bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Power Quality
Authors: Fahaduddin Mohamed , N. Manjappa
Published: July 2024

Modern power systems must be designed with dependable power filters that reduce voltage and current harmonics in order to satisfy utility grid power quality standards. This chapter discusses a methodical approach to designing a shunt active power filter (SAPF) for improving power quality. Harmonics are often involved in power quality problems. Harmonics have the potential to damage capacitors, raise neutral currents, induce motor instability, and overheat equipment. An apparatus for harmonic correction is a shunt filter. The primary goal of this work is to regulate a three-phase active power filter optimizing the common constant instantaneous power control technique utilizing a new adaptive Autarchoglossan lizard foraging algorithm (AALF). Based on the source current THD and voltage THD under balanced supply circumstances, the conventional and optimal control strategies will be contrasted. MATLAB simulation will be used as the comparison approach. Two important performance factors will be covered in this chapter.
Introduction and Importance of Sensory Organs
Authors: Rana Vaishnavi , Mamta  , Mathur Srishti , Sandal Anupama
Published: July 2024

This chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of sensory organs and their significance in human perception. It begins with an exploration of sensory receptors and their role in detecting stimuli from both external and internal environments. Primary sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin are introduced, each responsible for a specific sensory modality. The chapter highlights the intricate processes by which these organs convert various stimuli into electrical signals for interpretation by the nervous system. Furthermore, it emphasizes the collaborative nature of sensory organs in providing a comprehensive understanding of the world, shaping our experiences and behaviors. The importance of sensory organs in sensory science is underscored through vivid descriptions of how they contribute to our perception of taste, fragrance, vision, sound, and touch. The chapter discusses the impact of touch on product evaluation, emphasizing the importance of haptic qualities in shaping consumer preferences and purchasing decisions
Role of Vision in Sensory Science
Authors: Shishodia Sonia K. , Verma Kiran , Singh Ajay , Katyal Mehak , Thakur Sheetal
Published: July 2024

Vision is a primary sense that significantly influences how individuals perceive and interpret sensory stimuli, particularly in the context of food, beverages, and consumer products. The chapter explores the neurological and psychological aspects of vision in sensory science, emphasizing the interaction between visual stimuli and the brain's interpretation of sensory information. The different color measurement methods and the applications of visual color inspection in different food sectors have been discussed. Additionally, it covers the concept of color perception, types of color abnormalities and the impact of visual signals on overall product acceptance. The insights provided are essential for researchers and students in the field of sensory science, offering a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role vision plays in shaping our sensory perceptions.
Recent Advances in Sensory Technologies
Authors: Shukla Meenakshi , Gharote Ambarish Shyam , Sharma Maanas
Published: July 2024

Recent advancements in sensory technologies have brought about excellent product assessment in the food and non-food industries. This changes in a new era of enhanced human experiences. Sensory technologies are based on taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight that have undergone revolutionary development. The collective information about human senses has been captured, processed, and transmitted to produce customer satisfaction. Recent sensory technologies have brought about a paradigm shift, particularly in the food industry. The detection and evaluation of complex flavors and fragrances for food products are faster due to the application of machine learning algorithms and equipment like electronic tongues and noses. Applications for virtual and augmented reality have improved taste experiences even further by enabling customers to virtually try products before deciding which ones to buy. Furthermore, the employment of computer vision, electronic noses, and heat sensors has increased in the food analysis industry to ensure authenticity and quality.
Social Innovation Through Conceptual Replication
Authors: Sharma Khushi , Foung Dennis
Published: July 2024

Social innovation can involve reexamining traditional perspectives from new angles. This study illustrates how replicating a published study can provide new insights into understanding symptoms of depression and anxiety among medical students. The primary aim of this study is to reanalyze the dataset published by Santander-Hernandez et al. (2022), employing data mining techniques to expand upon the findings of the original study. In Santander-Hernandez et al. (2022), a questionnaire was administered to 371 medical students in Peru covering various aspects, such as smartphone dependence, insomnia, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, body mass index, suicidal ideation, and other demographic factors. The current study analyzed this dataset using a data mining approach, specifically a classification tree. The results of the data mining, with a prediction accuracy of 78.04%, indicate that insomnia, suicidal ideation, body mass index, and study year may be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Future Developments of Higher Education on Social Psychology
Authors: Kalaiselvi D. , Ramaratnam M. S. , Kokila S. , Sarkar Ratan , Anandakumar S. , Boopathi Sampath
Published: July 2024

The chapter explores the future of higher education in the context of social psychology, innovation, and changes. It highlights the importance of adaptability and the integration of social psychology principles into pedagogy and curriculum. The chapter also highlights the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in higher education, fostering a deeper understanding of human behavior, cognition, and social interaction among students. This approach promotes critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication skills, crucial for success in diverse professional settings. Innovation is vital for the future of higher education, as technologies like virtual reality simulations, artificial intelligence-driven adaptive learning platforms, and collaborative online tools are revolutionizing education. The chapter underscores the need for proactive curriculum design and delivery in response to rapid societal changes, economic fluctuations, and technological disruptions.
Study on 6G's Spectrum in Evolving the Landscape of Hyper-Connected Communication
Authors: Narasimha I. C. , Seshidar Kamireddy , Gunavathie M. A. , Megala J. , Sureshkumar R. , Sudhakar M.
Published: July 2024

The 6G revolution is a significant shift in communication, introducing an era of hyper-connectivity. It encompasses intelligent, deep, holographic, and ubiquitous connectivity, each offering unique benefits. Intelligent connectivity uses artificial intelligence to optimize networks in real-time. Deep connectivity offers ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, reshaping device-network interactions. Holographic connectivity offers immersive data transmission and interaction, transcending traditional boundaries. Ubiquitous connectivity envisions a world where connectivity pervades every aspect of life, erasing geographical limitations and bringing global connectivity to fruition. This chapter explores the evolution of 6G's spectrum, its interplay, and potential challenges, predicting a hyper-connected world with intelligent, deep, holographic, and ubiquitous connectivity. It envisions a future where human interactions, industries, and societies are reshaped by this new echelon of hyper- connectedness.
Social Innovations for Improving the Environment
Authors: Adeyemi Babatunde Adeniyi , Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen
Published: July 2024

Over the past few decades, it has become more and more evident that the growing pressure on natural ecosystems may have detrimental short- and long-term repercussions on humanity. Consequently, this has prompted a reevaluation of innovation's place in the framework of sustainable development. Thus, the objective of this chapter centered on how social innovation can be used to attain environmental sustainability within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors discuss social innovation in terms of its origins, concept and main element. They delve into environmental components and contemporary environmental issues; and with the alignment of social innovations with environmental sustainability. Conclusively, it was opined that global society must both draw inspiration from and collaborate with natural systems in order to address the enormous and frequently existential environmental difficulties. In light of this, a socio-ecological transition is suggested as the foundation for future sustainable communities and development
A Comprehensive Review on Nonwoven Materials for the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Roy Rupayan
Published: July 2024

This chapter covers nonwoven materials in healthcare, including applications, qualities, benefits, difficulties, recent advances, and future possibilities. Nonwovens' barrier efficiency, breathability, and comfort make them essential in surgical gowns, face masks, sterile packaging, wound dressings, and hygiene items. The review highlights nonwoven materials' cost-effectiveness, disposability, and infection control while addressing environmental impact and regulatory compliance. Nanotechnology integration and smart nonwovens demonstrate these materials' dynamic progress. Sustainability, technology, and developing trends promise biodegradable alternatives and tailored healthcare solutions in the future. Increased patient safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability are healthcare industry implications. Future research should focus on eco-friendly alternatives, sophisticated filtration technologies, and regulatory compliance to maintain nonwoven materials' excellence in healthcare applications.
Distributed Technologies Using AI/ML Techniques for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Gopi B. , Sworna Kokila M. L. , Bibin Christopher V. , Sasikala D. , Howard Eric , Boopathi S.
Published: July 2024

The healthcare sector has benefited greatly from the integration of AI/ML with distributed technologies like edge computing, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) to address challenges like data interoperability, security, and scalability. This synergy has a major impact on patient care, medical research, and the efficiency of the healthcare system. AI/ML techniques are used in a variety of fields, including drug development, medical imaging interpretation, picture identification, predictive analytics, and sickness prediction. The relationship between AI/ML and distributed technologies—such as decentralized architectures for safe access to real-time data sources, blockchain for data integrity and privacy, and edge computing for low-latency processing—is discussed. When combining AI/ML with dispersed technology, the healthcare business faces trends and concerns related to interoperability, legal compliance, and ethical issues.
The Small and Rural School Italian Network for Digital Technologies Flourishing in “Non Standard” Educational Context
Authors: Mangione Giuseppina Rita Jose
Published: July 2024

The topic of small and rural schools offers numerous investigative perspectives within educational research. Digital technologies hold significant potential for “non-standard” educational contexts, driving the need to reconsider the structure of schools based on regional partnerships. After summarizing key international studies that have identified the challenges of using technology in rural educational settings, this paper adopts a phenomenological approach, based on narratives of exemplary cases, to present a diachronic analysis (before, during, and after the pandemic) and exemplify disruptive use of technologies in small schools. The Italian Network of Small Schools promoted by INDIRE has supported numerous transformative scenarios that extend the use of technologies beyond the emergency period and guide small schools into a future where also AI can helps solidify their role as centers of democratic values and quality education.
Digital Transformation in Education
Authors: Tossy Titus
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities during teaching and learning in digital transformation, specifically focusing on Tanzanian teachers. To address the challenges facing the traditional model of delivering education, this book chapter explains how the infrastructure and resources and their accessibility during the digital transformation in teaching and learning are most important. The chapter highlights some opportunities and skills resulting from digital transformation in education, and those opportunities can be personalized learning, global accessibility, and innovation of teaching methods. Also, despite these opportunities, this chapter illuminates challenges that can arise during the digital transformation in teaching and learning. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews helped us collect many opinions and suggestions. Therefore, the chapter aims to contribute valuable insights to educators and policymakers since they can understand the complexities involved and guide future efforts toward an effective digital transformation in Tanzanian education.
Exploring Student Motivation in a Hybrid Learning Environment
Authors: Chemsi Ghizlane , Naciri Aziz , Sadiq Mounir , Radid Mohamed
Published: July 2024

The evolution of education, marked by successive iterations, has resulted in Education 5.0, which represents a major step forward in the innovative integration of technologies. This approach involves the creation of a digital university along the lines of 5.0 universities, with Blended Learning as the flagship teaching method. This study aims to implement a hybrid system and examine the motivation of students at the Ben M'sick Faculty of Science. Student motivation was tested using the Education Motivation Scale. The results show that out of a total of total of 113 students participated in the study, 69 of the participants were motivated to participate in hybrid activities. Extrinsic motivation by regulation was identified as the motivational subscale with the highest mean score (5.03 ±1.5). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the nature of the course (aOR, 2.58 (1.12- 5.91), p= 0.026) was a factor affecting student motivation in a hybrid environment.
Exploring Engineering Students' Perceptions of ChatGPT in ENSA School
Authors: Remch Abdelghani
Published: July 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, technology-driven tools are continually shaping the way students engage with learning materials. Among these tools, ChatGPT, an AI-powered conversational agent, has gained prominence as a versatile educational aid. This descriptive study delves into the perceptions of engineering students at ENSA School regarding ChatGPT's utility in their academic pursuits. Employing questionnaires, the authors sought to understand the extent to which students embrace this technology and the implications it holds for their learning experiences. A cohort of 45 cyber security and civil engineering students at ENSA school, in Morocco participated in the survey, providing valuable insights into their interactions with ChatGPT.
Pedagogical Innovation in the Digital Age
Authors: Kocasarac Huseyin , Ndlovu Nokulunga
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores the convergence of technology and education, addressing the imperative to adapt pedagogical practices in response to the evolving digital landscape. Through a systematic scanning study, the chapter investigates emerging trends in innovative pedagogies, emphasizing personalized and flexible learning experiences facilitated by digital pedagogy, web tools, and massive open online courses (MOOCs). Additionally, it examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing in education, highlighting their role in fostering hands-on learning and critical thinking skills. Despite challenges in technology adoption, the chapter underscores the importance of pedagogical innovation in preparing learners for success in the digital era. It advocates for curriculum transformation to ensure equitable access to digital education and emphasizes pedagogical innovation as fundamental in equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a digital society.
Marketing Applications of Emerging Technologies
Authors: Aarabe Mourad , Ben Khizzou Nouhaila , Alla Lhoussaine , Benjelloun Ahmed
Published: July 2024

In today's global environment, integrating emerging technologies has become a necessity. This book explores the intersection of technology and marketing, providing an overview of technological advancements and their impact on marketing practices. This chapter proposes a systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol to explore the breadth and scope of applicability of emerging technology solutions in marketing. The aim is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges for marketing applications of such technologies. This analysis, conducted using Nvivo V12 software, indicates that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, the internet of things, blockchain, and data analytics are increasingly important in marketing practices and strategies. These technologies are primarily used to understand and satisfy individual customer needs and improve the customer experience.
Phygital Marketing and the Pain of Paying
Authors: Boudri Rachid , Bentalha Badr , Benjelloun Omar
Published: July 2024

The physical store provides a shopping experience that can't be replaced by digital means. However, the combination of the two has infinite potential and it's called the phygital shopping experience. In a retail context, phygital marketing is about finding the right amount of digital technology to incorporate into the store, to offer the shopper a unique shopping experience. Moreover, phygital marketing is a recent discipline that lacks practical and theoretical information. This study aims to contribute to the conceptualization of the latter through a netnography, and by linking the practice of phygital marketing to the behavioral science concept which is “the pain of paying.” This expression refers to the negative emotions felt during the process of paying for a product. Thus, a thematic content analysis opens the way to define a competitive advantage through phygital marketing.
Understanding and Applying Machine Learning Models
Authors: More Leena Suresh , Kumar Binod
Published: July 2024

This abstract provides an overview of the fundamental concepts involved in understanding and applying machine learning models. It covers key aspects, including data preparation, training, evaluation, and deployment. The journey begins with a data preprocessing phase, emphasizing the significance of data quality, feature engineering, and addressing challenges such as missing values and outliers. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the diverse landscape of machine learning models, ranging from traditional algorithms to sophisticated architectures. The importance of selecting the most suitable model for a given task, considering factors such as interpretability, scalability, and performance, is emphasized. The process of training ML models is then elucidated, highlighting the crucial role of splitting data into training and testing sets. Essential concepts such as loss functions, optimization algorithms, and hyperparameter tuning are explored in detail. Evaluation metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, are discussed to assess model performance effectively.
Intelligent Lean Manufacturing
Authors: Cakmakci Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Lean manufacturing approach, in other words, the Toyota production system, is examined in the context of its historical development by using the articles researched from reputable journals in this field. Lean manufacturing, digitalization, and the interaction between these two developments are handled and attention is drawn to the change in the role of human factor in production. The aim of this study is to draw attention to digitalization in the automotive and electronics sectors, as well as in other branches of the manufacturing sector, where the lean manufacturing approach is widely used. As a result of this, it is stated that organizational transformation will be inevitable within the framework of future technological developments in enterprises. In this study, it will be revealed that the human role in production has changed and even decreased within the framework of the relationship between lean transformation and digital transformation. However, the concept of intelligent lean manufacturing was used for the first time in the literature.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Using Opencv and Python
Authors: Kumar A. V. Senthil , M. Ajay Karthick , Bader Ahmad Fuad Hamadah , Kaur Gaganpreet , Ray Samrat , G. Prasanna Lakshmi , Virparia Paresh , Sagar Bharat Bhushan , Dutta Amit , Masadeh Shadi R , Dulhare Uma N. , Srinivasulu Asadi
Published: July 2024

Optical character recognition (OCR) stands as a transformative technology at the intersection of computer vision and document processing. This chapter explores the advancements and challenges in OCR, focusing on methods for extracting text content from images, scanned documents, and other visual media. The review encompasses traditional techniques, such as template matching and feature-based methods, as well as state-of-the-art deep learning approaches. The evolution of OCR algorithms is discussed in the context of their applications in digitizing historical archives, automating data entry, enhancing accessibility, and facilitating language translation. Additionally, attention is given to challenges related to diverse fonts, handwriting recognition, and handling complex document layouts. The chapter concludes with an outlook on emerging trends and future directions in OCR research, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of accuracy, robustness, and efficiency in extracting textual information from visual data.
Entertainment and Persuasion in Online Politics
Authors: Aytuna Emine Nazlı , Çakıcı Zindan , Özkaya Alparslan Ergün
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the influence of entertainment elements on political persuasion among young Turkish voters during the 2023 General Elections. Conducting 31 semi-structured interviews with demographically diverse participants aged 18-30 from various locales, it elucidates the nuanced interplay of cultural factors in shaping political attitudes. While participants exhibit a propensity for incorporating entertainment into political discourse, discernible reservations exist regarding the potential propagation of misinformation and the oversimplification of complex political issues. Ultimately, the findings underscore the primary function of entertainment elements in capturing attention rather than effecting substantive shifts in political decision-making processes.
Exploring the Dark Side of Social Media and Digital Consumer With a Dystopian Perspective
Authors: Sagkaya Gungor Aysegul
Published: July 2024

Social media has emerged as a central focus of consumer research, with marketers recognizing its ongoing significance in their field. While previous research has primarily explored consumer behavior and its outcomes through the lens of social media opportunities, it is now apparent that social media carries inherent risks for individuals, companies, and society at large. This chapter delves into the darker aspects of social media, shedding light on its multifaceted nature within the marketing context. By adopting the honeycomb model, the author elucidates the contributions of various parties—individuals, social network owners, and collaborating companies—to the emergence of these dark phenomena. Through careful reflection, the author put forth a series of propositions throughout the article, highlighting avenues for future research and unveiling theoretical implications in this domain.
An Analysis of Superhero Movies and Spider-Man Sequels "As a Basic Need of Humanity"
Authors: Pembecioglu Nilufer Emine , Yılmazkol Özgür
Published: July 2024

The superhero presentation, reflected in myths for centuries and common in comic books since the 19th century, eventually found its place in cinema. In superhero films, mythical realms, times, and spaces are shaped by the reality that superheroes represent to audiences. With its multi-layered, realistic, and romantic narrative structure, Spider-Man allows it to reach different audiences. The study aims for a content and discourse analysis of the narratives and dwells on the superhero figure that has become one of the most remarkable cultural phenomena of the last several years. The narrative also portrays the actions and decisions based on the main concepts, such as guilt, justice, governance, and citizenship, and puts them into a filmic story. Concentrating on these aspects, the study questions whether the viewers' orientation toward superhero movies and Spider-Man sequels can be considered a search for “a basic need of humanity”.
Integrated Approach for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Babu C. V. Suresh , G. Suruthi , C. Indhumathi , S. Sushruth
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores into an integrated approach aimed at enhancing Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) by amalgamating the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm, Karhunen-Loève Transform (KLT), and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization. This collaboration is designed to tackle the challenges associated with accurately detecting various types of network intrusions while minimizing false positives. The KNN algorithm provides efficient classification, while the KLT reduces the dimensionality of the feature space, thereby enhancing computational efficiency. Additionally, GA optimization fine-tunes the parameters of the NIDS, thereby improving detection accuracy and adaptability to dynamic network environments. Consequently, this approach contributes to enhancing the network security of a system.
Machine Learning in Industrial IoT Applications for Safety, Security, Asset Localization, Quality Assurance, and Sustainability in Smart Production
Authors: Vempati Srinivasa Reddy , Kumar J. V. Sai Prasanna , Apparao D. , Ramesh B. , Maranan Ramya , Varaprasada Rao P.
Published: July 2024

This study explores the integration of machine learning techniques, notably Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), with industrial production processes for quality assurance. The emphasis is on examining the performance of SVM and CNN through a rigorous assessment of precision, recall, and F1 score in the Performance Metrics Evaluation. Additionally, the study tests the algorithms against existing baseline approaches, evaluating their accuracy and efficiency in fault identification. The results reveal the consistent and strong performance of SVM and CNN, highlighting their revolutionary potential in revolutionizing quality control systems. The findings provide essential insights into the properties of each algorithm, demonstrating their ability to outperform existing methods and contribute to a more versatile and efficient approach to quality assurance in industrial settings.
Machine Learning in IoT for Smart Home Automation
Authors: B. Meenakshipriya , N. Nithyavathy , P. Nirmala Devi , K. Praneash
Published: July 2024

Automation and AI are pivotal across various domains, with the primary goal of the proposed AI-Based Smart Geyser being power conservation and device automation aligned with user usage patterns. The machine learning model is constructed using the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm and SciPy Toolkit (SCIKIT) and is integrated with an IoT backend deployed on the cloud. Within this application, the system forecasts whether the device should be activated or deactivated based on the user's historical usage metrics at specific times. Utilizing the Node MCU, the device connects to the cloud via WIFI, while the sequence of operations is managed by the Arduino UNO according to user preferences. The proposed system demonstrates an accuracy exceeding 95%, which may vary depending on the volume of data used to train the AI model. Additionally, evaluating the AI recommendation system's performance in predicting device states and determining the timing using a Geyser model reveals precise predictions aligned with user usage patterns.
Towards a More Critical Cognizant Learning Model
Authors: Chaitani Hussein
Published: July 2024

It could be argued that the current adult education paradigm aligns with a liberal knowledge economy. A more critical perspective is Paulo Freire's banking education concept that removes criticality from a learner's repertoire and facilitates alignment with the prevalent liberal education and its hegemonic objectives. Drawing from Paulo Freire's (1990) Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Flores (2017) suggested that banking education teaches the oppressed to accept the oppressor's social framework. In this paper, and through the analysis of news media articles and policy documents, the author examines the phenomenon of terrorism and how a Western worldview constructs and engages in meaning-making for the reader. As a result, the author proposes a more critical cognizant adult learning model. Drawing from Habermasian theory, the need to cultivate humanity, and criticality as practiced by Critical Discourse Analysis, the author proposes a learning model construct of evolving criticality, emancipatory in intent, complex in its components and their relationships, with the intent of giving back agency to citizens.
Critical Success Factors for BI Systems Implementation and Delivery
Authors: Harfoush Badr , El-Gayar Omar F. , Mansoura Noura
Published: July 2024

Despite the widespread acquisition of business intelligence (BI) systems, their implementation has not always been successful. This study examines the critical success factors (CSFs) that impact the implementation of BI systems in organizations. The systematic literature review follows the guidelines of Kitchenham and Charter's research that was published in 2007. A total of 93 articles published between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed for CSF related to BI systems implementation and delivery. The study identified 56 CSFs linked to organization empowerment & operations, 52 CSFs related to system implementation, and 28 CSFs associated with user enablement. The study found a paucity of research on user enablement in the context of BI implementation and delivery, highlighting a gap in the literature. The findings of this study can help organizations better understand the factors that contribute to successful BI system implementation and delivery, and guide future research in this field.
Examining the Effectiveness of Fact-Checking Tools on Social Media in Reducing the Spread of Misinformation
Authors: Alohali Mansor
Published: July 2024

Misinformation on social media poses a significant threat to individuals and society. This study examines the effectiveness of in-platform fact-checking tools in reducing the spread of misinformation. To this extent an online survey was conducted to assess individuals' awareness of misinformation and fact-checking tools, their behavior toward social media, and how it impacts their exposure to misinformation and the sharing of misinformation. The authors found a concerning reliance on social media as a primary news source, highlighting the need for readily available verification mechanisms. Encouragingly, awareness of misinformation correlated with fact-checking tool use. Participants utilizing fact-checking tools reported encountering less misinformation. Notably, participants with higher education displayed greater concern about misinformation. This study demonstrates the potential of fact-checking tools, particularly among educated individuals, but emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach. This includes improved tools, awareness campaigns, critical thinking skill development, and fostering a culture of inquiry.
Research on Wireless Network Transmission and Building Information Model Technologies
Authors: Qiao Feng
Published: July 2024

In the construction management, it is possible to transmit large amounts of information in real-time during manufacturing, which can aid in the organization and administration of building materials. Through sampling survey and sand table simulation, the management of building materials based on BIM (Building Information Model) is compared with the traditional management method and the management method combining BIM with wireless network communication, so as to better understand the management method for building materials. This study evaluates the purchase, storage and quality of materials during the construction stage, and the differences in material management between different technical methods at different stages of the project development. According to the results, the average inventory turnover rate of the BIM-based management approach is six times higher than that of conventional management method, while the latter is four times higher. On the other hand, combining BIM with wireless network communication can produce better effects.
The Possible Synergism Effect of Amoxyclav Combined with Gentamicin and Paracetamol against Blood Stream Escherichia coli
Authors: Abdullah Haider Yahya , Al-Khikani Falah Hasan Obayes , Karkaz Haider Mahdi , Abdulhussein Hawraa Ali
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:

Some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics that were once commonly used to treat them. Escherichia coli is one of the most common causes of bloodstream bacterial infections. This research was performed to study the effect of some antibiotics on the growth of E. coli by combination with amoxyclav.

Materials and Methods:

E. coli were isolated from the blood stream of 20 patients and cultured in three media (blood agar, MacConkey agar, and eosin methylene blue agar). The cultures were incubated for 24 h at a temperature of 37°C. The well diffusion method used to evaluate the activity of antimicrobial agents. The antibiotics (paracetamol, gentamicin, and amoxyclav) were added separately in one petri dish and in combination with amoxyclav in another petri dish to evaluate the effect of antibiotics on bacterial growth before and after the addition of amoxyclav.

Results:

The study showed that males were more infected (65%) than females (35%), without significant differences (P = 0.18). The addition of amoxyclav increased the effect of gentamicin from 28.9 ± 2.7 to 33.7 ± 7.47 mm, showing significant differences (P = 0.013). The addition of paracetamol to amoxyclav showed antagonism, decreasing the effect from 31.75 + 9.41 to 29.95 ± 8.66 mm), without significant differences (P = 0.53).

Conclusions:

The combination of gentamicin with amoxyclav has a synergistic effect against E. coli clinically isolated from blood streams (P = 0.013). The addition of paracetamol to amoxyclav showed an antagonism effect, but it was still insignificant (P = 0.53).
Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis during COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism: A Case Report
Authors: Mnaili Mohamed Amine , Bourazza Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an uncommon phenomenon with increasing incidence. CVST is an uncommon subtype of stroke caused by thrombotic occlusion of the cerebral veins.

We report the case of an adult women with headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and no known autoimmune diseases. Diagnostics revealed elevated infammatory and hypercoagulability markers, free T4, low TSHs, and positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Neuroimaging demonstrated a thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus, both right and left transverse sinus extending into the right jugular vein.

A diagnosis of CVST with associated COVID-19 and hyperthyroidism was established.

In patients with suspected COVID-19, especially in the presence of causes of hypercoagulability and presence of atypical features, venous sinus thrombosis needs to be kept in mind in making the differential diagnosis. Follow-up examination revealed complete symptomatic resolution and regression of thrombosis.
A Case of Recurrent Renal Calculi Secondary to Parathyroid Adenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Rajan Swati , Haris Irfan , Ahmed Sameer , Krishna M. V.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcemia and excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). We report the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with intermittent abdominal pain, associated with fever and chills. She also experienced early morning face puffiness, decreased appetite, and nausea for the past 7 days. The patient has a history of recurrent renal calculi. Routine blood investigation showed anemia, as well as thrombocytopenia with deranged renal function with hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and low-normal phosphorus levels. A plain CT KUB scan showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, which was determined to be secondary to renal calculi, the largest measuring 24 × 16 mm (HU:1300). The patient underwent two sessions of hemodialysis and was then scheduled for bilateral URSL with bilateral DJ stenting. After the procedure, the patient’s serial renal function tests returned to normal. Further evaluation for hypercalcemia revealed very high levels of PTH, and a magnetic resonance imaging of the neck revealed a right parathyroid adenoma. The patient subsequently underwent parathyroidectomy, and post-procedure serial PTH and calcium levels were found to be normal.
Bilateral Medial Medullary Infarct with Unique Radiological Presentation
Authors: Çakmakci Güngör , Çetiner Mustafa , Uysal Niyazi , Arikan Fatma Akkoyun , Kabay Sibel Canbaz
Published: July 2024

Bilateral medial medullary infarction (MMI) is a rare subtype of stroke. The typical heart-shaped appearance on magnetic resonance imaging is pathognomonic for the bilateral medial medullary syndrome. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a condition characterized by tortuous dilatation and marked enlargement of the basilar and vertebral arteries, and it may cause posterior circulation infarction. We present a case of a 55-year-old female patient with complaints of speech disorder, regression in consciousness, and difficulty breathing. Diffusion-weighted imaging examination was normal on arrival. In the cranial imaging after 24 h, acute infarction was observed in the bilateral medial medullary area. Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography revealed VBD. In this report, a case of bilateral MMI with a unique radiological appearance accompanied by VBD, which is rarely reported in the literature, is presented.
Effectiveness of plasmapheresis educational and training program on nurses’ competency
Authors: Amein Naglaa M. , Elkodoos Rehab F. A. , Mostafa Heba A.-A. , Ismail Lamia M.-N. , Hegazy Mona A. E.-k.
Published: July 2024

Background

The growing prevalence of plasmapheresis within global healthcare generates distinct challenges. Mastering the intricate technical aspects and specialized knowledge associated with this procedure necessitates an elevated level of competency among nurses. Therefore, educational and training programs serve as the cornerstone strategy to mitigate potential complications and foster robust professional awareness in this domain.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of a plasmapheresis educational and training program on nurses’ competency.

Design

A quasi-experimental study design was used.

Setting

The study was carried out at the plasmapheresis unit in the renal and urology hospital’s dialysis department and at the blood bank unit of El-Minia University Hospital.

Sample

A purposive sampling of 40 nurses who met the inclusion criteria.

Tools

A structured interview questionnaire, self-administered knowledge questionnaire, and competency-based practice for nurses were the three methods used in the data collection process.

Results

The study’s findings demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement in the mean scores for knowledge and competency-based practice related to the plasmapheresis technique, following the implementation of an educational and training program. This is evidenced by a highly significant P value of 0.000.

Conclusion

Baseline data showed unsatisfactory levels of both theoretical knowledge and competency-based practice in the majority of participating nurses. Subsequent implementation of an educational and training program yielded significant improvements, as evidenced by the nurses’ demonstrably high levels of knowledge and competency-based practice on completion. These findings strongly support the efficacy of targeted educational interventions in enhancing nurses’ knowledge and clinical practice skills.

Recommendations

To ensure a consistently high level of nurse proficiency within healthcare agencies, regular implementation of competency training programs is recommended. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in nursing education should strive to seamlessly integrate quality and safety education throughout the curriculum, with a particular focus on practical applications within nursing practice settings.
Inter-rater reliability of auditory brainstem response waveforms elicited by complex stimuli
Authors: Johnson Christine , White Joanna D.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability of peak marking for the frequency following the response portion of auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms elicited by complex stimuli.

Materials and Methods:

ABR testing was carried out on 30 adult participants with normal hearing, which generated a data set of 60 click-evoked waveforms and 60/da/-evoked waveforms. Three audiologists marked peaks for both click and/da/evoked ABR waveform data, derived from 30 participants aged 18–30 years. To assess inter-rater reliability, a two-way, random effects, single-measure model was used to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results:

The ICCs were ≥0.89 for peaks I, III, and V of the click-evoked waveforms. For the/da/evoked waveforms, the ICCs were rated good to high (≥0.83) for peaks V, A, E, F, and O, fair (0.75) for peak D but poor (≥0.45) for peak C.

Conclusion:

Investigations of reliability of waveform marking should be undertaken before using complex stimuli for ABR testing to prevent premature adoption of screening or diagnostic tools.
Prevention of residual dizziness after repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with a combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate
Authors: Teggi Roberto , Familiari Marco , Cangiano Iacopo , Gatti Omar , Bussi Mario
Published: July 2024

Backgrounds:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a frequent complaint provoked by the detachment of otoconia from the utricle and their entry in a semicircular canal. Treatment is based on repositioning maneuvers; nonetheless, after successful maneuvers, some people refer an increase of instability without positioning vertigo or residual dizziness (RD).

Aims and Objectives:

To decrease the number of cases of RD and duration of symptoms, different pharmacological therapies have been proposed. We assessed the efficacy of cinnarizine 20 mg and dimenhydrinate 40 mg twice a day for 1 week as treatment for RD.

Materials and Methods:

We compared the presence and duration of RD in a sample of 177 patients treated with the association of cinnarizine 20 mg and dimenhydrinate 40 mg twice a day for 1 week after successful repositioning maneuvers with a sample of 118 nontreated subjects.

Results:

No difference was seen in age, anxiety, duration of vertigo before treatment, and frequency of migraine between the two groups. Treated subjects had a lower rate of RD (30.5% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.0006) and duration of symptoms when present (5 ± 4 vs. 9 ± 7 days). Among treated subjects, 35 (19.8%) reported drowsiness and dry mouth at the beginning of treatment but without the need to discontinue therapy.

Conclusions:

Our data support the hypothesis that this combination is useful in the prevention and therapy of RD.
District mental health program: Then and now
Authors: Kirpekar Vivek , Faye Abhijeet , Bhave Sudhir , Gawande Sushil , Tadke Rahul
Published: July 2024

District Mental Health Program (DMHP) is part of the broader National Mental Health Program (NMHP) launched in 1982. In India, DMHP has evolved over the years, moving from a pilot project to an integrated component of the NMHP. Efforts have been made to expand services, protect the rights of individuals with mental illness, and integrate mental healthcare into the primary healthcare system. Recent updates and efforts taken by the Government of India and state governments (60% and 40% budget share respectively) have improved the quality of services provided under DMHP. With the increasing use of the internet and mobile technology, DMHP has spread its arena of services more deeply and widely in the last few years reaching up to 738 districts in the country. However, there is still work to be done to address many challenges associated with mental health in India though the recent developments seem promising as a substantial number of patients are now having access to the programme. This narrative review is the summary of information available to date on the evolution of implementation and expansion of DMHP over the years and provides a gist of the positive aspects as well as limitations of the DMHP witnessed in recent years.
Cytomorphological Features as a Subtyping Tool of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Brushing Bronchoscopic Samples
Authors: Gardić Nikola G. , Miljković Dejan M. , Lovrenski Aleksandra N.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective:

Nowadays, the separation of adenocarcinomas (ADCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) is crucial given that there are new specific targeted therapies. So, the aim of this study was to examine the differences in cytomorphological features between ADC and SCC in bronchoscopic brush samples.

Material and Methods:

The retrospective study was conducted over a 3-year period at Western Balkan University Hospital. All brushing samples were analysed. According to the histopathological report, patients were classified into ADC and SCC groups. The cytomorphological features analysed in 95 samples were presence of necrosis, cell distribution, nuclear atypia, size of nuclei, and visibility of nucleoli. Statistical analysis was performed in JASP, and P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

The necrotic background was more frequent in SCC samples. Small clusters sized ≤200 µm were found in 17.95% of samples from the SCC group and 53.57% in the ADC group. Large clusters sized >400 µm were found in 43.59% in the SCC group, while in the ADC group, it was found in 5.36%. There were no differences in nuclear atypia between groups. Nuclei that were >5x lymphocyte size were found more often in samples from ADC than in the SCC group (37.50 vs 10.25%). In 89.75% of samples from the SCC group, nuclei were ≤5x lymphocyte sizes, while in the ADC group, the percentage was 63.5%. Nucleoli were more often visible in samples from the ADC group compared to the SCC group (92.86% vs 64.10%, P < 0,05).

Conclusions:

Small clusters, large nuclei, and visible nucleoli were more frequent in the ADC group (P < 0.05), while large clusters, small nuclei, and invisible nucleoli were more frequent in the SCC group (P < 0.05).