Ensuring the Human Right to Water in Dam Break Scenarios Using Geoprocessing and Multicriteria Analysis

The high incidence of mining dam failures in recent decades and the socio-environmental aspects related to these events demand improvements in disaster risk management in the mining sector. One of the impacts related to mining dam failures is the alteration in water quality downstream of the breach. This chapter presents a methodology to determine critical points regarding the assurance of the right to access safe water, signaling locations that deserve special attention, and demonstrating practical application through the case study of the Piracicaba River. Geotechnology solutions, such as the use of multicriteria analysis associated with geoprocessing, play a prominent role in spatial studies related to environmental impacts, such as those caused by mining dam failures. The overlay of various layers of information, whether they are related to environmental or anthropogenic factors, provides coherent and consistent data concerning the reality presented in the particularity of each studied location. The assessment of the impact of a dam breach on surface water catchments carried out through this technology, provides a ranking of the potential damages caused and, consequently, allows for better decision-making for mitigation or even the prevention of future damages caused by the interruption of water supply from potentially affected watercourses

Psychological Interventions for End-Stage Renal Disease Patients’ Receiving Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the lifesaving treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients; however, the treatment’s nature impacts the patient’s quality of life and mental health. Focusing on the mental health of patients receiving hemodialysis, the chapter draws attention to the psychological interventions that can improve patient’s quality of life. The mental health of ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis can be improved with cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, peer support groups, spiritual therapy, and technology-based psychological interventions

Theoretical Analysis of the Solid State and Optical Characteristics of Calcium Sulphide [CaS] Thin Film

The analysis of the calcium sulphide thin film material which is one of the families of chalcogenide groups of thin film materials was carried out in this work using a theoretical approach for which the propagated wave through the medium of the thin film that is deposited on a glass substrate is considered to be a scalar wave in nature. The thin film material is sectioned into twos, first section is termed homogeneous reference dielectric constant, εref where no thin film is deposited on the substrate and the second part is termed perturbed dielectric function, Δεpz containing the deposited thin film on the glass substrate. These two terms were substituted on the defined scalar wave equation that was subsequently solved using the method of separation of variable which invariably utilized in the transformation of the equation into the second type of Volterra equation. On the other hand, Green’s function approach was also introduced in order to arrive at the model equation that culminates in an expression showcasing the wave propagated through the thin film material medium. This was subsequently applied in the computation of waves, ψz that is propagating through the material medium for various wavelengths within the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared region of the electromagnetic wave spectrum for which the influence of the aforementioned dielectric constant and function were invoked. The computed values from this mechanism were in turn utilized in the analysis of the band gap, optical, and solid-state properties of the calcium sulphide (CaS) thin film materials

Artificial Intelligence in Educational Research

The proliferation of textual data in academic literature necessitates accelerating qualitative research methodologies. Text mining, underpinned by artificial intelligence and natural language processing, emerges as a transformative solution. This study analyzes how AI-integrated qualitative data analysis software such as ATLAS.ti and MAXQDA have streamlined processes like automatic coding and summarization since early 2023. These tools now facilitate rapid preliminary reviews through summarization features and obviate programming expertise through intuitive interfaces. Key advantages include drastic reductions in manual coding time through AI coding, enrichment of inductive coding systems via semantic analysis-based sub-code suggestions, and insights-driving code commenting summaries. Deep learning models unlocked by such tools will enable discernment of increasingly intricate patterns, improving educational interventions through real-time strategies informed by empirical findings. However, responsible use requires human oversight to refine coding and interpret nuanced results. While propelling qualitative research to unprecedented scales and depths, text mining also poses challenges around potential oversight neglect and lack of ethical guidelines. Optimizing these tools ensures accurate, responsible analyses that revolutionize understanding complex educational processes. AI ultimately enhances social science and education research outcomes through large-scale textual data analysis

A Review of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Vegetable Production in Africa with Emphasis on Tomatoes, Onions and Cabbage

This chapter reviews the available information about performance indicators for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and conventional production systems in Africa with an emphasis on those arising from tomatoes, onions and cabbage production. We identified a small number of studies that reported, yields per land area, costs, cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP) and water use for either CEA or field-based production systems. The available information does not allow robust comparisons of CEA and field-based production for any of these indicators, which suggests the need for expanded and improved crop-specific data collection from existing operations and the usefulness of alternative approaches such as economic engineering

Perspective Chapter: The Use of Social Media in Sharing Information in Sub-Saharan Africa Region – The Types, Purpose, Benefits and Challenges

This chapter discusses the use of social media in sharing information in the Sub-Sahara Africa region: The types, purpose, benefits, and challenges. However, the discussion on the above subject matter focused on Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the paper exploited empirical and theoretical literature written about the region to support the discussion on the basic concept of social media, the various types, and purposes of using social media, the importance of social media, challenges prohibiting effective utilization of social and way of resolving the challenges in Sub-Sahara Africa. More importantly, the paper discussion revealed the increased use of social media on health, agriculture activities, politics, etc. with Nigeria and Ghana at the top. The discussion also exposed the various challenges (Poor power outrage; Low level of technology development, Network hitches, High level of poverty, etc.) hindering the effective utilization of social media in the Sub-Saharan region of the world. Based on the challenges observed in the discussion, the paper outlined and discussed some ways of improving social media usage in the region

Optimizing Mixed-Mode Ventilation during Epidemics: An Investigation

This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the Operation of mixed-mode ventilation during epidemics, concentrating on the pivotal role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). It underlines the importance of ventilation and pressure intake in IAQ management, particularly for airborne infection control. We explore Singapore and international ventilation standards, laying emphasis on various Ventilation strategies. However, our principal focus is mixed-mode ventilation, a combined approach of natural and mechanical methods, which we highlight as a promising and potentially energy-saving solution for IAQ management and airborne disease control. Our examination includes multiple case studies in diverse environments, such as a negative-pressure isolation ward, a residential master bedroom, and an office building, each evaluated through different methods, including computational fluid dynamics and experimental approaches. Our observations illustrate the significant role of efficient ventilation in improving IAQ, mitigating airborne infection risks, and enhancing occupant comfort, especially during epidemics

Affective and Cognitive Bases of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes towards Domestic and Foreign Food Brands: Brand Preferences in Ethnic Primary and Minority Groups

The aim of the research is to investigate implicit and explicit attitudes towards domestic and foreign food brands and their affective and cognitive bases in Ethnic Primary and Ethnic Minority groups. Measurements: methodologically balanced procedures of implicit association tests (IAT): Self-Concept IAT, Affective IAT, Cognitive IAT; affective and cognitive explicit procedures. In the Primary Ethnic Group, affective-cognitive independence was revealed, which made it possible to develop two constructs using factor analysis: the affective and cognitive bases of ‘overall’ attitude towards food brands. The structure of the variability of these constructs contains both associations and propositions. Consumer preferences formed on affective and cognitive bases were stronger for domestic food brands than for foreign ones. This has some analogies with both explicit and implicit consumer ethnocentrisms. In the Ethnic Minority Group, implicit-explicit independence was revealed, and implicit and explicit ‘overall’ attitudes towards food brands were built. The structure of the variability of these ‘overall’ attitudes contains affective and cognitive components. Consumer preferences based on implicit ‘overall’ attitude towards food brands are stronger for domestic food brands than for foreign ones. This has some analogies with implicit consumer ethnocentrism. Consumer preferences based on ‘overall’ explicit attitude towards food brands are ambivalent or unpronounced