bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gráficos em Linguagem Simples: Orientações para criar gráficos mais fáceis de se entender
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo , Cappelli Claudia , Oliveira Jonice
Published: July 2023

A Linguagem Simples tem ganhado destaque no Brasil a partir de legislações que orientam a divulgação pública de informações de forma clara e compreensível. Essa linguagem tem se expandido para não só melhorar o entendimento de textos mas de outros tipos de apresentação da informação, por exemplo, representações visuais, como gráficos. Muitas vezes, essa comunicação gráfica fica a critério de não especialistas ou dos padrões dos softwares de desenvolvimento de gráficos, o que muitas vezes não são adequados. Não há muitos guias ou manuais sobre como os dados devem ser publicados de maneira amigável e transparente para o consumo público. Essas diretrizes estão descentralizadas em sites, fóruns ou espalhadas por livros especializados se utilizando de uma linguagem exclusivamente técnica. Neste livro apresentamos uma coletânea de práticas para a Linguagem Simples (Plain Language) acerca de visualizações de informação visando auxiliar a criação de gráficos para o maior entendimento de todos. O material conta com uma série de recomendações existentes na literatura acadêmica, livros especializados e experiência de especialistas. Práticas totalmente adaptadas para uma linguagem de fácil compreensão, com diversos exemplos práticos e organizados em um método simples de ser seguido por todos que desejam se comunicar por gráficos e ser entendido por todos.
A New Method to Synthesise the Sinusoidal Oscillator Based on Series Negative Resistance-Capacitance and its Implementation Using a Single Commercial IC, LT1228
Authors: Kulapong Worawut , Jaikla Winai , Siripongdee Surapong , Sotner Roman , Suwanjan Peerawut , Chaichana Amornchai
Published: July 2023

An alternative method for synthesising the sinusoidal oscillator based on series negative resistance-capacitance is presented in this paper. The proposed topology is constructed with the series negative resistance-capacitance circuit connected in parallel with a grounded resistor and capacitor. To validate the proposed method, a new grounded series negative resistance-capacitance simulator is also proposed as a subcircuit for synthesising the sinusoidal oscillator. The series negative resistance-capacitance simulator is based on a commercially available integrated circuit (IC), LT1228. The equivalent negative resistance and equivalent negative capacitance can be adjusted electronically using an external DC bias current. The sinusoidal oscillator that is synthesised using the proposed method consists of a single LT1228, two capacitors, and three resistors. The frequency and the condition of the oscillation are orthogonally adjusted. Also, the condition of oscillation is electronically controlled. The amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform is adjustable. In addition, the output voltage node of the proposed oscillator has a low impedance, which allows it to connect to other circuits without using an additional buffer. Both PSPICE simulation and experiment are used to validate the proposed circuits.
Ich sehe was, was du nicht siehst. Umnutzen, alltägliches Versorgungshandeln und Innovationsförderung in deutsch- deutscher Perspektive
Authors: Kreis Reinhild
Published: July 2023

In Forschung und Öffentlichkeit werden Praktiken des Umnutzens – ähnlich wie Reparieren – meist entweder als universelle, zeitlose Tätigkeit interpretiert und somit enthistorisiert, oder aber auf eine Bewältigungsstrategie bei Mangel an Konsumgütern reduziert. Der Beitrag untersucht Umnutzen als Ausdruck von Lebensverhältnissen, Wirtschaftsweisen, Wertvorstellungen und Mode- trends am Beispiel des alltäglichen Versorgungshandelns sowie naturwissen- schaftlich-technischer Jugendwettbewerbe in Ost- und Westdeutschland. Die deutsch-deutsche Perspektive eröffnet interessante Vergleichsmöglichkeiten, die sowohl Spezifika wie auch Gemeinsamkeiten des Umnutzens in Kapita- lismus und Planwirtschaft differenziert hervortreten lassen.
Purity Culture
Authors: Jetter Claudia
Published: July 2023

„In dem Glauben, dass wahre Liebe wartet, verpflichte ich mich gegenüber Gott, mir selbst, meiner Familie, meinen Freunden, meinem zukünftigen Ehepartner und meinen zukünftigen Kindern, von diesem Tag an sexuell enthaltsam zu bleiben bis zu dem Tag, an dem ich eine biblische Ehe eingehe.“ Dieses Keuschheitsversprechen steht auf den Gelöbniskarten von „True Love Waits“ (TLW), der wohl prominentesten Organisation der „Purity Culture“-Bewegung (dt.: Keuschheitsbewegung). Es handelt sich um eine Jugendbewegung, die in den frühen 1990er Jahren innerhalb des US-amerikanischen Evangelikalismus entstand und sich mittlerweile zu einer transdenominationalen Jugend-Subkultur entwickelt hat. Sie hat seit Anfang der 2000er auch in evangelikal geprägten Gemeinden in Deutschland an Einfluss gewonnen. Die Vertreter:innen der Bewegung propagieren die sexuelle Enthaltsamkeit vor der Ehe und bringen diese Einstellung durch Gelöbniskarten, „purity rings“ oder durch Teilnahme an „Purity Events“ demonstrativ zum Ausdruck.
Concrete from Alternative and Waste Materials
Authors: Ndububa Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

The manuscript discusses alternative and cheaper concrete types developed through research and practice that attract worldwide attention, especially those that contain components, such as waste materials from industry, agriculture, mining, and domestic. These concretes include post-concrete and geopolymer concrete. Others are synthetic concrete, pozzolana concrete, fiber concrete, and mortar. This alternative concrete has been found to possess improved mechanical strength and durability, especially higher tensile, flexural, shockproof, hardness, crack relief, and resistance to acid and sulfate attacks. The choice of alternative constituent materials has become a potential waste material that can completely or partially replace these mixture components. The production of alternative concrete is essential in the reduction of costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and for environmental sustainability. The purpose of this manuscript is to present to stakeholders in the construction industry some alternative concretes that are economical and environmentally friendly but yet compete with conventional concretes in strength and surpass durability in most cases.
MOOC as a way of dissemination, training and learning of telecommunication engineering
Authors: P. Gil Jiménez Víctor , Alejandro Urquiza Villalonga David , José López Morales Manuel , Medda Daniele , Seitianitis Ilias-Nektarios , Gaafar Al-Sakkaf Ahmed , Khan Bahram , Julia Fernández-Getino García M. , García Armada Ana , Chatzimisios Periklis , Iossifides Athanasios , Morales Céspedes Máximo , J. Velez Fernando
Published: July 2023

In this chapter, the use of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for the dissemination, training capabilities and learning of telecommunication engineering is described taking as example the successful MOOC ‘Ultra- Dense Networks for 5G and its Evolution’ developed under the European innovative training network (ITN) TeamUp5G. MOOCs are usually understood as a way of teaching or learning for massive potential students. Indeed, this is the main goal of any MOOC. However, we also propose its use for training and dissemination. The ITN TeamUp5G is a training network for 15 PhD students of seven different institutions (universities and companies) where the students make research on different interconnected topics for the common goal of Ultra dense networks for 5G. At the same time they researched, they prepared a MOOC to disseminate their most recent advances and their challenges. For the MOOC, they needed to collect their thoughts, organizse their knowledge and establish a common vision of the whole system. The cooperative work, the cross-related meetings and, the preparation of all the materials for the MOOC were very interesting and useful in their training process. The whole experience of designing and creating the MOOC is described in detail along with the challenges and lessons learned.
Performance Modeling of Finite Sources Retrial Queue using Markov Regenerative Approach
Authors: Ikhlef Lyes
Published: July 2023

We study a finite sources retrial queue with deterministic service times using an approach based on the theory of Markov regenerative process. A Deterministic Stochastic Petri Net DSPN model which copes with the complexity of this queue is given. For the steady state of this model, we construct the one-step transition probability matrix of Embedded Markov Chain (EMC) and the conversion matrix. We establish an algorithm based on the theoretic results obtained in order to compute efficiently various performance measures and to study the effect of system parameter’s on the characteristics of the M/D/1/N/N retrial queue.
Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Authors: Dzidic Sanin
Published: July 2023

A fire can happen anytime and anywhere. That is why the fire resistance of our structures is important. Adequate fire resistance enables the evacuation of people and material goods, fire-fighting intervention, but also the possibility of reusing the building after the fire with minor or major retrofitting works. Our structures are made of different construction materials, and these materials behave differently in fire conditions, while we build our structures to last 50, 100, or 200 years. That is why the selection of structural and other construction materials is extremely important. Concrete is not combustible, does not transmit flame, does not release toxic gases in a fire and is not a fire load. However, fire has a negative impact on concrete structures as well, especially since concrete is a composite material, so there is a reduction in the mechanical properties of both concrete and the embedded steel. The most sensitive reinforced concrete elements in a fire situation are thin-walled elements such as RC slabs, which have a thin concrete cover. In this research, using four world famous methods, we try to figure out the factors influencing the fire resistance of RC slabs as the most sensitive reinforced concrete elements to fire.
Host Versus Virus: The Genetics in HCV Infection Leading to Treatment
Authors: Maqsood Quratulain , Hussain Maria , Sumrin Aleena
Published: July 2023

The spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide crisis. Intricate host-viral interactions control the HCV infection’s natural course and treatment response according to new research. The patient’s HCV genotype is the best predictor of response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy. The most crucial viral factor in determining the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral therapy is the HCV genotype 1 subtype. In addition to baseline viral load and HCV genomic heterogeneity, these two factors are linked with the treatment response. In previous large genome-wide association studies, interferon3 gene polymorphisms have been shown to be linked with spontaneous clearance and treatment responsiveness. An inosine triphosphatase gene polymorphism has been shown to reduce the risk of anaemia and other side effects caused by the antiviral drug ribavirin. In HCV patients, a second genetic mutation in the three-gene patatin-like phospholipase domain is associated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. This study examined the effects of viral and host genetics on the course and results of HCV therapy while concentrating on the known viral and host variables linked to HCV patient outcomes. This will result in fresh concepts for individualising both preventative care and therapeutic treatment.
Expert Opinions on MOOCs Challenges: Rethinking of Emerging Pedagogies
Authors: Elsafi Abdelwahed , Al Awad Yousif
Published: July 2023

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are considered as the future of education by means of open to everyone, unlimited number of students’ enrollment, deliver multimedia learning formats, greater access to massive educational resources, and track student progress. This chapter aims to gather expert opinions on massive open online courses (MOOCs) practices and address the pedagogical challenges so as to respond to younger generation for future lifestyles and prepare them to compete in the twenty-first century labor market. In this chapter, we will employ the Delphi method process based on multiple rounds of questionnaires results that will send to MOOC panel experts. We will report the challenges and conclude with appropriate emerging pedagogies for MOOCs and its future trends.
Non-Hausdorff topology
Authors: Xu Xiaoquan
Published: July 2023

In most topology books, the Hausdorff separation property is assumed from the very start and contain very little information on non-Hausdorff spaces. In classical mathematics, most topological spaces are indeed Hausdorff. But non-Hausdorff spaces are important already in algebraic geometry, and crucial in fields such as domain theory. Indeed, in connection with order, non-Hausdorff spaces, especially $T_0$ spaces, play a more significant role than Hausdorff spaces. Sobriety is probably the most important and useful property of non-Hausdorff topological spaces. It has been used in the characterizations of spectral spaces and $T_0$ spaces that are determined by their open set lattices. With the development of domain theory, another two properties also emerged as the very useful and important properties for non-Hausdorff topology theory: $d$-space and well-filtered space. In the past few years, some remarkable progresses have been achieved in understanding such structures. In this chapter, we shall make a brief survey on some of these progresses and list a few related problems.
On Computing of Independence Polynomials of Trees
Authors: Kadrawi Ohr , E. Levit Vadim , Yosef Ron , Mizrachi Matan
Published: July 2023

An independent set in a graph is a set of pairwise non-adjacent vertices. Let $\alpha(G)$ denote the cardinality of a maximum independent set in the graph $G = (V, E)$. Gutman and Harary defined the independence polynomial of $G$
\[
I(G;x) = \sum_{k=0}^{\alpha(G)}{s_k}x^{k}={s_0}+{s_1}x+{s_2}x^{2}+...+{s_{\alpha(G)}}x^{\alpha(G)},
\]
where $s_k$ denotes the number of independent sets of cardinality $k$ in the graph $G$. A comprehensive survey on the subject is due to Levit and Mandrescu, where some recursive formulas are allowing computation of the independence polynomial. A direct implementation of these recursions does not bring about an efficient algorithm. In 2021, Yosef, Mizrachi, and Kadrawi developed an efficient way for computing the independence polynomials of trees with $n$ vertices, such that a database containing all of the independence polynomials of all the trees with up to $n-1$ vertices is required. This approach is not suitable for big trees, as an extensive database is needed. On the other hand, using dynamic programming, it is possible to develop an efficient algorithm that prevents repeated calculations. In summary, our dynamic programming algorithm runs over a tree in linear time and does not depend on a database.
Biomedical Applications of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONS) as a Theranostic Agent
Authors: Jaswal Nancy , Justa Purnima , Kumar Hemant , Deepshikha  , Krishna  , Pani Balaram , Kumar Pramod
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, nanoparticles are used in a variety of biological applications where they enhance treatments and laboratory tests. Due to their distinctive properties and minor adverse effects, nanoparticles are being used more specifically for medication delivery, not only in the treatment of cancer but also for other diseases. Magnetic nanoparticles like SPION (superparamagnetic Iron Oxide nanoparticles) are regarded to be the most viable in the midst of these materials. SPION are frequently used in biomedical applications due to their low cost and lack of toxicity. Within the developing field of nanomedicine, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are basic technological classes that have been widely studied for cancer imaging and treatment. Additionally, SPION employ super paramagnets, which seem to be beneficial for focusing on particular tumor areas within a body. For instance, the superparamagnetic abilities of magnetite (Fe3O4), which are frequently utilized in delivery of drug, diagnosis and therapy. SPION was envisioned as a tool for the “golden therapeutic era” since it minimized cellular absorption by macrophages, targeted cancer cells preferentially while sparing healthy cells, monitored cancer cells before and after therapy, and controlled drug release. In order to give a concise overview of SPION, there will be focus on their biomedical applications includes hyperthermia (HT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic drug targeting (MDT), gene delivery as well as nanomedicine.
The Application of Markov and Semi-Markov Models in Transportation Infrastructure Management
Authors: Thomas Omar , Sobanjo John
Published: July 2023

This chapter outlines how Markov and semi-Markov models can be used in Transportation Infrastructure Management Systems, in particular Pavement and Bridge Management Systems. The use of Markov models have been used in both Pavement and Bridge Management Systems for years. In more recent times the use of semi-Markov models have been introduced in Bridge Management Systems. Research has shown that if there is enough data available to develop semi-Markov models for transportation infrastructure, then this stochastic technique can be used to predict the future network level conditions and can be used in the development of preservation models for transportation infrastructure. The application of these techniques are not only limited to transportation infrastructure, but can also be applied in other areas.
Some Applications of the Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes
Authors: S. Donchev Doncho
Published: July 2023

We give two examples of reduction of a POMDPs model to a MDP model with a complete information. In both MDP models, corresponding Bellman’s equations allow to construct optimal policies. The first example is the classical discrete time disorder problem. We include it into the framework of POMDPs in contrast to the standard approach based on optimal stopping rules. In the second model, we consider the steps of a transaction under threat as a trajectory of POMDP. We show how to define the elements of the model in order to achieve an optimal balance between the successful end of the transaction and minimum applications of mitigating actions.
Therapeutic Impact of Engagement in Green Spaces
Authors: Stepansky Kasey , Delbert Theresa , C. Bucey Janet
Published: July 2023

Active engagement in green spaces has been shown to improve physical, mental, and social well-being. Blending the topics of forest bathing, therapeutic sensory gardens, and nature meditations, this chapter will unpack the therapeutic effects of active and passive engagement in green spaces. Frequent exposure to and engagement in green spaces has been found to decrease feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and stress levels. Spending time in green spaces can promote restoration and offer recovery from daily stressors. With the perspectives of the authors’ expertise in holistic health as occupational therapy practitioners, the chapter will present how the influence of usage and dosage of green spaces affect stress, social isolation, and a sense of well-being to facilitate occupational balance (flow). This chapter will report how green spaces have been assessed in the current evidence and the questions that remain regarding the impact on personal, group, and population well-being.
GeoImage Workflow Editing Resources: GIWER
Authors: Elek Istvan
Published: July 2023

While various open-source and commercial image-processing software exist, and they have high-level image-processing skills, there is no flexibility to assemble custom workflows where the experience of the evaluator can be built into the system. Therefore we have developed the Giwer (acronym for GeoImage Workflow Editing Resources, pronounce gaiver) open-source software package for handling, processing and analyzing drone images with the possibility of flexible workflow creation. Giwer has many image-processing functions that can handle traditional RGB, greyscale and hyperspectral images and apply them for their interpretation for any number of images. Giwer has further useful capabilities to organize images and their metadata (EXIF) into a database to navigate thousands of images. Users can compile their own workflows based on the available image-processing functions. Thus the created workflow involves users’ knowledge and experiences. The workflows process any number of images at once. This approach can accelerate the performance if you have a working algorithm group.
Opportunities and challenges of adopting MOOCs in Africa: A systematic literature review
Authors: Maphosa Vusumuzi , Maphosa Mfowabo
Published: July 2023

MOOCs are one of the most transformative tools of the 21st century offering scalable affordances such as increased access to quality education and providing new learning opportunities to communities previously disadvantaged by location and time. The outbreak of COVID-19 has magnified the need for remote-based teaching to minimise learning disruptions. Although developed countries have adopted MOOCs as a novel tool for technology-enhanced education, Africa still lags in adopting such platforms. Literature indexed by two databases, the Web of Science and Scopus, was used for a systematic literature review to evaluate research themes on African countries’ opportunities and challenges when adopting MOOCs. The eight-step methodology selected 36 articles published between 2013 and 2021. Results indicate that a few African countries are researching MOOCs. Opportunities for MOOC adoption in Africa are repurposing MOOCs, democratising access to higher education, professional development of teachers, transitions in the workplace and using algorithms to enhance learning. The challenges faced include access to the Internet and educational equipment, lack of skills, pedagogical barriers and MOOCs as a preserve of the Global North. MOOCs provide the potential for universal access to education if African governments could enact policies that support development, adoption and growth.
Lumbar interspinous devices: indications, surgical aspects, clinical considerations
Authors: Irace Claudio
Published: July 2023

Interspinous devices (or spacers) are currently used in lumbar spine surgery, but their use is still controversial, mainly due to confusion between so-called first and second-generation spacers, and unrespect of formal indications to implant. Our first aim is trying to offer an interpretation for a correct indication of surgical implantation, paying additional attention to those pathological conditions in which these devices must not be used; second, to identify the right clinico-surgical method to avoid potential errors in this surgery; third, to stress those surgical tricks directed to perform a successful implant of these spacers.
Prioritization physical resilience criteria for affordable housing locating based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Ramzanpour Mehrnaz , Rahimi Rouhollah
Published: July 2023

Natural hazards cause numerous problems occurred mostly in residential areas. Affordable housing is one of the types of housing that is planned for low- and middle-income groups. Optimum location of affordable housing is one of the most important criteria for this type of housing. Due to the high vulnerability of its residents, it is necessary to evaluate the site resilience. This study is aimed to identify and prioritize the criteria of physical resilience that are effective in selecting a resilient location for the affordable housing construction. Documentary materials is used to explain the literature and to determine the effective factors on physical resilience. Then the criteria were prioritized using AHP method by 22 experts. The important criteria obtained from the research include Infrastructure & Services (IS), Region Context (RC), Natural Environment (NE) and Surrounding Uses (SU). This research can be the basis of a strategic document for the discussion of the affordable housing resilience.
MOOCS and Micro-Credentials as Launch Pads to Further Education: Challenges and Experiences
Authors: Parsons David , Sparks Hayley , Vo Darcy , Singh Anzel
Published: July 2023

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are often framed as providing affordable, flexible ways to deliver education on a global scale. However, opportunities for further study are often neither massive nor open. This leads to questions about how MOOCs fit within the broader landscape of online education. The particular focus of this chapter is the role of accredited micro-credentials in the evolution of MOOCs and their potential to offer a pathway from the open online course to further study that leads to credentialed and stackable higher qualifications. These reflections stem from the experience of a higher education institution in New Zealand delivering both free short courses and accredited micro-credentials on a MOOC platform. Data gathered from end-of-course surveys is used to reflect on the motivation of students to engage in further study. While the data reinforce known motivational factors for learners, they reveal limited motivation to progress to micro-credentials from shorter, free courses, despite these micro-credentials successfully recruiting from other pathways. This suggests that perhaps MOOC platforms need to make a greater effort to standardize their definitions and presentation of micro-credentials, while providers need to be aware that potential students are looking for institutional credibility, affordability, content quality, and relevant topics.
Teachers Transformation Role in Distance Learning Conditions
Authors: Zoretić Gordana , Čižmek Vujnović Ondina
Published: July 2023

A modern society should base its development on investing in the quality of human resources. Teachers are the bearers of change, they have a great responsibility to implement the teaching process,to choose the approach to teaching, which will ultimately affect the students achievements. That is why it is important to invest in the development of teacher competencies. They should be ready to adapt to change, to be the bearers of change themselves, and to change their roles accordingly. It was distance learning during the pandemic that required teachers to take on a new role, leadership style, and a different approach to teaching. Teachers Zoretić, Čižmek Vujnović, and Ilić, conducted research among teachers of higher education institutions, the topic was work in pandemic conditions during the 2020/2021 academic year, and the goal of the research was to show that, in a distance teaching conditions, by increasing the need to apply teachers’ digital competencies, it reduces the needs to apply teachers’ social competencies.
Non-Invasive Samples for Biomonitoring Heavy Metals in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: García-Muñoz Javier , Pérez-López Marcos , Soler Francisco , Prado Míguez-Santiyán María , Martínez-Morcillo Salomé
Published: July 2023

As highly relevant environmental contaminants, metals and metalloids have been extensively evaluated for decades in biomonitoring programs, due to their potential toxicity at low levels and high persistence in many ecosystems. When considering chemical analysis, metal quantification has been carried out through conventional methods, based on the determination of their levels in internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Nevertheless, non-invasive methods constitute an alternative response regarding trace elements biomonitoring studies. Specifically, keratinized tissue from terrestrial mammals (such as hair, nails, or spines) presents a high accumulation rate, giving relevant information about heavy metal dynamics at internal levels and, most particularly, a chronic exposure. This critical review focuses on the use of non-invasive tissues, mainly hair and spines, as adequate tools on heavy metals assessment, specifically mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), in biomonitoring studies performed in terrestrial wild mammals.
Encouraging Interaction to Promote Learner Engagement in an Online Blended Learning Course Based on ZOOM, CNMOOC, and CANVAS
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Yangyang
Published: July 2023

This study investigates how to engage students in a blended academic writing course. We did classroom observation and analyzed the chatroom and video recordings of the class on ZOOM, the learning materials and procedure on CNMOOC, and the collaborative writing tasks submitted on CANVAS. We also analyzed data from WeChat and the interview. The results show that teacher-student, student-content, and student-student interactions can all influence students’ engagement. Teacher-student interaction in the form of questions and answers, presentations and comments, knowledge exploration using note-pen, and teacher’s written and oral feedback has effect on students’ engagement in ZOOM. Student content interaction via well-designed videos, exercises, and in-class activities influences their engagement on CNMOOC. Student-student interaction for completing project-based writing tasks and peer review in collaborative writing has an impact on students’ engagement after class. The study will have pedagogical implications for how to promote student engagement in an online blended learning context
Structural Characteristic of Growth, Maturation, and Spatial Arrangement of Capillary Bed in Normal and Pathologic Placenta
Authors: Jirkovská Marie
Published: July 2023

Placental capillary bed plays a key role in the bidirectional transport between mother and fetus. Its continuous growth and maturation accompany fetal growth and meet all fetal requirements to secure fetal well-being. Considerable growth of both capillary bed and area of villous syncytiotrophoblast comes on in third trimester of pregnancy, continues until the end of pregnancy, and is expressed by rapid development of terminal villi. The presented structural and quantitative data show enhanced villous capillary branching, higher proportion of capillaries displaying delayed maturation, and lower proliferative potential of cells forming capillary wall and cytotrophoblast in diabetic placenta at term. Too few studies have focused on the impact of other pathologies, i.e., preeclampsia and IUGR on development of placental capillary bed. The further research may contribute to better understanding of those disorders connected with pregnancy.
Perspective Chapter: Online Courses – An Antidote to Traditional Andragogy
Authors: Zireva Davison
Published: July 2023

Andragogy is beset by socioeconomic challenges that stifle performance of the learner. Barriers to optimal performance should be unveiled, explicated, and exterminated by mitigating options like online courses. The barriers are heterogeneous since they are influenced by the thrust of the particular national curricula. The socioeconomic status of a nation state has some influence on the adherence to traditional andragogy, which cherishes the status quo. The face-to-face tuition dominated by the lecturer is generally considered to be virtuous in traditional andragogy. During times of no turbulence in education, online courses are the penultimate option. Providential education turbulence caused by contagious pandemics like COVID-19 has precipitated the need for online courses. The online courses should not be reactively considered but should be embraced as the contemporary ‘normal’ in andragogy.
Markov Models Related to Inventory Systems, Control Charts, and Forecasting Methods
Authors: Ramasamy Sivasamy , B. Molefe Wilford
Published: July 2023

A Markov model describes a randomly varying system that satisfies the Markov property. This means that future and past states at any time are independent of the current state. The two most commonly used types of Markov models are Markov chains and higher-order Markov chains. Therefore, three types of Markov models are proposed in this chapter of the book: (i) supply chain management, (ii) Markov queue waiting time monitoring, and (iii) Markov fuzzy time series forecasting. The introduction introduces Markov chain (MC) and summarizes the most important aspects of Markov chain analysis. The first model explores a Markov queue model coupled to a storage system using the classical (0, Q) policy. The second model focuses on the M/M/1/N service mode and develops a control chart for an Ms/Ms/1/N type simulated queue to monitor customer waiting times. The third is a higher-order Markov model (HOMM), which uses fuzzy sets to predict future states based on given hypothetical time series data. Numerical calculations are designed to find optimal order quantities, monitor customer wait times, and predict future HOMM conditions.
Perspective Chapter: The Dark Triad in the Organization – A Review of the Evidence and Future Recommendations
Authors: Lainidi Olga , Chalili Vilma , Maliousis Ilias , Spiliou Maria , Tzioti Eva , Koutsimani Panagiota , Montgomery Anthony
Published: July 2023

Individuals who score high on dark personality assessments are found in managerial positions and are more likely to get promoted. Congruently, abusive and toxic leadership is still tolerated in most industries; and many aspects of toxic organizational culture are maintained over time and interventions (e.g., bullying, employee silence). There is a gap in our understanding of how positive and negative elements of individuals interact in the workplaces. We review the existing evidence on how dark personality traits might be linked with positive and negative aspects of work-life and whether this evidence can help us answer the question how do dark personality traits help individuals get ahead at work? Finally, we propose implications for practice and directions for future research.
Stem cell-derived pancreatic beta cells for the study and treatment of diabetes
Authors: M. Barra Jessie , A. Russ Holger
Published: July 2023

Patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes rely on the exogenous supply of insulin. Cell replacement therapy employing cadaveric islets cells has demonstrated a proof of principle for a practical cure, rendering patients insulin independent for prolonged periods of time. However, challenges remain before this innovative therapy can be widely accessed by diabetic patients. Availability of cadaveric donor islets is limited, necessitating the generation of an abundant source of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Immunological rejection of the allogeneic transplant and recurring autoreactivity contribute to eventual graft failure in all transplant recipients. In the current chapter, we summarize past and current efforts to generate functional beta cells from pluripotent stem cells and highlight current knowledge on graft immune interactions. We further discuss remaining challenges of current cell replacement efforts and highlight potentially innovative approaches to aid current strategies.
Endoscopic Technique for Multilevel Spine Degeneration Based on 3 Column Theory: Do We Need Fusion?
Authors: Bambang Darwono Aloysius , Radchenko Volodymyr
Published: July 2023

Multilevel spine degeneration with deformity should be described in 3 column theory of lumbar degeneration cascade to detect completely the degenerative damages or deformers. Theory of degenerative spine deformity is a combination between 2 factors: 1. spine stabilizer (disc, 2 facet joints, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament, supraspinatus ligament, multifidus muscle) and 2. spine deformer (degenerative injury). The common gold standard is to remove the deformer by open surgery, but this open surgery will sacrifice the stabilizer, so it requires artificial stabilizer or fusion device. The concept of minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery is simply to remove the deformer while retaining the stabilizer. After deformer are removed, the stabilizers will be reapplied, and the deformity can be corrected naturally.
Perspective Chapter: Rationality, Social Norms, and Dishonesty in Everyday Life
Authors: Reiersen Jon
Published: July 2023

Many forms of unethical behavior are social in character. We are often heavily influenced by what others do. The social characteristic of dishonesty and crime nevertheless does not contradict that there is a rational element in people’s behavior. But people usually act within social conditions that are not determined by themselves. Inspired by recent findings in experimental economics, this chapter combines the standard economic model of crime, which emphasizes individual rationality, with more criminologically oriented approaches, which emphasize norms, social context, and peer influences. The aim of the chapter is to develop a framework for analyzing social interaction and how situational factors influence the spread of crime and other types of unethical behavior. It is demonstrated that various crime-preventing interventions can have effects that deviate significantly from what the standard model of rational crime predicts. Finally, it is argued that the distance between the theory of rational crime and more criminological approaches to crime is not as great as many make it out to be.
Foraminoplasty
Authors: Pazmiño Pablo
Published: July 2023

The lumbar foraminoplasty is a novel surgical option for appropriately indicated patients, and high success rates have been reported in the literature. Complications and failures are often associated with patient indications or technical variables, and the goal of this chapter is to assist surgeons in understanding these factors.
Trends in High-Performance Data Engineering for Data Analytics
Authors: Abeykoon Vibhatha , Charles Fox Geoffrey
Published: July 2023

Over the past decade, data analytics has undergone significant transformation due to the increasing availability of data and the need to extract valuable insights from it. However, the classical big data stack needs to be faster in data engineering, highlighting the need for high-performance computing. Data analytics has motivated the engineering community to build diverse frameworks, including Apache Arrow, Apache Parquet, Twister2, Cylon, Velox, and Datafusion. These frameworks have been designed to provide high-performance data processing on C++-backed core APIs, with extended usability through support for Python and R. Our research focuses on the trends in the evolution of data engineering, which have been characterized by a tendency towards high-performance computing, with frameworks designed to keep up with the evolving demands of the field. Our findings show that the modern-day data analytics frameworks have been developed with C++ core compute and communication kernels and are designed to facilitate high-performance data processing. And this has been a critical motivation to develop scalable components for data engineering frameworks.
Type 1 Diabetes and Beta Cells
Authors: Owens-Collins Sheila
Published: July 2023

This book chapter provides an overview of Type 1 diabetes, focusing on the role of beta cells, autoimmunity, genetics, environmental factors, and beta cell health. While genetic factors are also important, environmental factors such as viral infections and dietary factors may trigger or accelerate the development of Type 1 diabetes. Maintaining beta cell health is essential for the prevention and management of Type 1 diabetes. Factors such as glucose toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation can contribute to beta cell dysfunction and death. The chapter discusses transplantation of islet cells both primary and stem cell-derived to treat diabetes. The chapter also outlines the stages of Type 1 diabetes development, starting with the pre-symptomatic stage and progressing to the onset of symptoms, the clinical diagnosis, and the eventual need for insulin therapy. Supporting hormones, such as insulin, glucagon, amylin, somatostatin, and incretin hormones, play critical roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Finally, the chapter highlights the effect of food on beta cell health and the effect of various drugs and medications used to manage diabetes.
Association Induction Motors to Converters
Authors: Omar Fezazi , Ahmed Nour el Islam Ayad
Published: July 2023

Induction motors feature state-of-the-art technology ensures high reliability, energy efficiency, versatility, and long life. They are also called “squirrel cage” or “induction” motors and can be single or three-phase. Because it is simple to use and install, induction motors are the most used motors. It has a long life because it is durable and wear-free. It does not need a lot of maintenance (maintenance costs for an induction motor are very low compared to other types of electric motors). It can be modified for a variety of applications, such as changing the motor’s rotational speed using a frequency converter. It is a low-cost motor. One example of a use for these motors is the industrial industry (mostly the industry of machines-tools) and the appliances (the wash-cloths). The creation of cold (via condensers and refrigerators). The pumping (pool pumps, lifting pumps, etc.). Ventilo-convecteurs or ventilation air restrained (compressors). In this chapter, the induction motor is trained and controlled by different converters, and Matlab SimPowerSystem is used to simulate the different methods used.
Enhancing Language Education through Alternative Assessment Practices in Technology-Based Settings
Authors: Hossein Arefian Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Given the challenging nature of large-scale standardized assessments due to the complexities, it is vital to obtain equitable assessment practices for enhancing English language learning and ability during instruction and course of study. Moving beyond standardized tests, we can use alternative assessment to incorporate learning, instruction, and measurement and develop a practical assessment approach for learning purposes regularly. Alternative assessment results from the mentioned research move have brought various alternatives to standardized tests for enhancing the quality of instruction and shifting scholarly attention toward learning rather than testing. Specifically, during technology-based assessment practices, the insufficiencies of existing traditional tests for different students’ needs and purposes have created the must adopt a more user-friendly approach to assessment that can incorporate multiple intelligences, approach students’ preferred learning styles, involve language learners’ higher-level thinking skills, use more of authentic and real-world tasks and activities. Thus, this aims to illustrate the benefits, processes, and outcomes of alternative assessment practices in technology-based environments for enhancing the quality of language education.
Perspective Chapter: Development of Mass Online Courses that Include Practical Work Based on the Home Laboratory
Authors: A. Ukhov Peter
Published: July 2023

The chapter presents an approach to designing an educational program implemented in MOOC format. By the example of this approach, an educational program including the creation of a student’s home laboratory in the areas of electronics, programming, and design is developed. It is demonstrated that the cost of creating a home laboratory is such that many students from developed countries have the opportunity to build their own home learning laboratory to perform practical work on the construction of complete technical devices. Safety issues in using the home lab and forming practical assignments are addressed. Assumptions are made about the development of such direction in the creation of educational programs.
Small Area Estimation for Demographic Analysis
Authors: M. Sutton Aja , W. Almquist Zack
Published: July 2023

In this chapter we will introduce recent developments in the application of small area estimation (SAE) such as combining new statistical methods, e.g., multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) and neighborhood spatial smoothing models (e.g., a modified Besag-York-Mollié, or BYM2), and consider recent applications for demographic processes such as mortality or migration estimation at local levels. We will discuss recent methodological developments and important applications of SAE such as the United Nations COVID-19 national and subnational mortality estimates. Last, we will provide a clear example of SAE using United States ZIP code-level data for core demographic questions relating to mortality and migration.
Consequences of arsenic exposure in Plant-health status: an overview
Authors: Nath Barbhuiya Sweety , Warisa Ringthardi , Barhoi Dharmeswar , Das Jurimoni , Giri Sarbani
Published: July 2023

Arsenic is the biggest threat to all living organisms across the world. It is typically present in very minute amounts in rock, soil, air, and water, but these levels are rising as a result of both natural and man-made activity. Exposure to arsenic increases the risk of developing liver, lung, kidney, and bladder malignancies as well as vascular illnesses such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Arsenic generates oxidative stress, which disrupts the redox balance. In fact, in plants arsenic gets accumulated in different parts of plants upon exposure to either contaminated soil or water, causing hazardous effects on the plant. Therefore, this chapter is aimed to understand the effect of arsenic exposure on the growth and development of the plant as a whole.
An Approach to the Natural and Induced Evolution of Wetlands at La Mancha Húmeda (Central Spain) – We Are Arriving Too Late
Authors: Fernando Basanta Reyes Luis
Published: July 2023

An important part of the migratory population of european waterfowl, uses Spanish wetlands during their migratory trips and/or winter periods. In Spain, resident and breeding birds of this group, are important due to its number and some endangered species. Current populations have suffered a great decline since the middle of the last century, attributed, among other reasons, to the loss in number and quality of national wetlands. An area located in the center of Spain has been selected: a large plain called “La Mancha”. The number of lagoons, different ecological types and the “tablas” or river overflows, have constituted the values to be recognized as one of the most important Ramsar sites in Europe, and a Biosphere Reserve. Evolution have been studied, due to natural causes and human actions: trying to eradicate malaria and “recovering” land for agriculture, draining it through canals, ditches and wells, using it as landfill for solid waste and fecal and industrial water, and the extraction of water from undergroundb aquifers. These actions have destroyed, forever, 80% of the wetlands in this area. The effects on the associated fauna have been direct: its disappearance. The author is a direct witness to the development state of these wetlands over the last 50 years (1972-2023).
Investigation of grinding force and process optimization of woven ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Lin Bin , Zhou Jingguo , Wei Jinhua , Wang Haoji , Sui Tianyi
Published: July 2023

Due to the special structure of the woven ceramic matrix composites, challenges and difficulties in the grinding process gradually emerge. How to ensure the reasonable and reliable application of materials has become a hot topic in the present research. The force model is beneficial to understand, predict, and even control the machining process. This chapter investigates the grinding force and process optimization of woven ceramic matrix composites, especially grinding force modeling, surface quality, and process optimization of woven ceramic matrix composites during grinding. A new force model considering the fiber orientation of WCMC is developed based on the energy balancing theory. Through the construction of a mathematical model, the study demonstrates the correlation of grinding force with the processing parameters and the composite fiber orientation. The optimum process parameters were obtained by aiming at minimum grinding force and maximum surface quality. The results show that the predictable model has good consistency with the experimental results, and fiber orientation has a major influence on the grinding force. This research can be used to predict the grinding force, thus conducting the machining and controlling their processing quality.