bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Study of SARS-CoV-2: Contact Tracing and Potential Transmission Networks
Authors: Iyer Anjali , Shankar Anupama
Published: March 2022

During a disease outbreak, contact tracing and epidemiological analysis are of critical importance to analyze disease sources and transmission. To perform this epidemiological analysis, effective data visualization is necessary. In this study, the outbreak of COVID-19 was simulated within three metro Atlanta counties. Data was generated using contact tracing forms and used to create node and edge lists. Each node in the network contained a unique ID representing either a location or individual, as well as any contact tracing information related to each node. Data visualization was performed using MicrobeTrace, an online program developed by the CDC. Visualization of the contact tracing network enabled us to effectively analyze the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV2. In the simulated network, a singular person node appeared to be linked to the most positive COVID-19 cases in the network. Similarly, a restaurant was identified as the place node with the greatest number of direct connections to positive persons, highlighting it as a potentially major source of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This study illustrates the benefits of data visualization and demographic analysis using MicrobeTrace, which helps to target mitigation and prevention efforts, while also emphasizing the importance of contact tracing to reduce the transmission of disease.
Situation and Solutions for Tourism Development in the New Normal: A Case Study in Da Lat City, Vietnam
Authors: Hien Vo Ngoc
Published: March 2022

Tourism is one of the important human needs, and it is becoming more and more essential when the quality of life of Vietnamese people, in general, is increasing significantly. The desire to visit and experience new lands with a cool, fresh climate and beautiful nature like Da Lat city is increasing, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic has kept many people for quite a while. When the new normal state was established in many provinces and Da Lat city, many tourists chose this place as their first destination after many days of living and working at home, in areas with hot and smoky climates such as in large cities lowlands of Vietnam. This research paper is completed from comparative and comparative studies, past and present documents, and a combination of surveys and actual interviews. Research results show that tourists' satisfaction level when traveling in Da Lat city during the new normal period is generally relatively low because of worries about being adversely affected by the pandemic. Meanwhile, the need to return to this tourist destination is very high, of course, when everything has been remedied to create a safer destination. This opens up the massive potential for tourism of Da Lat city in the coming period.
Impact of Non-Oil Exports on Balance of Payment Disequilibrium in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Paul Adeniyi , Adewumi Aladesanmi Kayode
Published: March 2022

The over-reliance on oil export revenue with little attention to non-oil export has subjected the Nigerian economy to recurring adverse external shocks which further aggravate the problem of balance of payment deficit in Nigeria. Therefore, study set out to examine the impact of non-oil exports on balance of payment disequilibrium in Nigeria. The data used for this study is secondary in nature and it spans from 1970 to 2018. The study employed econometric tools of ARDL Cointegration analysis and ARDL Error Correction Model to explore the long run relationship and the impact of non-oil exports on balance of payment disequilibrium respectively. The result of Wald bound test revealed that there is existence of co-movement between non-oil exports and balance of payment while long run ARDL Error Correction Model results showed that non-oil export has significant negative impact on balance of payment disequilibrium. In the same vein, inflation and interest rate also have negative impact on balance of payment disequilibrium but interest rate is insignificant.  Findings from the study also exhibited positive relationship between exchange rate, trade openness and balance of payment. However, the positive impact of exchange rate on balance of payment is significant while that of trade openness is not significant. The study, thus concluded based on the findings that the non-oil export has not been contributing positively to improve the balance of payment position in Nigeria. In line with these findings, the study recommended that government should devise plans and strategies of boost the non-oil export sectors such as agricultural, manufacturing, solid minerals and service sectors in order to build virile and strong non-oil export sectors that can achieve favourable balance of payment. Moreover, the citizens of Nigeria should be motivated by one way or the others to have a taste for locally produced goods.
Therapeutic Effects of Vitamin E in Gastric Stress Ulcers and Obesity in Rats
Authors: Dahi Wissam , Al laham Shaza , Almandili Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Stress – related disturbances are classified among the health problems that have global interest, especially which are related to gastrointestinal system. The consequent oxidative stress is confirmed to be responsible for the development of gastric mucosal ulcers and necrosis. That is accompanied with the release of different inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, the ratio of obesity is gradually increasing in the world. It impairs the quality of life because of its associated serious complications. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, free radicals scavenger antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory and cell membrane-stabilizing properties. Besides, it has anti – obesity effects. The present study highlights the potential therapeutic effects of vitamin E in the treatment of stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Stomach injury was induced in fasted rats by cold- restraint stress (CRS) method. Vitamin E was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed on the 8th day. Assessment of the stomach injury was by studying body weight changes, macroscopic examinations, histological study, and determination of oxidative stress markers (MDA stomach content and SOD enzyme activity). Vitamin E administration alleviated the stomach injury degree, and caused a remarkable body weight decrease, with a statistical significance in comparison with the stressed group. Vitamin exerted good effects in reducing body weight, and healing of stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
Ideal Analysis for Decision Making in Critical Situations through Six Thinking Hats Method
Authors: Aithal P. S. , Suresh Kumar P. M.
Published: March 2022

Six thinking hats is a recently introduced technique which outlines different thinking styles associated with analysing a given problem in an effective way. Six hats correspond to six different thinking styles used in a systematic problem solving procedure with different approaches. Alternately, by conceptualizing each type of hat with a different colour, the person focuses on the predominant style of thinking associated with each colour so that the problem can be analysed from different angles or frame of references. This method supports lateral thinking possibilities and enables new outcomes during problem solving sessions so that the optimum solution can be reached. Each type of hat generates plenty of solutions to any situation/problem based on neutral quantitative judgement, humanistic thinking, optimistic, creative, negative or managerial thinking and choosing the best solution among each possibility is the first stage. The best solution thus chosen gives a set of optimum solutions. The best out of all these optimum solutions is the ideal solution. In this paper, we have tried to examine how six thinking hats technique could be used in the ideal analysis for decision making in critical situations.
Disconnected Data Access Architecture using ADO.NET Framework
Authors: Pai. T Vaikunth , Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

A significant aspect of any software application is the creation, storage, processing, transmission, and access to data. ADO.NET is the data access component for the .NET Framework of the Microsoft. This component used by .NET products to communicate with a database for recording, fetching, and updating data and also to support all type of databases. It has collections of classes, interfaces, and structures for managing the data access from different databases. ADO.NET bridges the .NET application and database communication through XML to exchange data and add many new program interfaces to access the database. This paper introduces the structure, feature and inbuilt object of the ADO.NET technology and analysis database access technique of the ADO.NET. The paper also analyses the method of the ADO.NET connection with various types of database.
A New Box Framework for E-Campus Interview Training
Authors: Shenoy Varun , Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

Employers in the job market are constantly making paradigm change in their recruitment functions every moment involving various electronic mediums, social media, and ICT (Information & Communication Technologies) in order to simplify the recruiting processes without compromising the objective of identifying suitable, best human resources for their vacancies. Present campus recruitment training methodologies employed for training students are yielding unproductive whilst tested with advanced interview methodologies of new age industry recruiters may adopt E-HRM practice to find the optimum solution to their challenges. Therefore, in this paper, a new e-campus interview training model known as “The Box Framework for E-Campus Interview Training” is proposed. Through conceptual study, by introducing various box contents of the framework, it is shown that a comprehensive online interview training plan can be designed by the trainer for a robust online e-interview preparation training program for the students. Evaluation of the training model option is also proposed under the new training framework. The four box model is expected to be most suitable and best method for E-campus interview training.
A Novel Method to Control Dominating Gray Levels during Image Contrast Adjustment using Modified Histogram Equalization
Authors: K. Krishna Prasad , Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

Contrast and Brightness are two major factors, which affect the superiority of an image for easy or stainless or pleasant viewing. Overall lighting condition and darkness condition of the image collectively called as brightness, whereas differences in brightness or intensity range between the low and high-intensity value of an image are called as contrast. Histogram equalization is a very famous approach for image contrast adjustment or enhancement in image processing, but which produces sometimes washed out appearance, especially for a small region of the grayscale image. Contrast adjustment is part of the noise filtering or smoothing process, which is essential in automatic identification or recognition systems like a fingerprint or any other biometric-based recognition systems to get higher efficiency. Histogram-based equalization is simple in terms understandability and implementation, which is referred as one of the greatest advantages of this contrast adjustment method. Histogram equalization is less expensive compared to another similar type of contrast adjustment or enhancement algorithm. The novel approach planned in this paper controls dominating gray levels before applying histogram equalization process so that it performs enhancement of the image without over brightness or over darkness, which makes smaller part of the image invisible or loss of details in that portion of the image. This method outperforms histogram equalization method by enhancing the contrast with intermediate brightness or neither too bright nor too dark. In this paper, we compare different types of the grayscale image using the novel method and global histogram equalization method using MATLAB.
Going Green in Business-A Study on the Eco-friendly Initiatives towards Sustainable Development in India
Authors: M. D. Pradeep , Kuckian Akhilesh Suresh A
Published: March 2022

Increasing awareness on the various environmental problems has led to a shift in consumer behaviour. There has been a change in consumer attitude towards a green lifestyle. Thus green Marketing has evolved special implications in the modern market. Green indicates purity through quality, fairness in price and worthy in dealings. Green marketing focuses on marketing eco-friendly products to satisfy the needs and wants of the customers. It adopts innovative techniques of product modification, dynamic product process, maintaining sustainability and diversified advertising etc. The vision of Green marketing is to protect ecological environment. Present day customers need to be socially responsible and conscious towards environmental aspects. Green marketing is a phenomenon which has developed particular important in the modern market and has emerged as an important concept in India as in other parts of developing and developed world, and is seen as an important strategy of facilitating sustainable development. In this research paper, the main emphasis has been made of concept, need and importance of green marketing. Data had been collected from multiple sources of evidence, in addition to books, journals, websites, and newspapers. It explores the main issues in adoption of green marketing practices. The paper describes the current scenario of the Indian market and explores the challenges and opportunities businesses have with green marketing.
Two Dimensional Clipping Based Segmentation Algorithm for Grayscale Fingerprint Images
Authors: K. Krishna Prasad , Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

One of the huge methods in Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is the segment or separation of the fingerprint. The process of decomposing an image into exclusive components is referred as segmentation. Fingerprint segmentation is the one of the predominant process involved in fingerprint pre-processing and it refers to the method of dividing or separating the image into disjoint areas as the foreground and the background region. The foreground also called as Region of Interest (ROI) due to the fact only the region which contains ridge and valley structure is used for processing, whilst the background carries noisy and irrelevant content material and so that it will be discarded in later enhancement or orientation or classification method. The challenge proper right here is to decide which a part of the image belongs to the foreground, retrieved as an input from the fingerprint sensor device or from benchmark datasets and which part belongs to the background. A 100% correct segmentation is continually very tough, specifically inside the very poor quality image or partial image together with the presence of latent. In this paper, we discuss a modified clipped based segmentation algorithm by adopting threshold value and canny edge detection techniques. We segment the background image is x and y dimensions or in other words left the edge, right edge, top edge and bottom edge of the image. For the purpose of analyzing the algorithm FVC ongoing 2002 benchmark dataset is considered. The entire algorithm is implemented using MATLAB 2015a. The algorithm is able to find affectively ROI of the fingerprint image or separates the foreground region from the background area of the fingerprint image very effectively. In high configuration system proposed algorithm achieves execution time of 1.75 seconds.
Integrating Theory A and Six Thinking Hats Technique for Improved Organizational Performance
Authors: Aithal P. S. , P. M. Suresh Kumar
Published: March 2022

Various models are used in developing strategies to improve people’s performance in organizations. Such for example, are theory X, theory Y, and theory A. All these in common are based on presumptions about the human behaviour at work. Theory X and Y are opposing each other in predicting human nature. Theory A (Theory of Accountability) focuses on innate human potential, inherent urge for creativity, self-expression, and contribution to the organization as motivators. This is a winning strategy by collectively setting in motion a process of shared goals, divided responsibility, mutual inspiration and shared output. So much so managers have to transform average employee to real performers using role models and self-exploration. Accountability is assumed by both individuals and teams to ensure success in given task. The functional elements of Accountability Theory are Planning, Target setting, Motivation, Work Strategies, Responsibility, Role model, Monitoring & Guiding, and Accountability. This is indicative of a series of processes starting from Institutional assessment to problem identification and joint policy formulation; shared understanding through communication and action planning; Adoption of the idea and increased performance; Empowerment, support and teamwork; Commitment, consistency, and target fulfilment; Acknowledging example and willingness to improve; Joint review, self-appraisal, and confirmation of accomplishment; and Contribution through commitment and creativity. In all these stages lateral thinking through Six thinking hats opens up possibilities for objective and quantitative thinking, emotional thinking, negative pessimistic thinking, cautious optimistic thinking, creative innovative thinking and managerial thinking. In this paper, we have discussed how Theory A can be integrated with different types of thinking styles in any organization to improve its performance using six thinking hats model of lateral thinking.
A critical study on Various Frameworks used to analyse International Business and its Environment
Authors: Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

The objective of any business organization is profit and sustainability. To attain this objective majority of business organizations follow a strategy to identify and encash all possible opportunities which include low-cost, product differentiation, high-tech products & services, international expansion, continuous value addition to products & services, and so on. As a result, many business organizations started in a given country, expanded their business to almost entire world and became global players. Such expansion strategy transformed them into multinational business firms having a number of subsidiaries or branches and through their huge structure, market share, and capability, and hence they became a prominent player in their industry/industry sector. Some of such firms further expanded their business to different industry and industry sectors and also started to use many business models to reach and cover the entire world. In this paper, we have discussed various business analysing frameworks used to analyse the business system and strategy used by many international firms and the environmental factors affecting their business. We have used ABCD listing methodology to identify the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of these identified frameworks to analyse international business strategies and environmental analysis frameworks. Both criticism and suggestions on available framework usage are also given.
A Conceptual Study on Fingerprint Thinning Process based on Edge Prediction
Authors: K. Krishna Prasad , Aithal P. S.
Published: March 2022

Biometric recognition encompasses numerous modern strategies. Among them, fingerprint reputation is taken into consideration to be the most effective approach for utmost security authentication. As industrial incentives boom, many new technologies for user identity are being advanced, each with its very own strengths and weaknesses and a potential area of interest marketplace. Fingerprint matching consists of a different process like filtering or preprocessing, binarisation, thinning or skeletonisation, postprocessing, feature extraction, and matching. Out of these fingerprint thinning or skeletonisation is one of the important processes in fingerprint identification or verification systems. Fingerprint thinning or skeletonisation is the manner or technique of lowering the thickness of every line of a fingerprint pattern or ridge pattern to just a single pixel width. After extracting the minutiae from the improved, binarised and thinned image some post-processing is carried out on this final fingerprint image to take away any spurious minutiae. The techniques on this class are of types–crossing number based and morphology-based totally. In this paper even though a new method for thinning is not proposed but a real attempt is made to explain the Edge prediction based thinning process. The Edge Prediction based Skelton formation is totally based on the conditional thinning set of rules, which is used to carry out thinning. The Edge Prediction based thinning process is explained with the help of workflow, algorithm, and flowchart.
Broad Based Benefit Model for the Elderly-Collaborative Approach
Authors: M. D. Pradeep , Raj Charan
Published: March 2022

The old age declines the functional capacity of the organs due to physiological transformation. The study of physical and psychological changes that occur in old age is called “gerontology”. Vital role is played by the legislations in granting welfare of the elderly population. The elderly welfare requires the solutions to the practical problems of the elderly. India has adopted United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing to provide care and protection to the elders by considering them within the social category who requires special attention. The principle of equity is enshrined in the Constitution of India in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. Elderly population belongs to the marginalised and deprived sections in India. This paper introduces Pradeep & Charan’s model of ‘Broad Based Benefit’ (BBB) for the elderly by integrating legislative and social interventions towards empowerment of elderly. This paper provides guidelines to interlink the efforts of Government and Non Government Organisaitons by using legislative and judicial interfaces to promote elderly welfare. This model guides the way for empowerment of elderly population to be self sufficient and sustainable in their lives. The study is descriptive by nature, by using primary and secondary sources of data.
Pollution and Environmental Factors Effect on Calcification and Morphology of Mytilus galloprovincialis Shell from El Jadida Coast (Atlantic Coast, Morocco)
Authors: Khalil Amine , Sif Jamila , Kabriti Mohamed
Published: March 2022

The originality of the present work is to study, for the 1st time, the existence of shell shape deformation in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel from Morocco Atlantic coasts, in relation with local environmental parameters. A slight difference is noted in the average calcium concentrations between the 2 sites, with values of 10.02⸱10–2 ± 0.15 mM and 10.3⸱10–2 ± 0.15 mM respectively at Haouzia and Jorf-Lasfar sites. A significant season al variation was observed in both sites, with the existence of 2 concentration peaks during the months of April and September. These results are correlated with the physicochemical records with the existence of a salinity gradient. Shell deformation was observed in 25.9 % of all individuals from Jorf-Lasfar site. These individuals (group 2) show a higher concentration of calcium ions in their shells, a reduced width and increased thickness.

HIGHLIGHTS

Due to increasing pressure of pollution and environmental factors on mussels from morocco coastal line, our research team investigated disturbance on shell shape by carrying out morphometric and calcium ions titration study:

At a morphometric level, we found that individuals with shell deformity lose width and gain thickness

At a physiological level, these individuals have an increased amount of calcium ions in the shell compared to mussels with no shell deformation

Suspected effect of environmental parameters on Mytilus galloprovincialis physiology

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Effects of Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate Treatment with Polyethylene Bag Storage on Decay Reduction and Enhanced Total Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenolic, and Antioxidant Activities in ‘Kamphaeng Saen 42’ Mulberry Fruit
Authors: Kammapana Laddawan , Mulalin Siriporn , Tangteerawattana Supawadee
Published: March 2022

Mulberry fruit has a short shelf life of only 1 - 2 days under room conditions, make it one of the most fragile and extremely perishable fruits. This study investigated the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) combined with polyethylene bag (PE) on postharvest decay, total ascorbic acid, total phenolic, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activities in 'Kamphaeng Saen 42’ mulberry fruits. The study was conducted at Postharvest Quality and Storage System Laboratory, Division of AgriScience and Technology (Postharvest Technology), Faculty of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in December 2019. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replicates and 2 treatments consisting of 1) untreated with MeJA (control) and 2) fruits treated with 10 mmol L-1 methyl jasmonate (MeJA) combination with polyethylene bag (PE) and maintained at 10 ± 2 °C, 90 ± 2 % relative humidity (RH).  The  results showed that treating the mulberry fruits with 10 mmol L-1  MeJA before placing them in the PE bag was the most effective method to reduce fruit decay and also resulted in higher levels of total ascorbic acid, total phenols, and antioxidant activities than in the control at the end of storage (55.14 mg/100 g FW, 43.78 mg GAE /g FW and 28.91 mM TE /100 g FW), respectively. However, the treated fruits showed lower anthocyanin content than the control during the first 8 days of storage. These results suggest that the combination of MeJA with PE bag is beneficial in reducing fruit decay and increasing total ascorbic acid, total phenols, and antioxidant activities in 'Kamphaeng Saen 42’ mulberry fruits during storage at 10 ± 2 °C, 90 ± 2 % RH for 10 days.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mulberry fruit is one of the most fragile and extremely perishable fruits resulting in its has short shelf life

Exogenous MeJA combined with PE bag were applied to decay reduction and enhanced total ascorbic acid, total phenolic, and antioxidant activities in ‘Kamphaeng Saen 42’ mulberry fruit

Mulberry fruits treated with 10 µmolL-1 MeJA combined with PE bag were the most effective in reducing fruit decay and increasing total ascorbic acid, total phenols, and antioxidant activities in 'Kamphaeng Saen 42’ mulberry fruits

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Sequestration of Brilliant Green Dye by Coriander Leaf: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Mukherjee Hemanta , Mukherjee Soma
Published: March 2022

Adsorption process has been performed to investigate the potentiality of coriander leaf to sequester brilliant green (BG) dye from the aqueous phase. Coriander leaf of 75-micron size has been characterized by SEM, BET, FTIR etc. In the present study, emphasis has been given on the removal of BG dye under different conditions viz. dose of biomaterial (10.0 - 100.0 mg), pH (2.0 - 12.0) and dye concentration (10.0 - 100.0 mg/L) by Taguchi optimization. The batch experiments have been conducted at 25 ℃ with stirring speed of 120.0 rpm. The kinetic study is performed at two different temperatures, 30 and 40 ℃. The batch adsorption process for sequestration of the dye followed pseudo-2nd order kinetics (R2 = 0.99). The study also reveals that the Freundlich isotherm is the best fitted (R2 = 0.96) model. The adsorption capacity is 68.49 mg/g and the overall removal efficiency is above 80.0 %.

HIGHLIGHTS

The coriander leaf (75-micron) has been investigated as an effective adsorbent for Brilliant green dye in aqueous environment

Effects of physico-chemical properties of adsorbent (BET, pZC, zeta potential, bulk density, moisture, ash etc.) and the role of several operating parameters (contact time, pH, dose and concentration) have been investigated

Langmuir, Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetic model favour the adsorption phenomena

L9 orthogonal array (3X3) of Taguchi optimization study with ANOVA analysis predicts the role of control parameters

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A Review of IoT Technology for the Connected Autonomous Vehicles Ecosystem
Authors: Sharma Nishant , Habibullah Parveen Sultana
Published: March 2022

Connected Autonomous Vehicles Ecosystem (CAVE) is fast becoming a reality. This paper reviews various architectures that leverage IoT technology to progressively create a system of interconnected Autonomous Vehicles (AV) that is effective, robust and secure. Accurate and fast perception of the external environment is key to movement of AVs in CAVE. IoT technology through sensors and internetworking can help an AV to do reliable perception. State of the art methods for perception of AVs in CAVE are reviewed. Self-awareness is another important aspect. IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can come together to assist an AV in self-diagnosing anything abnormal. One such use case is presented for onboard diagnostics in an AV. Accurate AI is key to making effective strategies and to take control actions with error feedbacks that carefully maneuver an AV from its source to destination. The transition from legacy vehicles to CAVE requires AI methods that combat threats and have effective overall movement in mixed mode traffic systems (MMTS). Strategies for effective movement in MMTS are presented.

HIGHLIGHTS

Role of IoT technology is identified in different areas of Connected Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem (CAVE)

A comparison of different technologies in various domains of CAVE is presented and their pros and cons are discussed

Use case for onboard diagnostics of an autonomous vehicle in CAVE is presented to emphasize the role of IoT Technology in [automated] preventive maintenance

Key studies are reviewed that emphasize important issues like robust architectures for CAVE, threats in CAVE and reliable functioning in mixed mode traffic systems

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Microplastic Contamination in Blood Cockles and Mussels in Bandon Bay, Suratthani Province, Thailand
Authors: Ruairuen Watcharee , Chanhun Kittiya , Chainate Wassana , Ruangpanupan Natenapa , Thipbanpot Paphassara , Khammanee Naranun
Published: March 2022

Widespread microplastic contamination has been of growing concern worldwide and poses a growing threat to the marine environment, particularly the impact on the food chain. This study quantified the presence of microplastics in two bivalves of commercial interest at the Pak Kadae Estuary, Bandon Bay, Surat Thani province, Thailand: green mussel Perna viridis (L.) and cockles Tegillarca granosa (L.). Data collection was carried out over two seasons: dry season (April - May 2019) and wet season (June - August 2019). Microplastics were extracted using a 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion method and then identified under a microscope. Results confirmed the presence of microplastics in both cockles and green mussels, during the dry season, with mean concentrations of 0.30±0.07 and 1.26±0.10 items/individual, respectively. During the wet season, the mean microplastic concentrations were 0.20±0.07 and 0.56±0.15 items/individual in the cockles and green mussels, respectively. There was a greater concentration of microplastics found in green mussels compared to cockles (P < 0.05) with no seasonal variation being observed. Five different shapes of microplastics, including fiber, fragment, pellet, rod, and film, were detected in the soft tissues of the bivalves. Fibers were the most common shape in green mussels (49 - 69 %) during both seasons. Cockles, in contrast, predominantly contained the pellet shape in the dry season (49 %) and fiber in the wet season (59 %). In addition, the microplastic concentrations were positively correlated to shell heights of the bivalves (P < 0.01). The number of microplastics recorded in the two commercially exploited species demonstrated the need for controlling plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.

HIGHLIGHTS

Green mussels showed higher contamination with microplastics than blood cockles

An average (Mean±SD) of 0.28±0.05 to 2.14±0.36 items/individual in cockles and 0.65±0.13 to 3.43±0.21 items /individual in mussels were obtained

Microplastic fibers were the dominant shape found in shellfish

Blue microplastics was the most frequently found in green mussels whereas the black color dominated in cockles

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Smart Farming Using Machine Learning
Authors: Prof. Swati Dhabarde  , Swapnil Bisane  , Arti Yadav  , Devyani Pote  , Akshay Gupta
Published: March 2022

Agriculture plays an important role in Indian economy. But now-a-days, agriculture in India is undergoing a structural change leading to a crisis situation. The only remedy to the crisis is to do all that is possible to make agriculture a profitable enterprise and attract the farmers to continue the crop production activities. As an effort towards this direction, this research paper would help the farmers in making appropriate decisions regarding the cultivations with the help of machine learning. This paper focuses on predicting the appropriate crop based on the climatic situations and the yield of the crop based on the historic data by using supervised machine learning algorithms. In addition, a web application has been developed.
Butterfly Species Diversity and Richness in Govt. Girls’ P.G. College Ujjain Madhya Pradesh (India)
Authors: Saroj Vikram Ratnakar
Published: March 2022

Butterflies are not only beautiful creatures, but do a great deal for the environment. Like bees, they are plant pollinators and they provide population control for a number of plant and even insect species by eating them. They also serve as sustenance for other species. A study to find out the diversity and richness of butterflies at the Govt. Girls’ P.G. College Ujjain, India was carried out over a period of two years from 2019 to 2020.A total 31 butterfly species belonging to 5 families and 01 order. The maximum number of species belong to family Nymphalidea with 13 species, Lycaenidae and Pieridae with same number of 6 species, and minimum number of species in two family with same number of species Papilionidae and Hasperidae with 3 species. Out of 31 species Euremahecabe was the most dominate species followed by Talicadanyseus and Catopsillapyranthe. Diversity and richness of butterfly species were calculated during the course of study which were H=2.396 and 5.660 respectively. Dominance of the species can be explained by the presence of their larval form and host plants in the college campus.
Need of Blockchain in Healthcare
Authors: Vivek Raut  , Harshal Thombare  , Pankaj Pendavle  , Shivansh Sharma  , Prof. Manisha Patil
Published: March 2022

Blockchain technology has been introduced in last decade and have achieved a lot of interest from lots of region like energy, cyber security, banking, cryptocurrency etc. This paper gives an overview about application of blockchain in healthcare data management and protection. The ledger technology helps healthcare researchers by facilitating them secure transfer of patient’s medical records. As the ledgers would be saved on a decentralized database, security of confidential genetic code can be ensured. More over with facility of digital of digital signatures in blockchain, patient centric ledgers can be verified.
Three-Body Abrasion-Corrosion Behavior of As-Printed and Solution-Annealed Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Salasi Mobin , Wang Ke , Pojtanabuntoeng Thunyaluk , Pabbruwe Moreica , Quadir Zakaria , Rickard William , Guagliardo Paul , Iannuzzi Mariano
Published: March 2022

Selective laser melting (SLM) or powder bed fusion is a type of additive manufacturing technology with applications in, e.g., the orthopedics, energy, and aerospace industries. Several studies investigated the localized corrosion behavior of SLM-fabricated Type 316L (UNS S31603) stainless steel. However, little is known about the effects of tribocorrosive conditions on the response of stainless steels fabricated by SLM. In this study, the effects of third-body abrasive particles on the tribo-electrochemical behavior of SLM 316L stainless steel produced by SLM were investigated and compared with wrought counterparts (including UNS S31703, 317W) in 0.6 M NaCl. It was found that the presence of Mo played a more decisive role in the tribocorrosion behavior than the manufacturing method, i.e., 317W revealed the best tribocorrosion behavior vis-a-vis wrought 316L and the SLM-fabricated specimens. The improved tribocorrosion behavior contrasted with the much higher breakdown potential of the SLM-fabricated samples. Nano-scale secondary ion mass spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects of Mo on passivity. The implications of passivity and tribocorrosion behavior are discussed.
Educadores dão Sentido à Captação de Recurso para Carência Social no Impasse da Covid-19
Authors: Schefer Luiz Fernando Nieuwenhoff , Santos Ruan Carlos dos , Machado Monica Cristina Rovaris
Published: March 2022

As Organizações da Sociedade Civil (OSC) experimentam com usuários e coletivos a luta por direitos para pessoas em situação de maior vulnerabilidade social, buscando a garantia do direito de serem ouvidos e reconhecidos como cidadãos. Nos ‘tempos bons’ já é uma luta para que as OSC’s consigam mobilizar recursos, por meio de parcerias com órgãos públicos, a sociedade civil e o mercado. Esta situação se agravou com a pandemia da COVID-19, já que é necessário manter o isolamento para reduzir a transmissão comunitária. Apesar do fechamento inicial das OSC’s, as lideranças pioneiras não pararam de atuar, nem de mobilizar recursos. Além do desemprego e da fome, apresentam-se como desafios: a falta de produtos de higiene e proteção e a não realização de exames nos territórios em que atuam tais organizações. Neste contexto, as OSC’s foram os bastidores para construção do nosso caso de ensino, tendo como objetivo retratar as experiências envolvidas pelos voluntários e colaboradores nas comunidades carentes, apresentando algumas reflexões sobre a mobilização de recursos em organizações da sociedade civil. Para tanto, os autores analisaram a trajetória de um administrador, o qual atuou durante 18 anos em uma rede de OSC’s, tendo como foco central a experiência vivida por ele, voluntários, simpatizantes pela causa, dando exemplo sobre essa experiência de vida e o compromisso social aos mais carentes.
Análise Bibliométrica da Gestão Colaborativa
Authors: Alvares Villarim Karen Pereira , Freire Patrícia de Sá
Published: March 2022

Em um contexto em que a soma dos conhecimentos individuais já não é suficiente para responder à complexidade dos problemas e mudanças, modelos de gestão que propõem a utilização de ativos intangíveis do conhecimento como capital para desenvolvimento sustentável e alcance de vantagens competitivas, como a gestão colaborativa, têm ganhado atenção mundial. Para contribuir com o avanço deste campo de pesquisa, desenvolveu-se este estudo com o objetivo de traçar um panorama da produção científica sobre gestão colaborativa por meio de análise bibliométrica. Um total de 1564 publicações recuperadas das bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science e EBSCOhost foram analisadas. Os resultados demonstram um crescimento de publicações sobre o tema. Adicionalmente, nas análises de coautoria e coocorrência de palavras-chave, foram identificados grupos de autores, notadamente chineses, norte-americanos e europeus, que pesquisam a gestão colaborativa em distintas áreas do conhecimento, a exemplo das ciências ambientais, sociais, tecnológicas e da saúde, bem como em diferentes níveis de análise. A partir dos resultados encontrados, foram deixadas aqui sugestões para estudos futuros.
Revisitando Estudos Sobre a Inteligência Emocional no Âmbito do Secretariado Brasileiro
Authors: Nonato Bianca Teixeira , Souza Eduardo César Pereira
Published: March 2022

A Inteligência Emocional, doravante (IE), tornou-se o ingrediente principal de diversos estudos das áreas de Psicologia, Administração, Medicina, Enfermagem, Direito, Educação Física, e, também, no campo do Secretariado, pela necessidade de os profissionais se enquadrarem na necessidade latente das organizações por colaboradores inteligentes emocionalmente. Alguns dos motivadores para a construção desse cenário podem ser nomeados como dificuldades para trabalhar sob pressão, cobrança por resultados cada vez mais rápidos, além de sobrecarga de trabalho, dentre outros. Assim sendo, este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a IE no âmbito do secretariado, destacando-se quais são as principais contribuições desses estudos para a prática profissional do secretário. No que diz respeito aos aspectos metodológicos, trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, descritiva e bibliográfica. Por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica foi possível mapear diversos trabalhos sobre a IE no contexto secretarial e descobrir que não é um tema tão novo como parece, já que o primeiro trabalho sobre a temática foi desenvolvido há 14 anos (Borges, Reis, & Gomes, 2006). Em contrapartida, o estudo permitiu descobrir que este tema tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente nos estudos da área secretarial, suscitando, desse modo, a importância de discussões inovadoras sobre o assunto.
Secretariado Internacional
Authors: Muller Rodrigo , Maia Fernanda Landolfi , Fröhlich Samantha , Moura Jefferson Sampaio de
Published: March 2022

Em função das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), a respeito do isolamento social, como tentativa de contenção do vírus causador da COVID-19, trabalhadores em esfera global passaram a realizar suas atividades laborais a distância, incluindo os de secretariado. Nesse contexto, este estudo apresenta dados da pesquisa “New configuration for Executive Secretariat Assistant a view on the remote work for teleworking and home office”, acerca do trabalho remoto na área do secretariado internacional, realizado a partir do cenário da pandemia da COVID-19. O objetivo geral é identificar os principais aspectos da reorganização internacional do trabalho na área secretarial, no contexto da crise sanitária supramencionada. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa e de caráter exploratório, com a participação de 41 profissionais que atuam em seis países e que responderam a um questionário virtual composto por 44 questões distribuídas em três partes: personal data, professional trajectory e workday. Os resultados apontam para mudanças na execução das atividades laborais, identificando-se, em alguns casos, o aumento dos fluxos de trabalho, a demanda por novos aprendizados relacionados às tecnologias utilizadas, a intensificação e a flexibilização do trabalho.
Results of laparoscopic Heller - Toupet surgery for achalasia
Authors: Pham Duc Huan ,   Nguyen Xuan Hoa, Nguyen Hoang, Nguyen Duc Anh, Nguyen Dang Hung
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Currently Heller - Toupet procedure is the main method for achalasia. This study aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes of laparoscopic Heller - Toupet surgery for achalasia.
Materials and methodology: This is a retrospective case series conducted at Gastrointestinal Department - Viet Duc Hospital University and Department of General Surgery - Hanoi Medical University Hospital between January 2015 and August 2020, including 71 patients with achalasia who underwent laparoscopic Heller - Toupet surgery. The research contents included clinical and paraclinical features, surgical techniques, perioperative and postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes.
Results: In total, 71 patients with achalasia were undergone laparoscopic Heller - Toupet surgery, male and female rates accounted for 52.1% and 47,9%, respectively. The average age of the cohort was 44,9±13,9. The incidence of symptomatic dysphagia was 100%. Esophageal dilatation grades I, II, III, IV are 7.0%, 76.1%, 15.5% and 1.4%, respectively. The severity of the disease: Stage 0, I, II, III are 2.8%, 57.7%, 33.8%, and 5.6%, respectively. The mean myotomy length was 5.7 ± 1.6 cm. The operative duration was 124.3 ± 27.4 minutes. There was no conversion, as well as intra- and postoperative morbidity. Long-term outcomes: Good (no or very mild dysphagia) was 89.9%, moderate (moderate dysphagia) was 10.1% and clinical incidence of reflux syndrome was 16.7%. There was no case requiring intervention or re-operation.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic Heller - Toupet procedure is safe, has low rates of morbidity, and provides good long-term outcomes for achalasia.
Keywords: Achalasia; laparoscopy, Heller - Toupet procedure
The medial sural artery perforator pedicle propeller flap for lower middle-third anterior tibial soft tissue defect reconstruction: Case report and literature review
Authors: Vu Trung Truc ,   Vu Anh Duc, Tran Xuan Thach, Bui Mai Anh
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Lower extremity reconstruction still issues a challenge for plastic surgeons. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been reported for use to reconstruct the defects of the knee and proximal-third leg defects in many papers. But there is a few papers that described the technique of using this flap for reaching the middle third led defects. The authors report the first using MSAP propeller flap in Vietnam to cover the defect in a 45-year-old female patient who suffered from chronic ulcer with bone exposure over the middle third anterior tibial and evaluate the result of 4 months post-op.
Keywords: Lower extremities defects reconstruction, perforator flap, medial sural artery perforator flap, propeller flap.
Risk factors for anatomotic leakage after laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique
Authors: Ung Van Viet ,   Pham Ngoc Truong Vinh, Le Minh Triet, Tran Duc Huy, Le Trung Kien, Le Trinh Ngoc An, Nguyen Huu Thinh
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic (intracorporeal) colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique at University Medical Center (UMC), Ho Chi Minh City.
Patients and Methods: Retrospective study. Between 2008 and 2014, a total of 227 patients underwent laparoscopic rectal resection including anterior and low anterior resection. We identified risk factors for anastomotic leakage after using double stapling technique in laparoscopic rectal resection by univariate analysis.
Results: There were 227 patients enrolled in study, male accounted for 51%, median age was 67. The location rate of a tumor above the anterior peritoneal reflection was 55.5%, stage III accounted for 91.6%. Anastomotic leakage rate was 4.8%. Anastomotic leakage rate of tumors located above anterior peritoneal reflection (Ra) was higher than those below anterior peritoneal reflection (Rb) (p=0.03). Other factors such as tumor size, stage, neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, protective ileostomy and number of stapler firings were not significantly associated with anastomotic leakage risk.
Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage rate after laparoscopic (intracorporeal) colorectal anastomosis with a double stapling technique was 4.8%. Tumor location was the risk factor of anastomotic leakage. Anastomotic leakage rate of tumors located above anterior peritoneal reflection was higher than those below, accounting for 7.9% and 1%,respectively.
Keywords: Laparoscopic rectal resection using double stapling technique, anastomotic leakage, risk factor.