bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nephroprotective effects of silymarin and its fabricated nanoparticles against aluminum‐induced oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and genotoxicity
Authors: El‐Demerdash Fatma M. , Ahmed Manal M. , El‐Sayed Raghda A. , Mohemed Tarek M. , Gerges Marian N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous element with proven nephrotoxicity. Silymarin (SM) is a mixture of polyphenolic components extracted fromSilybum marianumand exhibited protective influences. However, SM bioactivity can be enhanced by its incorporation in chitosan (CS) through the use of nanotechnology. This work proposed to assess the protective influence of SM and its loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SM‐CS‐NPs) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)‐induced nephrotoxicity.MethodsSix groups were created randomly from 42 male Wistar rats and each one contains 7 rats (n = 7). Group I, acted as a control and received water. Group II received SM (15 mg/kg/day) and group III administered with SM‐CS‐NPs (15 mg/kg/day). Group IV received AlCl3(34 mg/kg) and groups V and VI were treated with SM and SM‐CS‐NPs with AlCl3respectively for 30 days.ResultsAlCl3administration significantly elevated TBARS, H2O2, and kidney function levels besides LDH activity. Whereas GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, and GR values were all substantially reduced along with protein content, and ALP activity. Additionally, significant alterations in lipid profile, hematological parameters, and renal architecture were observed. Moreover, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and MMP9 gene expression were upregulated in kidney tissues. The administration of SM or its nanoparticles followed by AlCl3intoxication attenuated renal dysfunction replenished the antioxidant system, and downregulated TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and MMP9 gene expression in renal tissues compared to the AlCl3group.ConclusionSM‐CS‐NPs have more pronounced appreciated protective effects than SM and have the proficiency to balance oxidant/antioxidant systems in addition to their anti‐inflammatory effect against AlCl3toxicity.
Immunotoxicity of ionic liquid [C14mim]BF4 in rats
Authors: Shu Manyu , Tan Pengzhen , Ge Yueyue , Tian Xingxing , Xu Hongmei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIonic liquid tetrafluoroborated‐1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazole salt ([C14mim]BF4) immunotoxicity was investigated in rats using three exposure groups (12.5, 25, and 50 mg kg−1), one recovery group (50 mg kg−1), and a control group without any treatment. The findings demonstrated that, at low doses, [C14mim]BF4 could raise WBC, NEU, and MID and lysozyme levels as well as spleen T‐lymphocyte stimulation index in rats, however at high doses, the aforementioned indices were dramatically lowered. As the dose was raised, the proportion of RBC and PLT in the blood as well as CD4+ and CD8+ in the spleen increased, but the quantity of immunoglobulin IgG, IgA, and IgM in the serum as well as the number of NK cells in the spleen considerably dropped. Even though there were varying degrees of improvement 30 days after ceasing exposure, all these changes were unable to return to normal, and the number of NK cells was further decreased. The study demonstrates that [C14mim]BF4 can damage the specific immunity and non‐specific immunity of rats, and cause immune dysfunction.
Biosurfactant production by a crude oil‐utilizing bacterium towards petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation applications
Authors: Kieu Thi Quynh Hoa , Nguyen Thi Yen , Nguyen Van Tho , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBiosurfactants produced by microorganisms are green amphiphilic biomolecules. They have numerous advantages compared to chemical surfactants including a lower toxicity, better environmental compatibility and effective and stable properties under extreme conditions such as a wide range of temperature, pH and salinity. A highly bio‐surfactant‐producing strain of Bacillus, VTVK15 was selected among the Bacillus isolates from marine environment and oil contaminated sites in Ba Ria‐Vung Tau. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA showed that the VTVK15 strain was 99% similar with 16s rDNA sequence of Bacillus megaterium. The suitable conditions for the bio‐surfactant production by the strain VTVK15 were 37 °C, pH 7; 2% w/v and 0.4% w/v for temperature, initial solution pH, concentration of carbon substrate (crude oil), and concentration of nitrogen substrate ((NH4)2SO4), respectively. The emulsification index (E24) increased from 51.8% to 67.7% with suitable conditions. The petroleum hydrocarbon degradation (TPH) efficiency by the strain Bacillus megaterium VTVK15 in crude oil estimated using TPH analysis was 72% after 14 days. These results revealed that the strain VTVK15 exhibited a tremendous potential for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants.
Regression analysis of horizontal magnetic field in thermophysical convective flow of nanofluid
Authors: Rauf Amar , Aslam Nimra , Mushtaq Tahir , Siddiq Muhammad Kamran , Mustafa Fakhar , Shehzad Sabir Ali 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe existence of magnetic field is beneficial to stabilize the fluid flow patterns in modern era industrial implications and engineering problems. A constant horizontal magnetized field is implemented to stabilize the swirl viscous fluid flow created by disk rotation. The heat transmission equation is expressed by the variable fluid property that the thermal conductivity is dependent on temperature. Buongiorno nanofluid model is applied to express the role of thermophoresis and Brownian movement. The flow governing equations are normalized through the von Kármán classical similarity variables. The impacts of magnetic and other physical parameters on velocity, thermal and concentration fields are investigated in numerical way using RKF‐45 (Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg) built‐in procedure. The critical part of horizontal magnetic field and dimensionless parameters onto physical quantities such as wall shears, thermal rate, and concentration rate are highlighted. Regression analysis is also performed to evaluate the impact of obtained numerical values of such physical quantities on flow rates. Unlike the familiar impacts of a uniformly applied transverse magnetic field that concerns the velocity field stabilizing and decreasing the thermal rate, it is established that the horizontal magnetized field is valuable for stabilizing/destabilizing the flow phenomenon. The results also matched with the published work in limiting case.
Policy Interventions to Address Digital Inequalities in Latin America in the Face of the Pandemic
Authors: Califano Bernadette , Becerra Martín 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim of this chapter is to analyse policy interventions to address digital inequalities in five different Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico) during the first months after the outbreak of COVID-19 reached the region (March–June 2020). The study draws on an analysis of the set of regulations and specific policy-making actions introduced in the field of digital connectivity in the countries under review, as well as official documents prepared by the public and private sectors, and statistics on ICT access and usage in the region.The main argument put forward is that Latin American governments responded quickly to the spike in demand for connectivity posed by the context of the pandemic, partly because they had learned from what had happened in other latitudes, and partly because of the legacy of public policies resulting from previous experiences in the sector. However, the digital divides that persisted from previous structural inequalities lessened the impact of the actions implemented during the pandemic emergence. Likewise, these actions revealed that inequalities tend to increase, as a digitally underserved segment of the population becomes deprived of access to education, health information, entertainment, and work-from-home services in their various forms in this context.
Connecting Scotland: Delivering Digital Inclusion at Scale
Authors: Brown Rory , Slater Aaron , Warner-Mackintosh Irene 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis chapter presents Connecting Scotland as a case study, highlighting the correlation between current research into digital inequality to identify those most in need of support, and the practical application of work to address this at scale through third sector organisations working directly with those at greatest risk of digital exclusion. The chapter also considers the vital role of the ‘trusted intermediary’ acting as digital champion for device recipients, and, using the data gathered via sessions with hundreds of frontline staff, explore immediate challenges and opportunities for engagement. It will also reflect on the application of research in the creation of training and resources to support the programme. Finally, the chapter will reflect on some of the many lessons learned, and consider implications for both policy-makers and fieldworkers seeking to address digital inequality at scale. All three authors were involved extensively in the development and delivery of this work.
Digital Inclusion Through Distribution of iPads During the Covid19 Pandemic? A Participatory Action Research in a German Secondary School
Authors: Bozdağ Çiğdem 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe research on digital inequalities today not only focuses on inequalities related to access, but also on digital skills and outcomes of digital media use (van Deursen AJ, Helsper EJ, The third-level digital divide: Who benefits most from being online? In: Communication and information technologies annual, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2015; Ragnedda M, The third digital divide: A Weberian approach to digital inequalities. Routledge, 2016). However, the access inequalities are still an issue that needs to be scrutinized even in the context of the developed countries especially in relation to quality and quantity of technology access and maintenance issues (Gonzales A, Inf Commun Soc 19:234–248, 2016; van Deursen AJ, Van Dijk JA, New Media & Society 21:354–375, 2019). Focusing on the case of the distribution of iPads for all students in primary and secondary schools in the state of Bremen during the Covid19 pandemic, this chapter discusses if and how hardware distribution projects can be successful for mitigating the digital inequalities among the young people. The presented analysis is based on a participatory action research project that was conducted in a secondary school that is based in a socioeconomically disadvantaged and culturally diverse school in Bremen. The empirical data that will be discussed here consists of participatory observations from January 2020 to April 2021 and three rounds of focus groups with the students. The chapter discusses how the iPad project was perceived by the students before and after the distribution of the iPads and how they were used for distance education during school closures. The chapter will argue that the project was successful for mitigating the immediate effects of school closures by helping the students to interact more with their teachers and structure their days better by following the school’s online classes. However, the students also raised serious concerns about the maintenance of the devices as well as the risks of surveillance by the teachers and the school administration.
UAE Parents’ Awareness of the Importance of Programming to Primary Students, and Their Perspectives Towards It: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Elsawah Wafaa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose: Highlight programming's importance and explore parental views on its inclusion in UAE primary schools.Methodology: Employing a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 499 UAE parents with primary school children. Their perspectives on programming and their children's attitudes towards it were gauged.Findings: UAE's primary school programming education needs reform, necessitating enhanced parental and student awareness.Implications: Educational policymakers should prioritize programming as a core subject, backed by this study. It adds to the literature on programming's value, highlighting parental awareness's impact on student attitudes.Originality/Value: This research contributes practical and academic insights, guiding potential expansion. Educational leaders, especially in primary schools, can use these findings to improve programming education.
Developing a Draft Curriculum Framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in UAE Schools Through Analysis of Relevant Literature
Authors: Obeid Anwar Sami 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study is one of the first to investigate Learner with Severe and Multiple Disabilities curriculum frameworks in UAE schools. It will improve inclusive education in formal settings, prepare stakeholders in the region to work with students with disabilities in schools, and accept the UNESCO vision to perform more research in this sector. It aims to develop a draft of the curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in schools in the UAE.To achieve the objectives of the study, the systamtic literature review method was used for data collection. Interestingly, the findings of the study revealed that designing a curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities requires taking into consideration several aspects such as the curriculum itself, whether it is a general or functional curriculum. Other aspects include special teaching techniques, cooperation between stakeholders and the team, curriculum accessibility, efficiency of the assessment process, and the incorporation of technology.
The Emerging Nature of ICT Policies in Education: A Comparative Analysis of School ICT Policies
Authors: Halabi Lydia , Hill Christopher 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose- The role of ICT in education is not new but the manner in which technology in education is perceived, valued and implemented is in constant flux.Methodology- This paper uses a comparative approach to examine ICT school policies, pre and post pandemic, to explore key issues of focus and relevance.Findings- As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, technology became ubiquitous in education and it is now imperative that we consider the extent to which it is appropriate for use, sustainable and supported. ICT has the potential to transform the learning environment but it must be understood, implemented and managed responsibly.Implications- The paper looks at the role of leadership and key stakeholder engagement in this process, from a teacher and student perspective.Originality/value- Drawing on a detailed literature review and in-depth document policy analysis, this paper considers the framework for implementation and identifies key components required for the design and development of a relevant ICT school policy.
Facade Retrofits: Sustainable Living Architectural Facades. The Case Study of “Baynunah Hilton Tower” in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Eid Bana , Mounajjed Nadia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOver the last few years, the concept of a more sustainable/eco-responsive skin featured as alternative envelopes for buildings (sometimes termed “Living Architecture”), designed to achieve low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and user comfort. Until today, architects in the UAE tend to design projects with double skin façades more than providing living architecture façade to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability in an extremely hot climate. Since the 1990s buildings in Gulf cities were dressed in cladding, which ignores the importance of building orientation, passive design ideas, and implementation.Purpose – This paper examines the concept of living architecture in the context of the UAE and proposes a framework to retrofit existing unsustainable designs with more eco-responsive ones.Methodology – Energy analysis will be applied to the façade of Baynunah Hilton Tower in Abu Dhabi before and after providing a living architectural façade technique in order to test the energy efficiency of the facade between the two scenarios. The analysis will be applied using FormIt software.Findings – The new proposed façade design “Light-weight Aluminium with Arabesque pattern” have affected positively the energy performance of the building. The energy consumption has been reduced by almost 38% after applying the retrofitting design to the façade.Implications – Façade retrofit is important as it helps in providing sustainable design solutions for the building’s facade that plays an important role in achieving energy efficiency and saving the environment.Originality/value – All the scenarios and simulations were done by the authors using FormIt software.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Sustainability: The Case of UAE Smart Cities
Authors: Khansaheb Khulood Shebib Hussain Abdulrahman 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to study the case of the UAE smart cities with specific focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) was used in enhancing the achievement of sustainability in the UAE. The research narrowed down to investigate sustainability from the lens of the socio-economic sustainable development goals of the UAE as per the UN sustainable goals objectives 2015.The research adopted a quantitative methodological framework to rigorously examine the subject matter above. A survey was developed and distributed to 300 practitioners in AI, smart cities, and sustainable development programs across the UAE (mainly, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah). The research noted that environmental factors of AI application in UAE smart cities such as infrastructure readiness, stakeholder readiness and regulatory environment, strongly impacted the smart cities development in the UAE which in turn led to the attainment of socio-economic sustainable development goals. Implicatively, the research suggests the need for the development of a strategic roadmap for the adoption, usage, and implementation of AI in UAE smart cities to facilitate socio-economic sustainability through achievement of socio-economic sustainable development goals. The research novelty lies in bridging the paucity in literature regarding the use of AI in smart cities and its role in promoting sustainability; by establishing the connection between AI, smart cities and socio-economic sustainable development goals.
Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability Development in Healthcare
Authors: Sajwani Rehab Anwar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose - Digital technology is frequently employed in the healthcare sector to innovate and add value. This study examines AI-based technology implementation in the healthcare industry. The purpose of the study is to provide a review of publications on artificial intelligence (AI) and how it has enabled the healthcare sector to progress toward sustainable development goals (SDG).Methodology - The method is based on a systematic mapping review of 40 papers. It also contained relevant publications to this paper’s research questions for comparison.Findings - The paper emphasizes the significance of AI implementation in healthcare and further facilities’ implementation of SDG and health-related SDG and its evolving contribution to humanity for affordable global healthcare.Implications/limitation - The scope of this paper is limited to the time during submission of this paper and keywords specified in this paper’s research question.Originality/value - The paper will expand knowledge of AI to achieve sustainable development goals and health-related SDGs and further highlight research gaps to be addressed for healthcare improvement.
The Future of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV)
Authors: AlGhanem Hani , Abdallah Sherief 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the Internet of Things (IoT) and its application in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). IoV combines AI and IoT for real-time monitoring and operation of vehicles. We discuss how the integration of AI and IoT enhances vehicle functionalities through the deployment of sensors, infrared gadgets, cameras, and heat detectors, facilitating advancements in autonomous vehicles. We explore the evolutionary trajectory of the IoV concept and its diverse applications, provide a structured progression of ideas, and shed light on the challenges and potential solutions for IoT. The final section projects the future landscape of IoV implementation, demonstrating how it can revolutionize business operations and management.so this paper aims to bridge current knowledge gaps, stimulate further research, and spark innovative applications of IoV.
The Impact of Organisational Structure on Project Performance in the Energy Sector
Authors: Basioni Ahmed , Khan Muhammed Waris 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose – The objective is to explore the impact of organisational structure on project performance and current research topics regarding organisational structure theories, types, and aspects in terms of challenges, culture, communication, organisational dynamics, and drivers.Methodology – The adopted methodology employs two integrated approaches. First, use a systematic mapping approach to explore the existing research studies on organisational structure’s impact. Second, correlate the research studies to existing case studies in the energy sector, record findings, and propose recommendations on the way forward.Findings – The study results concluded that most oil producers are a mix of functional and matrix organisations with diversified thoughts on centralizing project management teams.Implications/limitations – It is essential to conduct follow-up research validating the potential for using the findings of this study to establish frameworks for the organisational transformation approach in meeting cultural variance and market conditions.Originality/value – The proposed case studies and relevant theories present the most effective organisational structure model to improve project-based operations performance, thus enabling oil and gas organisations to manage their business mandates effectively.
A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Currency on Socio-cultural Identity
Authors: Al Johani Ateeq 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between currency and the socio-cultural identity of a people. The research sought to investigate the phenomenon by examining how a particular community considers currency as an important tenet of their identity.The methodology of the research was qualitative in nature considering its ethnographic premise – culture. To this extent, the research developed an interview schedule and used this to collect data from targeted participants on their perceptions regarding the impact of currency on their culture.The findings of the research were that currency is directly related to culture and strongly impacts the cultural identity of a people. The respondents to the interview agreed that the currency they use is a depiction of their culture and strength and they shared a lot of confidence on the currency as a cultural facet.The implications of the research including fostering the deeper understanding of the role of money in the socio-cultural setting as a multiplier of cultural identity and enthusiasm apart from the common attributes of money.The current study is original in nature in the sense that, while there are numerous researches already conducted about money and the society, the impact of the same in the socio-cultural domain remains unstudied. This qualitative research will highlight the gap and seek to cover it in a step to open up a new dimension of study of the subject of money and society.