bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between the Arctic Mediterranean and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: A Review
Authors:   Los Alamos National Laboratory, Weĳer Wilbert , Haine Thomas , Siddiqui Ali , Cheng Wei , Veneziani Milena , Kurtakoti Prajvala
Published: November 2022

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a significant role in the global climate system, and its behavior in a warming climate is a matter of significant concern. The AMOC is thought to be driven largely by ocean heat loss in the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean, but recent research increasingly emphasizes the importance of the Arctic Mediterranean for the AMOC. In turn, the AMOC may influence the Arctic heat budget through its impact on poleward heat transport. Hence, understanding the processes that link the AMOC and the Arctic is critical for our ability to project how both may evolve in a warming climate. In this paper we review some of the recent research that is shaping our thinking about the AMOC and its two-way interactions with the Arctic.
Acetic Acid as Value-added Product from Pesticide-free Banana and Pineapple Peels
Authors: Dacera Dominica , Fronteras Jennifer , Bello Daisic , delos Santos Kathleen Joy
Published: November 2022

Wastes from banana and pineapple peels pose increasing disposal and pollution problems as they represent a large fraction of the fruit. One mitigating measure to address this concern is the conversion of these wastes into high-value products. This study explored the potential of producing acetic acid from banana and pineapple peels through fermentation. Physicochemical characterization showed an initial sugar content of 12.60% for banana peel and 11.61% for pineapple peel, thus indicating their potential for conversion to acetic acid. Further, the pesticide residue analysis in the peels revealed that organochlorines, organophosphorus, and pyrethroids are way below the maximum residue limit (MRL) values set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and the European Commission (EC) Regulation No. 396/2005, which enhanced their suitability as raw material for use in fermentation. Processing the peels to achieve various sugar concentrations of 15% (15°Brix), 20% (20°Brix), and 25% (25°Brix), and the subsequent addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae allowed the peels to undergo anaerobic fermentation to produce ethanol. The maximum amount of ethanol obtained at a temperature of 26.7 °C and pH of 3.63 was 10.81% v/v (Day 10) from banana peels and 10.60% v/v (Day 10) from pineapple peels at 27 °C and pH of 3.27, both from 20% (20°Brix) sugar concentration. Aerobic fermentation of the extract with Acetobacter aceti converted ethanol to acetic acid. The maximum amount of acetic acid produced, which was from 20% sugar solution at 27.4 °C and pH of 3.59, was 4.56% for banana peels after 16 d while that of pineapple was obtained after 18 d of fermentation at 28 °C and pH of 3.34. For both banana and pineapple peels, no significant differences in the amount of acetic acid produced from three different sugar concentration were observed. The acetic acid produced from banana and pineapple peels can be explored further for potential industrial applications
Evaluation of the Bioactivities of Natural Phenolics from Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Leaves for Cosmetic Industry Applications
Authors: Sapin Arsenia , Alaon Maria Katrina , Tambalo Fides Marciana , Perez Rodney , Gaylon Arra
Published: November 2022

Mango is one of the most important crops in the Philippines but there had been no local study on the possible utilization of its non-food parts such as the barks and leaves, which were reported to be rich in compounds with biological activities that are of significance in the development of cosmetic products (Masibo and He 2008; DA 2018). In this study, aqueous acetone extracts from leaves of the Philippine mango cultivars (“carabao,” “pico,” “apple mango, “sinaging,” and “sipsipin”) were investigated for their total phenolics content (TPC), phenolics composition, and biological activities – specifically, antioxidant as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory properties. Results show that all mango leaf extracts had significant levels of TPC. Phenolic compounds such as mangiferin, gallic acid, quercetin 3-β-D-glucopyranoside, and kaempferol were all found to be present in the extracts with mangiferin as the predominant compound. All the extracts exhibited greater antioxidant capacity than the standard ascorbic acid, implying greater protection against skin damages due to free radicals. Also, all extracts exhibited greater inhibition on elastase than tocopherol, suggesting a greater anti-aging property. While only some extracts showed greater inhibition on tyrosinase than ascorbic acid, it did not surpass but gave comparable inhibitory activity with that of kojic acid. This implies that the extracts and kojic acid have comparable whitening capacities. Overall, the results affirm the great potential of the extracts of the local mango leaves as a cosmetic active ingredient
Determination of Reactor Parameters for Different Subcritical Configurations of the Philippine Research Reactor-1 TRIGA Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Palangao Marinell , Asuncion-Astronomo Alvie , Tare Jeffrey , Gatchalian Ronald Daryll , Olivares Ryan
Published: November 2022

The Philippine Research Reactor-1 (PRR-1) will be revived as a subcritical assembly for training, education, and research (SATER) in the field of nuclear science and technology. SATER will utilize the existing slightly irradiated nuclear fuel rods that have been maintained in the PRR-1 facility for more than 30 years. A subcritical arrangement for the fuel rods was chosen considering the inherent safety of this configuration. In this paper, we calculate relevant reactor parameters that characterize different annular and hexagonal subcritical configurations of 44 PRR-1 fuel rods. These parameters include the neutron multiplication factor ( ), the effective delayed neutron fraction ( ), and the mean neutron generation time ( ), which are essential quantities to describe reactor behavior. Calculations were performed using the well-validated Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNP5 v.1.6 together with the ENDF/B- VII.1 evaluated nuclear data library. The maximum value is at 4.0 cm pitch for the chosen annular arrangement, while the maximum value is at 4.3 cm pitch for the chosen hexagonal arrangement. For these configurations, the reactor kinetic parameters were and for the annular arrangement, while and for the hexagonal arrangement. Results demonstrate that with 44 fuel rods, different fuel arrangements remain subcritical with a subcriticality margin that is at least or maximum of 0.97. The key reactor performance characteristics determined in this study can aid in the analysis of transient behavior and safety assessment of subcritical core configurations with TRIGA fuel rods. Our results provide support in expanding the utilization options for irradiated TRIGA fuel rods, even for other TRIGA facilities
Brown Rice Consumption and Changes in the Metabolic Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases in Selected Overweight and Obese Filipinos
Authors: Laborde Gladys Mae , Estrada Miriam , Romero Marissa
Published: November 2022

Human studies on the health benefits of brown rice (BR) are limited, especially in the Philippines, even though rice is the staple food. This is the first randomized controlled investigation on the effects of BR consumption on metabolic risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in selected overweight and obese Filipino adults. Out of 60 eligible male and female participants (30–59 yr old) randomly assigned to the BR and white rice (WR) groups, 52 completed the study. This was organized in a semi-free-living condition with 6-wk dietary intervention and 6-wk followup. Participants were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 wk for overweight/obesity parameters and blood pressure (BP), and at 0, 6, and 12 wk for fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile. More metabolic risk factors were significantly reduced at post-intervention in the BR group [body mass index (BMI), visceral fat (VF), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), FBS, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] than in the WR group [SBP, DBP, TC, LDL, and triglycerides (TG)]. Most of the parameters in the BR group significantly improved at follow-up including the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Therefore, the BR-based diet was more effective in improving the metabolic risk factors status than the WR-based diet. Although a statistically significant difference was not detected between the groups, the percent change had small clinical significance – particularly in BMI, DBP, FBS, TC, LDL, and HDL. Hence, in clinical practice, BR could help ameliorate the metabolic risk factors of NCDs among overweight and obese Filipinos. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the effects of BR on metabolic risk factors.
Carbon Stock Estimation of Selected Watersheds in Laguna, Philippines Using InVEST
Authors: Dida Jan Joseph , Tiburan Jr. Cristino , Tsutsumida Narumasa , Saizen Izuru
Published: November 2022

Carbon sequestration is one of the most important forest ecosystem functions that has been recognized globally but the dynamics are highly influenced by the alteration of forest cover. Given the different development thrusts in the Laguna province, the estimation and monitoring of carbon storage become an important activity. This study aims to estimate the carbon stock in the Silang-Santa Rosa and Pagsanjan-Lumban watersheds and explore the possible changes as an effect of land use changes. Sentinel-2 and Landsat 5 satellite images covering different time periods were classified to generate the land use maps. The process of carbon stock estimation was implemented using the carbon storage and sequestration model of Integrated Valuation and Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) software. Carbon pool data for the land uses were obtained from different studies and estimates. Classified images covering different time periods showed that the largest land uses among the different land uses in the selected watersheds are built-up and agriculture. Much of the carbon stock was attributed to the high carbon pool values of the forest class. The reduction of forest areas in the watersheds resulted in a decrease in the total carbon stock. The generated land use scenario showing the continued built-up and agriculture expansion decreased the carbon stock further. The estimation of carbon stock based on different land use change scenarios will help in the evaluation and planning of future land use.
Comparison of Microsatellite DNA Fingerprints of Original Seed Files and Conserved Rice Germplasm Collections
Authors: Cortaga Cris , Dalusong Verna , Perez Loida
Published: November 2022

The understanding of the genetic identity and composition of germplasm collections conserved in a genebank is vital for the proper management of germplasm resources and utilization in various plant breeding programs. A study was conducted at the Genebank of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to examine the genetic similarity of the original seed files (SF) and regenerated seeds conserved as an active collection (AC) using 18 microsatellite DNA markers and to explore their underlying intra-varietal heterogeneity. Here, 74 rice germplasm collections regenerated from 1992–2012 were randomly selected for the comparative DNA fingerprinting. The genetic similarity between the original SF and regenerated AC was examined through the Dice coefficient (DC) analysis, while the extent of intra-varietal genetic heterogeneity was determined via average-linkage cluster analysis based on binary genetic distance. Of the 74 collections studied, 68 showed paired clustering of SF and AC, indicating high genetic similarity. The DCs of these collections ranged from 0.79–1. On the other hand, SF and AC comparison of six germplasm collections yielded very low DCs ranging from 0.62–0.77, with their corresponding SF and AC pair dissociated in the dendrogram owing to their high intra-varietal genetic heterogeneity. The intra-varietal polymorphic alleles between SF and AC were observed in all markers analyzed – especially in RM562, RM547, and RM154 microsatellite markers –suggesting their potential use in assessing the levels of intra-varietal genetic heterogeneity in rice cultivars. This pilot study provides baseline information that may be used for potential integration of intra-varietal similarity or variability tests in the Genebank which are important aspects for effective germplasm conservation, management, and utilization. Also discussed in this paper are other insights regarding the intra-varietal genetic heterogeneity of the selected rice accessions.
El tutor y su aporte en el desarrollo de Material Educativo Multimedia (MEM)
Authors: Corredor Martha Vitalia , Chaupart Jean Michel , Marín Gloria Inés
Published: November 2022

Se propone unas consideraciones sobre las NTIC y su aplicación en el medio educativo, para luego tratar más en detalles la manera cómo estamos produciendo Materiales Eduativos Multimedia (MEM) dentro del marco de nuestro proyecto de investigación “Innovación Tecnológica Compuratizada para la Educación a Distancia”, y, finalmente, mostrar cuál es el papel que están jugando los docentes-tutores en la producción de los MEM y su aplicación con estudiantes de la carrera de Gestión Empresarial

que la Universidad Industrial de Santander, en Bucaramanga, Colombia, ofrece en la modalidad de Educación a Distancia.
Serratia marcescens Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis after COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tantikosol Puthi , Sumanasrethakul Chavanont , Pakpianpairoj Charoenchai
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis due to Serratia marcescens are very rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. This report presents a case of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the hip joint caused by Serratia marcescens after COVID-19.
Methods: A case report of a patient who had septic arthritis of Serratia marcescens was reported. A review of literature of the bone and joint infection caused by Serratia marcescens was also done. 
Results: The patient was successfully treated with an open arthrotomy, debridement, and intravenous antibiotics. After 9 months, the patient showed good functional outcomes, with no signs of recurrent infection.
Conclusions: Septic arthritis caused by Serratia marcescens is a rare condition. Early diagnosis and urgent surgical debridement are key factors for success.
Case Study: Dual Temporary Plugging & High Proppant Intensity Fracturing Stimulation Technique in Deep Shale Gas Play in Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Jiang Tingxue , Zhang Shikun , Wang Haitao , Bian Xiaobing , Zhong Guanyu , Wei Ran , Zhou Jun , Xiao Bo , Kao Jiawei
Published: November 2022

In 2020, the total shale gas production in China has exceeded 2×1010m3, keeping China the third largest shale gas producer in the world. However, most of these yields extract from middle-deep shale gas play (TVD<3500m). Present yield cannot meet the fast-growing demand for China economic. An even larger resource of deep shale gas (TVD from 3500m to 4500m) has attracted much attention recent years. Compared with the middle-deep shale gas, there are several challenges encountered in deep shale gas development in China, such as higher formation heterogeneity, larger horizontal stress difference between maximal and minimal, stronger plastic effect and et al. These challenges may seriously affected the fracture propagation, causing a small stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) after fracturing. In order to commercially develop the deep shale gas, some comprehensive strategies should be applied to improve fracturing efficiency, such as adopting the densely distributed clusters, the high viscosity gel as pre-pad fluid, a short proppant slugging with small sand ratio, small proppant size and high strength ceramic proppant. In the meantime, the usage of temporary plugging balls and granular temporary plugging agent in one or two times increases the number of newly initiated fractures, which also is considered favorable to enlarge SRV of deep shale reservoir. One pilot shale-gas well of DYS-1 with TVD deeper than 4300m in Sichuan Basin, China was selected to conduct 30 stages fracturing stimulation test. The post-fracturing daily production reaches 412,000 m3, verifying the adaptability of above-mentioned strategies. The successful test of DYS-1 has a great significance for developing deep shale gas play in China as well as all over the world in the near future.

Introduction

The hydraulic fracturing technique have been widely used in unconventional oil & gas play to maximize the stimulated reservoir/rock volume (SRV)(Alexander et al., 2011). The prevailing stimulation highlights are mainly focused on densely perforation clusters (averaged distance between adjacent clusters being about 5-10m), higher proppant intensity (averaged 3-5 t/m in horizontal wellbore) and temporary plugging technique (either temporary plugging ball in horizontal wellbore or temporary plugging agent within fractures)(Cao et al., 2020; Guo et al., 2016). However, each of above-mentioned strategies may bring about ever-lasting rising of well-head treatment pressure, especially in deep shale gas play with the true vertical depth (TVD) from 3500m to 4500m. The raising of treatment may cause the treatment stopping ahead of schedule(Jinxing et al., 2018).
Dr. Kim Scipes: Building a Network of Compassion in a World Waiting to Be United
Authors: Vasilko Kayla
Published: November 2022

In his career, Dr. Kim Scipes has been globally active in the labor movement for almost 40 years and has published over 240 articles and book reviews. Additionally, Dr. Scipes has authored four books, three of which were completed while Dr. Scipes taught at PNW (the first two while he was teaching four courses a semester); his publication list is accessible via: https://www.pnw.edu/faculty/kim-scipes-ph-d/publications/, a listing that strongly illustrates his impressive range of work and dedication to advancing knowledge not just for the university, but for the world. Dr. Scipes’ Sociology 404 course (Environment and Social Justice) gives students a sociological look at the social interaction between human beings and their physical environment, and provides theoretical frameworks to understanding society and approaching the subject globally. The course presents pressing issues both from Northwest Indiana and around the world. Dr. Scipes is an active member of OUR MC (Organized and United Residents of Michigan City), and has helped some of his former students establish PARC (Politics, Art, Root and Culture); both organizations aim to build a more informed, engaged, and inclusive community. Through these organizations, Dr. Scipes has helped continue integrating his students and the community with many of the important concepts discussed in his courses; through PARC, he has even connected students from his “People’s Mobilization and Social Power” course (SOC 406) with the founders to discuss community-based organizations, which has had a collectively profound impact on students and the community. At the end of Dr. Scipes’ SOC 404 course in 2016, Dr. Scipes’ students got together for a panel discussion on energy, population and consumption, deforestation, and climate change, inspired by the course. The event was covered by local media (an article about the event can be access via: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/education/students-tell-of-profits-environmental-costs/article_428234e8-e0cf-5280-8d8a-1cb67038856a.html) and helped spark important conversations in the community.
Pax Populi: Empowering Afghans through Virtual Tutoring
Authors: Chuppe Lara
Published: November 2022

I began tutoring two Afghan high school students through Pax Populi as a service-learning component of HONR 39900: Virtual Abroad Central Asia. This semester, I will be assisting Purdue students with developing successful tutoring partnerships with Afghan refugees through Pax Populi. The non-profit Pax Populi seeks to empower Afghans through virtual, one-on-one English tutoring. Originally, the program matched young people living in cities across Afghanistan with volunteer tutors, but in light of the Taliban’s rise to power, the organization is now working to provide virtual English lessons to newly arriving Afghan refugees. Many of the refugees speak little English. They will benefit from the help of volunteers to improve their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills, so they can more easily find work and adjust to life in the United States. Since 2015, Purdue students have been involved in this tutoring project through a partnership between Dr. Liz Brite of the Purdue Honors College and Dr. Robert McNulty, director of Pax Populi. This year, Purdue students are having the opportunity to continue this work through a service-learning experience in HONR 39900: Beyond Afghanistan. This article seeks to inform others about the work Pax Populi has done to serve those in Afghanistan as well as Afghan refugees coming to the United States. This article also emphasizes the benefits volunteers gain from the program, including lasting friendships and a more complex understanding of the world.
Supporting the PROTECT Initiative
Authors: Lefton Josh
Published: November 2022

Recently, medication dosage errors have received more political and media attention. Dosage errors are the most common medical errors, affecting about 1.5 million people annually. Furthermore, U.S. poison-control centers reported more than 200,000 cases per year of medication errors. These cases result in medical costs of around $3.5 billion, and children under 6 years old constitute approximately 30% of these cases. The PROTECT Initiative (Preventing Overdoses and Treatment Errors in Children Taskforce) was launched in 2008 as a collaborative effort between public health agencies and patient advocates to minimize dosage errors. In alignment with the PROTECT Initiative effort, this project aims to highlight medication dose error causes and recommendations for improvement by downloading, parsing, and analyzing OTC (over-the-counter) medication labels from the DailyMed historical medication library. We found that over 70% of labels surveyed contained measurement labels in “teaspoons”; in addition, only 10% of manufacturers are using “syringe” as an optimum dosing delivery device. Therefore, health care providers must ensure that the appropriate drug tools, information, and dosages are prescribed to children (especially neonates) because of their differences in response to drugs compared with adults. With this initiative, we can work to minimize the impact of the dosage error problem (for over-the-counter pediatric orally administered liquid medications) on users.
Exploring the Impact of the Habitat for Humanity Home-Building Process on Partner Families' Holistic Well-Being
Authors: Pusey Hawkley , Mathur Nikhil , Figliomeni Kathryn , Srinivasan Nanditha , Dehn Keely R. , Ware Jason A.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how participating in the Habitat for Humanity house-building process influenced participants’ purpose well-being, social well-being, community well-being, physical and mental well-being, and financial well-being, and how effective Habitat for Humanity is in aiding neighborhood revitalization within the Greater Lafayette area. The research project resulted in a presentation of quantitative data and a testimonial video that highlighted the stories of families that had worked with Habitat for Humanity. Quantitative data was gathered through a survey that addressed respondents’ levels of satisfaction within the various categories of well-being mentioned above. Testimonial information was gathered from interviews with respondents to gain a more personal insight into their stories. The majority of respondents indicated their satisfaction with the overall Habitat for Humanity process and noticeable positive impacts on all aspects of their well-being. Responses were more varied to questions regarding a sense of community within their neighborhoods and a sense of safety. Respondents also indicated occasional dissatisfaction with the inadequate level of homeowner-related education provided through the Habitat for Humanity house-building process. Habitat for Humanity might consider focusing more attention on neighborhood revitalization initiatives including a focus on a general sense of community, overall safety, and periodic check-ins with those who have previously participated in the house-building project.
A Study On Grading System Followed on Measuring the Employee Performance In Zcodia Technologies-
Authors: Sivanandam Prassanna
Published: November 2022

Globally the success of any organization is increasingly depending upon the sustained results it can deliver on continuous basis. Human Resources Management is driving all resources towards achieving this effort and to satisfy all stake holders of the organizations. Performance management is seen as a strategic approach in delivering sustained organizational success by managing and improving the individual employee and team performance. Globalization has brought in pierce competition on the quality of products /services the companies have to deliver. Developing economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC countries) are creating opportunities galore in the growth of new business sectors. The fast pace of development during the last decade has lead to dearth of employable people, more so in Banking, Insurance, IT and ITES sectors. The crucial challenge for the organizations is how to manage employee current performance and also to improve their future performance.
Die Regelung der vertraulichen Geburt
Authors: Pabst Franziska
Published: November 2022

The law regulating confidential childbirths came into force on May 1, 2014. With this, the legislator sought to create a legally secure alternative to baby hatches or anonymous births. The regulations allow pregnant persons who wish to keep their identity secret at birth to have a medically assisted delivery and at the same time secure the child's right to know its origin as well as its placement. In addition to legal questions, the author also exam-ines the application of the regulations in practice on the basis of her own surveys of family courts and youth welfare offices. The focus of the research is related to the question of whether confidential childbirth has been able to establish itself as a legally secure procedure in comparison to completely anonymous child deliveries.
Der Straftatbestand des Sportwettbetruges gemäß § 265c StGB
Authors: Ludwig Anouk Sophia
Published: November 2022

Due to the ongoing criminal policy discourse on both the legitimacy of the criminal offence of sports betting fraud according to sec. 265c of the Criminal Code and the - possibly purely symbolic - actionism of the criminal legislator in general, this book critically examines the criminal offence of sports betting fraud. It examines whether it represents legitimate action by the criminal legislature or whether it should ultimately be classified as purely symbolic criminal law, as critics claim. The yardstick is the explanatory memorandum of the federal government's bill and thus the legislative objectives. The legislature is thus ultimately measured against the goals it has set for itself.
Zur Rezeptionsoffenheit des Unionsrechts gegenüber der Europäischen Sozialcharta
Authors: Stotz Elisa
Published: November 2022

The study is dedicated to the question of the importance of the international standards of the European Social Charter in EU primary law and whether the EU institutions take these standards sufficiently into account. It identifies points of rupture where EU institutions contribute to member states falling short of the standards of the European Social Charter. In essence, the study deals with the tension between the economic focus of the European integration and the EU's commitment to minimum social standards. To resolve this tension, the possibility of interpreting and developing EU fundamental rights in the light of the European Social Charter is discussed.
Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Roxb. An Indonesia Native Medicinal Plant with Potential Antioral Biofilm Effect
Authors: F. Suniarti Dewi , Puspitawati Ria , Yanuar Rezon , R. Herdiantoputri Ranny
Published: November 2022

Most common oral diseases are directly related to oral biofilm, a complex community of microorganisms inhibiting the oral cavity. Recent studies provide deeper knowledge on how free-floating bacteria form a structurally organized microecosystem and on its pathogenicity and its self-defense mechanisms; thus, creating an understanding of the challenges in eliminating oral biofilm and maintaining the balance of oral ecosystem. Chlorhexidine has been the standard oral antimicrobial agent for decades. However, studies showed that it is less effective against bacteria in the form of biofilm that leads to an ongoing search of another method to fight against biofilm, including the use of plant-derived compounds. Medicinal plants are known to contain secondary metabolites, which are not only important in protecting the plant from any harmful environment but also potential as antimicroorganism and antioral biofilm for humans. Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., containing xanthorrhizol (XNT), an essential bioactive compound, is an Indonesian native medicinal plant proven to have antibacterial and antibiofilm activities by several in vitro studies. The understanding of biofilm formation, its resistance to common drugs, and the potential role of C. xanthorrhiza-derived compounds as antibacterial and antibiofilm may contribute to developing C. xanthorrhiza into the alternative weapon against oral biofilm-related diseases.
Rethinking an Approach for Sustainable Globalization
Authors: Pyakurel Parakram
Published: November 2022

This chapter explores the complex interaction between globalization and sustainability and proposes an approach for sustainable globalization. Three dimensions of sustainability, namely environment, economy, and society, are taken into account. Firstly, interaction among globalization and environment is discussed. This interaction is characterized by analyzing the effects of globalization on energy and resources consumption, greenhouse gases emission, and local pollution. Then, the relationship between the existing green growth economic model and sustainability is examined in the context of globalization. Alternatives to the green growth model are also explored. Furthermore, implication of globalization on social sustainability is investigated by considering quality of life, urbanization, and equality. Existing knowledge gaps are discussed, and finally, an approach to sustainable globalization is presented based on holistic interactions among environment, economy, and society.
Kept Promises? The Evolution of the EU Financial Contribution to Climate Change
Authors: Camporeale Cecilia , Del Ciello Roberto , Jorizzo Mario
Published: November 2022

The chapter provides an overview of the public climate finance implemented under the UNFCCC by the EU as a whole and its Member States—in the chapter called EUplus—later taken over by SDG 13.a, for the period 2011–2018 (the latest year available). Through the analysis of the UNFCCC Biennial Reports, it is possible not only to highlight the amount allocated to the challenge against climate change, but also to break it down into its two meanings: mitigation and adaptation, as well as to identify the type of channel through which this support has been implemented. In this context, particular attention will be given to the two contribution channels: bilateral and multilateral, highlighting the type of support in different cases. The chapter shows an increase in contributions, especially since 2015, and how support has been increasingly shifted toward adaptation. This could mean that there is an awareness in a delay in achieving the stabilization of GHG emissions in the atmosphere.
Italy’s Small Exporting Companies: Globalization and Sustainability Issues
Authors: Pace Roberta , Mandanici Francesca
Published: November 2022

Internationalization has gained momentum in the last few years as a strategy that may allow small enterprises to grow. Frequently, import and export activities represent the first step of the internationalized process and an important challenge for small business. Quite a number of studies have investigated and tried to solve the implied problems. Starting from the theoretical and empirical literature, this research focuses on the most relevant economic and financial constraints faced by small Italian import-export companies and is specifically aimed at analyzing the characteristics of their financial structure between 2011 and 2020, as well as their performance over the same period. We selected small Italian enterprises and identified the subset of import-export companies. We applied a set of performance indicators to reclassify financial statements to highlight the dynamics of investments, profitability, financial independence, and liquidity over the 10 years under analysis. The economic and financial characteristics of the small import-export companies are determined by comparing their performance with that of all Italian small enterprises. The findings show that small Italian exporting companies are not characterized by significant growth in turnover but present a situation that is certainly better in terms of economic and financial sustainability compared with non-internationalized companies.
Our Globalization Era among Success, Obstacles and Doubts
Authors: Canziani Arnaldo , Baldissera Annalisa , Kahwaji Ahmad
Published: November 2022

In the last decades, the never-ending and unlimited expanding of both international economies and operations became globalization. Among its main features, one could recall the enormous increase of world macro-economic quantities (Gross World Product, Inter-continental Trade, FDI), as well as financial values (public debts and currency printing). The chapter tries to quantify them, by a statistical analysis of historical data (Section 1). Section 2 is dedicated to the strategic problems of firms, in particular the threats and opportunities for (inter) national firms willing to become global, and obstacles are included in Section 3. This given, it deals with the behavior of countries from the political and juridical points of view, and those ones passed form initial perplexities, distaste, or even hostility to a favorable behavior. Conclusions (Section 4) recall both the problematic alternative for globalized companies between “the world as our next door” and their social responsibilities and the similar problem for host countries, between socioeconomic advantages and protection of local workers, resources, and environment.
Application of Computational Intelligence in Visual Quality Optimization Watermarking and Coding Tools to Improve the Medical IoT Platforms Using ECC Cybersecurity Based CoAP Protocol
Authors: EI Allali Abdelhadi , Morino Ilham , AIT Oussous Salma , Beloualid Siham , Tamtaoui Ahmed , Bajit Abderrahim
Published: November 2022

To ensure copyright protection and authenticate ownership of media or entities, image watermarking techniques are utilized. This technique entails embedding hidden information about an owner in a specific entity to discover any potential ownership issues. In recent years, several authors have proposed various ways to watermarking. In computational intelligence contexts, however, there are not enough research and comparisons of watermarking approaches. Soft computing techniques are now being applied to help watermarking algorithms perform better. This chapter investigates soft computing-based image watermarking for a medical IoT platform that aims to combat the spread of COVID-19, by allowing a large number of people to simultaneously and securely access their private data, such as photos and QR codes in public places such as stadiums, supermarkets, and events with a large number of participants. Therefore, our platform is composed of QR Code, and RFID identification readers to ensure the validity of a health pass as well as an intelligent facial recognition system to verify the pass’s owner. The proposed system uses artificial intelligence, psychovisual coding, CoAP protocol, and security tools such as digital watermarking and ECC encryption to optimize the sending of data captured from citizens wishing to access a given space in terms of execution time, bandwidth, storage space, energy, and memory consumption.
Autonomous Role Assignment Using Contact Stimuli in Swarm Robotic Systems
Authors: Yamada Kazuaki
Published: November 2022

This study proposes a novel autonomous role assignment method for swarm robotic systems using the response threshold model based on local interactions in a dynamic environment. Ants are social insects with high and low pheromone sensitivity. The pheromone sensitivity of ants is related to autonomous role assignment. The response threshold model was proposed to describe the pheromone sensitivity of ants. The conventional response threshold model assumes that an ant knows the number of workers in an ant colony. However, it is difficult for an ant to contact all workers because its functions are very limited. Therefore, our proposed method adopts a response threshold model based on contact stimuli with foraging ants instead of the worker ratio in an ant colony. In this study, to evaluate the proposed method’s robustness in dynamic environments, we apply it to ant foraging problems in environments with varying amounts and distributions of feeds.
Amphiphiles
Authors: Sohrabi Beheshteh
Published: November 2022

Amphiphiles form a large group of supramolecular structures can aggregate and be adsorbed spontaneously at the interface. Amphiphilicity is a feature of polar contrast between the groups that make up a molecule and their spatial separation. The most important classes of amphiphiles are surfactants, lipoproteins, and polymers that have hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemical moieties covalently bonded and spatially separated. Since surfactants are widely used in various industrial fields, we decide to focus on surfactants in addition to a brief review of the other amphiphiles. Surfactants are used in industrial applications and consumer products, from medical to cosmetics and food industry. Various industries require new surfactants from sustainable and renewable raw materials with improved performance, biocompatibility and minimal environmental impact. For example, liquid phase exfoliation and dispersion methods using surfactants in the solvent media have recently gained lots of attention because of their great potential for large-scale production. Notably, an ideal exfoliation for reaching desired graphene and CNTs may be achievable by molecular engineering of surfactants to improve the quality of molecular interactions. This chapter experimentally and theoretically highlighted physico-chemical characteristic parameters, and interactions of the components, which are essential to design and discover efficient exfoliation and dispersion systems.
Secured Storage Mechanism for the Cloud-Based Banking Applications Using ECC
Authors: V. Gopinath
Published: November 2022

The security of data becomes more vulnerable despite the various safety measures. The significant contribution of the chapter is to describe the design of a secured Cloud storage mechanism using ECC. Many banks are using cloud technology. However, it is not free from hacks and threats. Here comes the focus on Cloud Security and a lot of research work is happening around it. ECC-based secured cloud framework with a logging mechanism provides a high-level design of the SSL VPN and secured cloud mobile banking. It helps to secure data transfer for users. Software applications and web services are handled by maintaining the log files securely, and this security scheme shields the aligning of different kinds of data elements to each provider using an ECC algorithm. It is implementing a two-layered security system, which includes both private and public cloud storage environments, also providing a customized secure logging mechanism that will be encrypted by ECC. The TRA (banking) customers will get lots of benefits from this cloud storage mechanism. The proposed design acts like a buffer for end users, Internet service providers, and Banks, so it is more effective and secure in the Cloud environment.
The Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Europe
Authors: Sacco Rosemarie , Camilleri Nigel , Eberhardt Judith , Umla-Runge Katja , Newbury-Birch Dorothy
Published: November 2022

This chapter set out to present a comprehensive review on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among 5–18-year-olds living in Europe. The review was based on studies published between 2015 and 2020. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for population studies and register-based studies to determine the random effects pooled prevalence rate (REPPR) for ASD. The European REPPR for ASD among young people was estimated at 0.8% based on register-based studies and 1.4% based on population. Comparative analysis was carried out to identify trends of prevalence rates across countries, gender, and level of education. The prevalence among primary school children was four times that of secondary school children. A male: female ratio of 3.5:1 was obtained. A range of challenges toward young people with ASD are portrayed, including diagnostic limitations, poor awareness on ASD, and socioeconomic inequality. Nationwide screening, early intervention services, and further research on gender and culture-specific presentations are recommended.
Baseline Analysis for Effective Diabetes Intervention
Authors: Mphasha Mabitsela , Skaal Linda , Maria Mothiba Tebogo
Published: November 2022

Diabetes is a fast-growing disease that is costly to manage, leading to both financial and non-financial burdens. These burdens are worsened in the presence of diabetes complications, so improved interventions are critical. Prior to developing new interventions, a baseline analysis should be conducted to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of current interventions. Furthermore, a baseline analysis helps in identifying discrepancies to be addressed and outlining how the environment impacts diabetes management. A comprehensive literature review was adopted to collect data regarding the importance of a baseline analysis in diabetes interventions. The findings of the literature review indicated that a baseline analysis is a critical step for the development of effective diabetes interventions. Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and anthropometric factors such as quality of life and social determinants of health, should be assessed when conducting a baseline analysis. A baseline analysis is affirmed as a fundamental prerequisite for the development of diabetes interventions for better outcomes. There is also a need to assess the capacity of healthcare providers to conduct a baseline analysis to determine the need for support and in-service training. An inappropriately-conducted baseline analysis may lead to inappropriate solutions and misdiagnosis. The implementation of wrongful solutions would defeat the objective of improving diabetes outcomes.
Overview of Schiff Bases
Authors: Tuna Subasi Nuriye
Published: November 2022

Schiff bases, which were first obtained by the German chemist H. Schiff in 1864, are used in the paint industry, polymer technology, pharmaceutical industry, medicine, agriculture, preparation of rocket fuel, and explanation of biological events, and in many other areas due to the groups in their structures. This chapter will be a guide that contains a summary of general information that should be known about these compounds, which have a wide range of use in our daily life. In this chapter, the following topics are planned to be explained. (1) Schiff bases, physical and chemical properties, (2) the formation mechanism of Schiff bases, (3) Schiff base reactions, (4) metal complexes of Schiff base, (5) classification of Schiff bases, (6) biological activity of Schiff bases, and (7) usage of Schiff bases.
Renal Tract Stones – Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Thia Ivan , Chau Matthew
Published: November 2022

This chapter explores the diagnosis as well as various methods for stone clearance and recent advancements in each of the avenues, so as to provide the avid reader an understanding of the basis of each intervention and new exciting technology that lay on the horizon. Each section is further subdivided such that it would be easy for readers to search and look up relevant information at a glance without having to read through the entirety of the chapter. Firstly, diagnosis of renal calculi is explored, as renal tract pain can mimic a variety of abdomino-pelvic conditions and cause the same constellation of symptoms. Evidence based investigation modalities are discussed. Subsequently, management of renal tract calculi are divided into conservative management with analgesia and medical expulsion therapy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteropyeloscopy and laser lithotripsy, as well as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The different stone size, composition, location and patient factors have all contributed to the different surgical options as detailed above. Each section end with a discussion of new and exciting innovations in each of the areas that may lead to even more efficient and safer interventions for the Urology of the future.
Abiotic Stresses Management in Citrus
Authors: Rafie-Rad Zeinab , Moradkhani Majid , Golchin Ahmad , Raza Taqi , S. Eash Neal
Published: November 2022

Citrus production is affected globally by several environmental stresses. Some citrus-producing regions suffer from severe ecological abiotic stresses, including cold, soil salinity and sodicity, extreme temperature, and drought. These abiotic stresses can alleviate the growth, fruit yield, and quality of citrus. Strategies that attempt to sustain and increase tolerance of citrus against the negative effect of abiotic stresses are the use of antiperspirant compounds, phytohormones, synthetic and natural growth regulators, soil and plant moisture retaining tools and structures, nutrition management, application of organic fertilizers, rootstocks breeding in citriculture, and others. These strategies increase the yield and growth of the plant along with the relative improvement of the fruit quality during the growth and fruiting period, increasing the absorption of water and nutrients, the extensive accumulation of osmolytes and the increase of antioxidant enzymes, changes in the amount of signaling substances, and the expression of genes under stress, increase tolerance to abiotic stresses in citrus fruits. In this review, we tried to provide a summary of the abiotic stress management in citrus by literature.
Entrepreneurship in a Different Era
Authors: Xiong Li
Published: November 2022

With the development of technology, and the change in economy, population etc. the Industrial economy, internet economy and intelligent economy present different characteristics, and entrepreneurship under these different era varies greatly, and there are great differences in the characteristics and value creation logic of business models under the background of industrial economy era, network economy era and intelligent economy era, and the requirements for successful entrepreneurship are quite different, e.g. educational background, understanding of the economy, methods for market survey, and business model etc. So it is valuable to find the differences and generalize patterns in various era, and provide guidance for entrepreneurship in the digital and intelligent economy era, based on insights of cases, both failure and success.
O konkurenci i spolupráci při soutěžení
Authors: Hajn Petr
Published: November 2022

All competitive or contest activities of humans and lower animals species have a common instinctual ground based on the same biological needs.