bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new hybrid MCDM approach for mitigating risks of hazardous material road transportation
Authors: Hsu Chihhung , Yang Ji , Chang Anyuan , Liu Guohao
Published: February 2024

Given the ongoing development of the global economy, the demand for hazardous materials, which serve as essential components for numerous industrial products, is steadily increasing. Consequently, it becomes imperative to devise a methodology for mitigating the risks associated with the road transportation of hazardous materials. The objective of this study is to establish an integrated quality function deployment and multicriteria decision-making (QFD-MCDM) framework and identify the pivotal factors that propel Industry 5.0 (I5.0), thus fortifying supply chain resilience (SCR) and ameliorating the hazardous material transportation risks (HMTR). These measures encompass various strategic areas, including "establish a safe and inclusive work environment", "customized products and services", "enhance production flexibility and strengthen control redundancy", and "real-time data collection and analysis". By adopting these measures, enterprises can lead to sustainable and stable business operations. The findings of this study demonstrate the synergistic potential of integrating I5.0 and SCR in effectively mitigating HMTR. Additionally, these findings offer valuable insights and practical implications for enterprises across diverse industries.
Simulations in Business Education
Authors: Ahuja Vivek
Published: February 2024

This chapter extensively explores the application of simulations in business education, underscoring their potential to improve learning outcomes. Through a comprehensive examination of current research, it emphasizes the pivotal role of simulations in enhancing the learning experience. The impact of simulation-based learning on business education is a central focus, covering studies on business simulation games, computer simulations, and their influence on skills, processes, and overall effectiveness. Various studies highlight positive outcomes associated with simulation-based learning environments. The chapter also throws light on the rationale for integrating computer simulations into business education, stressing the importance of aligning teaching methodologies with different stages of learning, as outlined by Bloom's taxonomy. This succinct review offers valuable insights for educators, researchers, and practitioners interested in implementing simulation-based learning in business education.
One Solution Does Not Fit All
Authors: Jaskari Minna-Maarit , Syrjälä Henna
Published: February 2024

This chapter dives into the use of gamification in higher education, evaluating the benefits of gamification, such as increased student engagement and knowledge retention, while addressing concerns about its impact on intrinsic motivation. It discusses the transition from reward-based to meaningful gamification, aiming to propose ways to foster autonomy, competence, and relatedness among higher education students. Additionally, it explores student diversity in learning approaches and game-playing motivations, introducing a research-based tool for analyzing students' approaches to gamification. It discusses the practical application of gamification in higher education, focusing on balancing different gamification strategies to optimize learning through constructive alignment. This comprehensive exploration aims to equip higher education instructors with a thorough understanding of gamification's role and potential in creating memorable and meaningful learning experiences.
Endorsing Gamification Pedagogy for Nurturing Employability Skills in Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted pedagogical approaches. University campuses across the globe shuttered to prevent virus transmission and provided online and hybrid modes of courses to teach online. Notwithstanding this attention, how online teaching tools contribute to employability skills remains primarily unaddressed. Similarly, in this study, the term gamification (an emerging education tool) in higher education institutions is significant to foster employability skills. The main aim of gamification in education is to let students participate, contribute, and cooperate. The technique of gamification in higher education institutions is to give students practical commands and feedback, and this is done via game mechanics added to online platforms, which will lead to achieving its aims and objectives. This chapter aims to investigate the effect of gamification on students' motivation in learning. Moreover, it shows how successful and sustainable gamification can convert students into fans and make learning a joy.
Exploring the Landscape of Digital Educational Escape Rooms
Authors: Miranda John Paul P. , Habon Kathleya Vianca P.
Published: February 2024

This chapter presented a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the academic literature on digital educational escape rooms (DEER). The analysis utilized the PRISMA protocol to identify scientific articles from major indexing databases. It explored various aspects, including research authors, countries, document types, keywords, and subject areas. Through this analysis, it became evident that there was a growing interest in publishing and citing studies on DEER. The surge in popularity of DEERs during the COVID-19 pandemic was noteworthy, as they emerged as effective pedagogical strategies in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. These escape rooms were employed as alternative methods to enhance learning outcomes across various educational domains. To further advance the field, future research was suggested to delve deeper into the existing literature and explore different devices, platforms, and educational domains where DEERs were being applied. Other potential undertakings relevant to the results of this chapter were also discussed.
Use of Deep Learning Applications for Drone Technology
Authors: Shah Imdad Ali , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , Rajper Samina
Published: February 2024

Imagine a society where conventional techniques no longer constrain crime investigation and instead use cutting-edge technology to crack cases more quickly and effectively. With the development of deep learning and drone technology, this is the world we are heading towards. Investigators may now collect critical evidence from previously inaccessible sites and analyse it with extraordinary accuracy because of the combination of these two fields. There is tremendous promise for solving crimes previously believed to be unsolvable, and the ramifications for justice are significant. Drones, often referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming increasingly widespread in various settings, including businesses, factories, and leisure. However, due to their growing popularity, there are no worries about drone-related crime.
Enhancing E-Orientation Platform Usage via the Metaverse
Authors: Ihya Rachida , Daoud Mohammed Ait , Ihya Tarek
Published: February 2024

This chapter seeks to foster e-orientation platform acceptance among Moroccan students within the context of the evolving Metaverse. The authors focused on the Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sick, employing meta-analytic methods to gather quantitative data through a student questionnaire survey. The analyses, performed using Python, revealed that perceived ease of use, usefulness, quality, and trust significantly impact the intention to use an e-orientation platform in the Metaverse. These insights guided the authors to design an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) specifically tailored to e-orientation platforms in the Metaverse, aiming to meet the needs and expectations of students, parents, and guidance counselors. The study underscores the potential of the Metaverse in addressing the inherent challenges of e-orientation systems and highlights the importance of user perception in the effective design and acceptance of e-orientation platforms.
Exploring the Emerging Potential of the Metaverse in Education
Authors: Yamba-Yugsi Marco , Contreras-Espinosa Ruth S. , Eguia-Gomez Jose Luis
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores the transformative integration of virtual worlds, particularly the Metaverse, into the field of education. It delves into the evolving pedagogical strategies that capitalize on immersive, interactive learning experiences, catering to the preferences of today's digitally native students. These virtual environments enable educators to craft dynamic, personalized curricula and empower students to become active participants in their educational journey. The chapter also highlights the importance of digital proficiency for both educators and students in navigating these virtual realms. While the benefits of the Metaverse in education are evident, challenges related to infrastructure, privacy, security, and ethics are addressed. In general, this chapter compressively provides an analysis of the evolving landscape of education within the Metaverse.
Hybridization of Approaches and Gradual Investment in ICTs Toward Innovative University Pedagogy
Authors: Tailassane Chaimae , Elimadi Imane
Published: February 2024

This research aims to reflect on the integration of digital technologies in teaching French within non-linguistic disciplines. The goal is to think about the academic integration of French in light of various contexts and practices, such as hybrid teaching (both in-person and online via learning platforms dedicated to Edmodo, Moodle, or even MOOCs), combining theory and practice while considering constraints like motivation, organization, and materials. The authors start from the idea that students' poor performance at the university is due to the extensive use of the French language in courses spread over three months, with three hours of class per week. Therefore, various approaches were tested, with a gradual implementation of a hybrid approach known as light in-person classes. Since the fall of 2014, the team of professors has tested three approaches, ranging from enriched in-person classes to 100% online MOOCs. The latter was conducted in the spring of 2016 through a partnership between the Faculty of Sciences at the University Mohammed V in Rabat and the French Institute of Rabat.
Rapid Learning in the Teaching of Physical Education and Sport
Authors: Amina Gaadi , Maati Souiet , Abdelhak Chakli , Youssef Sefri , Nadia Chafiq
Published: February 2024

Integration of information and communication technologies in education has become a significant phenomenon that provides educators with the resources they need to improve teaching and learning processes. When used on a regular basis, ICTE promotes program objectives and increases student engagement in learning. This can lead to learning experiences that are rapid, interactive, and impactful. Furthermore, the usage of ICTE increases student motivation and simplifies the teaching process. In recent years, there has been considerable growth in the use of tools designed to promote quick learning in many different kinds of countries. These innovative methods aim to simplify the teaching and learning process by speeding up acquisition and decreasing time spent on traditional explanations. Teachers are invited to use these tools to improve the effectiveness of their instruction.
Leading Public-Private Partnerships Through the Network Governance of Early Childhood Education
Authors: Visuthduangdusdee Phrueksaphong , Suebvises Ploy
Published: February 2024

Over the decades, the emergence and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and eco-industrial development have led to increased public-private partnerships for several sustainable development projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand. Significantly, educational development programs became among the leading programs for sustainability in Rayong, Thailand. The author examines network governance and institutional arrangement to understand industry-community engagement in early childhood education. The manuscript is drawn from the field experiences of empirical research. The findings show that early childhood education network governance was established and developed by “Dow Thailand Group” and the networks. The community engagement approach and institutional arrangement were used to achieve sustainable development goals in the action arena.
Academic Management and Leadership in Malaysia Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Ariffin Sharifah Hafizah Syed , Lazim Nurul Asmak Md
Published: February 2024

The organizations in Malaysia are changing and planning their size, function, and operation to meet the demands of a new service economy as a result of the country's current economic boom. The research on managing and leading various employee groups in Malaysia, however, does not consider market expansion and environmental change. New policies are frequently developed to address current requirements, but most of the references are from earlier research done in the 1990s and the early 21st century. Universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) were not exceptional. Therefore, this chapter aims to discuss the management and leadership styles as an academician in higher education institutions (HEI) in Malaysia and their plan to face global economic fluctuation especially for the financial arrangement and many more.
The Research on Supportive Leadership
Authors: Sonawane Ashwini Yogendra
Published: February 2024

Politics is an activity that frequently lacks values and is centred around power. It forces someone to act in an unethical and antisocial way. Yet, Mahatma Gandhi thought that ethics should be woven into politics. He supported politics that were fundamentally infused with moral principles and high standards of conduct. He aimed to elevate politics to the status of sacred politics. He pushed for the spiritualization of politics and made a strong case for its ethicalization. Gandhi believed that moral measures should only be applied to achieving political goals. The goal of the current essay is to draw attention to Mahatma Gandhi's ethical and moral guidelines for purifying politics as well as his focus on the purity of goals and methods.
How to Utilize Technology to Enhance Profitability
Authors: Gao Yuhan , Kwok Samuel
Published: February 2024

This report analyzes the impacts of insisting on a product development strategy on XPeng's profitability from 2019 to 2022 Q2. Based on the model established by McNally, Akdeniz, and Calantone, regression analyses are used to evaluate different implementation factors' impacts on profitability. In addition, this report will combine XPeng's technological innovation points to analyze the impacts of the above factors on its profitability. Therefore, this chapter gives examples of how organizations may explore how to implement a product development strategy to enhance its profitability with advanced technology.
Examining the Effectiveness of Machine Learning Models for Interest Rate Prediction
Authors: Sharma Vandana
Published: February 2024

The banking sector plays a vital role in economic growth, offering financial services and determining interest rates, influencing borrowing and investment decisions. Traditional uniform rates based on risk assessments and market conditions may not suit today's diverse economic landscape. Leveraging big data and machine learning, the idea of personalized interest rates is explored. The proposed work examines the effectiveness of two machine learning based classification algorithms logistic regression and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN) for predicting personalized interest rates in the banking sector. The study collects and explores a dataset from Lending Club by conducting thorough exploratory data analysis (EDA). Despite getting low accuracies, this research is pioneering in the field of interest rate prediction and provides a foundation for further research in this area. The EDA conducted during the study contributes valuable insights into the dataset's structure, enabling better understanding and identification of potential challenges and improvements for future models.
Unraveling the World of Artificial Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Belghachi Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Artificial emotional intelligence (AEI) is a burgeoning field at the intersection of technology and human emotion, seeking to imbue machines with the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to human emotions. This chapter encapsulates a comprehensive exploration of AEI, encompassing its foundations, technical intricacies, applications, user perspectives, ethical considerations, challenges, and real-world case studies. The foundations of AEI involve unraveling the complexities of human emotions, from facial expressions and voice tones to physiological signals. Understanding the technical aspects of AEI, including data acquisition, feature extraction, machine learning models, and multi-modal fusion, provides insights into the sophisticated mechanisms driving emotionally intelligent systems. AEI's applications span diverse domains, from virtual health assistants providing mental well-being support to emotionally aware educational platforms adapting to students' learning needs.
Designing LSTM Networks for Emotion Modelling
Authors: Pokkuluri Kiran Sree , Devi N. S. S. S. N. Usha , Khang Alex
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents a simple and effective approach to designing LSTM networks for the task of emotion recognition. Emotion modelling plays a crucial role in various applications, such as human-computer interaction, sentiment analysis, and affective computing. The proposed LSTM architecture incorporates sequential information inherent in emotional expressions, allowing the model to capture temporal dependencies and nuances in emotional states. The input data, typically in the form of time-series sequences, is pre-processed to extract relevant features and fed into the LSTM network. The model is trained on labelled emotion datasets, enabling it to learn patterns and relationships between input features and corresponding emotional states. To enhance the network's performance, hyper parameter tuning, and regularization techniques are employed. The model's effectiveness is evaluated on benchmark emotion datasets, demonstrating its capability to accurately predict and classify various emotional states.
Exploring the Utility of Emotion Recognition Systems in Healthcare
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Bhawna  , Narzary Daogafu Gwra
Published: February 2024

This chapter examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and psychology in healthcare through emotion recognition systems (ERS). By tracing ERS's development, it showcases its crucial role in improving patient care, enhancing mental health treatments, and providing stress management for healthcare workers. It discusses ERS's potential and the challenges it faces, including ensuring accuracy, integrating technology, addressing cultural sensitivity, and managing privacy concerns. The narrative aims to deepen understanding among healthcare professionals, technologists, and ethicists about ERS's nuanced contributions and technical complexities. It highlights the transformative potential of ERS in healthcare, considering both its benefits and the multifaceted issues it presents. Looking ahead, the chapter advocates for progress driven by technological advancements, cross-disciplinary research, and thoughtful policy-making, providing a comprehensive view of how ERS can be effectively integrated into healthcare practices for future enhancements.
Symbiosis of Innovation-Oriented Leadership and Start-Ups
Authors: Saini Damini , Bhushan Madhu , Singh Akanchha
Published: February 2024

Interest in entrepreneurship and the startup movement has increased a growing debate and research regarding innovation in many avenues, including business models. Many startups, nationally and internationally, are doing exceptionally well, and it is obvious that they are highly inclined towards innovation in various dimensions of their business. Innovation is otherwise also necessary in the changing environment of the contemporary business world. Many startups have designed novel business models for new organizations or reconfigured existing business models. This chapter will focus on the aspects of the requirement of innovation-oriented leadership in business and how it leads to an effective business model. The authors will also discuss the critical role played by innovative approaches in setting up a new business venture. Additionally, the chapter will discuss the stories of successful Indian startups and how innovative leadership contributed towards startups.
Management Models
Authors: Pérez-Uribe Rafael Ignacio , Vargas-Ramirez Ivan , Ocampo-Guzman David
Published: February 2024

The situation that humanity lives in the face of environmental variables presents a scenario of uncertainty for organizations and their management models (MM). This reality demands a challenging understanding and management for the management of organizations, whatever the type (private or public), economic sector and size. This chapter, which is the result of qualitative and exploratory research, aims to identify opportunities and challenges faced by management models in Colombia in the face of the dynamics generated by environmental variables. The result obtained is produced because of the documentary analysis and review with experts of the main MM implemented in the country in relation to some successful models of international reference. It is concluded that the MM need to strengthen their technological, innovation, value generation, and good use of meta-capabilities that will favor organizational reconversion for emerging companies in Colombia.
Inclusion, Intercultural Education, and Universal Design for Learning in Initial Teacher Training
Authors: Ribés Aida Sanahuja , García Odet Moliner , Ciges Auxiliadora Sales
Published: February 2024

Initial teacher training must accept the challenge of diversity from an inclusive and intercultural approach by incorporating universal design for learning (UDL) into the preparation of future teachers. The aim of this study is to discover the perception of UDL, inclusion, and intercultural education of early childhood education degree students at Universitat Jaume I (Spain). It is a descriptive, qualitative study in which 23 students participated through focus groups and individual and group interviews. The results show difficulties in defining the concepts and seeing them applied in university teaching. In conclusion, there is a need to extend the presence and focus on inclusion and intercultural education in university study plans and teaching, with greater student involvement and improved communication and teaching coordination, in order to introduce UDL as a transversal principle.
CLIL in Pre-Primary Education
Authors: Otto Ana
Published: February 2024

Content and language-integrated learning (CLIL) has experienced an exponential growth with its implementation into international pre-primary education contexts. But pre-primary CLIL has to be suited to the main principles of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and thus respect very young learners' idiosyncratic features in terms of their development and acquisition. In 2004, the Madrid regional government implemented the Spanish-English bilingual programme granting students the opportunity to study English as an additional language and receive instruction for other subjects through English. In the academic year 2017-2018, the programme extended to the very early years, and it is currently run in all bilingual schools. The main aim of this contribution is to discuss the potential applicability of CLIL for pre-primary education and to analyze the teachers' views in Madrid by means of two focus groups.
Innovating in the Teaching of Perspective Drawing
Authors: Serrano Eva Perandones , Martín Vanessa Ruiz , Santacecilia Francisco Javier Gayo
Published: February 2024

The main objective of the project is to develop an application that helps students to work on the perception and analysis of space for its subsequent representation, focusing initially on the gradual understanding of the basic concepts of conic perspective. The idea is to develop a didactic tool that allows to visualize those lines and points not visible in reality, but necessary to establish and assimilate, for a correct spatial representation and that are so difficult for the student of artistic education. It is a support tool for the teacher to work on the drawing process, the education of the gaze, the perception of volumetry, the simplification of forms, and the understanding of depth.
Future of Banking From IT Decentralization and Deglobalisation
Authors: Vijaya G. S. , Prabhu Divya , Sandhya M. , Aldehayyat Jehad
Published: February 2024

The banking sector is transforming, with traditional banking focusing on personalization and quality of relationships, while digital banking focuses on simplicity of products. However, traditional banking must embrace technology to survive and compete. Technology has improved customer service, built trust, and created higher returns on investment. The future of banking lies in IT decentralization and deglobalization, which offer vast opportunities for effective customer service, timely product management, faster service delivery, information and risk management. The chapter covers IT infrastructure and decentralization in the Indian context, highlighting the paradigm shift and opportunities for financial institutions. Decentralizing IT can bring innovation, transformation, and customer agility, making traditional banking a competitor in the race. The chapter highlights the past, present, and future of IT decentralization in the Indian banking industry, emphasizing the role of new technologies like AI, blockchain in automation, integration, and global financial sector growth.
Unraveling Metaverse's Retention Secrets
Authors: Akash R. , Suganya V.
Published: February 2024

As the Metaverse continues to surge in prominence, this chapter delves into the often-overlooked realm of customer retention within this digital landscape. Recognizing the pivotal role that customer retention plays in ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of virtual economies, this study endeavors to uncover the intricate secrets that drive lasting customer engagement within the Metaverse. At the heart of this chapter lies the development of a comprehensive conceptual framework designed for adoption by industry stakeholders. This framework acts as a bridge between theory and practical implementation, offering a multifaceted perspective on the factors that influence customer retention. Through literature research with a rigorous analytical lens, this study aims to equip businesses, creators, and investors with the knowledge necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving Metaverse. By applying this framework, stakeholders can cultivate enduring customer relationships, thereby transforming the Metaverse into a hub of sustainable profitability within the virtual economy.
Corporate Compliance and Ethics
Authors: Iacobelli Alphons A. , Gaynor William D.
Published: February 2024

A resolute corporate compliance and ethics strategy can provide a unique opportunity for leaders to demonstrate their commitment to appropriate behavior that can favorably magnify the success of an organization. The benefits of indoctrinating ethical leadership while advancing corporate compliance initiatives are financially quantifiable to the organization; however, the residual favorable effect on the employees, reputations, and society can be immeasurable. In this chapter, the authors examine the current state of organizational malfeasance and the opportunity to revisit compliance specialization within a business school setting. Beyond the legal interpretation of compliance and regulatory guidance, the authors argue that effective compliance initiatives within an organization require authentic senior leadership indoctrination and compliance specialists with a broader business acumen within the industry or enterprise.
A Qualitative Analysis of Challenges in Online Fraud Detection and Investigation
Authors: Espinoza Michelle Denise
Published: February 2024

This study employed a qualitative method through a focus group discussion with fraud prevention practitioners working in the insurance, ecommerce, and financial industries. During the discussion, examples of the paradoxical challenge of too-much-yet-too-little data emerge as well as examples of the interworking our digital and physical worlds. Based on grounded theory, the authors explore the various trends and challenges faced by practitioners and provide recommendations to enhance their firm's investigative capacity. This chapter contributes to the literature on online fraud detection and prevention by exploring the understudied problem of how resource constraints and data deluge contribute to the challenge of online fraud investigations and combines theory with insights from fraud analysts to give practitioners additional strategies to consider when implementing or enhancing their own fraud prevention programs.
Sociocultural Influences of the Psychological Responses of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Thakral Jaskeerat Kaur
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores how specific cultural perceptions of disease, and policies grounded in these cultural perceptions, can explain the psychological responses and distress of the Indian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific cultural perceptions and policies in India during the pandemic and their contributions to psychological distress are examined using Phillip Strong's model of Epidemic Psychology as an analytical framework. The overarching cultural perception of disease as a battle is particularly explored, looking into past cultural and political factors that gave rise to the adoption of militaristic metaphors. Secondary influences of the battle metaphor are also investigated, with a focus on how existing religious, caste, and racial tensions were exacerbated. This leads to government recommendations for policies and directives that acknowledge the sociocultural roots of psychological distress in efforts to reduce psychological distress in the future.
Critically Examining the Invisible Healthcare Disparity for Gender-Diversity
Authors: Nguyen Colton
Published: February 2024

By critically evaluating and understanding how under-advocated communities are impacted by healthcare decision markers and cultural competence, future generations of gender-diverse patients will have the opportunity of a better future. In this literature review, an analysis and synthesis of documented historical underrepresentation, inequitable treatment, and recommendations for future generations of healthcare are presented. The critical issue of inequity in healthcare is discussed while providing insight into how gender-diversity must be acknowledged for best inclusive practices. Through understanding social identity and the need for transformational leadership, this synthesis reveals the lack of gender-diverse competent healthcare systems, which are contributing to disparities in health outcomes for TGNC (transgender and gender nonconforming) patients. The overarching goal of this synthesis of knowledge is to transform healthcare management and address the invisible health disparity for the gender-diverse community.
Purchase Card Risk Management Case Study
Authors: Iacobelli Alphons A.
Published: February 2024

This case study examines the hypothetical company ParmaWell, a prominent pharmaceutical company known for its commitment to ethics and compliance. Although the case study narrates a fictitious pharmaceutical company, the organizational ethical challenges may be delineated in most public and private sector organizational settings. This case study examines the ethical culture and governance mechanisms related to financial risk management practices and the potential for organizational contagion. The case study provides detailed recommendations relative to advanced knowledge in organizational management, enterprise risk management (ERM), problem-solving models, and innovative solutions to address a problem of practice that may apply to many organizational settings.
A Thorough Examination of AI Integration in Diagnostic Imaging
Authors: Paul Shyamalendu , Purkait Soubhik , Chowdhury Pritam , Ghorai Siddhartha , Mallick Sohan , Nath Somnath
Published: February 2024

Examining how artificial intelligence might be used in diagnostic imaging, this study explores its significant healthcare ramifications. The chapter highlights the crucial role that AI plays in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, speed, and efficiency in the interpretation of medical imaging data while shedding light on the implementation of deep learning and machine learning algorithms in this context and offering examples. One of the most crucial things to consider is research on the long-term therapeutic impacts of AI integration. Transparent and understandable AI models must be created to foster trust between patients and healthcare professionals. The study also encourages a comprehensive evaluation of AI models' real-world performance across a range of imaging technologies, healthcare systems, and populations. The study essentially highlights the numerous advantages of integrating AI into diagnostic imaging, imagining a revolutionary environment that is promising for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Design and Development of a Pyrolysis Reactor to Produce Biochar at Industrial Scale
Authors: Jayamini H. P. A. , Dassanayake K. M. Muditha , Senavirathna G. R. U. , Liyanage Daham
Published: February 2024

A pyrolysis reactor, operating at medium pyrolysis conditions (at 5500C temperature and 2 hrs of residence time) to continuously produce biochar was developed. The interruption caused by routine loading and unloading is eliminated by a screw mechanism that allows mechanized loading and unloading. Biochar as a bio fertilizer could be well matched with the current Sri Lankan agro community’s expectations on conserving the soil and its quality. The proposed design is capable of producing biochar at a rate of 100 g/min. A scaled-down 10 g/min prototype was built to measure and validate required temperature levels, continuous production, and the complete conversion of the biomass into biochar. Readily available cinnamon sticks and corncobs were utilized as biomass to create separate biochar samples. The biochar yields were measured as approximately 32% for cinnamon and 28% for corncobs. Further testing of biochar samples for their structural morphology displayed a significant number of pores ranging from micro to macro scale (good porosity). These porous morphologies would enable capturing diffusive substance and trap them, while acting as mass transfer channels. Due to these unique qualities, biochar can act as an effective fertilizer for soil, facilitating fast adsorption, retention, and slow diffusion of nutrient agents. So, this could well fit in to serve the purpose of using this product as a biofertilizer to remedy the loss of soil fertility due to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers.
Development of Capacity Estimation Models for Multi-lane Roads under Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions
Authors: Jayaratne D. N. D. , Pasindu H. R. , Rathnayaka L. M. K.
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to develop capacity models to estimate the traffic carrying capacity of multi-lane roads with heterogeneous traffic flows. Since capacity is an important parameter in traffic engineering studies, it is vital that it is accurately estimated. Most of the current capacity estimation methodologies available are developed based on homogeneous traffic flows and hence not conducive for use in heterogeneous traffic conditions observed in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study is done to fulfill the requirement of a capacity estimation model for this purpose. Fifty midblock sections were surveyed using manual flow data collection methods and a novel Google Application Program Interface (API) based method for speed data collection. Based on the collected data, capacity values were developed following the fundamentals of traffic flow. Regression models were built to estimate four-lane and six-lane capacity values based on roadway characteristics such as effective lane width, access point density, median type, and built environment condition. Separate models were developed because the impact these characteristics have on four-lane and six-lane roads are different. The models showed good fit with R2 values of 0.81 and 0.86 for four-lane and six-lane roads, respectively. The base capacity value of a four-lane urban road was estimated to be 2044 pcu/h/l and for a six-lane sub-urban road section 2108 pcu/h/l. The outcomes of this study can be used to develop capacity guidelines in countries with heterogeneous traffic conditions for capacity estimation.
Evaluating the Performance-Based Grading of Construction Labour in Road Project Operations Through a New Apprenticeship Framework
Authors: Kesavan M. , Dissanayake P. B. G , Pathirana C. K. , Deegahawature M. M. D. R. , Silva K. D. R.
Published: February 2024

The main issues facing the construction industry in many nations have been poor labour performance in work operations, leading to significantly influencing the quality, safety and productivity of construction processes/outcomes. By implementing efficient apprenticeship components, this study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness/performance of labour in road project operations through a case study. With action-oriented and problem-focused communication approaches, an exhaustive academic review and expert consultations were carried out to design a collection of methods/tools/systems linked to labour apprenticeship and performance assessment inside a framework. Through a newly established site supervisory apprenticeship programme, the developed procedures were implemented with more than 100 construction labourers engaged in nine Sri Lankan road projects. The results display the specific patterns of substantial changes in labour performance levels with the quantified values, which aid in the planning and formation of crew mixes for various project jobs, as well as proactive methods for managing and controlling labour in the construction industry. The findings ensure the generalisation of the developed practices/tools/mechanisms towards the sustainability of its applications. The study further adds advanced attributes to construction supervision job roles. The study findings/outcomes can make significant impacts on the practices of other developing nations and industries.
Therapeutic Effects of Tretinoin and Caffeine-Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell on Immunological Features of Ulcerative Colitis: An Animal Model Study
Authors: Movaffaghbani Behnaz , Esmaeili Gouvarchinghaleh Hadi , Farzanehpour Mahdieh , Shayegh Jalal
Published: February 2024

Background:

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. It causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is distinguished clinically by abdominal and rectal pain and intestinal secretion abnormalities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy could be the underlying treatment for UC. This study aimed to compare the results of MSC therapy with tretinoin and caffeine in an animal model.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six equal groups. Five groups were exposed to acetic acid-induced colitis, and one healthy negative control group was designed. The positive control group was UC-induced mouse model with no treatment. Besides, treatment groups were MSCs (n = 2×106) that received tretinoin and caffeine. The treatment group was given mesalazine orally. The decision to begin treatment was taken after monitoring the symptoms of the UC.

Results:

MSCs, tretinoin, and caffeine-treated MSCs significantly decrease inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and inflammatory mediators (myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) compared with the positive control group. However, the alleviated effects of tretinoin-treated MSCs significantly were more than those of MSCs and caffeine-treated MSCs.

Conclusion:

MSC therapy is an effective option for UC and can prevent disease progression. The results represented a high developmental rate and simple cell application of MSC therapy in UC patients. Also, MSC therapy’s ability for immunomodulation is strengthened by drugs that improve their microenvironment by binding to their receptors.
A Rare Case of Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome with Von Willebrand Factor Deficiency and Multiple Accessory Spleens: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Falahati Vahid , Fallahi Mahsa , Shahriarpour Mona , Ghasemi Ali , Ghaffari Kazem
Published: February 2024

Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon inherited syndrome identified by venous varicosities and capillary abnormalities. von Willebrand Disease is the most common inherited hemorrhage disturbance in humans, leading to insufficiency in von Willebrand Factor, which is a complex multimeric protein with two functions: it forms a bridge between the platelets and injured vascular areas and it attaches factor VIII and stabilizes it. We present a 13-year-old son with a typical clinical manifestation of KTS, including “port-wine stains” as capillary malformation, venous malformation, and hypertrophy of the left lower extremity, who also suffers from von Willebrand Disease type 3. He has been suffering from these two rare conditions since birth. The occurrence of KTS with von Willebrand Factor deficiency in a patient has so far not been reported, which may propose a mutation in the putative common regulatory gene that caused this uncommon phenotype.
Developmental delay in preterm infants during the first twelve months after birth and its risk factors
Authors: Saboktakin Lida
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Developmental delay in preterm infants in different geographical areas has different risk factors. The present research was a large study aiming to assess developmental delay in preterm infants during the first 12 months after birth and its risk factors in northwest Iran (with multiethnic texture).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Eight hundred and seventy preterm infants (25 to 36 weeks; up to 12 months) were included in this descriptive–analytical study from the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2021 in northwest Iran by the convenient sampling method. Patients’ basic and medical information was recorded in the data collection form, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess children’s developmental status.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of developmental delay in this study was 26.4%. Regarding demographic characteristics such as age, height (at birth and one year of age), weight (at birth and one year of age), Apgar score (first and twentieth minutes), duration of ventilator connection, comorbidities and complications after birth, and breastfeeding during the first year of life, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of infants with and without developmental delay. Breastfeeding during the first 12 months after birth alone could have the power to predict developmental delay in preterm infants.

CONCLUSION:

Breastfeeding in the first year of life is considered one of the most important predictors of normal development in preterm infants. Therefore, encouraging the parents of these infants to breastfeed their infants at birth can be a positive step in improving the quality of life of these infants in the future.
What factors affect the quality of life of employed physically disabled people? A qualitative exploration of their experiences
Authors: Pouresmaeil Mahnaz , Dehdari Tahereh , Zeidi Isa Mohammadi
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

According to the literature, the majority of People With Physical Disabilities (PWPDs) have a low Quality of Life (QOL). The goal of this study was to look at the experiences of a group of employed PWPDs in Iran in terms of the factors influencing their QOL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A conventional qualitative content study was carried out in Qazvin City, Iran, from February to August 2020. Twenty-eight semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 employed PWPDs (6 men and 14 women), 5 five family members, and 3 of the participants’ employers (n = 3) were conducted. Participants were asked about their experiences with factors that impacted the QOL of employed PWPDs.

RESULTS:

Continuous analysis of data began and continued up to data saturation. The participants’ experiences on influencing variables QOL were merged into four major categories: psychological state, socioeconomic problems, structural obstructions, and physical constraints.

CONCLUSION:

Conducting psychological therapy to reduce stress and using adaptive coping strategies, changing perceptions of the community about PWPDs via the media, and also improving environmental infrastructure may help to increase QOL in PWPDs.
Predictors of biomedical waste management practices among staff nurses of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India
Authors: Krishnamurthy Yuvappreya , Anandabaskar Nishanthi , Venugopal Vinayagamoorthy , Vimal Mourouguessine , Shanthi M
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste (BMW) may pose serious threats to the health of patients and hospital personnel. Among all healthcare workers, staff nurses play a vital role in BMW management (BMWM). Thus, the present study aimed to determine the predictors of BMWM practices among staff nurses of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 staff nurses, working at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, from July to August 2018. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, and self-administered questionnaire after taking their written informed consent. Regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictors of satisfactory BMWM practice status.

RESULTS:

Of the total 150 staff nurses, most of them were young females with a work experience of ≤ 5 years. Concerning knowledge scores, most staff nurses (63.3%) belonged to the moderate category, whereas a few (24%) were in the high category. Also, most of them (62.7%) were in the high category of attitude scores. For practice scores, half of the participants were in moderate and high categories, each. Female gender, attended training status, and moderate and high knowledge scores were significantly associated with satisfactory BMWM scores in unadjusted analysis. After adjusting for other independent variables, all these three factors were found significantly associated with satisfactory BMWM practice scores.

CONCLUSION:

The present study shows that the female gender, attending training in BMWM, and having a moderate and high knowledge of BMWM were significant predictors of satisfactory BMWM practice among staff nurses. Thus, all hospitals must periodically train their staff nurses to strengthen their BMWM practices. Safe BMWM leads to environmental protection and safeguards the health of patients, hospital personnel, and the public.