bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambaran Peran Tokoh Masyarakat Terkait Upaya Pencegahan Penyebaran Covid-19
Authors: Anitatul Fijriah  , Lilis Sulistiya Nengrum  , Sena Wahyu Purwanza
Published: March 2022

Pendahuluan: COVID-19 merupakan penyakit infeksi yang disebabkan oleh virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 dapat menyebabkan gangguan sistem pernafasan, mulai dari gejala yang ringan seperti flu, hingga infeksi paru-paru seperti pneumonia. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui gambaran peran tokoh masyarakat terkait upaya pencegahan penyebaran covid-19 di Kecamatan Singosari Kabupaten Malang.

Metode: Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuatitatif dengan teknik sampling yang digunakan total sampling. Besaran sampel sebanyak 84 responden.  

Hasil: Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan peran tokoh masyarakat kurang baik (59.6%) dan perilaku baik (79.8%).

Kesimpulan: Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini bahwa peran tokoh masyarakat dalam pencegahan Covid-19 masih kurang baik akan tetapi perilakunya sudah baik dalam mencegah penyebaran Covid-19. Saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya dapat meneliti terkait stigma pada penyintas Covid-19.
Metode Komunikasi dengan Pendekatan SBAR Terhadap Keselamatan Pasien : Studi Literatur
Authors: Elvi zuhriyatul wachidah  , Cesario Tesa Priantoro  , Sena Wahyu Purwanza
Published: March 2022

Latar belakang : Keselamatan pasien (patient safety) merupakan suatu sistem yang diterapkan di Rumah Sakit dengan tujuan memberikan kenyamanan pasien dalam proses perawatan. Salah satu metode komunikasi yang efektif adalah menggunakan pendekatan Situation Background Assessment Recommendation (SBAR) untuk mencapai keterampilan berfikir kritis dan menghemat waktu selama proses perawatan. Pendekatan SBAR terbukti menjadi alat yang digunakan sebagai alat komunikasi yang dianggap efektif dalam pengaturan perawatan pasien yang bersifat akut dan urgent. Review ini bertujuan untuk menemukan metode komunikasi yang efektif dalam mengurangi atau menekan angka insiden keselamatan pasien, meningkatkan mutu pelayanan dan meningkatkan kualitas asuhan keperawatan.

Metode : Studi ini menggunakan literature review dengan metode pencarian jurnal menggunakan database google scholar dan elsevier. Kata kunci yang digunakan dalam pencarian pada google scholar yaitu perawat, keselamatan pasien dan komunikasi efektif, sedangkan untuk database elsevier menggunakan kata kunci nursing, patient safety, effective communication. Batasan penelusuran yang dilakukan dengan mencari artikel asli, bahasa indonesia dan bahasa inggris serta tahun 2016-2021. Didapatkan 213 artikel dari semua basis data, 180 google scholar dan 33 elsevier.

Hasil : Peneliti menemukan 13 artikel yang sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Hasil literatur review menunjukkan  bahwa komunikasi  efektif dengan menggunakan pendekatan SBAR mampu mengurangi kesalahan dalam berkomunikasi antar tenaga kesehatan maupun tenaga kesehatan dengan pasien sehingga dapat mencegah kejadian tidak diinginkan. Oleh karena itu, komunikasi efektif dengan pendekatan SBAR juga dapat meningkatan mutu pelayanan Rumah Sakit dan meningkatkan kepuasan pasien.

Kesimpulan : metode komunikasi efektif dengan pendekatan SBAR diharapkan dapat menjadi sebuat metode komunikasi yang dapat meningkatkan mutu pelayanan, mengurangi insiden keselamatan pasien dan mencegah terjadinya kejadian yang tidak diinginkan, serta dapat berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan pasien dan loyalitas perawat.
Pelatihan Terapi Bermain Menyusun Puzzle Pada Perawat Untuk Mengatasi Kecemasan Pada Anak Pra Sekolah Di Ruang Perawatan Anak Rsud Abunawas Kota Kendari
Authors: Zoahira Wa Ode Aisa , Purnamasar Anisa
Published: March 2022

Studi pendahuluan yang dilakukan di Puskesmas Mekar Kota Kendari berdasarkan hasil wawancara dengan kepala Puskesmas dan tenaga medis di Puskesmas Mekar bahwa masyarakat di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Mekar belum mendapatkan edukasi tentang penyakit dermatitis kontak terutama dalam mengenali, mencegah dan menanggulangi penyakit tersebut. Berdasarkan hasil survey diatas, maka diperlukan edukasi tentang penyakit dermatitis kontak di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Mekar Kota Kendari. Edukasi yang akan dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode ceramah, diskusi dan tanya jawab. Melalui metode ini diharapkan dapat menambah pemahaman kepada masyarakat dalam mengenal, mencegah dan menanggulangi penyakit dermatitis kontak ini.Perawatan anak di rumah sakit merupakan pengalaman yang penuh dengan stress, baik bagi anak maupun bagi orangtua. Beberapa bukti ilmiah menunjukkan bahwa lingkungan rumah sakit itu sendiri merupakan penyebab stress bagi anak dan orangtuanya, baik lingkungan fisik rumah sakit, petugas kesehatan, maupun lingkungan sosial. Perasaan seperti takut, cemas, tegang, nyeri, dan perasaan yang tidak menyenangkan lainnya. Untuk itu anak memerlukan media yang dapat mengekspresikan perasaan tersebut dan mampu berkerjasama dengan petugas kesehatan selama dalam perawatan. Media yang paling efektif adalah melalui kegiatan bermain. Permainan yang terapeutik didasari oleh pandangan bahwa bermain bagi anak merupakan aktivitas yang sehat dan diperlukan untuk kelangsungan tumbuh kembang anak .
Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance - A Literature Review
Authors:   Davnagere University, SOMESHWARI. SOMESHWARI
Published: March 2022

Companies must not only pursue their main goal—maximizing profits—but also contribute to society's well- being through voluntary efforts, according to the definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR is becoming increasingly important in today's global world. Companies are increasingly required to engage in socially responsible activities in order to support their success. Some authors suggest that corporations that pursue CSR projects acquire a competitive edge over their competitors by establishing a positive public image or reputation and generating higher revenues and returns on investment, whereas others disagree. The purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of CSR using a systematic literature review and to establish a conceptual framework. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial Performance, Brand, Cement and Steel Industries, India.
Business English Proficiency Acquisition Facilitated by Technology: Evaluations and Implications
Authors: Zhou Xiaoer
Published: March 2022

Online learning prospered in recent years, so did the research in this area. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it the default option of education. The design, implementation and evaluation of a completely online education model are of universal urgency. The learning purposes of Business English encompass the mastery of business knowledge and language abilities. This paper reviews the online teaching and learning of this course and tries to assess its effectiveness in equipping students with business related language competence. Students’ performances were measured in score comparisons; their levels of participation and activeness were captured in statistics across learning platforms; their perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of this teaching model were collected in a survey and in-depth interviews. Research results show significant progresses have been achieved in students’ reading proficiency; language production in terms of speaking and writing was perceived to have been improved; the level of engagement was high. Challenges of this model have also been summarized and corresponding modifications would be proposed, to facilitate proficiency acquisition more efficiently.
A Grammatical-Lexicographic Study of Structure in Some Selected Samples of Second Language Mental Lexicon of Kuwaiti Speakers
Authors: Alenezi Yousef M. , Alzankawi Maisoun
Published: March 2022

This study investigates Kuwaiti learners’ use of English Word Associations. The issue of how second language (L2) learners structure their lexical knowledge has been of interest to L2 researchers for decades. However, the role of language proficiency in determining qualitative and quantitative features of lexical knowledge is unexplored. This study replicates Zareva (2007); therefore, the word association test used is the same. For this purpose, 40 Kuwait University students were distributed into two clusters according to their language aptitude levels. In addition, another set of five native speakers of English was tested to compare the organisation of word association of the Kuwaiti speakers to the organisation of word association of the native speakers of English. The method involved a written vocabulary test consisting of 76 different word items where subjects were asked to select the suitable answer out of 4 possible answers related to the given word’s meaning and think of three possible words to associate with the given word. Results showed consistency with Zareva’s findings and suggest that variations in lexical knowledge organisation involving native speakers and L2 learners are quantitative instead of qualitative.
The Two-Dimensional Strip Cutting Problem: Improved Results on Real-World Instances
Authors: MRAD Mehdi , G. ALI Tamer , BALMA Ali , GHARBI Anis , SAMHAN Ali , LOULY M. A.
Published: March 2022

Cutting and packing problems arise in various industrial settings such as production of metal, glass sheets, papers, etc. The demand of items should be met while minimizing loss of waste material. One of the most known as a contemporary problem in field of operations research is the two-dimensional strip cutting problem. A set of m rectangular items is to be cut from a two-dimensional strip of width W and infinite height. Each item i (i=1,2,…,m) has a width wi, a height hi, and a demand di. The objective is to determine how to cut the demanded items using the minimum height of strip and meet all the demands, while respecting the two stages of guillotine cuts. We address the arc-flow formulation for this NP-hard problem. A graph compression method is proposed and it is shown that substantially better results are achieved in obtaining optimal or near-optimal solutions of real-world instances.
Joining Informal Learning in Online Knowledge Communities and Formal Learning in Higher Education: Instructional Design and Evaluation of a Blended-Learning Seminar with Learning Analytics Support
Authors: Nistor Nicolae , Dascalu Mihai , Trausan-Matu Stefan
Published: March 2022

The use of online knowledge communities (OKCs) as informal learning environments in connection with formal learning encounters two main issues: the learning guidance issue, and the newcomer integration issue. While the former can be solved by instructional design, the latter is still open and may be solved by Social Learning Analytics (SLA). This paper proposes B-LABS (Blogs and Learning Analytics Based Seminar), a higher education seminar with a formal component as a face-to-face seminar, and an informal component comprising learning in OKCs. B-LABS was carried out with N= 65 undergraduate students. SLA tools were employed to select responsive OKCs that were likely to integrate newcomers. The students successfully followed the B-LABS script; learning outcomes included students’ insight in mathematics didactics, and knowledge of OKC specific educational approaches. Student acceptance of the learning environment was predicted by performance expectancy and perceived social influence. Future development includes refining functions predicting the likeliness of OKC newcomer integration.
Understanding the role of digital communication and mediation strategies in community-led territorial innovation: a systematic review
Authors: Silva Paula Alexandra , Tymoshchuk Oksana , Renó Denis , Almeida Ana Margarida , Pedro Luís , Ramos Fernando
Published: March 2022

This article brings together empirical academic research on community-led territorial innovation initiatives. By engaging in a systematic literature review, the research analyses the role of digital technology in supporting community-led initiatives. Besides identifying the technologies used, this research develops an understanding both on its purpose of use and on its relation to communication and mediation strategies. A clear gap is found not only in terms of research reporting on community-led initiatives, but also on research studying the specific use of digital technology by those communities, highlighting a need for future research in the area. From an initial set of 1312, six articles are identified which meet the inclusion criteria for this review and only five of them report on technology use. Results show that a diversity of digital technologies, from blogs to online repositories, is used by the initiatives analysed, leveraging on the global coverage of the Internet. Besides a key role in supporting community collaboration and cooperation, digital technology also emerges as an important vehicle for community debate and as an enabler of community empowerment and advocacy.
Co-creation in the Design of Technology Enhanced Learning: Teachers’ Beliefs versus Practices
Authors: Persico Donatella , Manganello Flavio , Passarelli Marcello
Published: March 2022

The 4Cs framework, concerning self-regulated professional learning in knowledge intensive domains, is the lens through which participatory practices in learning design are investigated in this paper. The framework identifies four types of participatory behaviours: Consuming, Creating, Connecting and Contributing. A survey involving 117 Italian practicing teachers reveals that they regard all the 4Cs as important, but self-reported behaviours do not align with such beliefs. This misalignment is most significant for Connecting and Contributing behaviours (herein called altruistic behaviours). As for Consuming and Creating (individualistic behaviours), the former is rather scant while the latter is the most practiced, despite a wealth of research addressing the need to make Learning Designs reusable. Besides, the majority of the interviewees do not know the most well-known learning design tools produced by academic research. These data reveal limited impact of learning design research and indicate the way ahead for promoting teachers’ participatory practices.
Demystifying Robots in the Co-Design of a Tutee Robot with Primary School Children
Authors: Barendregt Wolmet , Ekström Sara , Kiesewetter Svea , Pareto Lena , Serholt Sofia
Published: March 2022

his paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the co-design of novel technologies with children. As part of a three year research project aiming to design and develop a robot tutee for use in mathematics education, we present the initial phases of our design approach with children, in which we draw on principles of Participatory Design and Co-design. As part of the early stages of this process, we included a demystifying phase (I), and a gradual introduction to the robot’s capabilities (II), in order to foster reasonable expectations in children and gather feasible design input. Drawing on the Time-Space-Structure framework, two primary schools were involved in the co-design process, where children in grades 2 and 4 participated in a set of workshops. We discuss the benefits and tensions of our approach, and reflect on its implications for mutual learning, hoping to inspire further exploration in this field.
Construint el camí de la informació al cos humà per explicar la regulació de la temperatura corporal amb infants de primària.
Authors: Dalmau Portulas Fàtima , Amat Arnau
Published: March 2022

Es presenta una experiència feta amb infants de cicle mitjà de primària per investigar com el cos humà regula la temperatura corporal. La situació de pandèmia actual, amb la pràctica habitual de prendre la temperatura a les nenes i als nens abans d’entrar a l’escola és el context que inicia la investigació. A partir d’aquí, les nenes i els nens observen que la temperatura corporal es manté estable, encara que posem  el cos en ambients freds o calents, però també que el cos reacciona davant dels canvis de temperatura de l’exterior. Amb l’objectiu de poder explicar una d’aquestes reaccions, es construeix una maqueta per explicar com funciona el sentit del tacte, en concret, com  la informació circula des del medi fins al Sistema Nervios Central per tal d’elaborar una resposta. Finalment, a partir d’allò treballat amb el sentit del tacte, les nenes i els nens construeixen noves representacions per explicar una de les reaccions corporals per regular la temperartura, la producció de suor.
Vulnerabilidades socioambientais associadas à implantação de rodovias às margens do reservatório de abastecimento público da Represa de São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais
Authors: Rocha Cézar Henrique Barra , Duarte Renata Lopes , Matoso Ramon Octaviano de Castro , Souza Lucas Do Vale , Silveira Fábio Jacob da , Machado Micael Marlon de Moraes
Published: March 2022

Introdução: uma das principais formas de ocupação da terra, e que gera graves impactos aos corpos hídricos, é a implantação de rodovias próximas a esses sistemas.Objetivo: identificar os impactos socioambientais associados a dois eventos: obras de duplicação da BR-040 (em 2007) e de implantação da BR-440 (entre 2010 e 2020), às margens do manancial de abastecimento público da Represa de São Pedro, em Juiz de Fora (MG).Metodologia: foi realizada uma revisão de dados presentes em artigos científicos, da mesma área de estudo, os quais utilizaram o Índice de Conformidade ao Enquadramento (ICE), a fim de avaliar a qualidade da água desse manancial, enquadrado como classe 1. Foram realizadas ainda análises de dados de parâmetros de qualidade, disponibilizados pela CESAMA, e acompanhamentos periódicos, entre os anos de 2006 e 2017, da evolução desses empreendimentos às margens da represa, a partir dos quais foi possível levantar materiais para análises de consequências associadas.Resultados: a partir dessa série de dados, observou-se que os eventos citados causaram diversos prejuízos ao meio socioambiental, como supressão de vegetação ciliar, assoreamento do corpo hídrico, compactação e contaminação do solo, aterramento de nascentes e desvio de suas águas. Como consequência, os ICE observados nesses períodos foram os piores, o que indica péssima qualidade da água para abastecimento.Conclusão: foi possível perceber a capacidade de aumento do volume de água tratado na ETA em até 2 vezes, o que diminuiria os riscos associados ao desabastecimento do município em épocas de seca.
POLISH PROTEIN SECURITY AS PERCEIVED BY FEED MARKET PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Florek Joanna , Czerwińska-Kayzer Dorota
Published: March 2022

This article aims to present the perception of protein safety by feed market participants in Poland and indicate the factors determining its development. In recent years, food security has become a subject of particular importance for European countries, including Poland. The growing number of the global population is causing an increase in the demand for animal protein, the production of which primarily requires a liquid supply of vegetable protein for feed production. In Poland, as in other EU countries, the demand for feed protein has, for many years, been much higher than the domestic production of protein feed raw materials. The COVID-19 pandemic has created many risks associated with maintaining the supply chain and clearly points to the need for greater self-sufficiency in feed protein. The research shows that a lack of vertical integration and agreement among players is one of the major problems in the functioning of the indigenous protein crop market. A solution could be to create an online platform that acts as a market maker.
IS THE STRUCTURE OF POLISH AGRICULTURE CHANGING? A COMPARISON BASED ON THE RESULTS OF RECENT GENERAL AGRICULTURAL CENSUSES
Authors: Filipiak Tadeusz , Wicki Ludwik
Published: March 2022

Structural changes in Polish agriculture are necessary. First of all, the scale is expected to increase and, hence, input efficiency. The aim of the research is to determine whether the concentration of resources and production in Polish agriculture is taking place and what is the direction. Data from two general agricultural censuses conducted by the Central Statistical Office in 2010 and 2020 were used. It was determined what main directions of changes were observed in Polish agriculture, as well as whether there is γ-convergence in terms of land resources and the production volume in area groups of farms. For each of the analyzed variables, the importance of farms with an area of more than 20 ha increased. In 2020, they accounted for 11% of the total number of farms. They owned 56% of land and were responsible for 60% of plant production and 70% of livestock production. The share of this group increased by 7 p.p. in land use, but in the sown area (except for cereals), it was an increase of 15 p.p., and in livestock production even up to 20 p.p. For the area groups of farms, a significant γ-type divergence in the use of agricultural land and in the production of cereals, potatoes and field vegetables was confirmed. In animal production, the γ-divergence was only observed in the production of sows and poultry. For other species, there has been a concentration of production, but the ranking of farm groups has not changed. In Poland, in the decade between the agricultural censuses (2010-2020), there was a significant, favorable concentration of agricultural production on farms with a larger area. These changes, however, may be too slow for a significant transformation of Polish agriculture and an increase in its competitiveness in the EU in upcoming decades. The strong fragmentation and low economic strength of farms are still the main limitations.
High Volume PRP Therapy
Authors: Godek Piotr
Published: March 2022

Background. The PRP method is widely used to support healing and regeneration in musculoskeletal and aesthetic medicine. The current literature, however, brings contradictory reports as to its effectiveness, which, at least in part, should be attributed to the diversity of methods for producing the concentrate, including the use of various volumes of whole blood, single vs double centrifugation vs filtration, use of thrombin vs calcium chloride to activate the process, and, finally, the use of an anticoagulant. The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of high-volume PRP therapy with the Angel® system (Arthrex) in our patients.
Material and methods. A total of 400 therapies were performed on 299 patients. The most frequently represented indications were knee osteoarthritis (OA), n = 164, including mild (n = 30), moderate (n = 38), and advanced (n = 96) stage; lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD), n = 54; rotator cuff injuries (RCI), n = 52; lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), n = 37; cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD), n = 17; and shoulder OA, n = 12. Therapies for LDDD and LSS patients were additionally divided with respect to the route of administration (periradicular vs epidural). The assessment tool was the modified Macnab scale. Follow-up examinations were performed at two and six months after PRP administration. Indicators of treatment success were defined as the percentage of satisfactory results and the percentage ratio of satisfactory results to non-satisfactory results after 2 and 6 months of follow-up (S/NS2 and S/NS6). For the advanced stage of knee OA, the results were compared in three age groups (under 66, 67-73 and over 74).
Results. For the entire treatment group, the mean S/NS2 ratio was 1.56; in the group of the most frequently represented indications, the highest satisfaction ratio was obtained in LDDD (2.84), and the lowest in the group of RCI (0.96). The mean value of the S/ NS6 ratio was 2.24, being the highest in mild knee OA (4.79) and CDDD (4.67), and the lowest in shoulder OA (0.72). In the age group over 74 years, the frequency of non-satisfactory results shows an increase in patients with advanced knee OA.
Conclusions. 1. High-volume PRP therapy can be used as a local regenerative and anti-inflammatory treatment, demonstrating the highest efficacy in early knee OA and CDDD. 2. High PRP therapy demonstrates a high safety profile. 3. The final effects of the therapy develop over a period of several months of follow-up and depend on the severity of the degenerative process and the patient's age.
Suicide that “makes sense” – the mechanism of suicide terrorism
Authors: Czuba Beata , Baniszewska Natalia
Published: March 2022

Suicide should be considered one of the most drastic ways of solving life problems by an individual, and today it is increasingly becoming an effective tool for terrorists. Statistics show an increase in the number of terrorist operations, in which the intended effect is the bomber’s suicide, and the number of victims is also growing. The research problem posed in the article is: “How does the need to make sense of the surrounding reality foster the motivation of suicide terrorists?”. The hypothesis formulated for the analysis is as follows: “Suicide is the sense-making factor around which most potential terrorist-suicides organize their lives. The factors conducive to forming an attitude of readiness to commit suicide are part of a culture that glorifies suicide, giving it new meanings, attractive to the individual’s personal and social identity”. The statistics and literature concerning the issue of suicides, especially those of a terrorist nature, are subject to analysis. According to the authors of the article, suicide committed by a terrorist is not an effect of loss of will to live, helplessness, or depression, but it is a factor that generates important existential senses motivating to act. For that reason, the popularity of terrorist suicide operations and the effectiveness of organizations applying terror as a tool to fight for their goals are increasing.
External environment of an organization and professional competencies of employees in Poland
Authors: Sylwestrzak Bartosz
Published: March 2022

The situation in the labour market was beneficial for the job seekers during the period before the disruptions associated with the closure of the economy due to the threats posed by the global pandemic. According to Statistics Poland, in 2018 and 2019, unemployment in Poland fell to the lowest level observed since 1990, so it can be assumed that employees were in charge of the labour market. However, the changes in the labour market occur in real time and their pace and scope are comparable to the greatest economic crises in the history of not only Poland but also the whole world. What is interesting, in such conditions, economy 4.0 sectors are developing dynamically – which, as it turns out, can be a huge opportunity for employees who will lose their jobs. A question needs to be asked: how should the competencies of employees change to meet the current requirements? Will there be a wave of individual restructuring in the market and, consequently, new opportunities for training companies? The article aims to present the changes forced by the external environment of an organisation in terms of employee competencies, taking into account the post-COVID changes towards economy 4.0.
Zasady ustalania podstawy wymiaru składek na ubezpieczenia emerytalne i rentowe osób w okresie wczesnego rodzicielstwa
Authors: Jurek Łukasz
Published: March 2022

Przedmiotem pracy jest analiza zasad ustalania podstawy wymiaru składek na ubezpieczenia emerytalne i rentowe osób przebywających na urlopach w związku z rodzicielstwem. Analizie poddano nie tylko kwestię podlegania ubezpieczeniom w okresie korzystania z uprawnień związanych z rodzicielstwem, lecz także same urlopy. Istotnym walorem pracy jest odniesienie do praktycznych aspektów wykorzystania tych urlopów.
Challenges and Measures to Recapitalise Handling of Postharvest Crops in Developing Countries
Authors: Oishi Ryusuke
Published: March 2022

Global population growth and environmental burdens have caused rising concerns regarding future food security. Contradictorily, many crops are discarded at postharvest stages without being consumed. Postharvest loss in developing countries is mainly attributable to a lack of capital and technology for food storage, processing (i.e. threshing, drying and packaging) and distribution. This study endeavours to investigate the causes and the potential measurements of postharvest losses in developing countries. Specifically, limited budgets in developing countries cannot finance the cost of capital investment; therefore, reliance on third parties such as international organisations is considered a realistic measurement. This investigation establishes that in some cases, a lack of knowledge and skills can result in a lack of full utilisation of the capital provided for handling post-harvest crops. Supporters are discouraged from providing development assistance in circumstances in which whether sufficient results will be achieved is unclear. This study emphasises that enabling the successful long-term utilisation of capital for postharvest handling is critical to improving the rate of vital crop loss.
Crack Classification in Steel-RC and GFRP-RC Beams with Varying Reinforcement Ratio Using AE Parameters
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Sharma Shruti , Kumar Sharma Sandeep
Published: March 2022

The main aim of this chapter is to monitor the cracking and damage assessment in steel-reinforced concrete (steel-RC) and glass fibre polymer-reinforced concrete (GFRP-RC) beams along with varying percentages of tension reinforcement ratio. Beam specimens measuring (150 × 230 × 2100) mm were tested using a four-point bending flexural test using a universal testing machine together with an AE monitoring system. Acoustic emission (AE) has been applied for the early monitoring of steel-RC and GFRP-RC structures using AE parameters such as cumulative AE hits, average frequency, rise angle, amplitude, duration and AE XY plots to evaluate the micro and macro cracking in the steel-RC and GFRP-RC beams specimens. The most popular applications of AE signal in structural health monitoring are specified on crack monitoring, quantifying the degree of damage, and crack classification. In this research, the results indicated that the average frequency and rise angle parameter of AE signal are applied to classify the types of cracks (flexural or shear cracks) that occur in steel-RC and GFRP-RC beams along with varying percentages of tension reinforcement ratio subjected to flexural loading. As a result of these findings, the AE approach may be used to examine crack monitoring and crack classification in steel and GFRP-RC beams with different percentages of tension reinforcement ratios.
Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Hong Yiling
Published: March 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most highly commercialized nanoparticles, having been used extensively as an antimicrobial agent in cosmetics, textiles, foods, and the treatment of diseases. However, the impact of AgNPs on human mental health has not yet been well characterized. Using the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) neuronal differentiation cellular model to assess AgNPs neurotoxicity has several benefits. First, hPSCs neuronal differentiation process can faithfully recapitulate stages of neural development from neuronal progenitors to mature neurons which can provide an excellent platform for neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration toxicity testing. Furthermore, it can limit the amount of animal use for toxicity studies. With this cellular model, we examined citrate-coated AgNPs (AgSCs) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated (AgSP) mediated neurotoxicity. Our results suggested that AgNP induced neurotoxicity exhibited a coating and dose-dependent manner. AgSC had high neurotoxicity compared with AgSP. AgSC significantly up-graduated Metallothionein (1F, 1E, 2A) proteins, a metal-binding protein that plays an essential role in metal homeostasis, heavy metal detoxification, and cellular anti-oxidative defense. Transcriptome analysis indicated that AgSC inhibited neurogenesis and axon guidance, promoted gliogenesis and neuronal apoptosis through oxidative stress. Supplementation with ascorbic acid can act as an antioxidant to attenuate AgNP-mediated neurotoxicity.
Absolute, Reference, and Relative Dosimetry in Radiotherapy
Authors: Eduardo de Almeida Carlos , Salata Camila
Published: March 2022

The correct estimation of the dose to be delivered to a patient is strongly dependent on a correct dosimetry procedure. To achieve this purpose, it must ensure that the measurement results represent the best possible value reported with its typical uncertainties, and the results must be comparable with other institutions. The International Metrological Network fundamentally seeks to standardize the processes and the methodologies among the various laboratories in the world. The concept and structure of the various levels of laboratories can be defined as primary or secondary standards laboratories. The absolute dosimetry refers to the measurement of a quantity with an instrument of the highest metrological quality, which allows its determination in accordance with its definition, usually carried out in Primary Laboratories. The main quantities of interest for the absolute dosimetry are exposure, air kerma, and absorbed dose to air and to water. This entire chain of measurements and formalism must consider the specific physical conditions of the interaction processes between the radiation beam with the detector in the measurement processes, aiming to ensure the least possible uncertainty in the dose delivered to the patient.
Demand Response Applications for the Operation of Smart Natural Gas Systems
Authors: Montuori Lina , Alcázar-Ortega Manuel
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses different aspects related to the operation of natural gas systems in the framework of the new configuration of energy systems based on the smart grid concept. First of all, different experiences performed worldwide regarding the application of demand response principles to increase the efficiency and operability of natural gas networks are presented. Next, the characteristics of the natural gas system to be configured according to the smart grid architecture are discussed, including the necessary agents for the proper functioning of such infrastructure. After that, the current state of installation of gas smart meters in some European countries is presented, according to the massive rollout process promoted by the European Union. Barriers that prevent the full exploitation of demand response resources related to natural gas systems are presented in the next section. After that, technical constraints which may be solved by using demand response are presented. Finally, last tendencies related to the development of natural gas systems, such as the injection of hydrogen, are considered.
Effects of Hypothalamic Blockers in the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria in Preadolescence: Medical and Psychological Implications of Taking Care
Authors: Di Grazia Massimo , Taverna Camilla
Published: March 2022

Gender identity does not always develop in line with biological sex. Gender dysphoria at young age implies a strong incongruence between gender identity and the assigned sex; the rejection of one\'s sexual attributes and the desire to belong to the opposite sex; and a significant clinical suffering or impaired individual functioning in life spheres. The purpose of this chapter is a narrative review of the literature available on puberty suppression therapy through GnRH analogues. Biological puberty provides intense suffering to the adolescent with gender dysphoria who does not recognize himself in his own body. These drugs suppress the production of endogenous gametes and sex hormones. Although the effects of therapy are reversible, and biological development resumes spontaneously once the medication is stopped, the administration of GnRH analogues at a young age has fueled a scientific debate on the matter of the ethics of pharmacological intervention with minors. In conclusion, the studies considered show that GnRH analogues do not have long-term harmful effects on the body; prevent the negative psychosocial consequences associated with gender dysphoria in adolescence (suicidal ideation and attempts, self-medication, prostitution, self-harm); improve the psychological functioning of young transsexuals; and are diagnostic tools that allow adolescents to buy time to explore their gender identities.
Crop Biotechnology and Smallholder Farmers in Africa
Authors: Gebre Kedisso Endale , Barro Nicolas , Chimphepo Lilian , Elagib Tahani , Gidado Rose , Mbabazi Ruth , Oloo Bernard , Maredia Karim
Published: March 2022

The tools of genetic engineering and modern biotechnology offer great potential to enhance agricultural productivity, food and nutritional security, and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Africa. Large and long-term investments have been made in several countries in Africa to access, develop, and commercialize safe biotechnology crops derived through modern biotechnology. This chapter presents case studies of biotechnology applications and progresses achieved in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda targeting to address biotic and abiotic constraints faced by smallholder farmers and malnutrition. Based on the past 20 years of experience, the chapter identifies constraints, challenges, and opportunities for taking safe biotechnology crops to smallholder farmers in Africa.
Training Models for Skull-Base and Vascular Micro-Neurosurgery
Authors: Spetzger Uwe , Etingold Julie , von Schilling Andrej
Published: March 2022

This overview presents computer-based augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools, in-vitro and in-vivo models as useful teaching tools for neurosurgical training, especially in skull-base surgery. An easy set-up and practicable training model for ventricular drainage (VD) is demonstrated. The model allows to evaluate practices, pitfalls and traceability in a virtual but realistic set-up for simulating VD placement. Computer-assisted planning and simulation of skull-base approaches and integration within the daily neurosurgical routine with VR and AR models are discussed for neurosurgical education. A set-up for microvascular training on a plastic rat and a specific vascular anastomosis practice kit with different tube diameters of 1–3 mm of specific plastic vessels for the training of microvascular anastomoses is shown. End-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses were performed with different levels of difficulty, trying to simulate realistic conditions in bypass surgery. Additionally, the teaching strategy of experimental silicone aneurysm clipping in a 3D printed plastic skull and silicone brain model is demonstrated in video sequences. An experimental animal model with microsurgically created bifurcation aneurysms is discussed because this training model for clip occlusion of aneurysms on a living object, still has the greatest relevance to neurosurgical reality.
Framework to Evaluate Level of Good Faith in Implementations of Public Dashboards
Authors: M. Wahi Monika , Dukach Natasha
Published: March 2022

To hold governments accountable to open government data (GD) standards, public dashboards need to be evaluated in terms of how well they meet public needs. To assist with that effort, this chapter presents a framework and rubric by which public dashboards can be evaluated for their level of good faith implementation. It starts by reviewing challenges to governments sharing data in good faith despite increasing open government data (OGD) policies and laws being put in place globally. Next, it presents a use-case in which the authors explain how they examined a public dashboard in their local context that appeared to be following OGD, but not in good faith, and developed an alternative implementation that appeared to increase the level of good faith. The framework and rubric proposed were used to successfully compare and contrast the level of good faith of both implementations, as well as another public dashboard described in the scientific literature, and to generate recommendations to increase the level of good faith. In conclusion, the utility of this framework and rubric for evaluating and comparing good faith in public implementations of dashboards was demonstrated, and researchers are encouraged to build upon this research to quantify the level of good faith in public dashboards as a way of increasing oversight of OGD compliance.
Collagen Involvement in Health, Disease, and Medicine
Authors: Silvestrini Bruno , Yan Cheng Chuen , Innocenti Matteo
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses the physiologic, metabolic, and clinical aspects of collagen, including the role of nutritional factors in a new nosographic entity, called “extended collagen carential disease.” Except water and possibly fats, carbohydrates, and other structural proteins, perhaps there is more collagen in the mammalian body than anything else. Moreover, collagen participates in almost all of the body functions, adjusting its structure constantly in response to changes in environment, development, growth, and external clues. Collagens found in bones and nails are different from collagens found in body fluids and other biological structures, such as basement membrane, skin, tendons, muscles, and hair. The ubiquity of collagen functions accounts for its phylogenetic ubiquity, involving any tissue, organ, and apparatus. This is shown by the so-called “collagen carential disease,” involving nails, hair, osteoarticular and gastrointestinal systems. For instance, the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome describes another group of genetic collagen disorders, affecting the collagen processing and structure. Some of them are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, while others emerge in the absence of essential nutritional factors. It is the case of Vitamin C, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of a normal mature collagen network. Hence, the idea of an “extended collagen carential disease,” applicable to the absence of essential nutritional factors.
Challenges in Diagnosing Chordoma (Skull Base Tumors)
Authors: Kumar Chowhan Amit , Kumar G. Kale Pavan
Published: March 2022

Chordoma is a rare bone malignancy that influences the spine and cranium base. Once in a while, it includes bone and when it does, cranial bones are the favored location. Chordomas emerge from embryonic remnants of the primitive notochord and chondrosarcomas from primitive mesenchymal cells, otherwise from the embryonic rest of the cranial cartilaginous matrix. Chondrosarcomas constitute a heterogeneous group of essential bone malignancy characterized by hyaline cartilaginous neoplastic tissue. Both are characterized by invasion and pulverization of the neighboring bone and delicate tissue with higher locoregional reappearance frequency. Chordoma and chondrosarcoma, especially myxoid variation of chondrosarcoma of the cranium base, are as often as possible amalgamated because of similar anatomic location, clinical presentation, and radiologic sightings, and mixed up histopathological highlights. Chordoma and chondrosarcoma vary with respect to their origin, management strategy, and contrast particularly with respect to outcome. Ultimately, developing indication supports aberrant growth factor signaling as possible pathogenic mechanisms in chordoma. Here, we have shown such a location-based symptomatic predicament, understood effectively with ancillary immunohistochemistry. In this review, we summarize the most recent research findings and focus primarily on the pathophysiology and diagnostic aspects.
Cytotoxicity and Antitumor Action of Lignans and Neolignans
Authors: Laura Esquivel-Campos Ana , Pérez-Gutiérrez Salud , Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Campos-Xolalpa Nimsi , Pérez-Ramos Julia
Published: March 2022

Lignans and neolignans are plant’s secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and have been identified in more than 70 plant families. These compounds are mainly localized in lignified tissues, seeds, and roots. Lignans and neolignans present a great variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineurodegenerative, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumor. By 2040, it is estimated that the number of new cancer cases per year will rise to 29.5 million; therefore, the development of new anticancer agents and adjuvants is essential. Lignans and neolignans have also indicated a reduction in the risk of cancer at different stages. The objective of this review is to search and analyze the cytotoxic and antitumor activity of lignans and neolignans that can be an important source of new antitumor drugs. We have made a comprehensive summary of 113 lignans and neolignans, obtained from 44 plants and divided between 34 families, which demonstrated cytotoxic activity in several human cancer cell lines evaluated through various in vitro studies and other in vivo models, by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, inhibiting NF-κβ activity and activation of metalloproteinases (MMPs), among other processes. Overall, 13 compounds, methoxypinoresinol, arctigenin, trachelogenin, 4-O-methylhonokiol, honokiol, bifidenone, (−)-trachelogeninit, deoxypodophyllotoxin, matairesinol, bejolghotin G, H, and I, and hedyotol-B, showed the best anticancer activity.
Proteolytic Enzymes Derived from a Macro Fungus and Their Industrial Application
Authors: Kumar Chandrawanshi Nagendra , Koreti Deepali , Kosre Anjali , Kumar Ashish
Published: March 2022

Proteolytic enzymes are well known for catalyzing hydrolytic reactions. These enzymes fall under the group of large and complex, also known as proteases. Proteolytic enzymes mainly derived from microbial origin are favored because they have a short generation time, ease of genetic manipulation of microorganisms, and the availability of diverse species in nature. Macro fungi are significant and played an excellent role in degrading lignocellulosic compounds, such as mushrooms. They efficiently degrade cellulose and produce extracellular enzymes such as xylanases, cellulases, and ligninolytic enzymes. Furthermore, proteases play a significant role in fungi physiology, such as metalloproteinase, subtilases, aspartate, etc. Many worldwide researchers have reported the mycelial secretion of proteases from basidiomycetes. Thus, many protease extraction methods have been developed from the various categories of mushroom species, i.e., Pleurotusostreatus, Phanerochaetechrysosporium, Schizophyllum commune, Chondrostereumpurpureum, and Hypsizygusmarmoreus, etc. Furthermore, there is a high demand in the industry for specific proteolytic enzymatic activity. Numerous species of mushrooms have not been explored to date for the optimization and production of enzymes. Therefore, further detailed studies are required to expose the production mechanisms and application of proficient proteolytic enzymes from mushrooms. The present chapter will deliberately deal with proteolytic enzymes downstream processing and their various industrial applications.