness: The Causes and Consequences of Gratitude
Authors: C. Watkins Philip , Frederick Michael , W. Dodson Alexander
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we review recent research on the relationship between gratitude and happiness. First, we show how gratitude is a critical component of the good life. Because gratitude is vital to wellbeing, it is important to establish the causes of state and trait gratitude. We explain an appraisal approach to grateful emotion and show how certain benefit interpretations are critical to the experience of gratitude. In this context, we describe an encouraging new paradigm that has been applied to the study of gratitude: cognitive bias modification. This experimental approach has helped to establish the causal status of interpretations to gratitude, and we describe how this methodology should help to understand gratitude in future research. Recent research on the cognitive antecedents of gratitude has shown that the nature of the benefactor matters to experiences of gratitude, and in this regard, a divine benefactor may create a unique experience of gratitude. Gratitude scholars have now turned to the question: How does gratitude enhance happiness? We present research and theories that have attempted to speak to this issue. Finally, we explore the question: Who benefits most from gratitude interventions? Research has supplied some surprising answers to this question.
Left Ventricular Unloading in v-a ECLS Patients
Authors: Nersesian Gaik , Lewin Daniel , Lanmüller Pia , Ott Sascha , Potapov Evgenij
Published: January 2023

The v-a ECLS is an effective approach for mechanical circulatory support, however, it is associated with several disadvantages. An increased afterload generated by a pump outflow leads to a left ventricular (LV) distension, pulmonary congestion, and lung edema on one hand and impairs myocardial perfusion on the other. In this chapter, we will discuss the rationality as well as different techniques for LV unloading during v-a ECLS support.
Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Gezahegn Beakal
Published: January 2023

Hemiarthrroplasty is a procedure in which the head and neck of femur are only replaced with prosthesis. Currently, almost exclusively used now for displaced intracapsular femur neck fracture in older adults and is the surgery of choice for hip fracture in patients who minimally ambulate or do not function at a very high level. This surgical procedure(arthroplasty) eliminates the risk of non-union, fixation failure, and reoperation in the treatment of femur neck fracture. There are two forms of HA: unipolar and bipolar, as well as conventional and dual-mobility THA. Both HA types have comparable results in terms of stability, but there is a danger of acetabular wear that may eventually need conversion to THA. HA is indicated in patients whose self-sufficiency and physical activity are limited. A unipolar implant should be used, as no evidence exist that bipolar implants provide additional benefits. THA is associated with better functional outcomes and a lower risk of revision surgery in self-sufficient, physically active patients. Instability is the leading complication of conventional THA and occurs with a higher incidence compared to HA. Because of the potential for instability, the posterior approach should be avoided while doing HA. In the hands of a skilled surgeon employing a dual-mobility cup, the posterior route is a solid alternative for THA. Cement fixation of the stem is advised to reduce the possibility of peri-prosthetic fracture.
Mechanical Environment in the Human Umbilical Cord and Its Contribution to the Fetal Circulation
Authors: Kato Yoko
Published: January 2023

The fetal blood flow in two arteries and one vein of the human umbilical cord could be influenced by the conditions of the fetal growth and placenta that the evaluation of the blood flow pattern by ultrasound Doppler velocimetry is important. That is, the mechanical environment in the umbilical cord should be kept to maintain the blood flow suitable for good fetus growth. In this chapter, a human umbilical cord model for finite analysis, based on the mechanical and histological characteristics is proposed. Considering that the active force production by hyaluronan, proteoglycan, smooth muscle cells, and myofibroblasts could influence the mechanical environment in the umbilical cord, the computation with the proposed model was carried out in order to evaluate the influence. The changes in the mechanical environment caused by the active force production and their influences on the fetal blood flow through the pressure rise and drop in the arteries of the umbilical cord are introduced.
Selected Well-Being Interventions for Hybrid-Working Employees
Authors: Ehrlich Christian , Rossetti Giulia , van der Veen Robert , Zwiegelaar Jeremy
Published: January 2023

This chapter proposes four distinct techniques to boost subjective well-being, also called happiness, tailored for hybrid-working employees. These techniques suggested here are as follows: 1) selected goal-setting techniques around the ‘why of goal pursuit’ with a particular focus on self-concordance and approaching/avoidance driven goal strivings, 2) job crafting/leisure crafting, 3) acts of kindness and 4) gratitude exercises. The chapter discusses each technique on its merits by reviewing the related literature, and how they can be useful in boosting people’s subjective well-being for employees who are predominantly working in a hybrid format, and therefore, their experiences at work as well as at home impact strongly on their subjective well-being.
The Relationship between Fandom and Well-Being
Authors: Aoki Kei
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the relationship between fandom and well-being. Fandom refers to the act of endorsing something, whether it is a person or a nonperson such as an artist, game character, or specific brand. In other words, fandom can be seen as the ultimate customer engagement. Previous study has suggested that customer-brand engagement contributes to improved customer well-being with the concept of flourishing. This study provides quantitative support for this finding by surveying those involved in fandoms. Under the COVID-19 pandemic conditions, people were subjected to various behavioral restrictions. Entertainment was deemed unnecessary, and various events had to be canceled or scaled back. However, fans supported their favorites in a variety of ways and in turn found fulfillment and happiness through such activities. In the long run, the act would have contributed to the improvement of the fans’ own well-being. This study presents a way of value co-creation between the supporters and the recipients that can be paraphrased as that between a customer and brand.
Happiness, Value, and Organizational Toughness: Three Concepts in Search of a Theory
Authors: A.A. Sousa Célio , M.S. Carvalho João
Published: January 2023

Happiness—life satisfaction, subjective well-being, or welfare—is generally considered the ultimate goal of life. Research shows that happiness correlates positively with various resources, desirable characteristics, and favorable life circumstances. Happiness can influence productivity, emotions, health, self-esteem, social skills, creativity, hope, or integrity. As such, happiness seems to affect how individuals may go about their personal and professional lives. As complex social systems rely on competencies, attitudes, and behaviors to fulfill their goals, happiness affects organizations and vice versa in different ways. Resilience, flexibility, plasticity, and eventually organizational toughness can all be seen as emerging coping properties of complex adaptive systems needed to continue meeting their objectives, despite uncertainty and adversity in turbulent periods. These properties are valuable because they account for enhancing the viability and sustainability of individuals and organizations. However, the conceptual mechanisms through which happiness at work connects to value creation and organizational toughness are in short supply. In this chapter, we provide a conceptual model for addressing this complex relationship.
Global Regulatory Approaches towards E-Cigarettes, Key Arguments, and Approaches Pursued
Authors: Smith Marissa , Hilton Shona
Published: January 2023

A range of regulatory approaches are being applied to e-cigarettes globally. This chapter examines the reasons for this and what this means for broader tobacco control efforts. The chapter starts with a discussion of tobacco control and how evidence has influenced the development of international tobacco control policies. The chapter then explores the development and emergence of e-cigarettes. It identifies and discusses the arguments and evidence used in the e-cigarette regulatory debates. The chapter concludes by suggesting that research in this domain could improve our understanding of what factors influence the regulatory environment, thus why different regulatory approaches as pursued.
Satisficing Decision-Making
Authors: Łodziński Andrzej
Published: January 2023

The chapter presents a decision support system. The decision-making process is modeled by a multi-criteria optimization problem. The decision support method is an interactive decision-making process. The choice is made by solving the problem depending on the control parameters that define the aspirations of the decision makers for each criteria function, then it evaluates the obtained solution by accepting or rejecting it. In another case, the decision maker selects a new value and the problem is solved again for the new parameter. In this chapter, an example of a decision support system is presented.
Identifying the Gaps between Biopsychosocial Research and Human Behavior: Implications for Happiness and Well-Being
Authors: Shelton Charlotte , Hon Sarah
Published: January 2023

This chapter reviews recent research in psychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics relating to perception, paradox, synchronicity, brain chemicals, brain mapping, and the so-called social brain, discussing the gaps between scientific findings and the integration of these findings into human behavior. Specific implications of the identified gaps relating to happiness and well-being are identified and seven quantum skills are introduced. These quantum skills are designed to pragmatize recent research; thus, promoting the integration of new scientific knowledge into human behavior. The authors propose future research that measures the efficacy of these skills for creating sustained happiness and well-being at the individual level, as well as increased global flourishing.
Positive Psychology and Healthy Lifestyles for Health and Happiness
Authors: Lianov Liana
Published: January 2023

Positive psychology in combination with a healthy lifestyle has the potential to enhance health and well-being at a level beyond that achieved by healthy lifestyle habits alone—a state of health termed positive health by Martin Seligman, the founder of the positive psychology field. This chapter covers how positive psychology interventions and positive emotions with healthy physical habits play a vital role in health. The mechanism is twofold: 1. positive emotions as powerful drivers of behavior change and 2. direct physiologic benefits of positive emotions. Health professionals need to consider how to integrate this science and practice of positive psychology into their patient assessments and recommendations. An overview will be provided about the scientific studies that show the reinforcing, reciprocal relationship between positive psychology activities and physical healthy lifestyles. Strategies to apply in clinical practices outside of behavioral health and research recommendations are reviewed. Future research is needed to transform these research-informed approaches into evidence-based practice and address a major research gap on how different cultures and populations form positive psychology interventions.
Irregular Migration, Drug Use and Drug Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa – Libya and Nigeria
Authors: Ikenna Daniel Molobe , Oluwakemi Odukoya , Victoria Oluwasola Yesufu
Published: January 2023

Background: This study examined the context of drug use and trafficking in irregular migration among identified Nigerian-returned migrants from Libyan detention centers in the transit or destination along the Mediterranean irregular migratory route. Method: Population of study utilized sample size of 382 (238 males and 144 females). Participants’ recruitment employed the use of snowballing and judgmental sampling. Data were collected with interviewer-administered questionnaire, and supplemented through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and case study. Result: The summary of the findings revealed that most participants were smuggled (97.9%) and trafficked (96.6%). Drug use in migration was 61.3% prevalent among the participants. Frustration and trauma were the leading cause of drug use among migrants. About 15.7% of the participants trafficked drugs on migration and 28% among those that trafficked drugs had experience of arrest for drug trafficking (in Libya). The study also discovered that some of the migrants who got into drug trafficking were to raise money for survival, while some were compelled into the business. Conclusion: Drug use and drug trafficking are prevalent in irregular migration. The findings of this study draw attention to evaluate interventions to reduce drug use and trafficking among irregular migrants.
Bovine Tropical Theileriosis: An Update
Authors: Kumar Tripathi Arvind , Jaiswal Manu
Published: January 2023

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) cause major economic losses and affect many domestic animals, mainly cattle and sheep, in tropical and subtropical regions. Tropical theileriosis is a TBD caused by a protozoon called Theileria annulata transmitted by several tick species of the genus Hyalomma. Clinical manifestations of theileriosis are expressed mainly as anorexia, febrile generalized lymphadenitis and anemia followed by lethargy, lacrimation, nasal discharge and exopthalmia. Anemia is a feature point in tropical bovine theileriosis and severity was positively related to parasitaemia rates. Fatality due to infection is greatly dependent on the overproduction of cytokines, such as TNF-α produced by the schizont-infected monocytes/macrophages and uninfected macrophages. Buparvaquone gave 86.66% clinical efficacy against Theileria annulata, but 97.1% and 95.2% efficacy against Theileria parva. In Theileriosis, hemolysis occurs due to isoantibody to RBC. To prevent this isoantibody lysis, immunosuppressive dose of steroid such as Dexamethasone@2.2 mg/kg.b.wt could be used.
Nutrient Uptake Portals in Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites
Authors: da F. Ferreira-da-Silva Marialice , Magalhães de Paiva Mauricio , Vaz Guimarães Erick , S. Barbosa Helene
Published: January 2023

The process of nutrient acquisition by Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites is an attractive target for developing and designing drugs against toxoplasmosis, however, just recently it was revealed to be an important process to be understood. The present work helps address the lack of information about the exact sites where nutrient uptake in T. gondii. The endocytosis of proteins by tachyzoites of T. gondii was measured using both fluid-phase and receptor-mediated endocytic tracers. Quantitative analysis by flow cytometry revealed important differences in the percentage of labeled parasites, incubated with BSA, dextran, or transferrin. The analysis by confocal microscopy showed that the anterior portion of the conoid is one preferential site for binding BSA and transferrin to the tachyzoite, later localized within elongated structures present in the anterior region of the parasite. The ultrastructural analysis of multiple ultrathin sections displayed the endocytic markers at the following: (i) conoid, within rhoptries, (ii) in cup-shaped invagination of the parasite membrane (micropore) and, (iii) posterior pore. The present study brings data revealing three possible nutrient uptake portals in Toxoplasma tachyzoites that may contribute in the future to a therapeutic design with a view to treatment of toxoplasmosis.
Fake News against the Spanish Second Republic: The ABC as a Collaborator and Agitator of the Coup of 1936
Authors: Noguerales García Lucía
Published: January 2023

This research proposes to analyze the role of the Spanish newspaper ABC as a collaborator and agitator of the coup d’état of 1936 in Spain by publishing false, exaggerated, or unverified information in order to create a climate of opinion favorable to the uprising against the republican regime. The chosen methodology is the case study and the content analysis of 177 news, editorials, opinion articles, electoral propaganda, and political speeches published in this Spanish newspaper from the 6th of February to the 19th of July 1936. Throughout the research, we confirm that the ABC used different strategies to justify the coup d’état, which led to Franco’s dictatorship.
The Influence of Geometry on Plasmonic Resonances in Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: He Lu , R.T. Zahn Dietrich , I. Madeira Teresa
Published: January 2023

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted growing interest over the last decades due to their efficiency in improving the performance in various application fields such as catalysis, photovoltaics, (opto-)electronic devices, and biomedicine. The behavior of a specific metal plasmonic system depends on many factors such as the material, the size, the shape, and the dielectric environment. The geometry, that is, size and shape of both single plasmonic elements and patterned arrays of plasmonic nanostructures, plays an essential role, and it provides considerable freedom to tune the plasmonic properties of a single plasmonic nanostructure or any combination of nanostructures. This freedom is mainly used in the application fields of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). In this context, the chapter encompasses how the geometry of the SERS-active plasmonic nanostructures and tips with/without metal substrates used in TERS influences the localized surface plasmon resonances of the plasmonic systems.
Students’ Interaction in Breakout Rooms
Authors: Rahaf Almazmome M.A.
Published: January 2023

Interaction between students is widely regarded as being beneficial and even influential towards learning and creating opportunities for learning. Many previous studies have highlighted the importance of student-student interaction in the traditional face-to-face classroom. However, since the onset of COVID-19, there has been a shift to synchronous online learning (SOL): a context in which little is yet known about the role of interaction. Student-student interaction has become more difficult to promote, given the constraints of working through VLEs such as Zoom. The aim of this research is to investigate whether students and teachers believe that students’ interaction during SOL is beneficial or not, the challenges faced by teachers in creating space for students’ interaction, why these challenges arise and how it could be solved by exploring the appropriate use of affordance and how can teachers make use of existing affordances to create space for effective learners’ interaction. This study uses a qualitative methodology, adopting a focus group with 20 university students and teachers as well as an individual interview with the teachers and students to gain rich and in-depth data. The findings show that teachers and students have experienced many challenges during the emergency remote learning. The findings suggest that teachers require training to develop their teacher technological competence and their e-CIC to encourage effective learners’ interaction in SOL.
Efficient Management of Environmental Resources through Sustainable Crop Production Intensification
Authors: Adegoke Fayose Chris
Published: January 2023

Agriculture is crucial to the survival and well-being of the populations of most nations. It is the single most important means of livelihood and foreign exchange earnings for many nations globally. Crop Production is the bedrock of agriculture on which most other agricultural activities depend, because of the ability of plants to manufacture their food via photosynthesis, which is an essential phenomenon for the sustenance of the natural system. Thus, most other agricultural activities depend directly or indirectly on crop production. As a result of the exponential increase in world population, leading to a significant reduction in agricultural land due to urbanization; deforestation, air pollution, erosion, climate change, and consequently, food insecurity; measures must be put in place to ensure crop production intensification via sustainable and environmentally safe methods that guarantee food security. The principles of sustainable crop production intensification discussed in this Chapter include optimum tillage method, land and water resources management practices, suitable choice of agricultural system, precise crop management techniques, and bioremediation, in an already contaminate environment.
Chromatin Dynamics: Chromatin Remodeler, Epigenetic Modification and Diseases
Authors: Cui Guofei , Dong Qing , Gai Kexin , Qi Shaohua
Published: January 2023

The gene transcription patterns are regulated in response to extracellular stimuli and intracellular development programs. Recent studies have shown that chromatin dynamics which include nucleosome dynamics and histone modification play a crucial role in gene expression. Chromatin dynamic is regulated by chromatin modification enzymes including chromatin remodeling complex and histone posttranslational modifications. Multiple studies have shown that chromatin dynamics dysregulation and aberrant and histone modifications resulted in the occurrence of various diseases and cancers. Moreover, frequent mutations and chromosomal aberrations in the genes associated with subunits of the chromatin remodeling complexes have been detected in various cancer types. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of orchestration of nucleosome position, histone modification, and the importance of these properly regulated dynamics. We also discuss the consequences of aberrant chromatin dynamic which results in disease progression and provides insights for potential clinic applications.