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Topic Review
Scopophobia
Scopophobia, scoptophobia, or ophthalmophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a morbid fear of being seen in public or stared at by others. Similar phobias include erythrophobia, the fear of blushing, and an epileptic's fear of being looked at, which may itself precipitate such an attack. Scopophobia is also commonly associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Often scopophobia will result in symptoms common with other anxiety disorders. Scopophobia is unique among phobias in that the fear of being looked at is considered both a social phobia and a specific phobia.
  • 4.9K
  • 10 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Anti-Fungal Efficacy of Flavonoids
The prevalence of fungal infections is growing at an alarming pace and the pathogenesis is still not clearly understood. Recurrence of these fungal diseases is often due to their evolutionary avoidance of antifungal resistance. The development of suitable novel antimicrobial agents for fungal diseases continues to be a major problem in the current clinical field. Hence, it is urgently necessary to develop surrogate agents that are more effective than conventional available drugs. Among the remarkable innovations from earlier investigations on natural-drugs, flavonoids are a group of plant-derived substances capable of promoting many valuable effects on humans. The identification of flavonoids with possible antifungal effects at small concentrations or in synergistic combinations could help to overcome this problem. A combination of flavonoids with available drugs is an excellent approach to reduce the side effects and toxicity.
  • 4.9K
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Shielding of Cosmic Radiation by Fibrous Materials
Cosmic radiation belongs to the challenges engineers have to deal with when further developing space travel. Besides the severe risks for humans due to high-energy particles or waves, the impact of cosmic radiation on electronics and diverse materials cannot be neglected, even in microsatellites or other unmanned spacecraft. Here, we explain the different particles or waves found in cosmic radiation and their potential impact on biological and inanimate matter.
  • 4.9K
  • 20 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Carbon-Based Quantum Dots for Supercapacitors
Carbon-based Quantum dots (C-QDs) are carbon-based materials that experience the quantum confinement effect, which results in superior optoelectronic properties. In recent years, C-QDs have attracted attention significantly and have shown great application potential as a high-performance supercapacitor device. C-QDs (either as a bare electrode or composite) give a new way to boost supercapacitor performances in higher specific capacitance, high energy density, and good durability. This review comprehensively summarizes the up-to-date progress in C-QD applications either in a bare condition or as a composite with other materials for supercapacitors. The current state of the three distinct C-QD families used for supercapacitors including carbon quantum dots, carbon dots, and graphene quantum dots is highlighted. 
  • 4.9K
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Dental Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Based Resin
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based resins have been conventionally used in dental prostheses owing to their good biocompatibility. However, PMMA-based resins have relatively poor mechanical properties. The filler was incorporated in the photocurable PMMA-based resin to improve the mechanical and physicochemical properties. The filler-loaded PMMA-based resin has the potential for use in dental restorative materials.
  • 4.9K
  • 25 Mar 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Behaviorally Stretched Microeconomics
A common misconception is that behavioral economics rejects microeconomics. This entry explains how behavioral economics, despite challenging core assumptions of rationality, remains fundamentally aligned with the structure of microeconomics. Anchored in the insight that rational market outcomes can emerge even when individual behavior is non-rational, it revisits the explanatory role of constraints in economic theory. Rather than displacing microeconomics, behavioral economics extends it by incorporating bounded rationality while preserving key structural principles. Central to this integration is Say’s law, the macro-level notion that production generates income and thus the capacity for demand. This connection makes microeconomic constraints reflect deeper macroeconomic principles. Even when market behavior is distorted by correlated cognitive biases and their associated positive feedback dynamics—such as herding or bubbles—the fundamental identity that supply generates the income necessary for demand remains intact, provided that adjustments occur over the long run. The analysis also considers how behavioral deviations affect aggregate outcomes. Ultimately, this entry shows that behavioral economics is not a departure from microeconomics but its natural extension: by embedding bounded rationality within the framework of economic constraints, it preserves the structural coherence of microeconomics while adding psychological depth.
  • 4.9K
  • 17 Sep 2025
Topic Review
Honey Badger
The Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) is a remarkable mammal renowned for its ferocity, tenacity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Native to Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, this species is known for its distinctive black and white fur and its fearless reputation as a formidable predator and scavenger. Despite its small size, the Honey Badger's aggressive behavior, sharp claws, and powerful jaws make it a force to be reckoned with in its natural habitat.
  • 4.9K
  • 08 Feb 2024
Topic Review
South Korean Transitional Periods from Imitation to Innovation
The technology transfer and development model of South Korea is unique. After other countries refused to license and transfer modern technologies to this country, Korea resorted to its national research system to add innovative content to its imitative products. 
  • 4.9K
  • 23 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Pliny the Younger on Christians
Pliny the Younger, the Roman governor of Bithynia et Pontus (now in modern Turkey) wrote a letter to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD and asked for counsel on dealing with Christians. The letter (Epistulae X.96) details an account of how Pliny conducted trials of suspected Christians who appeared before him as a result of anonymous accusations and asks for the Emperor's guidance on how they should be treated. Neither Pliny nor Trajan mentions the crime that Christians had committed, except for being a Christian; and other historical sources do not provide a simple answer to what that crime could be, but a likely element may be the stubborn refusal of Christians to worship Roman gods; making them appear as objecting to Roman rule. Pliny states that he gives Christians multiple chances to affirm they are innocent and if they refuse three times, they are executed. Pliny states that his investigations have revealed nothing on the Christians' part but harmless practices and "depraved, excessive superstition." However, Pliny seems concerned about the rapid spread of this "superstition"; and views Christian gatherings as a potential starting point for sedition. The letter is the first pagan account to refer to Christianity, providing key information on early Christian beliefs and practices and how these were viewed and dealt with by the Romans. The letter and Trajan's reply indicate that at the time of its writing there was no systematic and official Empire-wide persecution of Christians. Trajan's reply also offers valuable insight into the relationship between Roman provincial governors and Emperors and indicates that at the time Christians were not sought out or tracked down by imperial orders, and that persecutions could be local and sporadic.
  • 4.9K
  • 14 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is the most used metal additive manufacturing technique, and it is based on the efficient interaction between a high-energy laser and a metal powder feedstock. The reuse of the powder feedstock is crucial to make the process cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, since studies of the mechanical and microstructural properties of parts produced with reused powders show scattered results, a closer look to the powder, heat source and shielding gas properties and to how they interact during the LPBF process is presented.  
  • 4.9K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Thermal Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing technologies have advanced significantly and found several applications in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sector. Thermal inkjet printing is one of the most widely used techniques due to its versatility in the development of bioinks for cell printing or biosensors, and the potential to fabricate personalized medications of various forms such as films and tablets.
  • 4.9K
  • 02 Nov 2022
Topic Review
False Position Method
In mathematics, the false position method or regula falsi is a very old method for solving an equation in one unknown, that, in modified form, is still in use. In simple terms, the method is the trial and error technique of using test ("false") values for the variable and then adjusting the test value according to the outcome. This is sometimes also referred to as "guess and check". Versions of the method predate the advent of algebra and the use of equations. As an example, consider problem 26 in the Rhind papyrus, which asks for a solution of (written in modern notation) the equation x + x/4 = 15. This is solved by false position, using a technique that predates formally written equations. First, guess that x = 4 to obtain, on the left, 4 + 4/4 = 5. This guess is a good choice since it produces an integer value. However, 4 is not the solution of the original equation, as it gives a value which is three times too small. To compensate, multiply x (currently set to 4) by 3 and substitute again to get 12 + 12/4 = 15, verifying that the solution is x = 12. Modern versions of the technique employ systematic ways of choosing new test values and are concerned with the questions of whether or not an approximation to a solution can be obtained, and if it can, how fast can the approximation be found.
  • 4.9K
  • 15 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Non-invasive Imaging Technology
Non-invasive imaging technology is a commonly used diagnostic tool in modern medicine. Commonly used are computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound (US), PAI (photoacoustic imaging) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) . This review explores the use of these modalities for imaging biodegradable implants.
  • 4.9K
  • 27 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Monkeypox Virus
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopox genus in the family Poxviridae. It has a zoonotic origin and MPXV infected wild rodents and primates have been found in central Africa. In humans, symptoms of MPXV infection include fever, head and muscle ache, lymphadenopathy and a characteristic rash that develops into papules, vesicles and pustules which eventually scab over and heal. Monkeypox is less often fatal (case fatality rates range from less than 1% to 3.6% depending on geographic localisation, viral clade and age group) than smallpox (up to 30%) caused by a related Variola virus. MPXV used to be endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, infecting wild animals and occasionally causing zoonotic outbreaks. Exotic animal trade and international travel combined with the increasing susceptibility of the human population due to lack of vaccination facilitated the spread of MPXV to new areas. Since April 2022, over 15.000 of MPX cases have been detected in >60 non-endemic countries around the world, predominantly among men who have sex with men, making it the largest described MPXV outbreak known to date.
  • 4.9K
  • 21 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Coping (Psychology)
In psychology, coping means to invest own conscious effort, to solve personal and interpersonal problems, in order to try to master, minimize or tolerate stress and conflict. The psychological coping mechanisms are commonly termed coping strategies or coping skills. The term coping generally refers to adaptive (constructive) coping strategies. That is strategies which reduce stress. In contrast, other coping strategies may be coined as maladaptive, if they increase stress. Maladaptive coping is therefore also described, when looking at the outcome, as non-coping. Furthermore, the term coping generally refers to reactive coping, i.e. the coping response which follows the stressor. This differs from proactive coping, in which a coping response aims to neutralize a future stressor. Subconscious or non-conscious strategies (e.g. defense mechanisms) are generally excluded from the area of coping. The effectiveness of the coping effort depends on the type of stress, the individual, and the circumstances. Coping responses are partly controlled by personality (habitual traits), but also partly by the social environment, particularly the nature of the stressful environment.
  • 4.9K
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Intercultural Competence
Intercultural competence is a range of cognitive, affective, and behavioural skills that lead to effective and appropriate communication with people of other cultures. Effective intercultural communication relates to behaviors that culminate with the accomplishment of the desired goals of the interaction and all parties involved in the situation. Appropriate intercultural communication includes behaviors that suit the expectations of a specific culture, the characteristics of the situation, and the level of the relationship between the parties involved in the situation. It also takes into consideration one's own cultural norms and the best appropriate, comfortable compromise between the different cultural norms. It's very important for someone to be culturally competent at work and at school. Individuals that are effective and appropriate in intercultural situations display high levels of cultural self-awareness and understand the influence of culture on behavior, values, and beliefs. Intercultural competence is achieved through a set of skills that includes cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. Cognitive processes imply the understanding of situational and environmental aspects of intercultural interactions and the application of intercultural awareness, which is affected by the understanding of the self and own culture. Self-awareness in intercultural situations refers to the ability of self-monitoring in such interactions to censor anything not acceptable to another culture. On the other hand, cultural awareness leads the individual to an understanding of how his/her own culture determines feelings, thoughts, and personality. Affective processes define the emotions that span during intercultural interactions. These emotions are strongly related to self-concept, open-mindedness, non-judgementalism, and social relaxation. In general, positive emotions generate respect for other cultures and their differences. Behavioral processes refer to how effectively and appropriately the individual directs actions to achieve goals. Actions during intercultural interactions are influenced by the ability to clearly convey a message, proficiency with the foreign language, flexibility and management of behavior, and social skills.
  • 4.9K
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Probabilistic Slope Stability Evaluation
Evaluating the stability of slopes in soil is an important, interesting, and challenging aspect of civil engineering. Despite the advances that have been made, evaluating the stability of slopes remains a challenge. Slope failures are often caused by processes that increase shear stresses or decrease shear strengths of the soil mass [4, 9]. Water plays a role in many of the processes that reduce strength; water is also involved in many types of loads on slopes that increase shear stresses. Another factor involved in most slope failures is the presence of soils that contain clay minerals. In concept, any slope with a factor of safety above 1.0 should be stable [6, 10]. In practice, however, the level of stability is seldom considered acceptable unless the factor of safety is significantly greater than 1.0. In this study an attempt has been done to perform stability analyses corresponding to several different conditions, reflecting different stages in the life of the new railway embankment found in Ethiopia. As various parameters are involved and determined based on correlations, the probabilistic approach was employed to scrutinize the effects of uncertainty on the likelihood of failure. There is no problem with performing a single analysis in which the embankment is considered to be drained and is treated in terms of effective stresses, and in which the clay foundation material is considered to be undrained and is treated in terms of total stresses (during end-of-construction analysis). This is because equilibrium in terms of total stresses must be satisfied for both total and effective stress analyses [2]. The inertia slope stability analysis was used. Since the foundation materials are overconsolidated cohesive soils such as stiff to very stiff clays that tend to dilate during the seismic shaking. The embankment is also expected to be well graded compacted granular material [12]. The critical factor of safety for the railway embankment during short term analysis was found to be 2.199. However, it has increased by 17.6% during the long term analysis (i.e., 2.585). Typical minimum factor of safety used in slope design are about 1.5 for normal long-term loading conditions and about 1.3 for end-of- construction conditions.  Apart from that, the minimum short term and long term factor of safety were reduced by 44.5% and 35.9% respectively, due to the introduction of the horizontal seismic load in the limit equilibrium analysis. According to Hynes-Griffin and Franklin (1984) criteria [8] the minimum factor of safety for ~1m tolerable displacement is 1. However, the minimum factor of safety during the pseudostatic analysis (i.e., 1.221) was found to be 22% higher than the required minimum factor of safety. Beside, Newmark’s deformation analysis has been done to predict slope displacement. However, the analysis predicted zero permanent slope displacement. Since; the Newmark (1965) method assumes no deformation of the slope during the earthquake if the pseudostatic factor of safety is greater than 1.0. The more realistic probability of failure is likely in between of 0% and 6.9 %. The sensitivity analysis showed that, the cohesion of the clay layer (i.e., layer II) governs the stability of the railway embankment.
  • 4.9K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Application of Microalgae in Cosmetics
Microalgae produce a number of secondary metabolites with anti-inflammatory, anti-blemish and antimicrobial activities. Certain microalgal extracts such as Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Dunaliella salina can be used for repairing skin aging, healing and preventing wrinkle formation. The microalgae or its components’ activity is the basis for the creation of several commercially available cosmetics and cosmeceuticals.
  • 4.9K
  • 23 Apr 2023
Topic Review
The Resilient City
A resilient city can be defined as a community that has the capacity to manage unexpected events and face stresses and shocks, preserving and innovating its social, economic, and infrastructural system.
  • 4.9K
  • 21 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Scientific Tourism
Scientific tourism (ST) is a transversal approach to tourism development and management that can be applied in the evolution of many segments, from rural, to ecotourism or mass tourism.  ST focuses on contributing to the resilience of communities and territories by building shared knowledge and understanding of essential socio-ecological characteristics and dynamics.  The website of the ST network (scientific-tourism.org), defines ST as an activity where visitors participate in the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge being developed by research and development centers. Mao and Bourlon described ST using a spectrum of levels and thematic approaches, organized around the four overarching categories: (1) adventure tourism with a scientific dimension, (2) cultural tourism with a scientific dimension, (3) scientific eco-volunteering, and (4) scientific research-based tourism. The authors suggested that, in many cases, the four forms of ST were complementary, and could simultaneously occur or merge within the scope of a destination or project. While this approach to ST incorporates many of the concepts of learning tourism, it differs in that it is grounded in the perspective of scientific knowledge generation and dissemination. Scientific tourism (ST) development builds on the scientific heritage of a geography, by matching researchers with local actors in an ongoing process that leads to shared understanding and the creation of new knowledge that can support the conservation and resilience of communities and their natural and socio-cultural settings. Through purposeful grounding of tourism in science, local communities can become more engaged with the socio-ecological systems in which they live and become empowered to innovate the ways in which tourism evolves.
  • 4.9K
  • 23 Sep 2021
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