bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Sphingolipids Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nuno Brandão Pedro , Lacerda Lúcia , D. Santos Marisa
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer death around the world. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer are treated with a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Treatment response can be quite variable—some with complete response, while others show little or no response—and pathologic response has become a significant predictor of good oncologic outcome. The knowledge of the molecular pathways in colorectal cancer is increasing. However, unfortunately, it still fails to find some more precise method to select and tailor patients to different treatment approaches and overcome treatment resistance. Recent investigations showed that sphingolipids play an essential role in cancer biology and can influence treatment response and aggressiveness. It is of utmost importance to understand sphingolipids’ metabolism in colorectal cancer and how it affects tumor biology and response to treatment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Report: A Case Study in the Basque Country
Authors: Basile Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

This chapter illustrates the case of the Spanish company Telefónica SA, a world leader in the telecommunication industry. The main research question is to understand if social responsibility can play a main role in an uncertain scenario. Or better, understand how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be organized, managed, and measured to be considered a sustainable choice detached from any greenwashing policy. In terms of the socioeconomic environment with the combination of external social and economic conditions that influence the operation and preformation of an organization, the company should be a system not only capable of generating profits but at the same time contributing to society and environmental protection, integrating social responsibility as a strategic investment in the framework of their competitive strategy, in their management tools and their operations. The analysis of this case study aims to offer a model of CSR analysis and measurement tools such as the social report for managers who will have to face the important challenges of sustainable growth in compliance with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs paradigm (Sustainable Development Goals).
Spinor Fields
Authors: Mekhitarian Vahram
Published: August 2022

A spinor representation of the generalized energy-momentum density 4-vector is proposed, and examples of such representations for various particles and fields are given. This representation corresponds to the classical representation of the particle’s own rotation, which is described by the diagonal matrix of the moment of inertia. The concept of self-angular rotation of a particle is defined as a spatial characteristic of the field, at each point of which there is a local vortex rotation with an angular velocity Ω – a spinor field. The matrix representation of the vortex rotation Ω (spinor) and the values of the components of such a representation are derived from the matrix representation of the Lorentz transformation. The traditional concept of spin-orbit interaction, as the interaction of the magnetic moment of a particle with the magnetic field of orbital motion, is presented as the interaction of a charged particle with a spinor field. Solutions to the problems of particle motion in an external spinor field in the case of a hydrogen-like atom and planetary motion, splitting of the electron energy levels of an atom in an external magnetic field, deflection of a photon by the gravitational field, and representations in metric spaces are presented.
Targeted Regulation and Cellular Imaging of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: From New Mechanistic Insights to Candidate Translational Applications
Authors: Hooda-Nehra Anupama , L. Smith Tracey , I. Ferrer Alejandra , I. Staquicini Fernanda , Arap Wadih , Pasqualini Renata , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: August 2022

The complex interplay between immune cells and tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can lead to disease progression. Specifically, signals generated in the TME can cause immunosuppression, promoting angiogenesis and immune evasion, which leads to tumor development. The interplay of M1 and M2 macrophage populations that coincide with these tumor markers is particularly important in the TME. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often presents as advanced disease, and these tumors are also often bereft of recognized molecular targets that can be found in other subtypes, limiting their therapeutic options. However, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration in TNBC is frequently observed. Moreover, a high density of TAMs, particularly M2 macrophages, is associated with poorer outcomes in various cancers, including TNBC. This provides a strong basis for exploiting TAMs as potential therapeutic targets. Specifically, efforts to increase M2 to M1 repolarization are promising therapeutic approaches in TNBC, and four recent studies wherein divergent approaches to target the M2-rich macrophage population and reverse immune subversion are described. These and similar efforts may yield promising diagnostic or therapeutic options for TNBC, a great clinical need.
Dimensioning of Fractal Fracture on a Concrete Slab
Authors: Casanova-del-Angel Francisco
Published: August 2022

What is presented here is a methodology that allows to study fractures in any material, especially in concrete elements. The importance lies in the moment in which the fracture that occurs in a structural element (slab in our case study) causes a negative effect on its structural behavior. Traditionally, its study is developed from the perspective of fracture mechanics, with which the energy at the tip of the crack or fracture is calculated, and it cannot go further. But the combination of the theories of fracture mechanics and fractal geometry allows us to obtain the patterns of its behavior in the future. Thus, the research was based on tests made on structural elements of concrete, from a slab led to structural failure and choosing a fracture. This was vectorized in order to obtain a fractal axis, which was called state 0, taking three parts or sections of that state and repeating them on a smaller scale. Subsequently, the research was based on five of the methods used for the study and calculation of the fractal dimension: box dimension, perimeter-area dimension, information dimension, mass dimension, and ruler dimension. Most of the fractal dimensions obtained under these methods were similar to each other.
Predicting Trends, Seasonal Effects, and Future Yields in Cow’s Milk through Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ambachew Taye Birhan , Amsalu Alen Alemayehu , Kalayu Nega Ashenafi , Getnet Yirsaw Bantie
Published: August 2022

A dairy is a place that is used for handling milk and milk products. Dairy products are basically based on milk. Milk is used to prepare dairy products, such as butter, cheese, and milk powder. There is always a great demand for milk and milk products among people. This study attempted to investigate the trends in the actual yield of cow’s milk production at Andassa dairy farm. We used secondary data for the study of the daily milk production of cows at Andassa dairy farm. The specific objectives of the study were—to identify whether the milk production is time-dependent or not; to predict in which season the milk production is high or low; to examine the daily trend analysis of milk production; to fit the appropriate model; and to forecast the milk production for the future. The study was conducted based on quantitative variables. So, the dependent variable is the average daily milk, and the independent variable is the time measure at which milk production is measured each day. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data that were collected from the dairy farms in the sector. This study covered a total of 179 days of milk production. The results reveal that the milk yield of cows is declining, and that milk output is time-dependent, according to the time series plot, and that the model is ARIMA.
Lung Transplantation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Goetz Ryan , Kumar Jain Nitesh , Anjum Humayun , S. Kaleekal Thomas
Published: August 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality in its more advanced stages. Antifibrotic therapies are generally effective in delaying the progression of disease; however, some patients continue to progress despite treatment. Lung transplantation is a surgical option for selected patients with advanced pulmonary fibrosis that increases their overall survival and quality of life. Changes in the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) in 2005 have resulted in increased transplants and decreased waitlist mortality in this population. Indications for transplant evaluation and listing include the clinical progression of the disease and related mortality risk ≥50% at 2 years without a transplant. Patients with clinically rapid deterioration or acute flares needing hospitalization can be bridged to transplant on extracorporeal support while remaining ambulatory and free from mechanical ventilation.
Complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Stiffness, Periprosthetic Joint Infection, and Periprosthetic Fracture
Authors: Jarusriwanna Atthakorn , Pornrattanamaneewong Chaturong
Published: August 2022

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures with effective treatment in patients suffering from end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The goal of the operation is to improve pain, correct the deformity, and increase function. However, complications after surgery are the important factors related to dissatisfied TKA. Stiffness, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and periprosthetic fracture are among the most common complications following TKA and usually raise issues as concern points for both patients and the surgeons. Each complication needs precise assessment and specific care to prevent further serious issues. In this chapter, the authors will focus and describe all of these three frequent complications in details from their definition to management.
Pesticides: Chemistry, Manufacturing, Regulation, Usage and Impacts on Population in Kenya
Authors: O. Lalah Joseph , O. Otieno Peter , Odira Zedekiah , A. Ogunah Joanne
Published: August 2022

Pesticide use in Kenya plays a critical role in socio-economic development because its economy depends heavily on agriculture, which contributes to 30% of the GDP and accounts for 60% of export earnings. For agriculture and public health vector control, the country relies on pesticides, most of which (95%) are formulated products imported from China, India and Germany as the top exporters. In this chapter, we present the chemistry, manufacturing, importation and regulatory processes regarding pesticides in Kenya as well as their usage and impacts. All the various categories, organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, neonicotinod insectides, as well as fungicides, herbicides and biopesticides, which are used in the country, are considered. A total of 1,447 and 157, which include formulations and active ingredients, respectively, for use in agriculture and public health sectors, with sufficient information on their usages and toxicities, are listed on the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) database that is available to the public. A significant number of studies have been conducted in major agricultural regions, which have characterized pesticides, their toxicities, the types of crops and pests, the usage and human and environmental health risk indices, since the 2000, but the reports have not made any impacts on pesticide regulation, as some of the very toxic active ingredients, belonging to the WHO Class I and II, are still reported by farmers. However, a recent call from NGO’s made an impact in government and parliament, and a bill was introduced in 2020 with the aim of banning some of the toxic ones that have already been withdrawn from the EU market.
Role of Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Disease Progression
Authors: Haque S.S. , Bhushan Raman Ravi , Salam Mehboobus
Published: August 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the third leading and common lethal cancers worldwide. Early detection of tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is through ultrasonography, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans; however, these methods are not up to the mark, so a search for an efficient biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment of hepatocarcinogenesis is important. Proteomic and genomic approaches aid to develop new promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC at the early stages. These biomarkers not only help in prognosis but also provide better therapeutic intervention against HCC. Among the different biomarker candidates, liquid biopsy [including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)] has recently emerged as a noninvasive detection technique for the characterization of circulating cells, providing a strong basis and early diagnosis for the individualized treatment of patients. This review provides the current understanding of HCC biomarkers that predict the risk of HCC recurrence.
Practices and Challenges of Community Services at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia: A Case Study
Authors: Mengist Adane
Published: August 2022

Universities are the main actors that deliver community service in Ethiopia. Community service is among the three pillars of the university’s business along with teaching and research tasks. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research inspects the practices of community services against the ascribed principles and identifes the pitfalls of community service in Debre Markos University. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected through key informants interviews, semistructured interviews, and non-participant observation. Thirteen participants, five through key informant interview and eight through a semistructured interview were addressed. Participants were purposively selected from both the university and the nearby community. Lecturers, vice-presidents, and directors have participated in the interview. Articles, books, different reports, newspapers, and magazines were reviewed and used as sources of secondary data. Thematic data analysis technique was employed to analyze the primary data, and document analysis was used to analyze the data gained from secondary sources. The results show that, though community service is rendered since 2006 at Debre Markos University, there are still limitations in adhering to the principles of community service. These include shortage of budget, low level of University-Industry Linkage (UIL), less commitment of the staff, and the low level of monitoring and evaluation.
Pain Management in the Emergency Department – Newer Modalities and Current Perspective
Authors: Yadav Sakshi , Ajayababu Anuj , Prakash Sinha Tej , Bhoi Sanjeev
Published: August 2022

Pain is one of the most common complaints and yet one of the most neglected aspects of management in the emergency department. Optimal pain management is a nuanced skill which focusses on reduction of pain to an acceptable level to allow for safe discharge and return to normal activities, in addition to improving patient satisfaction and comfort during their stay in hospital. Adequate analgesia also improves physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure. The aim is improving rather than eradication of pain altogether while maintaining an acceptable level of adverse effects. This chapter will discuss assessment of pain in the emergency department along with various modalities of pain management with specific focus on newer modalities including ultrasound guided regional nerve blocks. Ultrasound guided nerve blocks are associated with better analgesia and have fewer chances of drug related adverse events, especially in older patients and those with comorbidities where large doses of systemic medications are associated with a significant risk of adverse effects.
Robust Control Algorithm for Drones
Authors: Priya Parul , S. Kamlu Sushma
Published: August 2022

Drones, also known as Crewless Aircrafts (CAs), are by far the most multi - level and multi developing technologies of the modern period. This technology has recently found various uses in the transportation area, spanning from traffic monitoring applicability to traffic engineering for overall traffic flow and efficiency improvements. Because of its non-linear characteristics and under-actuated design, the CA seems to be an excellent platform to control systems study. Following a brief overview of the system, the various evolutionary and robust control algorithms were examined, along with their benefits and drawbacks. In this chapter, a mathematical and theoretical model of a CA’s dynamics is derived, using Euler’s and Newton’s laws. The result is a linearized version of the model, from which a linear controller, the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), is generated. Furthermore, the performance of these nonlinear control techniques is compared to that of the LQR. Feedback-linearization controller when implemented in the simulation for the chapter, the results for the same was better than any other algorithm when compared with. The suggested regulatory paradigm of the CA-based monitoring system and analysis study will be the subject of future research, with a particular emphasis on practical applications.
The Advantages of an Integrative Approach in the Primary Healthcare of Post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS Patients
Authors: Araja Diana , Krumina Angelika , Berkis Uldis , Nora-Krukle Zaiga , Murovska Modra
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed not only global epidemiological and economic developments but also the lives of every individual, with particular severity for patients. The number of acute illness cases grew rapidly, significantly increasing the workload of hospitals, and simultaneously, new chronic diseases emerged, such as persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome (PPCS), with unclear etiology, symptoms, and complexity—similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Accordingly, the burden of chronic diseases poses new long-term challenges for primary healthcare and requires new approaches to patient care. This chapter provides insight into the integrative approach to healthcare and focuses on potentially new solutions by implementing an integrative attitude to the treatment of post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS patients in primary healthcare. Integrative health coaching contributes the holistic approach to patients’ overall health and resilience through cognitive practice and patient active engagement. The findings of this chapter can enrich the person-centered approach and healthcare system strengthening through holistic measures and systems thinking.
Utilising Proteomics and Organoid Cultures for Predicting Treatment Response in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Micallef Isaac , Baron Byron
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most frequently diagnosed tumours worldwide. Despite advances in surgical intervention and therapeutics, development of chemoresistance remains a challenge to treating CRC. Predicting treatment response in CRC has strongly relied on genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics, combined with different cancer staging and classification systems. Despite being beneficial, these omics technologies fail to provide any assessment at a protein level. Thus, having high-throughput tools that assess tumour response to therapy at a protein level will definitely complement the current approaches. In this regard, the field of proteomics holds promise to understand treatment response in tumours. Additionally, patient-derived tumour organoids are replacing the traditional cell lines and xenograft models as the preferred in vitro models for predicting clinical response due to being a better representative model of typical tumour characteristics in vivo. Combining proteomics and tumour organoids can provide more personalised and optimal treatments for CRC in the coming years. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the progress made in proteomic research and use of organoids for understanding CRC treatment response, together with discussing the strengths and limitations of these two approaches when linked together. This overview will then be used to propose future perspectives.
Determination of Qubit Entanglement in One-step Double Photoionization of Helium Atom
Authors: Chakraborty Minakshi , Sen Sandip
Published: August 2022

Quantum entanglement is a unique phenomenon of quantum mechanics that explains how two subatomic particles are correlated even if they are separated by a vast distance. The phenomena of quantum entanglement are useful resources for quantum information. In this chapter, we will study the entanglement properties of bipartite states of two electronic qubits, without observing spin-orbit interaction (SOI), produced by single-step double photoionization in helium atom following the absorption of a single photon. In absence of SOI, Russell-Saunders coupling (L-S coupling) is applicable. We observe that the entanglement depends significantly on the direction of the ejection, as well as the spin quantization of photoelectrons.
The Effect of Physical Activity Intervention on Panic and Anxiety Symptoms in Children, Adolescents and Early Adulthoods: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Yihao
Published: August 2022

Physical activity is believed to promote mental health. However, research has not yet reached a consensus on whether physical activity declines panic and anxiety symptoms in children, adolescents, and early adulthoods. The current chapter carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the association between physical activity and panic/anxiety based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Search is conducted on 22nd April 2022, which follow databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus. Fifteen articles (N = 994) were identified and included, where four studies reported measurement in panic symptoms and fourteen studies reported measurement in anxiety symptoms. The meta-analysis among the pooled effect sizes demonstrated a small significant effect of physical activity intervention reducing panic disorder (d = −. 45, SE = .12, Z = −3.65, p < .001) and a middle effect reducing anxiety (d = −.51, SE = .15, Z = −3.38, p < .001) in children, adolescents and early adulthoods. Age or gender ratio was not found to be significant in predicting the effect sizes. More evidence is required to produce a solid conclusion.
Perspective Chapter: Graphene Based Nanocomposites for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Ullah Kefayat , Mand Khan Bakht , Ur Rashid Amin , Chun Oh Won
Published: August 2022

The demand for engineering and advancement of supercapacitor electrodes are increasing globally. To address the production and storage capacity of the supercapacitor electrodes, the development of new kind of composite materials are highly needful. To design materials with high surface area, excellent conductivity, porosity, and mechanical stability are the main critical points that need to be addressed. Various strategies have been utilized to fabricate excellent composite materials for supercapacitor electrodes. The effect of many composite materials was found to enhance the cyclability and storage capacities of the supercapacitor electrodes. In a class of materials, graphene-based nanocomposites and their derivatives were found to be the most excellent and suitable candidates to design and fabricate supercapacitor electrodes. The alliance of several active materials when analyzed with graphene and its derivatives was found to improve further the performance and stability of supercapacitor electrodes.
Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ignatova Valentina
Published: August 2022

Clinical, biological, and radiological evidence are currently needed to diagnose MS, but lack of preclinical biomarkers hinders the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment. Conventional biomarkers target immunity, blood-brain barrier disruption, demyelination, and neuronal and axonal damage, as well as mitochondrial activity. An increase of specific brain metabolites with 30–40% is registered before detection of MRI lesions in MS. Potential lipid biomarkers are fatty acids, phospholipids, and oxysterols. The role of proteoforms in the pathogenesis of MS was confirmed. Serum neurofilament light chains (sNfL) are currently being studied as a readily available biomarker for prognosis and response to treatment in MS. The sNfL levels reflect ongoing neuroaxonal damage caused by inflammation, and the sNfL levels predict disease activity over the next few years. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning is reliable as a biomarker of disability worsening. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and CRP are also MS biomarkers. The development of rationally targeted therapeutic agents that allow preventive treatment to stop the disease is also delayed without definite biomarkers.
Analysis and Modeling of Polygonality in Retinal Tissue Based on Voronoi Diagram and Delaunay Tessellations
Authors: Bautista-Elivar Nazario , Cruz-Castillo Ricardo
Published: August 2022

Several important properties of biological systems are directly related and even determined by the spatial distribution of their constituent elements. Those elements interact with each other and tend to use space in an optimal way, regarding their specific function and environmental constraints. A detailed methodology, based on Voronoi polygons and Delaunay triangles method employed to extract information on the spatial distribution of cells, is presented. On the other hand, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is defined as microvascular pathology. However, some data have suggested that the retinal photoreceptor (RPs) might be important in the pathogenesis of this ocular disease. In this study, the organization of the PRs in control and diabetic-induced rats was compared, using multiphoton microscopy. The PR mosaic was imaged at different locations in non-stained retinas. Thus, this work investigated the pathological changes in the cellular structures of the retina in the early stages of diabetes in laboratory animals. Of the different proposed tools that are highly reliable to be tested with human retinas, the metrics mean averaged distance and the mean square deviation of the angles are found (P < 0.05).
Dipole Solitons in a Nonlocal Nonlinear Medium with Self-Focusing and Self-Defocusing Quintic Nonlinear Responses
Authors: Bağcı Mahmut , Turgut Melis , Antar Nalan , Bakırtaş İlkay
Published: August 2022

Stability dynamics of dipole solitons have been numerically investigated in a nonlocal nonlinear medium with self-focusing and self-defocusing quintic nonlinearity by the squared-operator method. It has been demonstrated that solitons can stay nonlinearly stable for a wide range of each parameter, and two nonlinearly stable regions have been found for dipole solitons in the gap domain. Moreover, it has been observed that instability of dipole solitons can be improved or suppressed by modification of the potential depth and strong anisotropy coefficient.
Boron Clusters in Biomedical Applications: A Theoretical Viewpoint
Authors: Shakerzadeh Ehsan , Tahmasebi Elham , Van Duong Long , Tho Nguyen Minh
Published: August 2022

In this chapter, we presented an analysis of the recent advances in the applications of boron clusters in biomedical fields such as the development of biosensors and drug delivery systems on the basis of quantum chemical calculations. Biosensors play an essential role in many sectors, e.g., law enforcement agencies for sensing illicit drugs, medical communities for detecting overdosed medications from human and animal bodies, etc. The drug delivery systems have theoretically been proposed for many years and subsequently implemented by experiments to deliver the drug to the targeted sites by reducing the harmful side effects significantly. Boron clusters form a rich and colorful family of atomic clusters due to their unconventional structures and bonding phenomena. Boron clusters and their complexes have various biological activities such as the drug delivery, imaging for diagnosis, treatment of cancer, and probe of protein-biomolecular interactions. For all of these reactivities, the interaction mechanisms and the corresponding energetics between biomaterials and boron clusters are of essential importance as a basic step in the understanding, and thereby design of relevant materials. During the past few years, attempts have been made to probe the nature of these interactions using quantum chemical calculations mainly with density functional theory (DFT) methods. This chapter provides a summary of the theoretical viewpoint on this issue.
Survival Fate of Hepatic Stem/Progenitor and Immune Cells in a Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis Animal Model and Clinical Implications
Authors: Yan Min , Hu Deyu , Wu Zhenyu , Lai Jiejuan , Zhang Leida , Zhang Hongyu , Li Sijin , Bai Lianhua
Published: August 2022

This chapter provides novel information about the survival features of hepatic resident stem/progenitor cells (NG2+ HSPs) during liver fibrosis/cirrhotic development. A well-defined diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhotic/cancer mouse model was developed to evaluate the fate of the HSPs and its clinical implications. This model possess three time-zones during the disease development: fibrosis (3–5 weeks post-DEN), cirrhosis (6–10 weeks post-DEN), and cancers (up to 10 weeks post-DEN). During this process, the model represents histological patterns similar to those described in humans and shows better survival of the HSPs in the fibrotic zone, which was correlated with inflammatory signals, as compared to the cirrhotic zone. It has also been discovered that immune CD8+ T cells in the fibrotic zone are beneficial in liver fibrosis resolution, suggesting that the fibrotic time zone is important for mobilizing endogenous HSPs and cell-based therapy. As such, we hypothesize that clinical strategies in fibrotic/cirrhotic liver treatment are necessary either in time at the fibrotic phase or to adopt an approach of regulating HSP viability when the disease develops into the cirrhotic phase.
Communication Technologies and Their Contribution to Sustainable Smart Cities
Authors: Domb Menachem
Published: August 2022

Sustainable smart cities (SSC) are becoming a reality as many develop their unique model of smart cities based on vast communication infrastructure. New technologies led to innovative ecosystems where transportation, logistics, maintenance, etc., are automated and accessed remotely. Information and communication coordinate their overall activities. Sensors embedded in these devices sense the environment to provide the required input. Together with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, it enables them to facilitate effective decision-making. This chapter discusses the role of integrating technologies in smart cities, focusing on the information and communication aspects, challenges, limitations, and mitigation strategies related to the infrastructure, implementations, and best practices for attaining SSC. We propose a four-layered model covering the main aspects of incorporating communication technology within sustainable smart cities. It covers the basic physical level, providing guidelines for designing a smart city that supports the requirements of a proper communications infrastructure. The level above is the network level where we describe current communication networks and technologies. The rest two upper layers represent the software with integrated and embedded communication components. In summary, we conclude that communication technology is the key enabler of most of the activities performed in smart cities.
Treatments for the Infection by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Padilla-Raygoza Nicolás , Flores-Vargas Gilberto , de Jesús Gallardo-Luna María , Navarro-Olivos Efraín , Javier Magos-Vázquez Francisco , Alberto Díaz-Martínez Daniel
Published: August 2022

In late 2019, pneumonia cases from unknown origin were detected in Wuhan, China. The cause was a new coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) named the virus SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 the associated disease. In the first months of 2020, this disease became a pandemic with a high lethality reported. Since then, the search for treatments began. We started by searching among treatments previously approved for human use that were not designed for COVID-19 and were considered to treat this condition. We continued searching on the therapeutics guidelines published by the WHO for the management of infection by SARS-CoV-2. Based on these results, we searched for the literature in PubMed to obtain further evidence on the drugs against SARS-CoV-2. The treatments presented in this chapter are Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, Nitazoxanide, Azithromycin, Molnupiravir, Casirivimab-Imdevimab, Ritonavir-Nirmatrelvir, Ritonavir-Lopinavir, Remdesivir, and Favipiravir. Two years ahead of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a plenty of options for treatment have been investigated. Only a few of them have been shown to be efficient and safe. According to the WHO, Ritonavir-Nirmatrelvir outperforms other proposed therapeutics.
Novel Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Sankaralingam Pugalanthipandian , Sakthivel Poornimadevi , Chinnaswamy Thangavel Vijayakumar
Published: August 2022

Novel metal oxide-doped fluorophosphates nano-glass powders were synthesized by melt quenching method, and their non-toxicity is proved by MTT. Their efficacy in bone formation is confirmed by osteocalcin and ALP secretion. Composites were made using PLA, PDLLA, PPF, or 1,2-diol with fluorophosphates nano-glass powders (AgFp/MgFp/ZnFp). Their non-toxicity was assessed by cell adhesion and MTT. The ability of the composite for bioconversion was assessed by RT-PCR estimation for osteocalcin, Collagen II, RUNX2, Chondroitin sulfate, and ALP secretion accessed by ELISA method. The animal study in rabbit showed good callus formation by bioconduction and bioinduction. The bioconversion of the composite itself was proved by modified Tetrachrome staining. From the 12 different composites with different composition, the composite PPF+PDLLA+PPF+ZnFp showed the best results. These obtained results of the composites made from common biological molecules are better than the standards and so they do biomimic as bone substitutes. The composites can be made as strips or granules or cylinders and will be a boon to the operating surgeon. The composite meets nearly all the requirements for bone tissue engineering and nullifies the defect in the existing ceramic composites.
Improvement of Tertiary Irrigation Networks, Changes in Cropping Patterns, and Increasing Cropping Index at Kendal Indonesia
Authors: Norma Setiapermas Meinarti , Sahru Romdon Anggi , Hindarwati Yulis
Published: August 2022

Increasing food crop production remains a top priority for the Indonesian government, as demand increases as the population grows. One of the obstacles faced in increasing production is climate change. One of the adaptations to climate change in agriculture is to establish policies for the development and modification of infrastructure that can save water resources management and establish institutions involved in the planning and implementation of water resources management. Kendal Regency, Central Java Province, is one of the regions that contributes to food availability in Indonesia. These conditions support the development of food crops, especially rice, corn, and soybeans. Since 2015, the government and farmers have made improvements to the tertiary irrigation network in paddy fields. This activity aims to increase the cropping index and achieve cropping patterns for one year. In the implementation of irrigation network improvement activities, the community of farmers using water usually works together in determining the location for repairs and making suggestions for improvements to the government. Improvements to irrigation networks were able to increase the cropping index by 0.37 from 1.85 in 2015 to 2.22 in 2016 or equivalent to an area of 8,880 ha (standard area ±24,000 ha).
Vector Control: Insights Arising from the Post-Genomics Findings on Insects’ Reproductive Biology
Authors: Ramos Isabela , Gomes Fabio
Published: August 2022

The high prevalence of neglected vector-borne diseases, such as Chagas disease and dengue fever, imposes enormous health and financial burdens in developing countries. Historically, and still, to this day, the main effective methods to manage those diseases rely on vector population control. Although early efforts in understanding vector-specific biology resulted in important advancements in the development of strategies for the management of vector-borne diseases, studies regarding the complex physiology of local vector species were weakened by the expanding use of insecticide-based tools, which were, at the time, proven simpler and effective. The rising threat of insecticide resistance and climate change (which can expand endemic areas) has reemphasized the need to rely on thorough species-specific vector biology. One approach to controlling vector populations is to disrupt molecular processes or antagonize the metabolic targets required to produce viable eggs. Here, we discuss new findings arising from post-genomics molecular studies on vector reproductive biology and discuss their potential for the elaboration of new effective vector control interventions.
Association of Fatness and Leg Power with Blood Pressure in Adolescents
Authors: Musa Danladi , Iornyior Daniel , Tyoakaa Andrew
Published: August 2022

This cross-sectional study examined the independent and joint association of fatness and leg power (LP) with resting blood pressure (BP) in adolescents (12 to 15 years) in Benue state of Nigeria. The present study comprised 2047 adolescents, including 1087 girls. Participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), LP, and resting BP. Multivariate regression models assessing the associations of the independent variables with BP were conducted. Fatness and LP were independent predictors of resting BP among participants and the relationship of LP with BP was more robust in girls than boys. Combined fatness and LP in predicting BP was modest (R2 = 10.4–14.3%) after controlling for maturity status. Low LP was associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in both girls (R2 = 9.0%, β = 0.260, p = 0.001) and boys (R2 = 11.0%, β = 0.226, p = 0.001). In the model for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), only fatness was associated with BP in girls (p = 0.001). The odd of hypertension (HTN) risk among overweight girls was 2.6 times that compared to their healthy-weight peers. Girls with low LP were 0.40 times more likely to develop HTN risk compared to their counterparts with high LP. This study has demonstrated that lower body muscle power is more important than fatness in predicting HTN in adolescent boys and girls.
Factors Affecting the Happiness of Korean University Students
Authors: Jun Soo-Koung
Published: August 2022

As of 2020, in Korea, as 72.5% of high-school graduates go on to college and college period has an impact on the social development of Korean youth, it is very important to increase the sense of happiness of college students. However, there are new terminologies to express the situation in which how young people in Korea feel the difficulties in their lives, such as “Hell Chosun, 88-Dollar-Generation, N-Give-up-Generation, and Spoon-Social-Rank.” This chapter summarizes the factors related to the happiness of college students in South Korea, such as depression, interpersonal relationships, and self-efficacy, to suggest educational programs to promote the happiness of young people in Korea.
Imaging Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Dilsat Bayrak Esra
Published: August 2022

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and the sacroiliac joints. AS occurs with the inflammation of the entheses and formation of syndesmophytes and finally sacral and spinal ankylosis. Imaging demonstrates both inflammatory and chronic lesions. Sacroiliitis is the hallmark of the disease. Spinal changes usually take place in advanced stages of the disease. 1984 The Modified New York criteria evaluated for the diagnosis of AS with definite radiological sacroiliitis (bilaterally grade 2 or unilateral grade 3/4 sacroiliitis) on imaging. The Modified New York criteria are well performed in diagnosing the established disease but its sensitivity is too low in early disease identification and leads to a diagnostic delay. So, in 2009 The Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) recommended classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Patients have sacroiliitis on imaging and ≥1 SpA features (imaging arm) or positive HLA B27 and ≥2 SpA features (clinical arm) are classified as axial SpA. On the imaging arm, either radiographic sacroiliitis according to Modified New York criteria or active inflammation on MRI is required. Imaging is also used for determining extent of disease, monitoring activity and progression of the disease, assessment of the treatment effect, and prognosis in AS patients.
Pulsatory Liposome: A Possible Biotechnological Device
Authors: Popescu Dumitru , Gabriel Popescu Alin
Published: August 2022

A unilamellar liposome filled with an osmotic solution is introduced into a hypotonic aqueous environment. Because of the mechanical tension induced by the osmotic flow, the vesicle swells up to a critical size, when suddenly a transbilayer pore appears and the vesicle relaxing stage starts. A part of the intracellular material leaks out through this pore, and the liposome membrane relaxes and finally recovers. The swelling begins again and the liposome experiences a periodical process. For this reason, we have named it a pulsatory liposome. The swelling of the liposome is described by a differential equation. All the processes which contribute to the vesicle relaxing and its coming back to the initial size are described by three differential equations. The pulsatory liposome can be programmed to work a number of cycles, established before. The activity of a pulsatory liposome can be characterized by the following parameters: (a) number of cycles, the length time of each cycle, and liposome activity life; (b) the length time of the swelling stage and the relaxation stage for each cycle; (c) the amount of solute leaked out through the pore in each cycle. The pulsatory liposome may be regarded as a two-stroke engine.
Chitosan-Based Nanocomposites for Biological Applications
Authors: Yalcin Serap , Cankaya Nevin
Published: August 2022

Chitosan is an important natural cationic polymer. Chitosan is produced as a deacetylated form of chitin, and its excellent biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic, natural chemical, and thermal stability properties have led to its common use in especially biomedical applications. The combination of nanomaterials and chitosan has been considered an excellent approach to overcoming the handicaps associated with biopolymer. The chitosan-based nanocomposites are potentially efficient in a number of areas including medical fields. Chitosan is biodegradable, biocompatible, basic, nontoxic, and also approved by GRAS (Generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration [US FDA]). Chitosan-based nanocomposites have different applications in drug delivery including ocular, per-oral, pulmonary, nasal mucosal, gene, buccal drug, vaccine, vaginal, and cancer therapy. Chitosan has low toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this chapter, we discussed the preparation techniques and various forms of chitosan materials in biomedical applications. In addition, this chapter explores recent research on chitosan-based nanocomposites for medical studies.
Natural Fibers: The Sustainable Alternatives for Textile and Non-Textile Applications
Authors: Jhanji Dhir Yamini
Published: August 2022

The increasing environmental concerns and depletion of petroleum resources have increased the importance of natural fibers and have stimulated researchers and industries to use sustainable fibers instead of conventional synthetic fibers. Besides exceptionally brilliant mechanical and physical properties are also attractive aspects of natural fibers enabling the utilization of natural fibers in myriad of textile and non-textile applications such as clothing, and reinforced composite products in various industries such as automotive, building, and furniture. Natural fiber composites are composite materials comprising of reinforcing fibers derived from renewable and carbon dioxide neutral resources such as wood or plants. NFCs find application in molded articles that demand moderate strength for acceptable performance for various indoor and outdoor applications. A rapid drift from oil-derived polymers and mineral-reinforced materials to sustainable alternatives has fostered automotive and packaging industries to start utilizing natural fiber composites in their designs. Accordingly, natural fiber composites are serving as energy efficient and sustainable alternatives replacing traditional materials such as metals, polymeric resins, and reinforcement fibers. A worldwide clamor for green products and thus upsurge in sustainable alternatives have been witnessed as a result of diminishing petroleum reserves worldwide, exorbitant prices of petroleum, and high disposal costs of petroleum-based composites along with inability of decomposition of some petroleum-based composites. Contrastingly, natural materials outshine the petroleum-based products in being renewable, inexpensive, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
Glioblastoma in Elderly Population
Authors: Bastianon Santiago Raphael , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Mandel Mauricio , Gupta Bhavika , Ali Asad , Adada Badih , Ranjan Surabhi
Published: August 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the third most common primary intracranial tumor and the commonest primary malignant brain tumor in adults. The peak incidence is between 65 and 84 years old. The incidence of GBM increases starkly with age—from 1.3/100,000 between the ages of 35–44 to 15.3/100,000 between the ages of 75–84 years. Elderly patients with GBM have increased comorbidities, lower functional status, aggressive tumor biology, and an overall worse outcome as compared with their younger counterparts. Age is an independent and powerful prognosticator of GBM outcomes, even if the performance status is controlled. Elderly patients with GBM represent a vulnerable heterogeneous cohort. Surgical resection in elderly patients offers a better outcome and improved quality of life as compared with biopsy alone and nowadays can be safely tolerated by elderly patients in specialized centers. The standard of care treatment of glioblastoma based on the Stupp’s protocol excluded patients over the age of 70. Thus, the standard of care treatment in elderly patients with GBM remains controversial. Selected elderly patients with excellent performance status may be treated with Stupp’s protocol. Elderly patients with lower functional status may be treated with a hypofractionated treatment regimen with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. Frail patients with MGMT methylated tumor can be treated with temozolomide monotherapy alone. It is also not unreasonable to treat elderly frail patients with MGMT unmethylated GBM with hypofractionated RT alone. Thus, treatment of elderly patients with GBM needs a multidisciplinary approach based on the extent of the tumor, MGMT methylation status, performance status, and even the social situation unique to the elderly patient. This chapter seeks to bring a comprehensive and updated review on the treatment of glioblastoma in the elderly population.