bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficuency of Cream Adhesives for Prosthesis Evaluated by the Wearer of Acrylic Total Prosthesis
Authors: Caraiane Aureliana , Raftu Gheorghe , Sin Elena Claudia , Bustiuc Steliana Gabriela
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the study was the clinical evaluation of two types of adhesive cream for prostheses. The group consisted of 46 whole-edged toothless male and female patients treated with acrylic total prosthesis. 23 of the study participants used Corega Neutro (GlaxoSmithKline) and other 23 of the patients used Fixodent Neutral (P&G) adhesive. The patients used the adhesive for 7 consecutive days.After a day�s break, patients filled in a questionnaire in which they appreciated the different qualities of adhesive cream such as a total improvement of the denture retention, improved chewing and phonetic function, or ease of use. The use of the two types of adhesive creams improved significantly in approximately equal proportions the retention of total prostheses, masticatory function and phonetic function. There were no statistically significant differences between the main properties of the tested adhesive creams.
The Efficiency of Phytoestrogen Therapy in Patients with Natural Menopause
Authors: Crauciuc Dragos Valentin , Crauciuc Eduard , Sindilar Allia , Lupusoru Vasile Raoul , Lupusoru Catalina Elena , Pinzariu Alin Constantin , Haliga Raluca , Cobzaru Roxana Gabriela , Ripa Carmen Valerica , Niculescu Simona , Stoica Elena Laura
Published: February 2020

Phytoestrogens are compounds of vegetal origin exhibiting estrogenic activity, both agonist and antagonist. Phytoestrogens seem to have increased affinity for the b-estrogen receptor class. This aspect is of particular relevance to organs rich in b receptors, such as coronary arteries and the brain. Phytoestrogens are low estrogen-like estrogens, their activity in human cell cultures being 500-fold weaker than estradiol. Hormonal therapy is beneficial in postmenopausal women, taking into account the results validated over time by observational studies, and is being discussed as primary prevention in cases without coronary artery disease at the age of 50 years under 60 years old and 10 years after the onset of menopause. For elderly women, the therapy is individualized, the benefit being dependent on age and the recommended dose. Menopausal hormone therapy has been shown to be effective especially for relieving climacteric symptoms, long-term effects on cardiovascular disease being still under study.
Laser Therapy Evaluation in Complications of Restorations
by Total-Etch Technique
Authors: Ghiorghe Cristina Angela , Gamen Andra Claudia , Tirca Tiberiu , Andrian Sorin , Melian Anca , Pancu Galina , Salceanu Mihaela
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of laser therapy in post-operative sensitivity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to the 57 patients after restoration with two different resins composite. In the first group (28 patients, 30 teeth) it was restored the cavity class I Black with micro-hybrid composite Filtek Z250 - Adper Single Bond (3M/ESPE). In the second group (29 patients, 30 teeth) it was restored the cavity class III Black with nano-hybrid composite Ceram X One Sphere Tec-Prime and Bond One (Etch&Rinse) (Dentsply). The restorative treatments were performed by the same practitioner on posterior and anterior teeth diagnosed with mid-sized chronic carious lesions. Total etch (etch and rinse) strategy of adhesion was used for both composite resins. The laser treatment was performed in 2 sessions at 48 hours and after 7 days, for both study groups using laser Whitening Lase II (DMC Dental). Mean scores for VAS indices decreased significantly at 48 hours and 7 days, following laser treatment for all the investigated parameters (materials, sex, age) (p [ 0.05).
Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance Among Enterobacteriaceae Strains Isolated in an Infectious Diseases Hospital from Romania
Authors: Arbune Manuela , Decusara Mioara , Macovei Luana Andreea , Romila Aurelia , Iancu Alina Viorica , Indrei Lucian Laurentiu , Pavel Liliana , Raftu Gheorghe
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study was to characterize the antibiotic resistance profile of enterobacteriaceae strains isolated in Infectious Diseases Hospital Galati, Romania, during 2016, in order to guide the local antibiotic stewardship strategy. There are 597 biological samples with positive cultures for enterobacteriaceae, related to invasive and non-invasive infections. The main bacterial genus were E. coli 62%, Klebsiella spp 15%, Proteus spp 11% and Salmonella spp 6%. Over a half of isolated strains have one or more antibiotic resistance. The resistance level depends on bacterial genus, with highest level found among the rare isolates: Enterobacter spp, Citrobacter spp, Morganella spp and Serratia spp. The rate of MDR was 17.,6% for E. coli, 40.9% for Klebsiella spp and 50.7% for Proteus spp. while the rate of strains producing Extended Spectrum of Beta Lactamase are 7.2% for E. coli, 28.4% for Klebsiella spp and 12.3% for Proteus spp. The carbapenem resistant strains were found in 1.1% cases.
The Composition of Bioactive Compounds in Wine and Their Possible Influence on Osteoporosis and on Bone Consolidation
Authors: Ciubara Alexandru Bogdan , Tudor Razvan Cosmin , Nechita Luiza , Tita Ovidiu , Ciubara Anamaria , Turliuc Serban , Raftu Gheorghe
Published: February 2020

Given that bone consolidation (callus formation) has two important phases in terms of vascular factors, the inflammatory phase and the vascular invasion phase, on the one hand, and, the existence of biologically active compounds in the composition of wine (compounds that influence inflammation and vascular development), on the other hand, we can conclude that there is definitely a link between wine consumption and bone consolidation or bone structure. Considering the idea stated above, in conducting our research we have pursued the following objectives: to set thresholds for defining occasional and chronic alcohol consumption, according to literature; to investigate how chronic or occasional wine consumption and non-consumption influence bone quality; to investigate how chronic or occasional wine consumption and non-consumption influence the conformation of trajectories of distal radius fractures (DFRs); to investigate the secondary displacement of DFRs in chronic or occasional wine consumers and nonconsumers; to determine the phenolic composition for a number of five wines of designated origin. There is certainly a positive influence in the bone consolidation process in people who chronically or occasionally consume wine compared to the other population groups. The substantial accumulation of phenolic compounds in red wines recommends their consumption for curative purposes.
Study of Biochemical and Clinical Markers in Steatohepatitis Related to Obesity
Authors: Livadariu Roxana Maria , Danila Radu , Ionescu Lidia , Ciobanu Delia , Timofte Daniel
Published: February 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly associated to obesity and comprises several liver diseases, from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH) with increased risk of developing progressive liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosing the disease, but it cannot be used in a large scale. The aim of the study was the assessment of some non-invasive clinical and biological markers in relation to the progressive forms of NAFLD. We performed a prospective study on 64 obese patients successively hospitalised for bariatric surgery in our Surgical Unit. Patients with history of alcohol consumption, chronic hepatitis B or C, other chronic liver disease or patients undergoing hepatotoxic drug use were excluded. All patients underwent liver biopsy during sleeve gastrectomy. NAFLD was present in 100% of the patients: hepatic steatosis (38%), NASH with the two forms: with fibrosis (31%) and without fibrosis (20%), cumulating 51%; 7 patients had NASH with vanished steatosis. NASH with fibrosis statistically correlated with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.036), DM II (p = 0.01) and obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.02). Waist circumference was significantly higher in the steatohepatitis groups (both with and without fibrosis), each 10 cm increase increasing the risk of steatohepatitis (p = 0.007). The mean values of serum fibrinogen and CRP were significantly higher in patients having the progressive forms of NAFLD. Simple clinical and biological data available to the practitioner in medicine can be used to identify obese patients at high risk of NASH, aiming to direct them to specialized medical centers.
An Experimental Method of Producing Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Jumanca Daniela , Matichescu Anamaria , Galuscan Atena
Published: February 2020

The main factor in maintaining oral hygiene is first and foremost the correct dental brushing and the use of proper sanitizing means: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash. Toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite have an increased efficiency due to the ability to re-mineralize dental enamel. In view of the appearance of the secondary reaction products, the most acceptable variant for HA production is the reaction between calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid, because it does not result any undesirable side products at a pH ] 9 units. The purpose of this study was to produce and then analyse the HA properties produced experimentally in the SETICO laboratories, using a device derived from the already patented: �Process and device for the production of nano-gels and micro-gels based on alkaline-earthy silicates� issued by OSIM Bucharest on 02.26.2016 No. 128 480.For the analysis of the HA emulsion the following devices were used: The zeta potential analyzer: WALLIS and the VASCO particle size analyser. The contribution of this method is that it provides information and results for the situation where pure hydroxyapatite is used without secondary reaction products. At pH = 7.21 there are particles of ~ 170 nm, very stable (Zeta-potential -133mV) and at pH = 12.64 there are particles of ~ 148nm and more stable (Zeta-potential + 359mV).
Cytotoxicity Assessment of Metal and 3D Printed Resin Orthodontic Attachments An in vitro cell culture behavior study
Authors: Nagib Riham , Zogorean Roxana , Gavriliuc Oana Isabella , Szuhanek Camelia , Moldoveanu Bogdan , Negrutiu Meda Lavinia , Sinescu Cosmin , Paunescu Virgil , Brad Silviu
Published: February 2020

Materials used in orthodontics are constantly changing and improving, but biocompatibility remains one of their most important characteristics.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in vitro cellular behavior of dental MSC cells when put in contact with metal and 3D printed resin orthodontic attachments.Cell monolayers were seeded in wells and left to adhere. Polymer and metal orthodontic attachments were placed into the wells. The cells were analyzed on an inverted light microscope. The cellular viability was determined using Alamar Blue assay. Results showed that the morphology and the density of cells are not affected by the presence of either orthodontic material compared to the controls.The metabolic activity of the cells was not altered. Similar cellular reactions,were observed in contact with both materials used in our short term in vitro study.
Thermochemical Stability of Some Transformer Oils- Flammable Gas Formation Due to the Thermal Aging
Authors: Lingvay Iosif , Stanoi Valerica , Ungureanu Livia Carmen , Luchian Ana Maria , Oprina Gabriela
Published: February 2020

The amounts of flammable gases formed in some transformer oils during the long-term storage (1000 hours) at 110 � 3�C in closed containers (limited access to atmospheric oxygen) were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography technique. The comparative experimental results showed that when two types of mineral oils, one synthetic oil and two types of vegetable oils are in simultaneously contact with copper and insulating paper, the total amount of flammable gases formed by thermal aging is about 40 times higher in the mineral oils than in the ester based oils. It has also been established that the electrical-use copper foil catalyses the formation processes of the flammable gases, the maximum effect being for the mineral oils (an increase of 8 times of ethane and 25 times for methane gases). It has further been observed that the contact with the insulating paper during the thermal treatment of the ester based oils does not influence the formation of flammable gases, compared with the mineral oils where the amount of the formed gases is doubled.
In vitro Evaluation of Enamel Surface Treated with Fluoride After Bleaching and Etching Erosive Processes
Authors: Vasluianu Roxana Ionela , Forna Norina Consuela , Baciu Elena Raluca , Zaltariov Mirela , Vasiliu Lavinia , Murariu Alice
Published: February 2020

The anti-erosion effect of fluoride on the enamel surface was investigated by ATR-FTIR, SEM and EDX techniques. Four extracted teeth (two incisors and two premolars) were initially bleached with carabamide peroxide and etched with ortho-phosphoric acid then fluoride treatment was applied. Significant differences in enamel composition and morphology were observed providing the effect of fluoride application in remineralization of teeth. Infrared spectroscopy was employed to probe the changes in enamel structure. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed higher content in F of teeth enamel. Morphology changes revealed a re-mineralization of enamel surface after the treatment with fluoride gel.
Metabolic Features In Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Lovin Sinziana , Stefanescu Dragos Cristian , Hainarosie Razvan , Ciumasu Malina
Published: February 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep, with slee disruption, intermittent hypoxia, and cardiac, metabolic and neuropsychological disturbances. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an association of cardiovascular risk factors centered on insulin resistance.The study objective is to calculate the prevalence of MS and its components in a large group of OSAHS patients. We evaluated 350 patients addressed to The Military Hospital Iasi between 2016 and 2017 from the clinical, metabolic and polygraphic poins of view. In 235 of the 350 de patients we found OSAHS. Of the 235 patients with OSAHS, 140 (60%) meet the criteria for MS, versus 29% of the group withut OSAHS (OR = 3.608, CI = 2.1787 - 5.975). Patients with OSAHS were older, more obese, more sedentary, sleepier and presented higher cholesterol values both total cholesterol and HDL fraction, higher tryglicerides values, higher blood sugar values and blood pressure values than patients without OSAHS. The prevalence of the MS in OSAHS patients is 60%, similar to what whas reported and higher by 31% than in the non OSAHS group. Certain components and associated conditions are characteristically linked to OSAHS.
Modern Dynamic Simulation of a Crude Oil Plant System�s Response when Closing the Side Products� Quality Control Loops
Authors: Radulescu Gabriel , Dumitru Ileana
Published: February 2020

A crude oil plant is treated as a classic unit for any refinery, due to its own place within the process streams, inner complexity, unexpected behavior and control task difficulty. Our previous works [1-6] show that, if a good and validated dynamic mathematical model exists for such a plant, many of the above-mentioned difficulties may be in a way overridden when studying and operating the plant. For that reason, after the process dynamic modeling, its open-loop representation validation and introduction of the dynamic decoupler for quality control loops, this article analyzes the side products� End Boiling Points closed-loop behavior (as an improved quality control to be performed).
Macro Creatine Kinase (macro CK) in Clinical Practice
Authors: Bojinca Mihai , Bojinca Violeta Claudia , Balanescu Andra Rodica , Balanescu Serban Mihai
Published: February 2020

Creatine kinase (CK) is an important enzyme involved in energy metabolism. CK is found in the cytosol and mitochondria of various tissues, mainly those with increased energy necessities as skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain, but also in visceral tissues. CK is a dimeric molecule composed of two identical or different subunits, type M - muscular and type B - brain. The combination of M and B subunits leads to formation of three isozymes: CK - MM found mainly in the skeletal muscle, CK - BB found mainly in the brain and CK - MB found mainly in the cardiac muscle, but also in small quantities in the skeletal muscle. The serum increase of different isozymes of CK is a consequence of cell disruption in various clinical situations like physical training, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, muscular dystrophy, myocardial infarction and others, CK being an important biomarker for this diseases. Macro CK is a complex of CK and immunoglobulin (macro CK type 1) or a polymer of mitochondrial CK (macro CK type 2) that induces false and persistent elevation of CK levels that could mislead the clinician. We present a review of the literature concerning the appearance and clinical significance of macro CK.
Comparative TG/DTG/DTA+FTIR Studies Concerning the Stability of Some Mineral and Vegetable Electro-Insulating Fluids
Authors: Cucos Andrei , Budrugeac Petru , Lingvay Iosif , Bors Adriana Mariana , Voina Andreea
Published: February 2020

Thermal TG/DTG/DTA analysis coupled with FTIR spectroscopy was applied to some sorts of mineral and vegetable oils used in electrical equipment. On heating in inert atmosphere, it was observed that the mineral oils vaporize, while the vegetable oils undergo hydrolysis, yielding fatty acids as main volatiles, as indicated by FTIR. In synthetic air, the FTIR spectra of gaseous products confirm the presence of similar oxidation products, both for mineral and vegetable oils. The TG results indicated that the vegetable-based oils exhibit a substantially higher thermal stability than the mineral oils. The presence or absence of anti-oxidant inhibitors in these oils greatly influences the onset of the oxidation process in air environment factor, as results from the DTA results.
New Constrained Amines in a Bicyclo[2.2.1]Heptane Skeleton
Authors: Tanase Constantin I. , Draghici Constantin , Negut Catalina , Pintilie Lucia
Published: February 2020

In this paper we present an efficient procedure for obtaining ether-protected bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane amines in six steps, from an optically active keto-alcohol norbornane compound, for building the heterocyclic bases of pyrimidine and purine constrained nucleosides. Trityl as protecting group makes it possible to isolate 5-endo-compounds in pure form by selective crystallization, and to isolate the intermediates in the next 3 steps of the reaction by crystallization. With TBDMS, all compounds were obtained as oil. The direct selective reduction of the keto-alcohol norbornane compound gave the pure 5-endo-diol 4d in high yield, which was then selectively protected at the primary hydroxyl with a trityl group; the next steps are similar for obtaining the trityl-protected bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane amine. The azide intermediates are valuable intermediates for click chemistry.
Postmortem Specificity of Troponin for Acute Miocard Infarction Diagnosis throug Qualitative Dosing from Pericardial Fluid
Authors: Hunea Iuliana , Damian Simona Irina , Radu Carmen Corina , Moldoveanu Sorin , Iov Tatiana
Published: February 2020

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death, and sudden cardiac death occupies the first place in sudden deaths of natural causes. Sudden cardiac death due to lethal arrhythmia may be the first manifestation of a cardiac disease, such cases becoming suspect dead, thus forensic cases. The autopsy performed in such cases may reveal important cardiovascular disease but not obvious macroscopic or histological changes of acute myocardial infarction (IMA), except for cases of survival for several hours after the onset of the symptomatology. Biochemical markers were used to test for myocardial lesions in the absence of morphological changes. Methods for determining myoglobin, CK-MB, troponin T (cTn T), troponin I (cTn I) were introduced to the clinic to diagnose the condition of patients with chest pain as early as the 1990s. The lack of pathognomonic elements in corps investigations, where part of the analysis cannot be carried out, requires verification of the value of the investigations that can be carried out, with reference to the biochemical in the present case, in establishing the diagnosis with certainty.
Studies on the Chemical Profile of Some Melliferous Plant from Cluj Area, Romania, Using Different Extraction Techniques
Authors: Balea Ana , Pojar Fenesan Maria , Ciotlaus Irina
Published: February 2020

In this paper chemical compounds collected from melliferous plants (Cluj, Transylvania-area flora) using two methods and identified by GC-MS were presented. The melliferous plant studied : acacia, rape, linden and sun flower, represent a rich source of nectar and pollen used in the honey production. The methods were SPME (solid phase microextraction) coupled with GC-MS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry) and alcoholic extraction of flowers followed by GC-MS. It was pursued in special the identifying of components with semiochimical role. They were identified a total of 158 compounds, from which some semiochemical compounds were already known, but also new compounds were discovered.
Controle Biológico na Agricultura Brasileira
Authors: Parra José R. P.
Published: February 2020

We briefly discuss the present situation of biological control in Brazil and worldwide. The last decade has seen great progress, with several successful cases of pest control using macro- or microorganisms. Despite these advances in Brazil, although the country has progressed further than in other parts of the world, challenges remain to be overcome, including the "culture" of Brazilian farmers and the low availability of biological-control agents. As Brazil has become a leader in tropical agriculture over the last 40 years, we will most likely soon be leaders in tropical biological control as well.
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis
Authors: Wilson Steven E. , de Oliveira Rodrigo Carlos
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE:

To review cytokine- and chemokine-mediated mechanisms of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) after lamellar corneal surgical procedures.

METHODS:

Review of the basic science and clinical literature.

RESULTS:

DLK can occur early or late (months to decades) after all lamellar corneal surgeries, including laser in situ keratomileusis, small incision lenticule extraction, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. It is most commonly triggered by epithelial injury during or after lamellar surgery, which leads to the release of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α from the epithelium and into the stroma. These chemokines directly attract inflammatory cells into the cornea from the limbal blood vessels and also bind to receptors on keratocytes and corneal fibroblasts where myriad chemokines are upregulated that also chemotactically attract monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and other bone marrow–derived cells into the corneal stroma. Other factors that can trigger DLK include retained blood in the interface, endotoxins and other toxins, and excessive keratocyte necrosis caused by femtosecond lasers. Infiltrating cells show a preference to enter any lamellar interface in the cornea, regardless of the time since surgery, because of the ease of movement toward the chemotactic attractants relative to the surrounding stroma with intact collagen lamellae and stromal cells that serve as relative barriers impeding motility. The mainstay of treatment is topical corticosteroids, but severe cases may also be treated with flap lift irrigation and systemic corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS:

DLK can occur early or late after any lamellar corneal surgical procedure and is most commonly triggered by epithelial-stromal-bone marrow–derived cellular interactions mediated by corneal cytokines and chemokines.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2020;36(2):124–130.]
Left-Wing Extremism From the Indian Perspective
Authors: Mukherjee Sovik
Published: February 2020

The article tries to geographically locate the pockets where such forms of crime are the most prevalent and do a trend analysis for these states over a period of five years. In addition to this, the article models left wing extremist activities across 12 severely affected states in India for a period of nine years from 2008-2017 in a generalized method of moments (GMM) set-up to take care of the endogeneity problem which are quite likely to arise in case of such analysis. In conclusion, the results highlight that while economic growth has a definite positive role in abating such violent forms of left-wing extremist crime, the development strategy should give high priority to literacy, internal security, and human development.
Transnational Cybercrime
Authors: Holland Barbara Jane
Published: February 2020

Organized crime groups are involved in all kinds of transnational crimes. Lawbreakers can victimize people in other countries through international scams and cyber theft of financial information. Moreover, much of the harm from transnational crimes stems from activities of formal criminal organizations or criminal networks that connect individuals and organizations who undertake specific criminal acts together. According to the United Nations, annual proceeds from transnationally organized crime activities amount to more than $870 billion dollars with drug trafficking producing the largest individual segment of that total amount. One of the most difficult forms of transnational crime to combat is cybercrime. This article will review transnational cybercrime and it's technology.
Development of Crime Sociology From Bureaucratic Iron Cage to Digital Determination
Authors: Köroğlu Muhammet Ali
Published: February 2020

As a necessity of being a social being, humanity has lived as groups and communities throughout its entire history. The collective life has required some values, norms, and rules. As normative qualifications for human behavior, values, norms, and rules are based on the social order and the continuity of social life. In a very long period of humanity, social institutions such as religion, morality, and politics were determinant on the individual and social behavior of human beings. Then the legal system was activated and the provision of the behaviors were determined in detail. It can be said that the legal systems are based on the negative behaviors of the people, namely their criminal behaviors. However, there have always been people who violate the rules and legal norms required by social life. In its most general form, behaviors that violate the rules can be expressed by the concept of crime. Although the legal response of any behavior varies according to societies, crime is a sociological phenomenon that exists in all societies. This article explores the development of crime sociology.
Cybersecurity Legislation
Authors: Anglim Christopher Thomas
Published: February 2020

This entry discusses the role of legislation governing cybersecurity and how this legislation seeks to control criminal activity on the dark web. As explained throughout this encyclopedia, the dark web consists of internet services that are accessible anonymously using “the onion router” (TOR). There has been a concentrated effort in recent years for federal legislation in the United States to be enacted to control the widespread criminal behavior that occurs on the dark web, which includes the sale of drugs, illegal weapons, and child pornography. Legislation, as the term is used in this work, refers to law enacted by a legislative body such as the US Congress. The article considers both existing relevant statutory law and proposed legislation on the local, state/provincial, and federal/national level. The focus will be on US federal legislation; however, the article will also consider US state and local legislation, the legislation from other nations, and international legislation.
Cybersecurity Laws in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Olivia Swee Leng , Vergara Rossanne Gale , Phan Raphael C. W. , Khan Shereen , Khan Nasreen
Published: February 2020

The progression of information and communication technologies (ICT) use have been matched by the rise in corruption and abuse of technology for criminal activities. In 2018, The Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team reported 10,699 incidents, of which “fraud” had the highest reported incidents (5,123) and the second highest “intrusion attempt” (1,805) of the total incidents. Malaysia cyber laws have existed since 1997 and are still used today to prosecute cybercrimes. Most recent cases were charged under Malaysian laws—Computer Crimes Act 1997, Copyright (Amendment) Act 1997, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Personal Data Protection Act 2010, and Malaysian Penal Code—to combat cybercrimes. This chapter discusses Malaysia's cyber laws, cases charged under these laws, and their relevance to combating cybercrimes in Malaysia.
Regulating Misandry
Authors: Mpasdeki Maria , Tsiftzis Zafeiris
Published: February 2020

Internet and social media became a significant weapon to disseminate and share information around the globe. These digital tools are also being misused for hate-crime activities. Hate crimes are criminal offences motivated by prejudice and committed against someone's identity. Women, children, disabled people, and refugees are often being targeted because of their different characteristics. A type of hate crime can also be online hate speech, or “cyberhate.” A quite recent research revealed that men can also be considered as victims of cyberhate. In particular, an Australian survey demonstrated that 54% of the victims of online abuse were men. The survey also pointed out that men were often subjected to abuse and insults, trolling, and malicious gossip and/or rumours. The present contribution reviews the notion of “misandry” and how it is expressed in the digital world and emphasises the need for protective measures not only for women but also for men.
The Dark Side of Engaging With Social Networking Sites (SNS)
Authors: O'Donnell Eileen , O'Donnell Liam
Published: February 2020

Although social networking sites (SNS) may have some positive aspects, for example, connecting family members and friends who no longer live close enough to each other to meet in person, or for connecting people with similar health conditions who may need the support of others who understand and can manage the condition, or for groups of people with similar interests to engage and plan events and activities, there are also some possible negative aspects of engaging with SNS, for example, addiction or addictive behaviour, child pornography, cyberbullying, fake news, fear of missing out (FOMO), social comparisons, stalking, amongst many others, which can all lead to neglect of other duties, sleep deprivation, loneliness, isolation, depression, and so forth. The possible negative effects of engaging with SNS on the surface web will perhaps be also relevant to users of the deep and dark web. This article explores the dark side of social networking sites.
Tech That, Bully!
Authors: Miccoli Maria Rosa , Gargaglione Giulia , Barbato Simone , Di Natale Lorenzo , Rotelli Valentina , Silvestri Valentina
Published: February 2020

Cyberbullying is inducing significant socio-cultural problems and psychological disorders, which require a rapid solution. Cyberbullying is an extension of the traditional bullying that involves the typical behaviors of bullying perpetrated through the use of various technologies, electronic devices in particular (e-mail, instant messaging applications, media, etc.). While providing differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying, this review aims at investigating how the new media can be used to prevent such phenomenon and investigating its psychological impact on victims. The focus will be on tools and interventions that are capable of identifying online bullying, on existent treatments with special regard to strategies that take advantage of technologies to fight cyberbullying. In particular, the web will be considered as a mean to assist a vast number of people; moreover, the role of virtual reality as a tool to help victims overcoming psychological distress within safe and protected environments will be object of discussion.
Internet Privacy
Authors: Rodriguez Nathan John
Published: February 2020

In recent years, consumers have become more knowledgeable about the risks of submitting personal information online. Yet despite being familiar with these risks, many users do not act to secure their privacy online. Variations of the axiom, “If the service is free, you are the product” point to what is often viewed as a tacit agreement entered by users to exchange their personal data for a more personalized online experience. This entry begins with a broad theoretical discussion of internet privacy before examining the concept through the perspective of user activity, corporate data collection, and malevolent actors. Various solutions to increase awareness of privacy risk and proactively protect personal information are discussed, as well as directions for future research and legislation.
E-Banking Security
Authors: Rossi Fabio Diniz , Hohemberger Rumenigue , Konzen Marcos Paulo , Temp Daniel Chaves
Published: February 2020

The online banking industry has overgrown in recent years and will continue to grow as economic organizations remain to encourage customers to handle online banking transactions such as money transfers, access to account information, or payment of monthly bills. During this period, internet criminals and fraudsters attempting to steal personal customer information hijacked online banking. This article proposes reviewing the ways by which fraudulent activities are performed and what banks are doing to prevent such activities, as well as the new security measures that banks are using to increase customer confidence. Therefore, the authors present the threats, challenges to address such threats, some trends, and future landscapes regarding online banking security.
Perspective Tools to Improve Machine Learning Applications for Cyber Security
Authors: Mkrttchian Vardan , Gamidullaeva Leyla Ayvarovna
Published: February 2020

This article presents and briefly discusses the possible results of the use of avatar-based management (A-BM) techniques for designing new tools to improve machine learning applications as the technologies for the cybersecurity systems. This article aims to develop possible solutions to deal with the problem of cybersecurity escalation in of the government and private organizations. The research indicated that currently machine learning applications for cybersecurity need new tools with software for network monitoring use of blockchain technology.
Crookies
Authors: Amarasekara Bede Ravindra , Mathrani Anuradha , Scogings Chris
Published: February 2020

HTTP cookies provide stateful and reliable cross-domain tracking capability to web technologies including e-commerce. Affiliate marketing (AM) enables businesses to generate visitor traffic at a relatively low cost, but some advertising models of AM are prone to large-scale fraud, such as “click-fraud,” which can allow rogue affiliates to earn commissions fraudulently. Cost-per-acquisition (CPA) appeared as the silver bullet against AM fraud, as the e-commerce site does not pay for “clicks,” but only for monetary outcomes. The discovery of “cookie stuffing” fraud shows that CPA is not the silver bullet that it was thought to be. The researchers designed and developed AMNSTE, a simulation platform to discover new vulnerabilities such as load-time click, conversion hijacking, conversion stealing, conversion faking, which are presented in detail in this article. It also presents technical solutions to mitigate some of the vulnerabilities, which will help practitioners to implement new solutions or re-examine their existing security strategies.
Crime Identification Using Traffic Analysis of HTTP Botnet
Authors: Thomas Ciza
Published: February 2020

A botnet is a network of malware-infected systems called bots that are controlled by a botmaster through a command and control channel. Various types of crimes are done by the botmaster with the help of these bots. Botmasters can use HTTP protocol for the C&C channel as majority of the internet traffic uses HTTP and hence are allowed in most of the networks. Effectively, bots hide their communication within the normal HTTP traffic as it is not easy to block this service as a precautionary measure. This fact makes the HTTP-based C&C communication stealthier. This work proposes a technique to collect and analyse HTTP botnets. In this work a framework was developed in order to build HTTP botnets in a controlled environment. Signatures of the bots that were set up are also obtained. Further analysis was done using machine learning-based classification as well as periodicity analysis. The results demonstrate the superior detection performance of the proposed method with 100% accuracy and detection rate.
Hybrid Artificially Intelligent Multi-Layer Blockchain and Bitcoin Cryptology (AI-MLBBC)
Authors: Al Shibli Murad
Published: February 2020

This article presents an integrated secured framework of blockchain and bitcoin cryptology with the artificial intelligence of neural networks and machine learning. Recently blockchain has received special attention and been used as a new platform for digital information and to store encrypted data and process secure digital transactions. Furthermore, data on blockchain and bitcoin platforms are assumed to be highly encrypted and secured. Although blockchain and bitcoin databases are encrypted using private keys, many cryptocurrency bitcoin wallets have been reported hacked, which has resulted in losing millions of dollars. The artificial intelligent neural networks (AINN) algorithms possess the capability features of processing and operating encrypted data and will lead to minimal risk as a part of the blockchain to protect personal data and information as third wall defense against hacking. Simulation results and analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique for protecting personal data and financial information.
Constructing the Internet Panoptic-Fortification
Authors: Du Juan
Published: February 2020

This chapter investigates China's Internet regulatory mechanism through the systematical analysis on Internet law in China. It argues that China has developed a hybrid Internet regulatory model, which values both external defense and internal control of in pursuit of the cybersecurity, and which combines hierarchical regulation with horizontal monitoring to address challenges brought by contemporary network society. Based on Michel Foucault's governmentality theory, the Internet panoptic-fortification model is developed to illuminate China's Internet regulatory mechanism. The model is featured by the centralized control, the establishment of Chinese sovereign cyberspace, the implementation of the network real-name system and the Internet-surfing record backup system, and the tight ideological control. This chapter suggests that China's Internet law has become a state instrument to promote the social discipline in the sovereign cyberspace, and the Internet regulatory mechanism serves for the national security and social stability in a broader context.
Networks in Rare Diseases
Authors: de Lima Maria Angelica de Faria Domingues , Gilbert Ana Cristina B. , Horovitz Dafne D. G.
Published: February 2020

Rare diseases are characterized by their low prevalence in a population, and since 1980 a social movement has gathered around this cause in many countries. In Brazil, the category of rare diseases emerged in 2000, culminating with the enactment of a National Policy geared at rare diseases. Rare disease patient organizations are the main actors of this social movement and since this is very recent in Brazil, this research was conducted to explore the topic. Using netnography as method, a content analysis of the Social Media Network Facebook was performed, aiming at understanding the way social movements have assembled around rare diseases and its role in portraying this type of diseases in Brazil. This chapter offers important insights into the way patient organizations are using social media to convey ideas and discourses, and to foster lay expertise on rare diseases.
Learners as Leaders
Authors: Greenfield Kelly L. , Cofield Penny , Dyson Kristen K. , Taylor Scott , Brennan Sandy , Greenwood Rob
Published: February 2020

This chapter examines a collaborative process in which two student-led initiatives were used to help build capacity in students for publicly engaged work, thus building capacity for broader student public engagement. A set of foundational competencies and core skills emerged from this process, which situated a core team of five students and two administrators as collaborators in program planning and implementation. Through a reflective lens that examined the process, three broad competency areas emerged—project management, communication, and self-awareness—each encompassing a core set of skills. Through collective reflections, it became evident that the process itself provided a framework to highlight key competencies and essential skills that are critical for best practices in public engagement.
Global Pull of Community Engagement
Authors: El Hitti Samar , Hecht Deborah
Published: February 2020

This chapter discusses the CUNY Youth Ambassador Program, an undergraduate mentorship and leadership development program with an emphasis on global sustainability that focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal Number 4: Quality Education. The creation and development of this program is one way two educators at the City University of New York responded to the global call for action on quality education, by initiating a collaboration with UNESCO to seed a movement of informed youth undergraduate advocates active in education spaces. This chapter showcases the framework and components of the CUNY Youth Ambassador Program and the aforementioned collaboration, as well as the experience and impact on the undergraduate students involved in this initiative.
Security and Privacy in Big Data Computing
Authors: Modi Kiritkumar J. , Shah Prachi Devangbhai , Prajapati Zalak
Published: February 2020

The rapid growth of digitization in the present era leads to an exponential increase of information which demands the need of a Big Data paradigm. Big Data denotes complex, unstructured, massive, heterogeneous type data. The Big Data is essential to the success in many applications; however, it has a major setback regarding security and privacy issues. These issues arise because the Big Data is scattered over a distributed system by various users. The security of Big Data relates to all the solutions and measures to prevent the data from threats and malicious activities. Privacy prevails when it comes to processing personal data, while security means protecting information assets from unauthorized access. The existence of cloud computing and cloud data storage have been predecessor and conciliator of emergence of Big Data computing. This article highlights open issues related to traditional techniques of Big Data privacy and security. Moreover, it also illustrates a comprehensive overview of possible security techniques and future directions addressing Big Data privacy and security issues.
Democracy, Decentralization, and Rural Development in Africa
Authors: Adejumo-Ayibiowu Oluwakemi Damola
Published: February 2020

Following the disappointing outcomes of the implementation of Western liberal democracy and decentralization, some observers have argued that the reason for these failures was because African countries have not yet developed the necessary culture for a successful democracy and democratic institutions. But are democracy and decentralization strange to Africa? The purpose of this chapter is to show that democracy and decentralization are not alien to Africa. Using the Yoruba culture of West Africa as a case study, and Afrocentricity as the theoretical framework, the chapter brings to the fore the principles of African cultural democracy that guarantee responsiveness and representativeness as well as ensure welfare improvement among these indigenous people. Suggestions are made on how these cultural democratic principles can be incorporated into formal governance to achieve more responsive governments in Africa.
The State of Cooperatives in Rural Africa
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: February 2020

This chapter examines the relationship between the rural development and cooperative movement and the implications of such a relationship in terms of addressing socio-economic challenges in Africa and still upholding the cooperative ideals, principles, and values. The chapter starts off by conceptualising cooperatives followed by the evolution of cooperatives in Africa with specific focus on opportunities and challenges faced by cooperative enterprises in addressing socio-economic challenges in rural Africa. A brief history of selected case studies such as Ghanaian and Kenyan cooperative movements are highlighted. The historical account is followed by an overview of cooperative movement in the context of South Africa. In addition, lessons are drawn from selected cases for South African cooperative movement and finally the concluding remarks. This chapter makes use of case studies as the core research method.
Community Engagement
Authors: Mudau Tshimangadzo Selina
Published: February 2020

The chapter presents the use of community engagement as a tool to facilitate rural development in (South) Africa. In its discussion, the researcher used desktop literature review to analyze, compare, and gain insights guiding the use of community engagement to enhance social transformation and sustainable development. The discussion is advanced from the historical background of the emergence of African universities and community engagement. The focus was reflected against the backdrop of the Western approach used among various global universities. In this view, the underpinning objectives, relationship with the researched, and the role of the researching university are detailed. Practical evidence of positive collaborative results within the (South) African communities within the rural and urban communities by universities and other organizations have also been provided. A contrast of various types of community engagement is also provided.
Immersion Domes
Authors: Lantz Edward
Published: February 2020

Large-scale immersion domes are specialized embodiments of spatial augmented reality allowing large groups to be immersed in real-time animated or cinematic virtual worlds with strong sense-of-presence. Also called fulldome theaters, these spaces currently serve as giant screen cinemas, planetariums, themed entertainment attractions, and immersive classrooms. This chapter presents case studies for emerging applications of digital domes, reviews dome theater design basics, and suggests that these venues are on track to become mainstream arts and entertainment centers delivering global impact at scale. Standard venue designs will be necessary to realize the full potential of an immersive media arts and entertainment distribution network. This chapter provides rationale for standardization of immersion domes for multi-use events spaces, immersive cinemas, and live performing arts theaters.