bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rating of Perceived Exertion in Professional Volleyball: A Systematic Review
Authors:   CIDEFES, Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal, Rebelo André , Pereira João R. , Martinho Diogo V. , Valente-dos-Santos João
Published: August 2022

Review question / Objective: The purpose of the current review was to systematically and critically evaluate the use RPE-based methods in professional volleyball. Condition being studied: Monitoring athlete load is better understood through sub-dividing load into two groups – internal and external. Internal training load (ITL) refers to the physiological stress that a training session induces in the athlete. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) has become the most common method of monitoring ITL. The RPE method was originally developed by Borg, and Foster et al. created a simple technique to quantify ITL using a modification of this scale. This technique is known as the session RPE (sRPE) and is derived by multiplying the overall RPE obtained at the end of a training session (or match), using the Borg Category-Ratio 10 scale (BORG-CR10) by the total duration (in minutes) of the training session, to provide a modified training impulse (TRIMP) score.
DISPERSIVE SOIL AND ITS MANAGEMENT - A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Authors:   Nalanda Institute of Technology,Bhubaneswar, Satapathy Soumya Ranjan
Published: August 2022

When a saline-alkali (sodic) soil comes in contact with rain water, water molecules in between the clay platelets cause the clay to dislodge and platelets are detached from the soil aggregate,this phenomenon is known as dispersion. It causes serious complications to stability of earthretaining structures or any water retaining structure due to dispersive characteristics of soil. Structures like embankments, channels and other areas are at risk of serious erosion because it is easily erodible and deflocculated in water. Therefore, in these applications it is important tocheck for erosion especially during high flow conditions. Dispersive soil persists high swelling and shrinking potential and in intact sate possesses low resistance to erosion and low permeability. The present paper attempts to examine the prime characteristics of dispersive soil, methods for identification, problems due to dispersive soil and their remedies. Keywords: sodic soil, erosion, deflocculation, high swelling and shrinking potential. erosion, challenging & problematic soils
2013 ESH/ESC GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Article Editorial
Published: August 2022

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CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF INVASIVE TECHNOLOGY TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH POST-INFARCTION ANGINA
Authors: Gelis L. G. , Ostrovskiy Yu. P. , Medvedeva E. A. , Lazareva I. V. , Shibeko N. A. , Markov I. A. , Chernoglaz P. F. , Sevruk T. V.
Published: August 2022

The article presents a comparative analysis of the results obtained by the invasive treatment in patients with post-infarction angina. In own clinical material authors demonstrate high efficacy of endovascular and surgical treatment carried out in persons with urgent indications Q-myocardial infarction and unstable post-infarction angina. Furthermore, analysis of the frequency and nature of the main causes of complications in various kinds of surgery has been performed. The study found that the development of the final outcome is significantly affected not only by the initial severity of the patient's condition, but also by the selection of the most adequate method of myocardial revascularization. To increase the effectiveness of invasive treatment further improvement and implementation of new technologies of the restoration of coronary blood flow in patients with acute coronary syndrome is offered.
An Assessment of Risk Factors and Health Impacts Associated with Indoor Air Pollution and Tobacco Smoke in Lahore, Pakistan.
Authors: Naeem Aamna , Rafiq Laiba , Nazar Rubab , Kashif Maida , Naqvi Syeda Hamayal Zahra
Published: August 2022

Exposure to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke has given rise to different risk factors and adverse health outcomes throughout the world especially in developing counties such as Pakistan. This study aimed to analyze the exposure of people of Lahore to secondhand smoke and indoor air pollutants to determine the risk factors along with the health impacts. An online questionnaire survey with a sample size of 208 was conducted in Lahore. The questionnaire consisted of 60 questions and was divided into five sections dealing with the respondent’s profile, exposure to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke, and health impacts. The results showed that out of 208 individuals, 33.2% of individuals rated their Indoor Air Quality as fine. While 30.8%, 8.2%, and 2.9% of individuals rated IAQ as good, bad, and poor, respectively. The percentage of non-smokers and active smokers was 90.1% and 9.1%. 50% of individuals considered headaches as the symptom of a major health concern due to exposure to IAP. 38% of individuals suffered from headaches while, 22.6%, 21.2%, 16.8%, and 15.9% of individuals suffered from coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and runny nose because of exposure to IAP, respectively. There is a strong association between health impacts and exposure to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke. Therefore, public awareness and proper mitigatory measures can play a role to prevent such risk factors and health impacts caused by IAP and tobacco smoke.
Greywater Characterization and Treatment Using Chemical Coagulation
Authors: Shahzeb  , Khan Zahid Mahmood , Kanwar Rana Muhammad Asif , Ameean Arshad , Khalid Adnan , Rasool Sajjad , Raza Hassan
Published: August 2022

The main problem in treating grey water is the large variation in quality observed over short timescales. Different treatment schemes have been used such as physical, chemical and biological processes to treat this effluent. However they have some problems like adjusting shock loading of organic matters and chemicals. Therefore, in the present study chemical coagulation process was tested to treat grey water. Coagulants (alum and ferric chloride) were used in the present work to treat both real and synthetic grey water. The findings showed that at a dose of 30 mg/L of ferric chloride, 90% of the solution's turbidity and 80% of the TDS could consistently be removed. These findings were well matched with biological active filter system that reported 85% of COD removal from grey water. In addition, the effects of pH and alkalinity on the removal performance were also investigated. Overall, the present study showed that both traditional and proposed novel chemical process could treat grey water to the required level which can further be re-used for agricultural activities.
What are the Composition and Power of the Jet in Cyg X-1?
Authors: Zdziarski Andrzej A. , Egron Elise
Published: August 2022

We calculate the electron–positron pair production rate at the base of the jet of Cyg X-1 by collisions of photons from its hot accretion flow using the measurement of its average soft gamma-ray spectra by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and INTEGRAL satellites. We have found that this rate approximately equals the flow rate of the leptons emitting the observed synchrotron radio-to-IR spectrum of the jet, calculated using an extended jet model following that of Blandford & Königl. This coincidence shows the jet composition is likely to be pair dominated. The same coincidences were found before in the microquasar MAXI J1820+070 and in the radio galaxy 3C 120, which shows that the considered mechanism can be universal for at least some classes of relativistic jets. Furthermore, we recalculate the jet power of Cyg X-1. The presence of pairs can strongly reduce the power in the bulk motion of ions, which then limits the parameter space at which the jet can power the ∼5 pc nebular structure present in its vicinity.
Formation of Magnetically Truncated Accretion Disks in 3D Radiation-transport Two-temperature GRMHD Simulations
Authors: Liska M. T. P. , Musoke G. , Tchekhovskoy A. , Porth O. , Beloborodov A. M.
Published: August 2022

Multiwavelength observations suggest that the accretion disk in the hard and intermediate states of X-ray binaries (XRBs) and active galactic nucleus transitions from a cold, thin disk at large distances into a hot, thick flow close to the black hole (BH). However, the formation, structure, and dynamics of such truncated disks are poorly constrained due to the complexity of the thermodynamic, magnetic, and radiative processes involved. We present the first radiation-transport two-temperature general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of truncated disks radiating at ∼35% of the Eddington luminosity with and without large-scale poloidal magnetic flux. We demonstrate that when a geometrically thin accretion disk is threaded by large-scale net poloidal magnetic flux, it self-consistently transitions at small radii into a two-phase medium of cold gas clumps floating through a hot, magnetically dominated corona. This transition occurs at a well-defined truncation radius determined by the distance out to which the disk is saturated with magnetic flux. The average ion and electron temperatures in the semiopaque corona reach, respectively, T

i
≳ 1010 K and T

e
≳ 5 × 108 K. The system produces radiation, powerful collimated jets, and broader winds at the total energy efficiency exceeding 90%, the highest ever energy extraction efficiency from a spinning BH by a radiatively efficient flow in a GRMHD simulation. This is consistent with jetted ejections observed during XRB outbursts. The two-phase medium may naturally lead to broadened iron line emission observed in the hard state.
New Constraints on the Volatile Deposit in Mercury’s North Polar Crater, Prokofiev
Authors: Barker Michael K. , Chabot Nancy L. , Mazarico Erwan , Siegler Matthew A. , Martinez-Camacho Jose M. , Hamill Colin D. , Bertone Stefano
Published: August 2022

We present new high-resolution topographic, illumination, and thermal models of Mercury’s 112 km diameter north polar crater, Prokofiev. The new models confirm previous results that water ice is stable at the surface within the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) of Prokofiev for geologic timescales. The largest radar-bright region in Prokofiev is confirmed to extend up to several kilometers past the boundary of its PSR, making it unique on Mercury for hosting a significant radar-bright area outside a PSR. The near-infrared normal albedo distribution of Prokofiev’s PSR suggests the presence of a darkening agent rather than pure surface ice. Linear mixture models predict at least roughly half of the surface area to be covered with this dark material. Using improved altimetry in this crater, we place an upper limit of 26 m on its ice deposit thickness. The 1 km baseline topographic slope and roughness of the radar-bright deposit are lower than the non-radar-bright floor, although the difference is not statistically significant when compared to the non-radar-bright floor’s natural topographic variations. These results place new constraints on the nature of Prokofiev’s volatile deposit that will inform future missions, such as BepiColombo.
Gut–brain Axis: Impact of Intestinal Inflammation and Micronutrient Deficiency on Psychomotor Development and Cognitive Functions in Egyptian Children with UndernutritionGut–brain Axis: Impact of Intestinal Inflammation and Micronutrient Deficiency on Psychomotor Development and Cognitive Functions in Egyptian Children with Undernutrition
Authors: El Wakeel Maged A. , El-Kassas Ghada , Elsheikh Eman , ElKhatib Alshaimaa Adel , Hashem Shaimaa , Elzayat Salwa Refat , Sibaii Hiba , Fadl Nevein , Rabah Thanaa
Published: August 2022

Cognitive impairment, growth faltering and stunting are pervasive in many countries. mostly causes are unknown. Role of intestinal inflammation in such cases should be minded especially in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed serum markers of inflammation, fecal markers of intestinal inflammation and serum micronutrients in cases with aged 1 to 10 years who suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition “weight-for-age z-score and height-for-age z- Score (WAZ or HAZ) less than -2 SD”. Cognitive abilities were assessed using Wechsler intelligence scale for preschool and school children, Bayley scale III. 55.6% of preschool cases were below average or had mild or moderate intelligence retardation while 24.5% of school cases and 5% of children below 2 years were below average regarding cognitive functions. Cases showed statistically significant reduction of vitamin D, zinc and iron as compared to control. Serum markers of inflammation (alpha 1- glycoprotein (a1-AGP), endotoxin core protein (EndoCAB)) and fecal markers of intestinal inflammation (alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) and neopterin (NEOP)) were significant higher in cases than controls. School children showed negative correlation between processing functions and( a1-AGP), positive correlation between perceptual reasoning and serum vitamin A. Children below 2 years, showed negative correlations between motor function and (AAT), (a1-AGP), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-a) and (EndoCAB), positive correlation between language and serum zinc. In conclusion, our study showed impaired neurocognitive and psychomotor functions in malnourished stunted children. Also, vitamins and minerals deficiency and increased markers of intestinal inflammation were observed in cases compared to healthy control.
Evaluating the Role of Cytokine Receptor-like Factor 2 and Janus Kinase 2 in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Hassan Naglaa M. , El Ashry Mona S. , Abdellateif Mona , Hassan Reem Nabil
Published: August 2022

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive roles of the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) and the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) genes expression in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

METHODS: The expression levels of CRLF2 and JAK2 genes were evaluated in the bone marrow (BM) samples of 105 adult ALL patients, compared to 12 healthy controls. The data were correlated to the patients’ relevant clinic-pathological features, response to treatment and survival rates.

RESULTS: There was a significant overexpression of JAK2 in ALL patients compared to the control group [0.04 (0–160.8) and 0.006 (0–0.009), respectively, p < 0.001]. Similarly, CRLF2 was overexpressed in ALL patients in comparison to control subjects [0.008 (0–78.2) and 0.0005 (0–0.006), respectively, p < 0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under curve (AUC) for JAK2 were 78.1%, 81.8%, and 0.796, respectively (p < 0.001), and that of CRLF2 were 92.4%, 90.9%, 0.958, respectively (p < 0.001). When combining both JAK2 and CRLF2 for the diagnosis of ALL patients, it revealed 90.9% sensitivity, 91.4% specificity, and AUC of 0.957 (p < 0.001). The JAK2, CRLF2, or their combined expression associated significantly with the increased expression of MHC-II (p = 0.015, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively). However, they had no significant impact on patients’ response to treatment, overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates (p > 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION: JAK2 and CRLF2 could be a potential useful diagnostic molecular marker for ALL patients, which allow them to be successful targets for ALL therapy.
The Effectiveness of Curcumin on Transforming Growth Factor-β and the Proportion of Liver Fibrosis in Deutschland Denken Yoken Mice with Common Bile Duct Ligation
Authors: Amanda Prathita , Prabowo Erik , Muniroh Muflihatul , Rozy Abdul Mughni , Susilaningsih Neni
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
 
Background/Aims: Curcumin has been associated to reduce liver fibrosis damage. For this purpose, TGF-b and proportion of liver fibrosis were assessed.
Methods: A total of 75 male DDY mice models were included in 15 treatment groups. The treatment and positive control groups were given curcumin, UDCA, and a combination of curcumin and UDCA. Common bile duct ligation was performed 7 days after the treatment following the histopathology examination of the liver on days 7,14, and 21.
Results: Curcumin decreased the expression of TGF-β compared to the negative control (p<.001). It also reduces the expression of TGF-β compared to UDCA but without any significant differences (p = 0,755; p = 0,701; p=0,677), and combination group (p=0,204; p=0,549; p=0,276). Curcumin also reduces the proportion of liver fibrosis compared to UDCA but without any significant differences (p=0,825; p=0,199; p=0,915), and combination group (p=0,859, p=0,328, p=0,076).
Conclusions: Curcumin has the ability on reducing the expression of TGF-β and the proportion of liver fibrosis. It can be suggested that curcumin almost has the same effectiveness as UDCA.
Keywords: Curcumin, ursodeoxycholic acid, common bile duct ligation, liver fibrosis
A comparative study of combination treatments in metastatic 4t1 cells: everolimus and 5- fluorouracil versus lithium chloride and 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Altememy Dhiya , Mohammadi Arvejeh Pooria , Amini Chermahini Fatemeh , Alizadeh Akram , Mazarei Madineh , Khosravian Pegah
Published: August 2022

Background: Combination therapy has been one of the most pioneering and strategic approaches implemented for malignancy treatment, which can intentionally influence multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer growth and progression. In the present study, the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in combination with everolimus (EVE) or lithium chloride (LiCl) were evaluated in 4T1 metastatic breast cancer cells and compared to control and each other.

Methods and results: The resazurin assay, CompuSyn, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR were used to investigate cell proliferation, drug synergism, apoptosis, and gene expression. In comparison to the ternary combination of the drugs, the findings showed that cytotoxicity (p-value < 0.0001) and apoptosis (p-value < 0.0001) of two-by-two combinations increased dramatically as a consequence of the extreme synergy between 5FU and EVE or LiCl. Moreover, the hypoxia­inducible transcription factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) downregulated considerably compared to control (p-value < 0.0001) by combination therapies of EVE-5FU and 5FU-LiCl; however, only VEGF displayed significant downregulation in comparison to single therapies.

Conclusion: The findings showed that the combination of 5FU-LiCl increased cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis significantly more than EVE-5FU but suggests a clinical potential for both to treat metastatic breast cancer encouraging validation of these results in pre-clinical models.
Substrates most preferred for black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) oviposition are not the most suitable for their larval development
Authors: Boafo H.A. , Gbemavo D.S.J.C. , Timpong-Jones E.C. , Eziah V. , Billah M. , Chia S.Y. , Aidoo O.F. , Clottey V.A. , Kenis M.
Published: August 2022

Larvae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are increasingly being used as animal feed ingredients. Larvae are usually produced by placing eggs, obtained from adult rearing on growing substrates but can also be obtained by exposing substrates to naturally occurring BSF females. In the latter system, the substrate needs not only to be nutritious for the larvae but also attractive to the females for oviposition. The ‘preference-performance principle’ suggests that female insects prefer to oviposit in substrates that maximise offspring fitness. In this study conducted in Ghana, six organic substrates known to be suitable for BSF production were evaluated for their suitability as oviposition attractants and larval development: pito mash (waste from a locally brewed sorghum drink), millet porridge mash, pig manure, chicken manure, fruit waste, and waste from roots and tubers. These were first exposed outdoors to measure the quantity of eggs laid on them by naturally occurring BSF females. In a second experiment, the quality of the substrates as larval rearing media was tested by placing a standard amount of young larvae to measure the individual and total weights of prepupae obtained, their number, and their development time. The nutritional profiles of both the prepupae and the substrates were determined. The substrate used significantly influenced the quantity of eggs laid and the development of the resulting prepupae, but the substrates most favourable for larval development were not the most favoured by gravid BSF for oviposition. In the oviposition tests, millet porridge mash was the most attractive substrate, whereas only a few eggs were recovered from the other substrates. All substrates allowed the successful development of larvae but pig manure was more productive than the others.
Productive performance ofTenebrio molitor larvae in response to the protein level in the substrate
Authors: Fondevila G. , Fondevila M.
Published: August 2022

Insect production for animal feeding is receiving increasing interest worldwide. The dietary protein level is a key factor influencing overall production and feeding costs. Thus, a growth performance trial was conducted withTenebrio molitorlarvae for 28 days using substrate feeds based on wheat grain and barley straw with increasing levels of soybean meal to reach 100 (10P), 120 (12P), 140 (14P) and 160 (16P) g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM). Four trays per treatment, with 40 larvae and 24 g substrate, were set up. Average mortality was 0.142 and did not differ among treatments. Feed intake decreased linearly (L,P<0.001) and quadratically (Q,P<0.01) and larval growth (mg/d per larvae) tended to decrease (Q,P=0.065) as the dietary CP increased from 100 to 160 g/kg DM. Protein intake, however, increased (L,P<0.001) with the CP content of the diet. Feed to gain ratio decreased (L,P<0.01) as the dietary CP level increased but total production per tray of DM, CP or ether extract, was not affected. In conclusion, an increase in the dietary CP content over 100 g/kg DM by including soybean meal in the substrate might not be needed to optimise larval growth. A CP content in the diet of 100 g/kg might improve the economic results because of lower feeding costs.
The Power of a Story: Enhancing Students' Empathy for Transgender Pregnant Men
Authors: McMillian-Bohler Jacquelyn , Gedzyk-Neiman Stephanie , Hepler Bonnie , May Jennifer T. , Koch Amie
Published: August 2022

Background:

Transgender individuals continue to face stigma and discrimination within the health care system. Sharing the lived experience of transgender pregnant men can increase awareness, understanding, and empathy for this underrepresented population.

Method:

A transgender man (and advocate) shared his pregnancy experiences with students enrolled in a maternity course. Students completed pre- and postpresentation surveys on their perceptions of working with transgender patients and the importance of providing transgender-affirming care.

Results:

Students reported the speaker's presentation increased their awareness of the experience of transgender patients. Many students reported increased interest and desire to provide trans-affirming care.

Conclusion:

Nursing faculty can provide opportunities for students to meet and speak with transgender patients as a strategy to increase empathy and reduce discrimination toward transgender patients in health care.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(8):489–492.]
A survival tree for interval-censored failure time data
Authors: Chen Jia , De Leone Renato
Published: August 2022

Interval-censored failure time data as a general type of survival data often arises in medicine and other applied fields. Survival tree is a flexible predictive method for survival data because no specific assumptions are required.

Generalized Log-Rank Test have good power with parameters for interval-censored failure time data. We construct a special test statistic of Generalized Log-Rank Tests, and propose a new survival tree with hyper-parameter by combining the test statistic with Conditional Inference Framework for interval-censored failure time data. The effect of tuning hyper-parameter are discussed and hyper-parameter tuning allows the tree method to be more general and flexible. Thus the tree method either improve upon or remain competitive with existing tree method for interval-censored failure time data-ICtree, which is a special case of ours. An extensive simulation is executed to assess the predictive performance of our tree methods. Finally, the tree methods are applied to a tooth emergence data.
Development and validation of novel inflammatory response-related gene signature to predict prostate cancer recurrence and response to immune checkpoint therapy
Authors: Luo Yong , Liu Xiaopeng , Lin Jingbo , Zhong Weide , Chen Qingbiao
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study is to construct an inflammatory response-related genes (IRRGs) signature to monitor biochemical recurrence (BCR) and treatment effects in prostate cancer patients (PCa). A gene signature for inflammatory responses was constructed on the basis of the data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and validated in external datasets. It was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve, BCR-free survival, Cox regression, and nomogram. Distribution analysis and external model comparison were utilized. Then, enrichment analysis, tumor mutation burden, tumor immune microenvironment, and immune cell infiltration signatures were investigated. The role of the signature in immunotherapy was evaluated. The expression patterns of core genes were verified by RNA sequencing. We identified an IRRGs signature in the TCGA-PRAD cohort and verified it well in two other independent external datasets. The signature was a robust and independent prognostic index for predicting the BCR of PCa. The high-risk group of our signature predicted a shortened BCR time and an aggressive disease progression. A nomogram was constructed to predict BCR-free time in clinical practices. Neutrophils and CD8+ T cells were in higher abundance among the low-risk individuals. Immune functions varied significantly between the two groups and immune checkpoint therapy worked better for the low-risk patients. The expression of four IRRGs showed significant differences between PCa and surrounding benign tissues, and were validated in BPH-1 and DU145 cell lines by RNA sequencing. Our signature served as a reliable and promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy, facilitating a better outcome for PCa patients.
Artificial Intelligence for the Comprehensive Development of Household Makers (Especially in South Asian Countries)
Authors: Saxena Prof. Abhay , Saxena Amit , Saxena Aditi
Published: August 2022

This chapter will cover the basic problems of women in South Asian countries. For this, a group survey is taken in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Nepal covering around 200 women about their basic problems in personal and professional lives and lifestyle and house management routine activities. The chapter will cover the basic segment of artificial intelligence and its support in maintaining the health parametric card for the household makers. The chapter will also assist the women in the kitchen with the help of artificial intelligence, especially in cooking and digital health menu selection. A special segment in the chapter will also address the cleanliness of the house with the help of A.I.-supporting tools and gadgets. Last but not the least, the chapter will also address the security of the household makers especially in day hours when they are alone in the houses. The chapter will be an innovative research to understand the better half of the society and to address their day-to-day problems with technological interventions.
Artificial Intelligence Technology and Applications in the Current Scenario
Authors: Raghuvanshi Chandrashekhar , Sharan Hari Om
Published: August 2022

In the current pandemic of COVID-19, artificial intelligence has become crucial and plays a vital role in dealing with and caring for patients because of the infectious nature of the disease. Many research institutions are stressing on new challenges and future issues of AI, and business houses are funding research institutes and scholars as artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of human life. Artificial intelligence is grooming itself as a multidisciplinary field of study as it borrows concept of machine learning, data analytics, deep learning, neural network, statics, and soft computing. This chapter presents various applications of AI in a variety of fields and shows how it has become essential and significant in the current pandemic of COVID-19 and helps in societal development and global wellbeing. The chapter end with future issues and challenges of artificial intelligence and research prospects.
Crime Analysis on Spatial Domain Using Machine Learning
Authors: Dey Soumili , Datta Suchandra , Das Rohan , Datta Debabrata , Acharya Anal
Published: August 2022

Criminal activities in varied forms are present in society, aggravated by social, economic, political, cultural, and religious issues. Crimes can have an impact on a nation's quality of life, economic prosperity, and reputation. The incidence of crime and the modes of criminal activity have grown as technology has advanced, as have the preventive methods. Good quality data facilitates applications of different machine learning techniques and other algorithms which can be used to analyze the data to obtain predictions which would help law enforcement officials to prevent crime at best or to provide sufficient information to guide the police personnel to the appropriate criminal. In this chapter, different approaches that make use of different machine learning algorithms such as linear regression, logistic regression, Naïve Bayes have been proposed for crime analysis in the spatial domain. These algorithms were applied to various datasets and the chosen methodology turned out to be impeccable as the accuracy was quite high.
Neural Network Model Based on Feature Extraction and Empirical Thresholding for Mango Fruit Quality Grading
Authors: Tripathi Praveen , Sharma Sanjay
Published: August 2022

This work supports a new feature extraction image pre-processing system followed by back propagation-artificial neural networks-based system for class categorization of mango fruit images. For back propagation, scale conjugate gradient (SCG) algorithm is used. The methodology comprises of three parts. First, various external image-based attributes of mango were taken and processed in MATLAB. Size and weight features were also considered as important parameters as only color is not sufficient to judge the quality. Second, features extraction was done at image pre-processing for making the algorithm lighter by focusing only key features. Finally, a single hidden layer BP-ANN (back propagation-artificial neural network) was used with sigmoid activation functions. The result came in terms of a suitable output variable, which is the quality class of the mango, which is chosen A, B, C, and D, respectively. It will also reduce the cost of classification or sorting of the fruits.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Crisis on Doing E-Business in Industry 4.0
Authors: Popkova Elena G. , Khalikova Elvira A. , Andronova Inna V. , Grigoriev Yan Y.
Published: August 2022

The chapter aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis on e-business in Industry 4.0. Dynamic modeling by regression and trend analysis methods found that e-business in Industry 4.0 showed a decline in the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis. The regression analysis method reveals that doing e-business in Industry 4.0 in the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis environment is determined by the demand of information society and the factors of telecommunication infrastructure, the management of which allows supporting e-business in Industry 4.0 in these conditions. The contribution of this research to the literature lies in the development of scientific positions of e-business theory by clarifying the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis on doing e-business in Industry 4.0, as well as identifying the managerial apparatus for mitigating these effects.
Organizational Design for Digital Technologies in Industry 4.0
Authors: Borreca Irene , Di Lauro Stefano
Published: August 2022

Digital technologies offer a great opportunity to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they can adopt digital transformation more rapidly than large enterprises due to their greater flexibility and lean decision-making processes. So far there is no universal vision for a potential organizational model or design for Industry 4.0 SMEs. The research aimed to address this important gap by exploring the impact of digital technologies on organizational design in Industry 4.0 SMEs. The research builds on culture, staff, processes, and governance framework and follows a qualitative embedded case study design drawing on both employees' interviews and company documentation. The study provides insights about the main features, opportunities, and risks that are characterizing the current digital revolution in Industry 4.0 SMEs. Furthermore, the analysis of a notable Italian entrepreneurial reality revealed a set of practical suggestions and guidelines for other international SMEs that need to face the Industry 4.0 revolution with confidence and a proactive approach.
Digital Technology for Institutional Investors in the Environment of Industry 4.0
Authors: Khmyz Olga V.
Published: August 2022

The chapter analyzes the main applications of digital technologies by institutional investors in the context of Industry 4.0 and developing amid global challenges (i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic). First of all, these are big data analysis; blockchain technologies; artificial intelligence; cybersecurity; robotization of financial, investment, and business processes; chatbots; mobile financial services; and cloud technologies. Among the digital technologies designed to assist investment, there are digital portfolio managers and robo-advisers, as well as specialist software for investment portfolios, personalized and aggregated financial and banking services, digital payments, risk assessment, RegTech, etc. The track record of institutional digitalization will help to streamline the operation of institutional investors and will enable them to determine more clearly the directions of developing and adjusting their economic policy in the context of Industry 4.0 and the nascent transition to Industry 5.0, thereby increasing their competitiveness and sustainability.
Investment Attractiveness of “Young” Companies in the Context of Global Changes Associated With the New Industrial Revolution
Authors: Voronova Ekaterina Yu. , Lukina Yulia A.
Published: August 2022

Many factors act as criteria for assessing investment attractiveness, including the digitalization of business processes within companies and the introduction of innovative technologies to optimize the activities of an enterprise. The research purpose is to assess the volume of investments attracted by “young” companies through the use of advanced digital and information technologies, as well as to determine an integrated approach to activities aimed at developing the digitalization of the leading sectors of the economy. The theoretical basis of the research is the work of experts studying the impact of digitalization on attracting investment in the face of global economic uncertainty. The methodological basis of the study consists of the methods of statistical analysis of expert evaluation. As a result of the study, the authors have revealed the beneficial effect of digital technologies on the volume of attracted funding sources.
Using an Emotional Intelligence Learning System for Person-Centered Curriculum Development and Teaching
Authors: Hammett Richard , Low Gary R. , Schulz III William C.
Published: August 2022

In this chapter, the authors will define and present an emotional intelligence learning system, rooted in research related to transformative emotional intelligence and explore how an online university can leverage this system within an inclusive teaching and learning model to teach emotional intelligence, personal skills, and leadership development. Implications for teaching, course development, and professional development are discussed so that faculty, course developers, administrators, and staff can use the tools to engender flow and positive change within their spheres of influence.
The SPII-Hub and Other Initiatives to Advance Online Engagement
Authors: Jobe Rebecca L. , Strang Katherine
Published: August 2022

This chapter reviews some of the essential ingredients in creating a post-secondary online learning environment that is diverse, inclusive, and promotes connection and engagement across the program lifecycle. Various initiatives to build student engagement and connection are discussed. The authors also argue that while most of the attention on engagement in the educational setting focuses on student engagement, equal consideration must be given to faculty and staff engagement to create the optimal environment.
The Social Determinants of Changemakers
Authors: McCune Nina M. , Schulz III William C.
Published: August 2022

The closing chapter of this edited edition puts forward a theory of the social determinants of changemakers – those learners supported by an inclusive educational institution, empowered to create positive social change in the world. Building on previous social change and social determinants scholarship, and through intentional and inclusive institutional organization, planning, and support, this framework is not only possible for postsecondary education institutions to drive positive social change – it is the call to action of our time.
A Critical Investigation in Measuring the Impact of the Metaverse in Revolutionising the Future of Financial Services
Authors: Seth Sanya , Seth Saumya
Published: August 2022

In the financial services industry, employees are focusing on using the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for better interaction with the customers. It has been observed that the financial technology companies are supporting the financial services industry in making better integration with their customers and offering better services to them. The researchers intend to use both primary sources and secondary sources for performing the study. Nearly 65 respondents were considered for the study, and the data were gathered using questionnaire for primary data sources. In case of secondary data sources, the researchers used online journals like EBSCO, magazines, business journals, and others for understanding the study in a more elaborative manner.
Into the Metaverse
Authors: Lamba Sumeet Singh , Malik Reena
Published: August 2022

Since 2020, the word “metaverse” has gained traction in the technology world. Author Neal Stephenson initially described the possibility of the metaverse in his 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash, using it to express an idea of a 3D virtual world. As technology evolves rapidly, a modern-day metaverse will emerge, which will be a fully functional virtual environment wherein our virtual avatars represent us. In today's continuous evolving time, marketing needs to keep pace. With the arrival of Web 3.0, the metaverse is poised to impact the future of marketing in unprecedented ways. As we continue to delve more into an immersed digital marketing ecosystem, the metaverse will become the playground for modern-day marketers. Brands will have a more significant opportunity to participate and lead the conversation in the new environment.
Linking Customers' Perceptions With E-Banking Services in Punjab
Authors: Bassi Payal , Saluja Rajni
Published: August 2022

In the banking industry, technology has changed the way customers access the services offered by the banks. The present study investigates the factors that entice customers to use e-banking services. Data were collected from 600 respondents with the help of questionnaire from three regions of Punjab-Malwa, Majha, and Doaba and further six districts (i.e., Ludhiana and Patiala, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar). Further, 25 customers were interviewed from each bank (SBI, PNB, ICICI, and HDFC) chosen from the selected districts. To analyse customers' perceptions regarding preference and non-preference for e-banking services, the Kruskal Wallis test was implemented. A highly significant difference was found among the perceptions of customers regarding e-banking services with respect to demographics. A significant difference in customer perceptions existed in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts. No significant difference in customers' perception scores towards e-banking among the interactions (age, occupation, and income) of public and private sector banks was found.
Study in the BFSI Sector on the Role of AI in Human Resource Management
Authors: Seth Dinesh , Gupta Meenu , Singh Bikram Jit
Published: August 2022

To strive in the market or to be successful in the zone, the organization needs to achieve higher customer satisfaction as this is an important aspect to survive in the market in banking, financial services, and insurance sectors. To achieve the higher customer satisfaction, the HR department needs to adopt innovative ideas or practices to improve the performance and to be different from other organizations in same zone in this era of competitive e-markets. HR needs to imply those practices which could make the employees of the organization satisfied, and if the employees are contented, then they will help the organization to achieve higher profits by making customers satisfied.
Financial Development and Economic Growth Nexus in the South Mediterranean Countries (SMCs)
Authors: Mhadhbi Khalil
Published: August 2022

This article investigates the presence of asymmetries in the short- and long-run relationships between financial development and economic growth covering four SMCs from 1984 to 2017 by applying the nonlinear ARDL. We factored three financial development measures that detected the financial depth and the credit to private sector taken one by one and together in four models. The empirical evidence provides significant evidence of both short-run and long-run asymmetries between the interest variables. The main conclusion drown from this paper is that in the event that policymakers place more emphasis on policies that develop financial depth and credit for private sector, a concomitant effect would positively impact long-run growth in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
Personal attitudes and denialist views about the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: a national survey
Authors: Sisto Antonella , Quintiliani Livia , Vicinanza Flavia , Fabris Silvia , Campanozzi Laura Leondina , Curcio Giuseppe , Michilli Mirta , Molina Alfonso , Ghilardi Giampaolo , Manazza Andrea , Lauri Gaetano , Gentile Rocco , Perciaccante Antonio , De Micco Francesco , Navarini Luca , Velázquez Lourdes , Picozzi Mario , Ricci Giovanna , Piacquadio Flora , Maioni Melissa , Ermili Fabio , Tambone Mario , Chelucci Gian Luca , Ciccozzi Massimo , Tambone Vittoradolfo
Published: August 2022

Since COVID-19 began to spread, hypotheses about the possible causes of the disease and its treatment have increased worldwide, engenedering fears and concerns. This context of uncertainty, as well as the great changes that people were forced to accept in their daily lives, have challenged the general population, affecting public opinion and collective imagination inevitably, with also a negative impact on compliance with public health policies. This study explored the personal attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with denial stances in the Italian context. The aim was to address the relevance of these phenomena and in what guise they are present in relation to the grounds supporting them, as an avenue to be more effective in public health under different domains. An online questionnaires was set out to survey the general population over 18 throughout the Italian country, including students and health professionals, to offer geographic and professional diversity. General population was also stratified based on their direct or indirect experience of COVID-19, whilst health participants were recruited with regard to their involvement in a COVID centre. A total of 2110 questionnaire were filled out between December 2020 and April 2021. Of the participants, 85.45% completely disagree with the possibility that COVID-19 is not real and that the cultural, social and economic system wanted us to believe otherwise, whereas 69% had doubts about what has been claimed to date about the existence of COVID-19. Trust in institutions and types of COVID-19 experience affected these beliefs. The results also show that stress, anxiety, sadness, and vulnerability increased as compared to the pre-COVID- 19 pandemic timeframe. The fundings of this national survey revealed how much behaviors based on social responsibility and rational prudence are important for defensing human life.
Approccio etico-clinico alla Trisomia 18: malattia incompatibile con la vita?
Authors: Corsano Barbara , Sacchini Dario , Papacci Patrizia , Spagnolo Antonio G.
Published: August 2022

Introduzione: La sindrome di Edwards, altrimenti nota come Trisomia 18, è una malattia genetica che può essere caratterizzata da molteplici anomalie congenite multiorgano e spesso è considerata una malattia “incompatibile con la vita”, con un’alta percentuale di gravidanze terminate con aborto (spontaneo o indotto) o il rifiuto alla nascita di possibili trattamenti, anche se alcuni bambini con questa condizione vivono per diversi anni. Obiettivo: Lo scopo di questo lavoro è di discutere l’approccio di etica clinica alla Trisomia 18 attraverso il caso di Angelica – giunta all’attenzione dei curanti nella Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS in Roma nel 2017 – una bambina affetta da tale patologia che, al momento attuale, ha raggiunto l’età di 4 anni e 10 mesi. Risultati: Dal momento della diagnosi (prenatale) al follow-up attuale è stato messo in atto un approccio eticoclinico, di cui vengono illustrate le valutazioni interdisciplinari che nel tempo sono state effettuate relativamente alla proporzionalità delle possibili opzioni di trattamento, anche di tipo invasivo/intensivo. Conclusioni: La Trisomia 18 non può più essere considerata una malattia “incompatibile con la vita” ed è importante una valutazione interdisciplinare, sia prenatale sia postnatale, che vada a identificare step by step i possibili trattamenti clinicamente ed eticamente appropriati e proporzionati. Tali trattamenti, anche quando invasivi/intensivi, non si configurano necessariamente come over-treatment, ma come la messa in atto di cure palliative finalizzate a migliorare la qualità di vita di questi bambini ed a facilitare la loro gestione domiciliare.