bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implications of Health Financing for Health Access and Equity in Nigeria
Authors: Edward Odunyemi Adelakun
Published: September 2021

The Nigeria health system has performed woefully against all vital health indices, trailing behind many African countries despite its enormous potentials. The reason for this is mainly due to the financial risk Nigerians face in accessing healthcare. This study addresses the implications of the current healthcare financing in Nigeria on access and equity. It shows the imperativeness of an alternative healthcare financing in line with best practices, from comparable Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), apart from the current National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The findings from this study recommend that the NHIS should be strengthened through the policy reform to embrace fund pooling/risk-sharing, subsidisation for the poor and the vulnerable, mandatory enrolment, and fragmentation of NHIS. Other considerations include increasing domestic fiscal space for health and utilising a tax-based financing mechanism that has been progressive in all LMICs, thereby preventing the need for unsustainable reliance on external funding. A comprehensive package of health at the point of care is also necessary. However, all these recommendations require the government to show a commitment to improve the country’s healthcare system through its health spending.
Aplication Arterial Oscilography to Study the Adaptive Capacity of Subject with COVID-19 in Primary Care
Authors: Vakulenko Dmytro , Vakulenko Liudmyla , Hryshchuk Leonid , Sas Lesya
Published: September 2021

The aim of study is finding complex pathological process markers occurred in COVID-19. Adaptive capacity, cardiovascular features, autonomic, central nervous systems in 67 patients with severe COVID-19 were studied and evaluated using (suggested by authors) temporal, spectral, correlation analysis of arterial oscillograms (AOG). The method is based on mathematical analysis adaptation of electrocardiographic signal heart rate variability to arterial pulsation variability analysis recorded during blood pressure measurement using an electronic tonometer VAT 41–2. Received results were compared with AOG 480 healthy (including 68 people after exercising) and 26 patients in a closed ward at psychoneurological hospital. Study results showed patients with severe COVID-19 have disorders at (four) cardiovascular system (CVS) regulation levels. It’s confirmed by lack of adequate sympathetic-adrenal response to a stressful situation due to severe COVID-19; higher than in healthy, parasympathetic part activity of autonomic nervous system. AOG spectral analysis revealed violation of management centralization, communication and coordination between CVS regulation levels. This leads to functional reserves decrease, low stress resistance of body and finally to a disease severe course and recovery processes. Arterial oscillography can be used to search markers of complex pathological processes occurred in COVID-19 and to improve methods of diagnosis, treatment, control of long-term results in clinical and family medicine.
Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants and Herbs
Authors: Fotsing Yannick Stéphane Fongang , Kezetas Jean Jules Bankeu , El-Saber Batiha Gaber , Ali Iftikhar , Ndjakou Bruno Lenta
Published: September 2021

Human beings have relied on herbs and medicinal plants as sources of food and remedy from time immemorial. Bioactive compounds from plants are currently the subject of much research interest, but their extraction as part of phytochemical and/or biological investigations present specific challenges. Herbalists or scientists have developed many protocols of extraction of bioactive ingredients to ensure the effectiveness and the efficacy of crude drugs that were used to get relief from sickness. With the advent of new leads from plants such as morphine, quinine, taxol, artemisinin, and alkaloids from Voacanga species, a lot of attention is paid to the mode of extraction of active phytochemicals to limit the cost linked to the synthesis and isolation. Thus, the extraction of active compounds from plants needs appropriate extraction methods and techniques that provide bioactive ingredients-rich extracts and fractions. The extraction procedures, therefore, play a critical role in the yield, the nature of phytochemical content, etc. This chapter aims to present, describe, and compare extraction procedures of bioactive compounds from herbs and medicinal plants.
Recent Advances in Crop Establishment Methods in Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Review
Authors: Das Sripriya , Kumar Singh Manoj , Kumari Sneha , Mahato Manimala
Published: September 2021

Traditional practices of growing rice and wheat in Asian countries involve a huge cost in establishment methods adopted by farmers which not only limit the yield and return but also degrade soil and require more water. Adaptation of improved crop establishment methods suitable under adverse climatic conditions is of utmost importance for scientific utilization of natural resources and to maintain the sustainability of rice- wheat cropping system Therefore, an attempt has been made in this chapter to review precision rice establishment methodology viz., direct seeding, non-puddle/unpuddled transplanting, bed transplanting, strip tilled and single pass shallow tilled rice, double transplanting and system of rice intensification (SRI) and wheat establishment methods viz., zero tilled, strip tilled and bed planted wheat. These are recent improved crop establishment techniques that can be used under specific agro-ecological conditions for enhancing yield and resource conservation in Indo-gangetic plains of Eastern India.
Natural Iron Chelators as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Iron Overload Diseases
Authors: Waseem A. Sheikh Naheed , B. Kosalge Satish , R. Desai Tusharbindu , P. Dewani Anil , S. Mohale Deepak , S. Tripathi Alok
Published: September 2021

Iron overload disease is a group of heterogeneous disease, which is caused either due to hereditary or acquired condition. Excess of iron participate in redox reactions that catalyzes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage and encourage the cell injury and cell death. The electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar have been intensively searched for the research as well as review articles published with the full text available and with the key words such as natural iron chelating agent, synthetic iron chelating agents, iron overload disease, oxidative stress and antioxidant which were appearing in the title, abstract or keywords. In light of the literature review presented in this artial, based on meta-analyses, we suggest that iron chelating agents were used for the management of iron overload disease. These agents were having wide spectrum of activity, they were not only used for the management of iron overload disease but also used as anticancer and antioxidant in various oxidative stress mediated diseases. Last from many years Desferoxamine (DFO) was used as standard iron chelator but currently two new synthetic iron chelators such as Deferiprone (DFP) and Deferasirox (DFS) are available clinically. These clinically available synthetic iron chelators were having serious side effects and certain limitations. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols compounds were having iron chelating as well as antioxidant property with no or minimal side effects. Hence, this review provides an updates on natural iron chelation therapy for the safe and efficacious management of iron overload diseases.
The Embodied Nature of Horse Human Communication: A Feasibility Study of an Equine Assisted Intervention; Benefits for Horses and Humans
Authors: Hemingway Ann
Published: September 2021

This chapter presents the findings from a feasibility study of an equine assisted intervention (EAI) which is currently referred over 160 people with mental health and behavioural problems each year. Performing a feasibility study may be indicated when, there are few previously published studies or existing data using a specific intervention technique. The framework used for this feasibility study has been designed to underpin public health feasibility studies and outlines eight areas of focus which will be addressed here: Acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion and limited efficacy testing. The efficacy testing includes results from before and after measures completed by referrers of individuals to the course with n=336 participants (normally social workers or teachers). Overall scores for the eight outcomes measured showed statistically significant improvement for 293 of the participants two months after completing the course. The eight outcomes measured were calmness, assertiveness, empathy, communication, confidence as a learner, analysis and planning, taking responsibility and focus and perseverance.
Construction of C-N Bond via Visible-Light-Mediated Difunctionalization of Alkenes
Authors: K. Patel Bhisma , Alam Tipu , Rakshit Amitava
Published: September 2021

In the last few years, the photo-redox process via single-electron transfer (SET) has received substantial attention for the synthesis of targeted organic compounds due to its environmental friendliness and sustainability. Of late visible-light-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes has gained much attention because of its step economy, which allows the consecutive installation of two functional groups across the C=C bond in a single operation. The construction of N-containing compounds has always been important in organic synthesis. Molecules containing C-N bonds are found in many building blocks and are important precursors to other functional groups. Meanwhile, C-N bond formation via the addition of the C=C double bond is gaining prominence. Therefore, considering the influence and synthetic potential of the C-N bond, here we provide a summary of the state of the art on visible-light-driven difunctionalizations of alkene. We hope that the construction of the C-N bond via visible-light-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes will be useful for medicinal and synthetic organic chemists and will inspire further reaction development in this interesting area.
Functional Foods and Human Health: An Overview
Authors: Sajid Arshad Muhammad , Khalid Waseem , Shabir Ahmad Rabia , Kamran Khan Muhammad , Haseeb Ahmad Muhammad , Safdar Saira , Kousar Safura , Munir Haroon , Shabbir Umair , Zafarullah Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Asghar Zubia , Ansar Rasul Suleria Hafiz
Published: September 2021

Functional food is a whole ingredient or a part of food that used as food for specific therapeutic purposes. It is divided into two wide categories: Conventional and modified functional foods. Conventional functional Foods are composed of natural or whole-food ingredients that provide functional substances while modified functional is food or food products in which add additional ingredients for specific health purposes. Plant-based food such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, cereals, nuts and beans contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phenolic compounds that play a functional role in the human body against chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and GIT-related disease. Some other foods or food products like juices, dairy products, fortified eggs and seafood are composed of functional components. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that are played a functional role in heart health and brain development.
Val Ferret Pilot Action Region: Grandes Jorasses Glaciers - An Open-Air Laboratory for the Development of Close-Range Remote Sensing Monitoring Systems
Authors: Perret Paolo , Pierre Fosson Jean , Mondardini Luca , Segor Valerio
Published: September 2021

The Val Ferret valley (Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy) was included as a Pilot Action Region (PAR) of the GreenRisk4Alps project since it is both a famous tourist location and a high-risk area for all types of mass movement processes. Typical natural hazards that endanger this PAR are debris flows and avalanches, sometimes connected to ice collapses from the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif. Thanks to the steep sides of the valley and widespread alluvial channels, these events can reach the valley floor, where public roads, villages and touristic attractions are located. This article presents the main challenges of natural hazard management in the Val Ferret PAR, as well as the role of forestry and protective forests in the Aosta Valley Autonomous Region. As an example of good practice, the monitoring systems of the Planpincieux and Grandes Jorasses glaciers are presented. Recently, these glaciers have become an open-air laboratory for glacial monitoring techniques. Many close-range surveys have been conducted here, and a permanent network of monitoring systems that measure the surface deformation of the glaciers is currently active.
Wipptal South Pilot Action Region: Gravity-Driven Natural Hazards and Forest Types
Authors: Hintner Christoph , Terzi Stefano , Steger Stefan
Published: September 2021

This chapter describes the Wipptal South Pilot Action Region (PAR) in South Tyrol, where forests are well recognized to play a crucial role in protecting against a variety of gravity-driven natural hazards, such as landslides, debris flows, rock falls and snow avalanches. The chapter presents the three municipalities in the PAR area in terms of socio-environmental context, gravity-driven natural hazards and forest characteristics. The presented best-practice example describes the results of a former project entitled “Waldtypisierung Südtirol” (Eng. Forest Characterization South Tyrol) that focused on a detailed description of forests in South Tyrol and the development of a handbook for foresters. It is shown that the Wipptal South PAR as being is frequently affected by a variety of gravity-induced hazards while highlighting the critical role of forest in protecting people and their properties. Appropriate forest management strategies are vital to maintain and increase tree species diversity (e.g. populating fir) and the associated protective forest function. In this context, climate change effects, such as an increasing threat of bark beetle infestation due to rising drought stress or the consequences of associated extreme weather events (e.g. storms), pose major challenges for the local forests and their protective function.
Phytophthora Diseases Prevalence, Its Effects and Controls in Ghana
Authors: Nsiah Frimpong Benedicta , Oteng Ampadu Samuel , Oppong Allen , Nunoo Isaac , Brobbey Lydia
Published: September 2021

The success of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in reducing hunger and poverty is limited by crop losses. Globally, plant pests and diseases account for 40% yield losses which threatens food and nutrition security, livelihoods of citizenry and erode the resources of local and national economies. Phytophthora diseases are among the most important diseases in sub-Saharan Africa which result in severe socio-economic consequences. Roots and tubers and cash commodity crops are important staples and foreign exchange earner crops in Ghana which are significantly challenged by the incidence and severity of Phytophthora diseases. To ensure food availability, safeguard the local financial ecosystem and protect the environment, innovative and sound management practices are needed and this chapter reviews the different Phytophthora diseases on crops; more specifically with (cocoa and taro as case studies), the consequences and available management options that can be applied to manage the disease situation in Ghana.
The Impact of the Culture on Corporate Governance (Board Structure) in Jordan Context
Authors: Qasim Hardan Aleqedat Houda
Published: September 2021

Corporate governance has become one of the most important issues that concern most investors, shareholders, and decision-makers, as corporate governance has become one of the most important issues that companies are committed to, however, there are still problems related to corporate governance. There is a lack of studies that addressed the relationship between culture and corporate governance particularly, in the Jordan context. The current study covering this issue by investigating the impact of the culture on corporate governance (Board Structure) for the financial sector in Jordan for the period (2013–2018).
Children’s Art Exhibitions in Brazil: A Modern Badge for the New Man
Authors: Regina Baggio Osinski Dulce , Carneiro Antonio Ricardo
Published: September 2021

In this article we analyze, within the context of the decades between 1940 and 1960, children’s art exhibits as a strategy for asserting the importance of Art in educating and developing a child’s personality, using newspaper articles, pictures, children’s drawings, reports and other institutional documents as sources. The artistic vanguards of the early 20th century, advocates of the artist’s self expression, and the acknowledgement – by Psychology and Pedagogy – of the specificities of being a child have resulted both in the defense of the child’s freedom of artistic expression, and in a renewal of Art and education concepts of that period of time. As of the mid ‘40s, children’s art caught UNESCO’s attention because it represented potential integration and fraternity among people and the desire to build a new Man. Such exhibits acted as showcases for several ideas and justified the importance of children’s art involving, in the Brazilian context, from governmental agencies to national newspapers and private companies. Aiming at inculcating an educational conduct based on assumptions such as the unrestricted freedom of children’s creative spirit they had, as a contradiction, the censorship of themes considered unsuitable such as violence, and the need to follow a pre-defined esthetic standard.
Arsenic Speciation Techniques in Soil Water and Plant: An Overview
Authors: Zia Uddin Kamal Mohammed , Yunus Miah Md.
Published: September 2021

There are more than 100 different arsenic with different characteristics in the soil-water-plant ecosystem. The identification and quantification of individual arsenic species is essential for understanding the distribution, environmental fate and behavior, metabolism and toxicity of arsenic. Due to the hazardous nature of arsenic, people have a high interest in the measurement of arsenic species. The reaction of the formation of arsenic speciation in the soil-water-plant environment is briefly studied. There is little information on methods used to quantify arsenic forms and species in contaminated soil, water and plant. The purpose of this article is to understand the available sample pretreatment, extraction, separation, detection and method validation techniques for arsenic speciation analysis of arsenic species in soil, water and plant. The performances of various sample preparation and extraction processes, as well as effective separation techniques, that contribute greatly to excellent sensitivity and selectivity in arsenic speciation when coupling with suitable detection mode, and method validity are discussed. The outlines of arsenic speciation techniques are discussed in view of the importance to the completeness and accuracy of analytical data in the soil-water-plant samples. To develop cheap, fast, sensitive, and reproducible techniques with low detection limits, still needed to confine research on arsenic speciation present in environmental matrices.
Recent Trends in Freshwater Pearl Farming in India
Authors: Saurabh Shailesh , Pradhan Sweta , Suman Sonal
Published: September 2021

Cultured pearls have an important place in international trade. The Vedas, the Bible, and the Koran all mentioned pearls, and they are regarded as one of the highest honours. Pearls are generated in nature when an irritant, such as a sand grain or a parasite, is swept into the pearl molluscs and lodged within it, where it is coated with micro-layers of nacre, a lustrous substance made up of 80–90 per cent aragonite crystals of CaCO3. The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, India, has created a base technology for cultivating pearls in freshwater habitats, recognising the scope and value of freshwater pearl production. Indian pond mussel, Lamellidens marginalis is the major species used in freshwater pearl aquaculture. In addition, ICAR-CIFA has pioneered a novel feature of freshwater pearl farming. The Institute has also taken the lead in disseminating freshwater pearl culture technology to the country’s fish farming communities, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students to build a sustainable model for the country’s socio-economic development. In this chapter, we will briefly cover pearls and their types, their historical significance, the spread of pearl mussels of freshwater origin in various countries, pearl biomineralisation, pearl farming techniques, and factors affecting pearl quality, among other things.
Device Diagnosing Health of Bovine
Authors: Kankana Dewan Sumi
Published: September 2021

The research problem taken into consideration for study dealt with the design of a low cost hand-held ZnO based sensing device for testing blood serum of bovine (cow), to diagnose their health of liver and kidney by detecting four biological parameters in-situ. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised by chemical bath deposition method. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the size of ZnO nanoparticles were determined. It shows a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an orientation along the direction (101). TEM images show various morphological changes of nanostructured ZnO. The average crystallite sizes of ZnO molecule is found to be 0.004 nm from XRD. The constituents of nano sized ZnO are found to be of Zn (57.27%), Cl (33.01%), C (8.04%) and O (1.68%) as obtained from EDS. The samples of blood serum of bovine, avian and caprine are characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Benesphera Avantor Performance (Biochemistry Analyser). ZnO based sensing device is designed with the help of Arduino and Microsoft visual basic 6.0 version software. The resistance of blood serum is taken into consideration for carrying out the experiment. It has been measured after adding ZnO (1 μl) to blood serum of (1 ml) to detect four biological parameters – Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine of bovine more precisely. The device can indicate whether the blood serum of bovine have normal/diseased parameters. This device will also help the veterinarians in the field.
Effects of Timing of Nerve Injury and Repair in Neonatal and Adult Brachial Plexus Injury Models
Authors: Bourke Grainne , Novikov Lev , Hart Andrew , Wiberg Mikael
Published: September 2021

Brachial plexus Injury causes severe and long-term upper limb deficits at any age. The outcome from current reconstructive options depends on the severity of nerve injury and timing of intervention. This chapter summarises the differing biological responses to nerve injury that occur during neonatal, young adult and mature adult life. The central and peripheral reactions to nerve injury, the effects of timing of repair on both motor and sensory neuronal survival and basic science evidence to support early intervention are discussed.
The Impact of Global Warming and Climate Change on the Development of Agriculture in the Northern Latitudes of the Eurasian Continent
Authors: Ryumkina Inga , Ryumkin Sergey , Malykhina Anastasiia , Ursu Dmitry , Khanturgaev Andrey
Published: September 2021

In the northern regions of the Eurasian continent, an increase in the sum of active temperatures up to 1500–2000 °C degrees is observed, which creates more favorable conditions for growing crops. The study reveals the prerequisites for the development of crop production in the northern latitudes and analyzes the yield of crops according to the Doctrine of Food Security. Also considered the yields of the main crops in the northern countries of Europe. In the south of the European part of the Eurasian continent, a decrease in crop yields is expected due to climate change and severe aridity. At the same time, this process will have a more negligible effect in the central regions. Improving the thermal regime in the North of the Far East will also increase the yield of fruit and berry, and vegetable crops. In the northern part of the circumpolar belt, an improvement in the thermal regime with a relatively insignificant change in climate humidity will create conditions for increasing crops’ productivity and growing a more comprehensive range of crops, especially in river valleys.
Chaetomium Application in Agriculture
Authors: Soytong Kasem , Kahonokmedhakul Somdej , Song Jiaojiao , Tongon Rujira
Published: September 2021

Chaetomium species for plant disease control are reported to be antagonize many plant pathogens. It is a new broad spectrum biological fungicide from Chaetomium species which firstly discovered and patented No. 6266, International Code: AO 1 N 25/12, and registered as Ketomium® mycofungicide for plant disease control in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and China. Chaetoimum biofungicide and biostimulants are applied to implement integrated plant disease control. It showed protective and curative effects in controlling plant disease and promoting plant growth. It has been successfully applied to the infested soils with integrated cultural control for the long-term protection against rice blast (Magnaporte oryzae), durian and black Pepper rot (Piper nigram L.) (Phytophthora palmivora), citrus rot (Phytophthora parasitica) and strawberry rot (Fragaria spp.) caused by Phytophthora cactorum, wilt of tomato (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici), basal rot of corn (Sclerotium rolfsii) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) etc. Further research is reported on the other bioactive compounds from active strains of Chaetomium spp. We have discovered various new compounds from Ch. globosum, Ch. cupreum, Ch. elatum, Ch. cochliodes, Ch. brasiliense, Ch. lucknowense, Ch. longirostre and Ch. siamense. These new compounds are not only inhibiting human pathogens (anti-malaria, anti-tuberculosis, anti-cancer cell lines and anti-C. albicans etc) but also plant pathogens as well. These active natural products from different strains of Chaetomium spp. are further developed to be biodegradable nanoparticles from active metabolites as a new discovery of scientific investigation which used to induce plant immunity, namely microbial degradable nano-elicitors for inducing immunity through phytoalexin production in plants e.g. inducing tomato to produce alpha-tomaline against Fusarium wilt of tomato, capsidiol against chili anthracnose, sakuranitin and oryzalexin B against rice blast, scopletin and anthrocyaidin against Phytophthora or Pythium rot Durian and scoparone against Phytophthora or Pythium rot of citrus. Chaetomium biofungicide can be applied instead of toxic chemical fungicides to control plant diseases.
Enzymes – Key Elements of the Future Biorefineries
Authors: Birikh Klara , Michine Alex , Heikkilä Matti , Ihalainen Petri
Published: September 2021

The biorefinery concept in its modern meaning has emerged after it has become apparent that biofuel production from non-food biomass is struggling for economic viability. Lignocellulosic biomass is more recalcitrant and more complex than the starch-based feedstocks used for food. The former, therefore, calls for a more complex approach to its utilization. This chapter reflects MetGen’s vision of the future development of biorefineries. We will discuss the zero-waste approach to lignocellulosic biomass utilization and various ways to valorize the resulting streams to boost the economic viability of the biorefinery. We will mostly explore the relevant enzyme-based approaches and will make a special focus on lignin valorization. Enzymatic and cell-based approaches to sugar valorization will be discussed as well.
Honey Production Process
Authors: Dümen Emek , Gizem Tarakçı Nadide , Ekici Gözde
Published: September 2021

Honey has been considered as a very important and superior nutrient in human nutrition since ancient times due to its ability to be consumed by humans without processing, easy digestibility, nutritional properties and biological benefits. Although honey contains many desired bioactive and antibacterial substances, which may be sufficient for antimicrobial activity, it cannot be produced in sufficient quantities due to low water activity under normal conditions. This causes various food and bee-borne spores/non-spores pathogens going viral. Hence, it may cause the risk of parasitological and fungal agents to be found. In honey production, “Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)” must be applied meticulously and completely. Current technologies in honey production will be explained in this section.
The Effect of a Proprioceptive Exercises Programme on Disease Activity and Gait Biomechanical Parameters of Post-Menopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Aleixo Pedro , Atalaia Tiago , Vaz Patto José , Abrantes João
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to assess the effects of a proprioceptive exercises programme on disease activity and on ankle kinematic and kinetic parameters of post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-seven post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis were allocated to exercise group (n = 15) or control group (n = 12). Exercise group intervention: proprioceptive exercises (12 weeks; 3 one-on-one workouts/week; 30 min/workout). Control group intervention: stretching exercises (12 weeks; 1 one-on-one workout every two weeks; 30 min/workout). Disease Activity Score (28 joints) was used to assess disease activity. A 3D motion analysis system (9 cameras, 200 Hz) and a force plate (1000 Hz) were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data during a barefoot walking at self-selected speed. For each subjects’ foot, 7 trials of the stance phase were collected. One subject withdrawal was registered in exercise group. Post-intervention, exercise group’ subjects yielded higher gait speed, shorter stance phase, shorter controlled dorsiflexion sub-phase, and higher ankle power peak (p < 0.05), however, they showed no differences in Disease Activity Score, ankle moment of force peak, and variability of biomechanical parameters; control group’ subjects showed no differences in all parameters. Proprioceptive exercises seemed to be a safe option to gain gait biomechanical improvements in post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.
Temporal (t > 0) Space and Gravitational Waves
Authors: T.S. Yu Francis
Published: September 2021

I will begin with the nature of our temporal (t > 0) universe, since without temporal space there would be no gravitation force because gravitational field cannot be created within an empty space. When we are dealing with physical realizability of science, Einstein’s relativity theories cannot be ignored since relativistic mechanics is dealing with very large objects. Nevertheless I will show that huge gravitational waves can be created by a gigantic mass annihilation only within a temporal (t > 0) space. Since gravitational energy has never been consider as a significant component within big bang creation, I will show it is a key component to ignite the big bang explosion, contrary to commonly believed that big bang explosion was ignited by time. I will show a huge gravitation energy reservoir induced by a gigantic mass had had been created over time well before the big bang started. Since the assumed singularity mass within a temporal (t > 0) had had gotten heavier and heavier similar to a gigantic black hole that continuingly swallows up huge chunk of substances within the space. From which we see that it is the gravitational force that triggers the thermo-nuclei big bang creation, instead ignited by time as postulated. Aside the thermo-nuclei creation, it had a gigantic gravitational wave release as mass annihilates rapidly by big bang explosion. From which we see that it is the induced gravitational reservoir changes with time, but not the induced gravity changes (i.e., curves) time–space. In other words if there has no temporal (t > 0) space then there will be no gravitational waves.
The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yvonne Buowari Dabota
Published: September 2021

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that involves the use of lifestyle in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that diabetes mellitus can be prevented following lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle medicine is a branch of medicine that promotes lifestyle modifications as a way of life. This includes promoting healthy eating which includes a whole plant-based diet, low fat, low sugar and low salt. It also includes exercises, sleeping healthy and reducing stress. This is involved in the management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic management is expensive especially in low and middle-income countries where health insurance is not available for the entire populace and diabetics have to pay out of pocket for their medications.
Flooding Fragility Model Development Using Bayesian Regression
Authors: Wells Alison , L. Pope Chad
Published: September 2021

Traditional component pass/fail design analysis and testing protocol drives excessively conservative operating limits and setpoints as well as unnecessarily large margins of safety. Component performance testing coupled with failure probability model development can support selection of more flexible operating limits and setpoints as well as softening defense-in-depth elements. This chapter discuses the process of Bayesian regression fragility model development using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and model checking protocol using three types of Bayesian p-values. The chapter also discusses application of the model development and testing techniques through component flooding performance experiments associated with industrial steel doors being subjected to a rising water scenario. These component tests yield the necessary data for fragility model development while providing insight into development of testing protocol that will yield meaningful data for fragility model development. Finally, the chapter discusses development and selection of a fragility model for industrial steel door performance when subjected to a water-rising scenario.
Methods of Assessing Sedentary Behaviour
Authors: Marconcin Priscila , B. Júdice Pedro , Ferrari Gerson , Werneck André , Marques Adilson
Published: September 2021

Increasing amounts of time spent in sedentary behaviour (SB), during occupation or recreation activities, is considered a global health problem. SB has been associated with several non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Thus, it is essential to assess SB through the most accurate and suitable measurement tools. This chapter presents an overview of different methods for assessing SB and highlights the importance of determining the best measurement tool. In choosing an appropriate and accurate method, it is relevant to consider multiple factors, such as population characteristics, context, validity and reliability of measurement tools, and potential research and participant burdens. Subjective measurements, such as self-reported questionnaires, are widely used in epidemiologic studies because they are easy to administer at low cost. However, there is a large variety of questionnaires, which makes it difficult to select a single questionnaire to assess SB. Device-based measurements are more accurate for assessing SB as well as determining bouts and breaks. Both methods present strengths and limitations, and when possible, researchers should use a combination of device-based and subjective methods to improve SB assessment.
Factors Influencing Access to Reliable Healthcare Financing among Elderly Population in Africa
Authors: Akintoyese Oyekola Isaac , Albert Ajani Oludele , Joseph Oyeyipo Eyitayo
Published: September 2021

Population is ageing rapidly in all regions of the world and unreliable healthcare financing is capable of hindering older people from seeking competent medical attention which in turn may lead to their suffering, insecurity and/or death. In Africa, lack of access to reliable healthcare financing in old age poses serious development challenges and it is detrimental to healthy ageing, especially because elderly population are known to be facing various health challenges which require huge financial costs. Existing studies have shown that it is not sufficient to provide reliable healthcare financing for older people, it is more important to provide them access to these services. Ensuring that the elderly population has access to reliable healthcare financing in particular as well as other available and possible social support mechanisms that may encourage the provision of and access to reliable healthcare financing in general is a challenge and very key to healthy ageing. Through authors’ experiences in the healthcare system, narrative review of existing literature and interactions with some elderly people, this article explores various factors influencing older people’s access to reliable healthcare financing. It is believed that understanding of factors influencing access to reliable healthcare financing among older people in Africa will go a long way in directing policies toward the right course.
Trends and Opportunities of Industry 4.0 in Wood Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Ramos-Maldonado Mario , Aguilera-Carrasco Cristhian
Published: September 2021

Wood industry is key for sustainability and an important economic activity in many countries. In manufacturing plants, wood variability turns operation management more complex. In a competitive scenario, assets availability is critical to achieve higher productivity. In a new fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, data engineering permits efficient decisions making. Phenomena difficult to model with conventional techniques are turned possible with algorithms based on artificial intelligence. Sensors and machine learning techniques allow intelligent analysis of data. However, algorithms are highly sensitive of the problem and his study to decide on which work is critical. For the manufacturing wood processes, Industry 4.0 is a great opportunity. Wood is a material of biological origin and generates variabilities over the manufacturing processes. For example, in the veneer drying, density and anatomical structure impact the product quality. Scanners have been developed to measure variables and outcomes, but decisions are made yet by humans. Today, robust sensors, computing capacity, communications and intelligent algorithms permit to manage wood variability. Real-time actions can be achieved by learning from data. This paper presents trends and opportunities provided by Industry 4.0 components. Sensors, decision support systems and intelligent algorithms use are reviewed. Some applications are presented.
Intellectual Property Rights: Bioprospecting, Biopiracy and Protection of Traditional Knowledge - An Indian Perspective
Authors: Baby T Bency , Narasimman Kuppusami Suriyaprakash Timmakkondu
Published: September 2021

Patents are the form of IP most often used to seek protection of knowledge related to biological resources. The value of plants as medicinal sources is more widely recognized and the “intellectual property rights” (IPR) associated with their use and protection have been debated around the world. Indeed, being a land of indigenous cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, India is an open treasure box for whole world. IPR provisions under WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and patent rights have attracted the appeal of many researchers, pharmaceutical companies and organizations to explore the potential of traditional knowledge. In this scenario, effective protection and management of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is essential, and India is fully committed to this. Similarly IPR and its policy framework equally contribute to development of any nation. This chapter attempts to provide information relevant to national and legal rules and policies regarding Intellectual property rights. Protection of traditional knowledge, Conservation of the rights of local and indigenous peoples to their knowledge and resources are equally important. In this regard, this chapter also discusses the concepts Biopiracy and Bioprospecting. All information is gathered from published articles and legal documents of respective countries and official websites of international organizations as these are the only sources of legal information.
Circulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Authors: Soytürk Hayriye , Yılmaz Murat , Önal Cansu , Suveren Eylem , Kılıç Ümit
Published: September 2021

Circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless liquid that circulates between the ventricular system and the subarachnoid space. In addition to its function as a natural cushion for the brain, CSF provides the circulation of metabolic products, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Moreover, it has tasks such as maintaining the homeostatic balance of the central nervous system, protecting the brain against mechanical injuries, preventing direct contact of the brain with the extracellular region. It also has a role in maintaining cerebral interstitial fluid (ISF) homeostasis and neuronal regulation. Normal CSF production, its circulation, and absorption have a critical role for the development and functioning of the brain. In an average adult person, roughly 150 ml of CSF circulates at any given moment. The ventricular part accounts for about 17% of the total volume of fluid, with the rest located in the subarachnoid cisterns and space. CSF is produced at a rate of about 0.3–0.4 mL/min, translating to 18–25 mL/H and 430–530 mL/day.
Assessment of Follow-Up Care Received by Patients with Hypertension at Primary Health Care Facilities in Tshwane District of Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Manyelo Julia , Habedi Debbie
Published: September 2021

To extend the life expectancy of all South Africans to at least 70 years by 2030, hypertension follow-up care needs to be strengthened so that patients do not develop complications while in care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the follow-up care received by patients with hypertension at primary health care (PHC) facilities in Tshwane district. The study setting was ten PHC facilities in the aforesaid district. Quantitative, descriptive and retrospective methods were adopted, and simple random sampling was used to select ten PHC facilities from which ten files were conveniently sampled. Data were captured in Microsoft Excel 2010 and exported to IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21 in which data coding, outlier detection, missing value analysis and statistical data analysis were performed. In line with the study aim, frequency tables in SPSS were used to produce frequency statistics, and the chi-square test was used to test for the presence of association between compliance by nurses to clinical guidelines and categories of attributes, and further determine if there was a significant difference between adherence and non-adherence. The study found a significant proportion (93.4%) of non-adherence to hypertension guidelines among consulting nurses at selected PHC facilities.
Timber-Concrete Composite Structural Elements
Authors: Ogrin Anita , Hozjan Tomaž
Published: September 2021

Timber-concrete composites are interesting engineered wood products usually used for structural elements, which are mainly subjected to bending load; from simple floor systems to long-span bridges. This way, the advantage can be taken of timber tensile strength and concrete compression strength. The chapter begins with an introduction of various types of timber-concrete composite structural elements regarding type of the element, connection type and types of timber and concrete. Next, specific characteristics and advantages of timber-concrete composite structural elements are thoroughly discussed from viewpoints of engineering, architecture, builders and ecology. Furthermore, basic mechanical principles of timber-concrete composite structural elements are presented and some design methods are briefly described. Finally, worldwide inclusion of timber-concrete composite structures in currently applicable standards is discussed.
Human Factors Quality Control in Air Traffic
Authors: Usman Tariq Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Every living person, from infants to older people, gets affected by internal and external factors. There are numerous researches and writings related to humans and these various factors. Human factors are recognized since the start of the human race. The awareness of the impacts of our environment is not new to humans. The focus in this chapter is upon those factors which can create an impact on aircraft mechanisms and air traffic controllers. These factors include human, psychological, work conditions, training, health conditions, environment, societal, and training. These factors must be quality controlled to minimize the errors in the critical domain of air traffic. A reduction in the number of errors will allow the performance to be higher and lowers the chances of fatal accidents.
A Thermal and Energy Aware Framework with Physiological Safety Considerations for Internet of Things in Healthcare and Medical Applications
Authors: Mishra Amitabh
Published: September 2021

Healthcare, lifestyle, and medical applications of Internet of Things (IoT) involve the use of wearable technology that employs sensors of various kinds to sense human physiological parameters such as steps walked, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and other cardiac parameters. Such sensors and associated actuators can be worn as gadgets, embedded in clothing, worn as patches in contact with the body and could even be implanted inside the body. These sensors are electronic, and any electronic activity during their sensing, processing and wireless transmission is associated with the generation of heat. This dissipated heat can cause discomfort to the subject and has the potential of damaging healthy living tissue and cells. In the proposed work, the author does a performance check on the intrinsic safety aspects of an IoT healthcare network with respect to the functioning of the wireless sensors involved and routing of sensor data samples. The author also suggests an optimized thermal and energy aware framework to address the issue of temperature rise due to processing and data transmission from sensors through signal processing approaches that help in reducing thermal hazards and simultaneously enhancing the network lifetime through energy conservation.
The Interaction between the Gut Microbiota and Chronic Diseases
Authors: Sanusi-Olubowale Temitope
Published: September 2021

The world is experiencing an increase in chronic diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes preceding disease like gestational diabetes. Most of these diseases can be prevented and mitigated if individuals pay attention to the causative factors. One of such factors is the type of microorganisms in an individual’s gut. Even though there are innate beneficial microorganisms in the human gut, pathogenic microorganisms can invade the gut, changing the inborn population of the gut microbiota. The changes in the gut microbiota population have been linked to several diseases. This chapter, therefore, describes gut microbiota and their interaction with specific diseases. Also discussed in this chapter are the changes to gut microbiota composition that pose a risk to the host. There is substantial evidence that diseases are initiated or worsened with a change in the gut microbiota composition. Therefore, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in individuals’ health and requires human efforts to keep them in the right population. Furthermore, making lifestyle changes, particularly food choices and behaviors such as the misuse of medications and excessive alcohol consumption, should be monitored and controlled to support gut health.