bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common fixed points of two finite families of nonexpansive mappings by iterations
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS DHAHRAN 31261, SAUDI ARABIA, FUKHAR-UD-DIN HAFIZ ,   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS THE ISLAMIA UNIVERSITY OF BAHAWALPUR BAHAWALPUR 63100, PAKISTAN E-mail address: hfdin@kfupm.edu.sa, hfdin@yahoo.com
Published: April 2021

We study a Mann type iterative scheme for two finite families of nonexpansive mappings and establish 4− convergence and strong convergence theorems. The obtained results are applicable in uniformly convex Banach spaces (linear domain) and CAT (0) spaces (nonlinear domain) simultaneously.
A general convergence theorem for multiple-set split feasibility problem in Hilbert spaces
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS DHAHRAN, 31261, SAUDI ARABIA E-mail address: arahim@kfupm.edu.sa, KHAN ABDUL RAHIM , ABBAS MUJAHID ,   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA, PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA E-mail address: mujahid.abbas@up.ac.za, SHEHU YEKINI ,   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA, NIGERIA E-mail address: deltanougt2006@yahoo.com
Published: April 2021

We establish strong convergence result of split feasibility problem for a family of quasi-nonexpansive multi-valued mappings and a total asymptotically strict pseudo-contractive mapping in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces.
Common best proximity points for proximity commuting mapping with Geraghty’s functions
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE KING MONGKUT’S UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY THONBURI (KMUTT) 126 PRACHA UTHIT ROAD, BANG MOD, THRUNG KRU, BANGKOK 10140, THAILAND E-mail address: poom.kum@kmutt.ac.th, KUMAM POOM , MONGKOLKEHA CHIRASAK ,   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS STATISTICS AND COMPUTERS FACULTY OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE, KASETSART UNIVERSITY KAMPHAENG-SAEN CAMPUS, NAKHONPATHOM 73140, THAILAND E-mail address: faascsm@ku.ac.th
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we prove new common best proximity point theorems for proximity commuting mapping by using concept of Geraghty’s theorem in complete metric spaces. Our results improve and extend recent result of Sadiq Basha [Basha, S. S., Common best proximity points: global minimization of multi-objective functions, J. Glob Optim, 54 (2012), No. 2, 367-373] and some results in the literature.
A characterization of cone-convex vector-valued functions
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCES SHIMANE UNIVERSITY 690-8504 MATSUE, JAPAN E-mail address: kuroiwa@math.shimane-u.ac.jp, KUROIWA DAISHI , POPOVICI NICOLAE ,   BABES-BOLYAI UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE KOGALNICEANU 1, 400084 CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA E-mail address: popovici@math.ubbcluj.ro, ROCCA MATTEO ,   DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY OF INSUBRIA MONTE GENEROSO 71, 21100 VARESE, ITALY E-mail address: matteo.rocca@uninsubria.it
Published: April 2021

An interesting result in convex analysis, established by J.-P. Crouzeix in 1977, states that a real-valued function defined on a linear space is convex if and only if each function obtained from it by adding a linear functional is quasiconvex. The aim of this paper is to extend this result for vector-valued functions taking values in a partially ordered linear space.
On strongly convex functions
Authors:   UNIVERSITY OF MISKOLC INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS H-3515 MISKOLC-EGYETEMVÁROS, HUNGARY E-mail address: {matjudit,matha}@uni-miskolc.hu, MAKÓ JUDIT , HÁZY ATTILA
Published: April 2021

The main results of this paper give a connection between strong Jensen convexity and strong convexity type inequalities. We are also looking for the optimal Takagi type function of strong convexity. Finally a connection will be proved between the Jensen error term and an useful error function.
The order of convexity for an integral operator
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE TRANSILVANIA UNIVERSITY OF BRASOV 500091 BRASOV, ROMANIA E-mail address: E-mail address: virgilpescar@unitbv.ro, PESCAR VIRGIL , ALDEA CONSTANTIN LUCIAN ,   DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE TRANSILVANIA UNIVERSITY OF BRASOV 500091 BRASOV, ROMANIA E-mail address: costel.aldea@unitbv.ro,   SIEMENS CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY 500007 BRASOV, ROMANIA E-mail address: constantin.aldea@siemens.com
Published: April 2021

In this paper we consider an integral operator for analytic functions in the open unit disk and we derive the order of convexity for this integral operator, on certain classes of univalent functions.
Five short lemmas in Banach spaces
Authors:   FUJIAN AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES 350002 FUZHOU, P. R. CHINA E-mail address: zqpping2003@163.com, ZENG QINGPING
Published: April 2021

Consider a commutative diagram of bounded linear operators between Banach spaces...with exact rows. In what ways are the spectral and local spectral properties of B related to those of the pairs of operators A and C? In this paper, we give our answers to this general question using tools from local spectral theory.
Sophoridine Regulates the NADPH Oxidase-2 Pathway and Potentiates the Cardioprotective Effect of Dexmedetomidine Against Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mao Baoping , Zhou Yu , Zhang Hualiang
Published: April 2021

We have evaluated the protective effect of sophoridine and dexmedetomidine alone and in combination against lipopolysaccharides induced myocardial dysfunction. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase in the myocardial tissue and inflammatory cytokines served as markers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Data of the study suggest that myocardial function was improved with sophoridine alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine in septic mice. Also, there was reduction in the expression of NADPH oxidase 2, NADPH oxidase 4, p-Extracellular signal-regulated kinase/Extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p-P38/P38 and caspase-3 protein in the myocardial tissues of sophoridine-treated group than sepsis group of mice. In conclusion, data of the report reveals that sophoridine alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine shows synergistic effect against the management of sepsis induced myocardial injured mice by modulating the expression of NADPH oxidase 2.
Re-enacting the past: the translation of performativity in oral history interviews
Authors: Painca Diana
Published: April 2021

This article explores the connection between Translation Studies and Oral History on Romanian communism. Inspired by Portelli’s theoretical framework, it aims to address the problems posed by the translation of performativity from Romanian into English. To this end, transcribed historical interviews are extracted from two main books on the era: Memorial of pain: darkness and light (Hossu Longin, 2013) and The Survivors: testimonies from Romania’s communist prisons (Ştef, 2014).
Interpretación en los Servicios Públicos en la oferta académica de grado en Argentina
Authors: Manfredi Ana Belén , Lazaro Raquel
Published: April 2021

Entre los objetivos de la Agenda 2030 de la ONU, se encuentran reducir las desigualdades, crear ciudades y comunidades sostenibles, y asegurar la paz, la justicia, instituciones sólidas, salud y bienestar para todos. A fin de garantizar su cumplimiento, cada Estado miembro confronta retos específicos debido a su situación económica, política y educativa.

En este artículo de tipo exploratorio, nos centraremos en cómo la formación de los profesionales intérpretes puede contribuir a mejorar las posturas de los Estados frente a aquellos objetivos. Un intérprete especializado en servicios públicos es el mejor recurso para garantizar un acceso igualitario a los distintos servicios públicos que prestan las ciudades modernas.

En particular, nos enfocaremos en la formación de grado en Argentina: analizaremos en cuántos programas los estudiantes reciben formación en interpretación en los servicios públicos para llegar a una conclusión acerca de dónde está colocado el énfasis al formar a futuros intérpretes.
Análisis de la redacción de consentimientos informados en inglés y en español
Authors: Ruiz Escrivá María
Published: April 2021

En la actualidad, tanto en el sistema sanitario de España como en el del Reino Unido, todo paciente que se tenga que someter a un procedimiento médico tiene el derecho a que un profesional sanitario le explique este procedimiento y, tras ser informado, tiene el derecho a consentir que se lleve a cabo o no. Uno de los objetivos principales de esta investigación es analizar la redacción de los consentimientos informados en español y en inglés para comprobar si se cumple una de las características principales de los consentimientos informados. Esta característica es el hecho de ser comprensible para los pacientes, para que, sin tener amplios conocimientos sobre el ámbito médico, puedan comprender el procedimiento al que se van a someter y decidir si quieren que se realice o no. El otro objetivo principal es analizar el consentimiento informado desde el punto de vista del hecho de ser un texto híbrido, comparando la cantidad de terminología e información del ámbito médico con la perteneciente al ámbito jurídico. Se trata de un estudio comparativo en el que, tras el análisis, por una parte, de los consentimientos informados en inglés y, por otra parte, de los consentimientos informados en español, se compare la redacción entre ambos idiomas. Para ello, se ha compilado un corpus de 50 consentimientos informados en inglés y 50 consentimientos informados en español de 50 temáticas distintas procedentes de distintas instituciones sanitarias de España y del Reino Unido. En este análisis se tendrán en cuenta aspectos relacionados con la macroestructura y la microestructura de cada texto como, por ejemplo, organización general de la información, registro, y terminología, entre otros. Los resultados apoyan la característica del consentimiento informado de ser un texto híbrido puesto que, por ejemplo, en cuanto a la cantidad de terminología especializada, el número entre la médica y la jurídica es muy similar. Además, se muestra que la redacción en inglés es mucho más cercana al lector que la de los textos redactados en español.
Interview with Aimee, Chef Director of Translators Without Borders (TWB)
Authors: Valero-Garcés Carmen
Published: April 2021

Aimee had no idea that she disrupted convention until she became ED of TWB. For over 25 years, Aimee has worked in humanitarian and development contexts on 4 continents for UN agencies and NGOs like Oxfam and Save the Children, to ensure that the most vulnerable are able to access their rights. TWB forms a critical link from which we can disrupt the world - by joining with others to ensure that information can be accessed, understood and acted upon by the most marginalized. We want to bring languages into the digitalized world, potentially by-passing text-based communications in favor of speech and voice.
NON-LINEAR RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HOUSE SIZE AND PRICE
Authors: Feng Shih-Tao , Peng Chien-Wen , Yang Chung-Hsien , Chen Pei-Wen
Published: April 2021

This study reexamines the relationship between house size and price by using the quantile regression model. Housing transactions data of the National Taipei University Special Zone in Taiwan are adopted, and the findings are as follows. First, the total price of a smaller housing unit will increase at a decreasing rate as its size increases. The decrease in marginal price might be due to the declining marginal utility of the property right. Secondly, the total price of a larger housing unit will increase at an increasing rate as its size increases. The size premium effect might be due to the influence of conspicuous consumption. Thirdly, housing with a lower square meter price is subject to greater price competitiveness in the market, and the price will increase at a decreasing rate as the size increases. Conversely, a housing unit with a higher square meter price will decrease at an increasing rate as its size increases. This might be due to the constraint imposed by the purchaser’s housing affordability. These findings clarify the nonlinear relationships between housing size and price, and provide very useful information for decision making of the developers, home purchasers, real estate appraisers, and the governments.
Benthic communities in three Mediterranean touristic ports: MAPMED project
Authors: Chatzinikolaou Eva , Damianidis Panagiotis , Pavloudi Christina , Vasileiadou Aikaterini , Faulwetter Sarah , Keklikoglou Kleoniki , Plaitis Wanda , Mavraki Dimitra , Nikolopoulou Stamatina , Arvanitidis Christos
Published: April 2021

Mediterranean ports are sources of significant economic activity and at the same time they act as recipients of considerable anthropogenic disturbance and pollution. Polluted and low-in-oxygen sediments can negatively impact benthic biodiversity and favour recruitment of opportunistic or invasive species. Macrobenthic communities are an important component of the port biota and can be used as environmental quality indicators. However, a baseline database for benthic biodiversity in Mediterranean ports has not yet been widely established.

Macrobenthic assemblages were recorded in three Mediterranean touristic ports under the framework of the ENPI CBC MED project MAPMED (MAnagement of Port Areas in the MEDiterranean Sea Basin). Samples were collected from Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), Heraklion (Crete, Greece) and El Kantaoui (Tunisia) ports during February, May and September 2012. The sampling stations were selected according to the different sectors within each port (i.e. leisure, fishing, passenger/cargo vessels and shipyard). A total of 277 taxa belonging to 12 phyla were found, of which the 96 taxa were present in all three ports. El Kantaoui port hosted the highest number of macrobenthic taxa. Mollusca were the most abundant group (34%) in all ports. The highest percentage of opportunistic taxa per station was found before the touristic period in the shipyard of Heraklion port (89.3%).
The first comprehensive data on the distribution of reptiles within the Southern Bug eco-corridor, Ukraine
Authors: Oskyrko Oleksandra , Jablonski Daniel
Published: April 2021

This study provides distribution data for 12 species of reptiles in the Southern Bug eco-corridor located within the steppe zone, Mykolaiv Oblast (province), Ukraine. We compiled 935 records from published literature (324), from public databases (68), and from 12 field surveys we made in 2016–2020 (543). All records were mapped on to a grid of 10×10 km, representing the 294 cells of the studied area. We present new distributional data for Podarcis tauricus. For all the other species, our records add new localities that fall within areas where these reptiles were previously reported. Species richness and Shannon’s H’ index show that herpetofauna diversity was higher in the areas along the Southern Bug River. The maximum number of records within a single cell was 118 (for 10 species) in this oblast. Also the high number of identified reptile chorotypes (nine) within the Mykolaiv Oblast revealed that southern Ukraine is an important zoogeographical territory in Europe. These data provide the basis for future biogeographical and ecological studies and conservation priorities.
Conservation possibilities of Isophya costata (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) based on frequency, population size, and habitats
Authors: Kenyeres Zoltán , Bauer Norbert
Published: April 2021

Isophya costata Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878, commonly called the Keeled Plump Bush-cricket, is an endemic Natura 2000 species in the Carpathian Basin and is included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. We used extensive data collection from Hungary retrieved between 2004 and 2019 from 700 sampling sites spread over an area of 12,700 km2 to examine the occurrence of the species in different regions in grasslands of similar structure but different origin, naturalness, and character. The results confirmed that I. costata currently occurs with the highest number of populations and highest density in regularly mowed, mesophilic hayfields rich in dicotyledonous plants (Arrhenatheretalia). The species also appears in smaller numbers in grasslands adjacent to hayfields, such as wetland meadows (Molinion coeruleae), marsh meadows (Deschampsion caespitosae, Alopecurenion pratensis), and edge habitats dominated by herbaceous plants. However, the results show that the extension of these habitats has a negatively significant correlation with both the occurrence of the species and its density. Isophya costata occurs in steppe meadows much less frequently than in mesophilic hayfields. The species is endemic to the Pannonian Steppe, and the key to their conservation is by maintaining stocks of hayfields in the species’ area of distribution. According to this study, overseeding of mowed grasslands leads to the decline of the species. To preserve I. costata, it is necessary to eliminate trampling in its areas of occurrence (prohibition of grazing) and encourage late-season mowing adapted to the phenology of the species (not as early as mid-July) or, if this is not feasible, mosaic-type treatment leaving unmown patches (e.g., 1/3 of the plot).
A new clitocyboid genus Spodocybe and a new subfamily Cuphophylloideae in the family Hygrophoraceae (Agaricales)
Authors: He Zheng-Mi , Yang Zhu L.
Published: April 2021

Phylogenetically, the genera Cuphophyllus, Ampulloclitocybe and Cantharocybe are treated as basal in the family Hygrophoraceae, despite weak support. However, the exact phylogenetic positions of the three genera have remained unresolved, and taxa related to these genera are poorly known. In this study, a new clitocyboid genus Spodocybe was proposed based on multigenic phylogenetic inference datasets and morphological evidence. The analyses of ITS as well as two combined datasets ITS-nrLSU-rpb2 and ITS-nrLSU-rpb1-rpb2-tef1-α-atp6 supported that (1) Spodocybe formed a well-supported monophyletic clade; and (2) sisters Spodocybe and Ampulloclitocybe, along with Cantharocybe and Cuphophyllus also formed a monophyletic lineage, as sister to the rest of the Hygrophoraceae. Meanwhile, two new species, namely S. rugosiceps and S. bispora, from southwestern China, were documented and illustrated. These results support the new proposed genus Spodocybe, and that Spodocybe, Ampulloclitocybe, Cantharocybe and Cuphophyllus should be retained in the Hygrophoraceae as a new subfamily Cuphophylloideae.
Quantifying and Remediating the New Graduate Nurse Resident Academic-Practice Gap Using Online Patient Simulation
Authors: Chan Garrett K. , Burns Edward M.
Published: April 2021

Background:

There is an ever-widening academic-practice gap. Less than one third of new graduates demonstrate entry-level competencies required for practice. Hospitals expend many resources to create nurse residency programs to remediate this gap. Online interactive case simulation is effective to increase competencies and decrease the length of orientation and rate of turnover. The aims of this pilot research study were to quantify the academic-practice gap and to strengthen areas of development for competent and safe clinical practice through use of an online patient simulation program.

Method:

A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study using an online patient simulation program was implemented in a convenience sample of nurse residents over 16 months.

Results:

Twenty-nine residents completed more than 3,400 patient simulations. Improvement in pretest and posttest metrics included 100% of nurse residents committing a sentinel error event decreased to 20.7%, 766 medication errors decreased to 160, and failed-to-rescue an average of 81% of the time decreased to 23%.

Conclusion:

Interactive online patient simulation programs provide a powerful learning methodology in which learners improve patient safety and reduce failures to rescue.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2021;52(5):240–247.]
Pricing and coordination of competitive recycling and remanufacturing supply chain considering the quality of recycled products
Authors: Feng Yanhua , Xia Xuhui , Wang Lei , Zhang Zelin
Published: April 2021

Considering the quality of recycled products, we develop a game model of a multi-level competitive recycling and remanufacturing supply chain with two manufacturers and multiple recyclers. Being focus on two mainstream game models, namely the manufacturer-recycler cooperation game model and the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game model, we explore the connection between optimal pricing decisions and performance levels of the supply chain members. Although researches indicate that the quality of recycled products will not affect the pricing decisions in the forward supply chain, it is positively related to the recycling price, the repurchase price, and the overall profit in the reverse supply chain, and the intensity of competition among manufacturers or recycled products will affect the pricing decisions and the performance levels of the two models. In the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game model, the supply chain does not reach the Pareto optimum, which uses the recycling cost sharing contract to achieve the coordination. Afterwards, the profits of the two manufacturers and multiple recyclers in the supply chain are increased, and the overall profit of the supply chain system is higher than that of the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game model. Finally, numerical analysis is conducted to verify the proposed coordination mechanism and its effectiveness.
Analysis of Circular Economy From a Household Perspective in the USA
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Badri Narayanan , Jain Anchal , Chalon Nathalie
Published: April 2021

In this chapter, the authors conduct original research on household emissions based on data from various sources in the literature. They analyze the extent of reduction of GHG emissions by adopting zero waste strategies by the households voluntarily, incurring no costs, but rather savings in wasteful expenditure. They then model this extent of reductions using a global computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to understand what could have been the carbon tax imposed to achieve this extent of GHG reduction. From the analysis, they find about 50% of GHG potential can be reduced from household emissions, as well as the associated life cycle emissions of products consumed. Reduced wasteful expenditure may facilitate both savings-led investments and the purchase of more green products by consumers, thereby boosting the economy. Therefore, they conclude that policies that incentivize zero waste lifestyle may go a long way in reducing the supposed tradeoff between the economy and the environment. They also review some strategies for the households, based on the literature, to minimize waste.
Circular Economy
Authors: Jena Dipanwita
Published: April 2021

The ongoing discourse of zero-waste and the circular economy in recent time have been underscored by key players, such as the European Commission, NGOs, INGOs, academia, and multinational companies. The discourse revolves around the fact that capitalist form of development has pushed the environment to the brink of destruction. The need of the hour is sustainable growth through the model of the circular economy. Thus, the idea of growth is being de-politicized by a post-growth narrative. This chapter wants to delve into the critical aspect of circular economy which propounds itself as a solution to capitalism driven growth. The first theme it addresses the actual materialization of circular economy whether it is actually a possible phenomenon or not. The second theme it deals with the concept of social sustainability and fulfillment of human wants. The last theme revolves around ideological dimension of post-growth, how the circular growth in the garb of post-growth ideology propels and legitimizes a more growth -driven society.
Visualising the Prospective Circular Economy
Authors: Chotia Varun , Jain Vranda
Published: April 2021

In contrast to the traditional linear economic model, which is primarily based on the 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern, the concept of circular economy is based on the principles of sharing, leasing, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, revolving in a closed-loop, where the value focus is on products and the materials which these products contain. In simple words, it focuses on waste reduction to a minimum level. From an Indian perspective, the idea has immense potential as it could deliver numerous opportunities like less pressure on the environment, a higher level of competitiveness, better security in terms of supply of raw materials, more innovation, higher growth, and more jobs. At the same time, this shift also brings along certain challenges like financing issues, the need for key economic enablers, skill requirements, consumer behaviour and business models, and the need for multi-level governance.
Impact of Sustainable Banking (E-Banking) on the Organisational Commitment Level of Bank Employees in Delhi
Authors: Gupta Sweety , Yadav Anshu
Published: April 2021

The growing awareness among the society has led to a demand of a sustainable banking. Sustainable development promotes society betterment, and it also benefits the bank in several ways. One such factor is an increase in organization commitment among bank employees as a result of sustainable banking. This study revolves around finding the impact of sustainable banking towards the organization commitment level of bank employees in Delhi. For this study, 550 questionnaires were sent to the respondents. Out of the questionnaire sent, only 450 were found useful for further study. Convenient sampling was used to gather data from bankers. Correlation and regression analysis were done in AMOS to study the relationship between both the stated variables.
Blockchain
Authors: Sikarwar Ranjana
Published: April 2021

IoT is not the only buzzword proliferating in the technological world nowadays; blockchain, the underlying tech behind Bitcoin cryptocurrency, is also becoming more ubiquitous and mainstream in the world market. Blockchain and IoT are the perfect pair and seem to flourish together as there is an immense need of data security for the enormous data produced by IoT sensors. The integration of two technologies going hand-in-hand can make IoT objects more reliable and secure in the network. Many companies will exploit the integration of blockchain-based IoT systems in the near future as blockchain is more commendable. In the blockchain-based IoT systems, nodes deployed in the blockchain technology are more or less likely the devices connected in the IoT systems network. Blockchain-enabled IoT systems ease business processes and enhance transparency for improved customer experiences.
Adaptation of Blockchain Architecture to the Internet of Things and Performance Analysis
Authors: Ersoy Mevlut , Yüksel Asım Sinan , Yalcin Cihan
Published: April 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) security and privacy criteria are seen as an important challenge due to IoT architecture. In this study, the security of the IoT system that is created with devices integrated into the embedded system by means of various sensors has been ensured by using a single cryptographic structure. The data transmitted between the nodes in the IoT structure is transmitted to the central node using the Blockchain data structure. The transmitted data is verified at central nodes and the energies consumed between nodes during the transmission phase is detected. An infrastructure has been developed for how blockchain technology can be used in the IoT structure. In this study, an experimental environment was developed and comparative analysis were made in terms of energy consumption and data transfer rates.
Current Trends in Integrating the Blockchain With Cloud-Based Internet of Things
Authors: J. V. Anchitaalagammai , S. Kavitha , S. Murali , P. R. Hemalatha , T. Subanachiar
Published: April 2021

Blockchains are shared, immutable ledgers for recording the history of transactions. They substitute a new generation of transactional applications that establish trust, accountability, and transparency. It enables contract partners to secure a deal without involving a trusted third party. The internet of things (IoT) is rapidly changing our society to a world where every “thing” is connected to the internet, making computing pervasive like never before. It is increasingly becoming a ubiquitous computing service, requiring huge volumes of data storage and processing. The stable growth of the internet of things (IoT) and the blockchain technology popularized by cryptocurrencies has led to efforts to change the centralized nature of the IoT. Adapting the blockchain technology for use in the IoT is one such efforts. This chapter focuses on blockchain-IoT research directions and to provide an overview of the importance of blockchain-based solutions for cloud data manipulation in IoT.
The Role of Blockchain Technology and Its Usage in Various Sectors in the Modern Age
Authors: Sahani Amrit , Priyadarshini Sushree BibhuPrada B. , Chinara Suchismita
Published: April 2021

A decade earlier, the basic guiding theory of the blockchain was implemented. It took a few years for the technology to be widely recognized outside the computer science sector in industry and academic communities. Since then, several scientific institutions have taken up the topic. Through this chapter, the authors focus not only on the working mechanism of the technology but also towards the use cases in varied industries. Blockchain implementations are an effective way to actively move business expertise to study goals that support both technical growth and testing through analysis, design, and research approach.
Responding to the Natural World
Authors: Walsh Tim
Published: April 2021

This chapter seeks to help social workers adopt a wider eco-centric perspective which affirms human connectedness to the natural world, with a dual focus on ecological and social justice. It examines when, where, and how humans came to see themselves as separate and superior to the rest of nature, and the disastrous consequences now evident on a global scale. The alienation from nature is found to begin within early western civilizations and exacerbated with the growth of commerce and empires and the displacement and destruction of peoples with deep knowledge and respect for the natural world. Social workers are well placed to work at the interface between people and the wider natural environment and to embrace the knowledge and contributions of other disciplines and groups working for just causes. It is concluded that help for humans is only possible within a wider remit of care for the natural world essential to all life. A local example of ecologically informed social work is shared, helping community gardeners to grow and share food.
Eco-Disasters
Authors: Goodman Helen
Published: April 2021

This chapter seeks to encourage social workers to review their often (enforced) siloed roles in relation to communities of place and to develop stronger senses about the relationships and networks in places where those they serve actually live. The author offers a picture of force fields, system tensions which shape organizational and community life in particular ways, ways which diminish community life, and those who seek to serve community, and she provides examples from her practice experience in pre and post disaster environments. Where social workers can contribute to strengthening community networks, this will contribute to a quality of life for those they serve and then strengthen the capability of community responsiveness to a disaster. Seeing, valuing, and using these links may allow social workers to make subtle but important contributions to the field of emergency management.
Social Work, Op-Shops, and Job Training
Authors: Holland Grant , Shuttleworth Lesley
Published: April 2021

Many disadvantaged young people and adults, long and short-term unemployed, overseas arrivals/refugees, people with mental health issues, mothers returning to the workforce, and those disconnected from their communities have lost hope of ever getting employment. Numerous employment-training programs are narrowly-focused classroom-based simulations provided on a sessional basis, while real-world job training opportunities with flexible entry/exit points and on-site professional social work support for those disconnected from employment opportunities are uncommon. The STEP program, an innovative and engaging real-world training program in an opportunity shop (op-shop), gives hope and job success to disaffected people, offering life-changing training in every aspect of running a business in the retail and office administration sector as well as teaching valuable life skills, including job interviews, accounts and administration, and customer service.
Viewing the Contamination of Student Achievement Through the Lens of Poverty
Authors: Slattery Cheryl Ann
Published: April 2021

This chapter addresses the growing number in the underserved population of school-age children and their families who live in poverty and raises awareness as to how that factor directly contaminates student achievement. It is important to understand the federal definition of poverty and the attendant unique social environment. This chapter highlights an appreciation for the history of American race relations and its role in poverty-related behavior, as well as examines the inherent biases prevalent in American communities and schools that work to restrict opportunities for underprivileged families and children. It explores the impact of changing a culture of poverty through the lens of schools and role models, subsequently understanding multidisciplinary approaches for eliminating policies that alienate and exclude the poor. It includes best practices in pedagogy, services, and support for marginalized populations that will illuminate for the practitioner how the contamination of student achievement occurs and empowers them to assist those trapped by poverty.
A Policy Manifesto for Antiracist Teacher Professional Development
Authors: View Jenice L. , DeMulder Elizabeth K. , Stribling Stacia M. , Dallman Laura L.
Published: April 2021

The authors believe that the de-racialization of teacher professional development is as harmful to teachers as the deprofessionalization of teachers, leaving them without the tools needed to attend to the basic and unmet needs of Students of Color, immigrant students, low-income students, as well as of affluent white students. Teacher educators, administrators, and policy makers should invest in sustained and broadly applied antiracist practices and policies as a matter of public self-interest. To extend Kendi's notion of antiracist educational policies, the authors suggest a spectrum of small “p” and big “P” policies that address the uniqueness of schools as institutions of learning and human development, where children are sorted early by skin color and family income to their “assigned” school. The authors offer this chapter as both a call to action and an invitation to collaborate to create and broaden antiracist teacher professional development.
Single Story Combaters in Education
Authors: Broughton Anthony
Published: April 2021

In this chapter, the author presents the notion of combating “single stories” as a promising, culturally responsive approach to support the success of all children. The stories/narratives or perspectives of people of color have been historically omitted and marginalized in dominant educational discourses. Instead, culturally biased and stereotypical information is oftentimes framed and shared as the single story—the only story. The single story, when internalized by teachers and administrators, presents many unfavorable outcomes for children of color, because it informs curricula decision making. The author demonstrates how the theoretical framework of culturally responsive pedagogies undergirded the effective approaches of educators who combated single stories; and supported students in beating the odds, by demonstrating their potential. The author makes the case that teachers should seek developing culturally responsive approaches rather than seeking strategies.
Counseling With a Muslim-American Family
Authors: Brown Margaux Hanes , West Ari-Elle R.
Published: April 2021

Islamophobia is the unfounded fear of Islam and resulting hostility that Muslims experience as a religious minority in the U.S. For a marginalized community in the U.S., this increases the risk for poor mental health outcomes and further compounds stigma around help-seeking behaviors. In this case study, a family unit presented for counseling with stress resulting from life cycle stressors. However, the intersectionality of their religious identity affected how the individuals experienced transitions as well as microaggressions. This case study includes a counselor's application of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies, treatment interventions, and extensions for further professional development.
Prison Education in the United States of America
Authors: Ukwuoma Uju C.
Published: April 2021

The United States of America ranks third among the most populous countries in the world behind India and China. However, the US ranks first among countries with the most prison population. Recent statistics from the Office of Justice program in the US Department of Justice show that about 2.5 million people are locked up in prisons or the so-called correctional facilities across the United States. These facilities are made up of nearly 2000 state prisons scattered among the 50 states, 102 federal prisons, about 2300 and 3300 juvenile prisons and local jails respectively, including 79 Indian Country jails (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2016; Wagner & Rabuy, 2015). This chapter looks at the state of prison education in the US through the prism of racism. However, the chapter does not claim to have a complete evaluation of the situation of learning and teaching in penitentiaries in the US.
Gendered and Racial Microaggressions in STEM
Authors: Rockinson-Szapkiw Amanda J. , Wade-Jaimes Katherine
Published: April 2021

Women and people of color remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and academia. In this chapter, the authors focus on the experience of girls and students of color in urban STEM classrooms through the lens of microaggressions theory. Within this chapter, the authors define macroaggression and discuss the various types (e.g., microinsults, microinvalidations, microassaults). Consequences of microaggressions are discussed and strategies are presented to address microaggressions within the PreK-12 urban school setting.
Embodiment in Virtual Reality
Authors: Moura João Martinho , Barros Né , Ferreira-Lopes Paulo
Published: April 2021

Virtual reality (VR) has been a prominent idea for exploring new worlds beyond the physical, and in recent decades, it has evolved in many aspects. The notion of immersion and the sense of presence in VR gained new definitions as technological advances took place. However, even today, we can question whether the degrees of immersion achieved through this technology are profound and felt. A fundamental aspect is the sense of embodiment in the virtual space. To what extent do we feel embodied in virtual environments? In this publication, the authors present works that challenge and question the embodiment sensation in VR, specifically in the artistic aspect. They present initial reflections about embodiment in virtuality and analyze the technologies adopted in creating interactive artworks prepared for galleries and theater stage, questioning the sensations caused by the visual embodiment in virtual reality under the perspective of both the audience and the performer.
The Destinies of Senses
Authors: Pereira Selma Eduarda , Nogueira Alexandra
Published: April 2021

During the state of global emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic, online cultural events have multiplied and gained space in our lives. However, this relationship between contemporary art and digital media has been developing for decades. In this paper, the authors cover the curatorial and preparation process for the virtual pavilion The Destinies of Senses that was part of the 4th edition of the digital art biennial The Wrong, which took place from November 2019 to March 2020, bringing to discussion the curation of online exhibitions, aesthetics post-digital, and the creation process of these artists. The authors approach in more detail one of the projects that integrated the exhibition and that combines fashion production, print media, and digital art.
Vocal Folds Analysis for Detection and Classification of Voice Disorder
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Sharma R. K.
Published: April 2021

The detection and description of pathological voice are the most important applications of voice profiling. Currently, techniques like laryngostroboscopy or surgical microlarynoscopy are popularly used for the diagnosis of voice pathologies but are invasive in nature. Disorders of vocal folds impact the quality of voice, and therefore, the accuracy of voice profiling is reduced. This paper presents a better solution to differentiate normal and pathological voices based on the glottal, physical, and acoustic and equivalent electrical parameters. These parameters have been correlated using mathematical equations and models. Results reveal that the glottal flow is strongly influenced by physical parameters like stiffness and viscosity of vocal folds in case of pathological voice. However, their direct measurement requires complex invasive medical procedures or costly and complex electronic hardware arrangements in case of non-invasive methods. Glottal parameters, on the other hand, facilitate much simpler estimation of vocal folds disorders. In this work, the authors have presented two non-invasive approaches for better accuracy and least complexity for differentiating normal and pathological voices: 1) by using correlation of glottal and physical parameters, 2)by using acoustic and equivalent electrical parameters.
On Performance of Big Data Storage on Cloud Mechanics in Mobile Digital Healthcare
Authors: Rangra Abhilasha , Sehgal Vivek Kumar
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the concept of cloud computing and big data analysis are considered as two major problems. It empowers the resources of computing to be maintained as the service of information technology with high effectiveness and efficiency. In the present scenario, big data is treated as one of the issues that the experts are trying to solve and finding ways to tackle the problem of handling big data analytics, how it could be managed with the technology of cloud computing and handled in the recent systems, and apart from this, the most significant issue is how to have perfect safety of big data in the cloud computing environment. In this paper, the authors mainly improve the performance of big data storage on cloud mechanics as the integration of mobile digital healthcare. The proposed framework involves the process of refining the sensitivity by using a deep learning approach. After this, it involves the step of computing or storage in the cloud-based server in an optimized manner. The experimental analysis provides a significant improvement in terms of cost, time, and accuracy.
Application of Kirlian Captures and Statistical Analysis of Human Bioelectricity and Energy of Different Organs
Authors: Rastogi Rohit , Saxena Mamta , Chaturvedi Devendra K , Gupta Mayank , Gupta Neha , Rustagi Deepanshu , Yadav Sunny , Sharma Pranav
Published: April 2021

Bioelectricity occurs inside a living organism. It is nature through which living beings survive. It is a phenomenon through which organisms live and is also parallel to electrophysiology. Bioelectric potentials are generated by many biological processes. Bioelectric potentials are very like electrical potentials, which are generated by batteries. The bioelectric potential in a cell membrane has a potential of about 500 milli volts. Cells use their potential to control metabolic processes. But some cells use them differently for psychological functions. Cells allow the potential to be between inside and outside to discharge current to the nerves. The transportation of sodium ions is also involved in production of action potential, the ancient Indian vedic yajna, mantra, and meditation science has been proved effective to increase this bioelectricity. In this manuscript, the authors examined the different energy distribution of subjects on different organs.
Research on Denoising of Brain MRI of Alzheimer's Disease Based on BM3D Algorithm
Authors: Chen Xin-lei
Published: April 2021

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic degenerative disease of the acquired nervous system. Early detection and early treatment are particularly important. According to the technical requirements of brain magnetic imaging, the important step before brain magnetic imaging segmentation is image preprocessing and image denoising, which can more accurately segment the effective lesion features of magnetic imaging through image recognition. The algorithm studied in this paper is the BM3D method of image preprocessing and denoising. The BM3D noise algorithm model is a non-local denoising method, which is a spatial algorithm, and the other transform method is a conversion algorithm, which has a significant denoising effect. The image is grouped by two similar blocks through the BM3D algorithm and then collaboratively filtered and aggregated. The experimental analysis shows that the image processed by the BM3D algorithm is significantly better than the original image, and it can solve the problem of noise in the image and blurring of the boundary between the tissues.
Moroccan English Department Student Attitudes Towards the Use of Distance Education During COVID-19
Authors: Benhima Mohamed
Published: April 2021

The current study aims to investigate students' attitudes towards the use of distance education during COVID-19 in Morocco. The first cases of COVID-19 starting from the first weeks of March 2020 has obliged educational authorities to suspend face-to-face education. Immediately, distance education was declared the alternative means to complete the academic year. Moroccan TV channels started broadcasting lessons for different levels at different times. Moreover, teachers and students started using social media and university platforms to share lessons. However, not all students agree with distance education in the adopted format. Accordingly, the current study investigates the attitudes of Moroccan English Department students at Moulay Ismail University. A mixed-method design was adopted by triangulating data from five-point Likert scale questionnaires and a focus group. The results showed that students generally prefer face-to-face education rather than distance education. However, part-time students reported positive attitudes towards distance education. It is recommended that both distance education and face-to-face education should be planned by teachers, coordinators, and administrators.
Unusual Cause of Encephalopathy and Seizures in a Child
Authors: Hosur Bharat , Vyas Sameer , Suthar Renu , Mukherjee Arundhati , Ray Nirmalya , Chandra Tany
Published: April 2021

Toxic encephalopathy is an important differential diagnosis in a child with encephalopathy and seizures. Subtle circumstantial evidence and apt neuroimaging features can significantly contribute to management, especially in a case of accidental exposure. 2, 4-D (ethyl ester) poisoning is a rare diagnosis, despite the common usage of this toxic compound as weedicide in northern India. The clinical similarity to the anticholinesterase poisoning, especially in the setting of agrochemical exposure is the main cause of under-diagnosis with usually fatal outcomes. We present an interesting case of accidental 2, 4-D (ethyl ester) poisoning in a child with typical neuroimaging features. A review of the literature regarding neuroimaging patterns of bilaterally symmetrical signal abnormalities involving basal ganglia in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the point of view of clinical significance, is also discussed.