bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Epistemic Value of Reflection
Authors: Ambardekar Pranav
Published: October 2024

Against philosophical orthodoxy, Kornblith (2012) has mounted an empirically grounded critique of the epistemic value of reflection. In this paper, I argue that this recent critique fails even if we concede that the empirical facts are as Kornblith says they are, and assume that reliability is the only determinant of epistemic value. The critique fails because it seeks to undermine the reliability of reflection in general but targets only one of its variants, namely individual reflection, while neglecting social reflection. This critique comprises two arguments which have a common structure: they both impose a requirement on the reliability of reflection, but deny, on empirical grounds, that the requirement is met. One argument imposes an introspection requirement, which I reject as superfluous. I show how reflection can proceed without introspection. The other argument imposes an efficacy requirement. This requirement concerns whether reflection is causally efficacious i.e., whether it leads us to change our minds for the better. I accept this as a genuine requirement. Even if we concede that individual reflection fails to meet this requirement, I argue that we have not been given sufficient evidence to believe that social reflection is bound to violate this requirement. Furthermore, my analysis of the conditions under which social reflection works best provides us with prima facie grounds for optimism regarding the reliability of social reflection. Ultimately, then, these arguments fail to undermine the epistemic value of reflection in general.
The Imperialism of Desert
Authors: Malcai Ofer , Segev Re'em
Published: October 2024

What is the relation between desert and other values such as equality, priority for the worse off, and utility? According to the common (pluralist) view, desert and these other values reflect distinct concerns: some are about distributive justice, some about retributive justice, and some (most clearly, utility) are not concerned with justice at all. However, another (monistic) view holds that while desert is a basic value, other values are merely derived from it. This controversy is relevant, for instance, to allocative decisions and criminal punishment, where we need to know if other values should be balanced against desert. Yet, despite its theoretical significance and practical importance, this topic is underexplored. Aiming to fill this gap, we consider the arguments for and against the competing views. We demonstrate that the interaction between desert and other values raises a difficult dilemma: there are powerful arguments for and against both the pluralistic and the monistic accounts of desert. Indeed, we suggest that this dilemma is due to the unique nature of desert. Unlike other values, desert, especially its more robust forms, does not only sometimes conflict with competing considerations that favor different courses of actions, but rather seems to dispel other values even as pro tanto ones.
L’État dévoreur et les communautés polycentrées du patrimoine
Authors: Condevaux Aurélie
Published: October 2024

Le propos développé dans cet article se place dans le sillage d’une discussion ouverte par le numéro spécial de l’Espace Géographique coordonné par B. Debarbieux et E. Hertz sur la « patrimonialisation et les politiques de l’échelle à l’Unesco », et de l’article de Nicolas Adell publié à ce sujet dans Terrain. Tout en rappelant la portée heuristique de l’analyse scalaire, l’article en examine également quelques limites et compléments possibles. En particulier, il argumente que prendre en compte la dimension transnationalisée et/ou l’organisation réticulaire des « communautés » patrimoniales est dans certains cas une nécessité pour saisir les jeux d’acteurs en matière de PCI, au-delà de la relation tripartite communautés/État/Unesco.
Quand l’individu « prend position » dans le processus de patrimonialisation
Authors: Debarbieux Bernard
Published: October 2024

La note participe d’un échange portant sur un dossier de textes publié par L’Espace géographique portant sur les échelles du patrimoine et de la patrimonialisation. En réaction à trois commentaires produits sur ce dossier, elle développe quelques idées sur les façons de prendre en compte la contribution des individus dans un processus, la patrimonialisation, que l’on tend à ramener toujours à des collectifs. La note promeut au passage l’idée que les actions individuelles en la matière méritent d’être comprises comme des « prises de position ».
La série semi-feuilletonnante et son système de personnages : espace de violence et espace d’accueil
Authors: Hatchuel Sarah , Cornillon Claire
Published: October 2024

Dans un article intitulé « Analysing Semi-Serialized Television Fictions: The Ethical Stakes of Narrative Structures », paru dans la revue SERIES en 2020, nous avons montré que les séries semi-feuilletonnantes thématisent leurs propres négociations narratives (entre leurs aspects épisodiques et feuilletonnants) au sein du monde de l’histoire et, même si elles construisent des arcs sériels forts, maintiennent l’importance du statut de l’épisode comme métaphore des êtres humains dans leurs individualités et leurs spécificités mêmes. Cet article permet de prolonger cette réflexion sur l’éthique des formes sérielles amorcée de deux manières : dans un premier temps, l’analyse de Grey’s Anatomy montrera que la forme semi-feuilletonnante formulaire peut engendrer un espace moins éthique qu’attendu ; dans un second temps, l’analyse de The Last of Us révèlera que la forme semi-feuilletonnante épisodique peut ouvrir un espace d’accueil à la fois original et touchant, qui décentre le regard.
Impact of Reward Crowdfunding on Entrepreneurial Nature of Crowdfunded Ventures
Authors: Kotliarov Ivan D.
Published: October 2024

The goal of the paper consists in identification of changes in entrepreneur-customer relations generated by the emergence of crowdfunding. The research is based on the concept of on-demand economy. It introduces taxonomy of rewards used in crowdfunding based on the type of value provided to backers and amount of this value. The analysis of reward crowdfunding demonstrates that backers actually finance ventures, not products. Crowdfunded venture is established in response to backers' needs and backers become customers of this venture. It means that such venture can be considered as venture on demand. Rise of this new type of ventures transforms the model of relations between customers and entrepreneurs. Customers become active stakeholders of business development and create demand for new ventures (not for new products). Thanks to this new model of relations customers can better satisfy their needs while entrepreneurs can reduce the level of risks. The paper contains a conceptual framework that describes this evolution of customers within the system of customer-entrepreneur relations.
Emerging Frontiers
Authors: Upadhyay Divya , Kakkar Misha
Published: October 2024

The field of medical imaging is experiencing and undergoing a progressive, transformative phase driven by technological improvements and innovative methodologies. This chapter, “Emerging Frontiers: Innovations and Trends in Medical Imaging,” explores the latest developments revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. It offers an insightful exploration of the latest advancements and future directions in medical imaging. It provides a broad overview of groundbreaking technologies and methodologies shaping the future of diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. The chapters delve into various innovations, from integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance image analysis to developing portable and more accessible imaging devices. Moreover, the chapter highlights the growing importance of imaging in personalized medicine, emphasizing its role in tailoring healthcare to individual patient needs.
Computer-Assisted Analysis of Colonoscopy
Authors: Gaur Adamya
Published: October 2024

Multiple organs and tissues are prone to Cancer. This disease, which commences from the colon or rectum, is known as Colorectal Cancer. Colonoscopy is a technique for diagnosis of colon, which plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment of Colorectal Cancer. The book chapter presents multiple supervised and unsupervised techniques like support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), Centroid based, Density based clustering, in addition with deep learning techniques such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Atrous Convolution, Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) approaches. The data resources for training of models, along with setup and devices required for colonoscopy are also discussed. Further, metrics for colonoscopy like Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR), Cecal Intubation Rate (CIR) and Adenoma Miss Rate (AMR) are also covered in the chapter. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians aiming to leverage cutting-edge technology in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Validation and Evaluation Matrix
Authors: Malik Ishan
Published: October 2024

This chapter talks about the importance of validation and evaluation matrices in improving the growth and incorporation of computer-assisted analysis technologies for digital medicinal imagery. Because of the fast changes happening in medical imaging technologies, it's very important to have strict validation frameworks. These help confirm if the results are accurate, dependable and useful in clinics. The chapter wants to better the accuracy of diagnosis and results for patients in medical imaging activities through progressing these matrices. Even with the rise in technology, the medical imaging field still frequently struggles to have complete methods for evaluating new technologies in a systematic manner before they are used clinically.
Revolutionizing Medicine
Authors: Barua Ranjit
Published: October 2024

The advent of computer-aided technologies is revolutionizing the field of medicinal analysis, paving the way for unprecedented advancements in healthcare. This paper explores the integration of cutting-edge computational tools in the development and assessment of pharmaceuticals. By leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sophisticated data analytics, and researchers can now predict drug interactions, optimize molecular designs, and personalize treatment plans with remarkable precision. These technologies facilitate faster, more efficient drug discovery processes and enhance the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, the ability to analyze vast datasets in real-time contributes to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and patient responses. This comprehensive review highlights the transformative impact of these innovations, underscoring their potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes and patient care.
Independent Living of Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Dimitriadou Ioanna , Panagiotidou Aliki , Vlachos Evangelos
Published: October 2024

The study of independent living (IL) of individuals with disabilities during the last decades has been the focus of scientific fields of educational and social sciences. The concept of independent living assumes a universal character and leads to the construction of a holistic model, where the individual is the main element of the environment where he/she lives and develops. There is no independent living without a smooth transition and a good quality of life. Similarly, if they are not included in a teaching programme, it will not be comprehensive and/or successful. A great deal of attention is given to support services for the individual, services that originate and end in the community, the concept of functionality and adaptive behaviour. This chapter will provide the basic parameters for independent living for individuals with disabilities, terms and definitions of all the important issues involved in this process.
Independent Living
Authors: Sharma Manjari , Gupta Sharad
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the theoretical foundations essential for promoting independent living among individuals with disabilities, focusing on the social model of disability, the capability approach, and self-determination theory. It examines how these frameworks inform practical interventions, policy advocacy, and the integration of emerging technologies. The chapter addresses challenges and future research directions, offering insights for enhancing autonomy, empowerment, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Enhancing Independent Living Through School Psychological Support
Authors: Vasileiadis Ilias , Vlachos Evagelos
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature and connect independent living dimensions associated with school-based psychological support for students. Independent living and school psychological support are two concepts that can be combined to provide students with the necessary support and support to develop independence and a good quality of life. In addition, school psychological support can promote independent living by supporting the individual in developing the psychological and social skills needed for independent living. This may include providing advice and guidance on developing self-esteem, coping with stress, developing skills in communicating and working with others, and developing independence in decision making and dealing with challenges. Finally, collaboration between the school, parents, and other relevant parties is important to achieve independent living through school-based psychological support. Sharing information, discussing needs, and coordinating efforts can lead to comprehensive support and empowerment of students toward independent living.
Independent Living Skills and Their Acquisition in Supporting the Employment of People With Disabilities
Authors: Seino Kai
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents an overview of independent living skills and the acquisition of employment support through a literature review. The results reveal that employment support and independent living skills are interrelated. Independent living skills facilitate people with disabilities to obtain and maintain jobs. Conversely, obtaining a job provides people with disabilities with the financial resources and confidence necessary to lead independent lives. Employment can enhance the adaptive skills of people with disabilities and influence their success in living in their communities. Self-determination skills enable people with disabilities to make independent choices regarding their lives and work. Specific content for gaining independent living skills was identified, including multi-component group interventions, self-management interventions, a combination of video prompts and error-correction procedures, employment training programs, and long-term immersive independent living programs.
Home Education of Children With Developmental Disabilities in Japan
Authors: Seino Kai , Enomoto Yoko
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the role of home education in enhancing independent living skills and self-determination for children with developmental disabilities in Japan. A literature review of the National Institute of Informatics database (CiNii) articles found that home education significantly contributed to skill acquisition, with parental involvement improving daily living skills, communication, and learning abilities. Parent training programs were effective in supporting children. Challenges include the need for increased paternal involvement and more comprehensive research. The study highlights the need for collaboration between families, schools, and community resources. The findings suggest that further research in home education strategies can enhance independent living skills and self-determination among this demographic. The chapter discusses successful practices, parent support groups, and lifelong tailored support. It addresses study limitations and proposes future research to strengthen evidence for the effectiveness of home education.
Independent Living for Individuals With Autism
Authors: Stavrou Kyriaki
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the multifaceted aspects of promoting independent living for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It begins by outlining the characteristics and early diagnosis of ASD, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. The chapter addresses the critical transition to adulthood, highlighting common barriers such as social communication difficulties, executive functioning deficits, sensory sensitivities, and mental health issues. It then delves into skill-building interventions for daily living, social skills training, and vocational opportunities, emphasizing the necessity of tailored support. The creation of supportive environments, including housing options and inclusive practices in education and employment, is thoroughly examined. Real-life case studies and personal narratives illustrate successful independent living, providing practical insights. Future directions in research and practice are suggested to further empower individuals with ASD towards achieving greater independence.
The Practice of Judo
Authors: Nanou Andromachi , Pierantozzi Emanuela , Maistrellis Alexandros
Published: October 2024

Individuals with Intellectual disabilities face challenges that influence their health and total quality of life, autonomy, and social inclusion. Judo, by aligning with Jigoro Kano's principles, offers significant growth opportunities. It supports the transition to adulthood and autonomy by focusing on physical fitness, psychological well-being, and social skills. Grounded in the principle of “Mutual Prosperity,” judo fosters a supportive dojo environment where participants as they practice in pairs develop interactions improving their motor and communication skills. The sport's emphasis on safe falling contributes to accident prevention, while the repetitive and stress-reducing nature of judo makes it a promising intervention for Individuals with intellectual disabilities. The chapter emphasizes the benefits of self-determination through interaction and mutual prosperity of judo for the transition of individuals with intellectual disabilities into adulthood and autonomy.
Digitalization of Public Finances and Public Procurement in Morocco
Authors: Ouboumlik Ayoub , Touhami Naoual Ouazzani
Published: October 2024

This article explores the impact of the digitization of public finances and the dematerialization of public procurement on the business climate in Morocco. Through empirical analysis, we demonstrate how these technological initiatives contribute to improving efficiency, transparency and economic competitiveness in a Moroccan context. Drawing on a robust methodology and data collected from a wide range of stakeholders, the study reveals a direct positive effect of dematerializing public procurement on the business climate. This process simplifies administrative procedures, reduces processing times and minimizes the risk of corruption, thereby boosting investor confidence and stimulating economic activity. While the influence of the digitization of public finances, while positive, does not appear to be statistically significant, it does include initiatives such as integrated financial management and budget transparency. These measures improve the management of public resources and reduce tax fraud, although their impact is more diffuse.
Drug Recognition Detection Based on Deep Learning and Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Zhu Dingju , Huang Zixuan , Yung KaiLeung , Ip Andrew W. H.
Published: October 2024

Identifying drugs from surveillance or other videos presents challenges such as small target sizes, class imbalance, and similarities to other objects. Additionally, the hardware used to capture videos and the video resolution and clarity limit model scalability, leading to poor detection accuracy in traditional models. To address this issue, we propose an improved YOLOv8s-based model. The experimental outcomes reveal that the improved YOLOv8s model attains a precision of 95.1% and a mAP@50 of 87.4% in drug detection and identification, representing improvements of 3.0% and 2.2% over the original YOLOv8s model. The proposed improvements to YOLOv8s effectively boost detection accuracy and recognition rates while preserving high efficiency. This model demonstrates superior overall detection performance compared to other algorithms, providing fresh perspectives and methods for advancing research and applications in drug detection and recognition.
Electric Response of a Negative Dielectric Anisotropy Nematic Liquid Crystal Doped with Ionic Dopant
Authors: Fajar Andika , Jodi Heri , Yulianti Riyani Tri , Yudianti Rike , Suryadi Suryadi , Kusumasari Ervanggis Minggar , Yusuf Yusril
Published: October 2024

The electrical properties measurements have been performed in a homogeneous alignment parallelepiped cell containing 4-methoxy benzylidene- 4-butylaniline (MBBA) liquid crystal doped with 0.02%wt tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The measurement of the complex permittivity was conducted in the nematic phase, covering a frequency range of 42 Hz to 5 MHz. A new relaxation mode was observed in the low-frequency region, which was not present in pure MBBA. The obtained dielectric dispersion could be fitted using the double Cole–Cole formula to determine the relaxation frequencies. The steady-state current exhibited a nonlinear dependence on the applied voltage, and hysteresis was observed in the transient current-voltage characteristic curve.
Concept of Expert Software for Welding of Nodes from Inland Vessels
Authors: Midan Angelo Andrei , Savu Sorin Vasile , Biholar Aurelia Ioana , Savu Andrei Dănuț , Sîrbu Nicuşor Alin
Published: October 2024

The structural integrity and safety of the vessels depends significantly on the quality of their welded joints, particularly at specific nodes where high-stress concentrations are common. This research leverages computer-aided design, artificial intelligence and materials science advancements to develop an innovative software tool that integrates expert knowledge, and best practices, for inland vessel welding. The proposed expert software system offers several key features, including the visualization of specific ship nodes, their parameters, as well as the residual stresses and strains that are specific to each node. By integrating these functionalities, the software aims to minimize human error, reduce inspection time, and ultimately improve the overall structural reliability of inland vessels.
The Role of Welding in Fracture Mechanics Development
Authors: Sedmak Aleksandar , Dascau Horia , Sedmak Simon
Published: October 2024

The role of welding in fracture mechanics development is considered from historical point of view. Starting point was analysis of Schenectady ship failure during the II World War, leading to development of linear elastic, as well as elastic-plastic fracture mechanics, soon afterwards. Two case studies are described to illustrate weldment fracture mechanics and structural integrity assessment.
Implementation of Manual Metal Arc Welding with Pulsed Current on TIG Modern Inverter Welding Equipment
Authors: Magda Aurelian , Burca Mircea , Perianu Ion Aurel
Published: October 2024

The TIG welding technique in pulsed current using inverter welding equipment allows the realization of welds at a high technological and qualitative level due to the advantages that the process offers, the control of the welding pool, of the energy introduced in the components, the increase of the arc stability when using low welding currents or when welding at high speeds. Some manufacturers of welding equipment [1, 2] propose the option of using pulsed current on manual metal arc welding sources to increase the technological performance, primarily for the control of the welding pool by using low values of the current frequency below 10Hz, but with limited possibilities to modify the other parameters of the welded joint. The paper proposes the use of TIG welding equipment in pulsed current, in manual metal arc welding using the pulsed welding technique, starting from the advantages that this equipment offers in terms of the much greater possibility of adjusting all the parameters of the pulsed current according to the technological needs. This is possible because the two welding processes use welding equipment with identical external static volt-ampere characteristics.
Design a Gating System for an Aluminum Cast Three-Way Pipe in Sand Casting
Authors: Kwanthong Phongsakorn , Jantasorn Pawat , Saisirirat Penyarat , Suwankan Patpimol
Published: October 2024

The study of aluminum casting work with market demand in the metal casting industry, designing a gating system in aluminum casting using a three-way pipe-shaped sand mold workpiece as a basic shape template in metal casting, namely a flat-face core box with a core. The gating system has a metal inlet with design variables including the pouring height, pouring basin cross-sectional area, rest basin cross-sectional area, running system cross-sectional area and inlet cross-sectional area. From the studying and designing, actual casting experiments were conducted and simulation behavior was analyzed using Cast-Designer software to make decisions and find appropriate design approaches from analyzing simulation results including liquid metal filling time, molten metal flow behavior, metal solidification time and shrinkage porosity formation of the workpiece. The results of the casting experiment and behavior simulation were able to cast the pipe workpiece which is a flat-face core box mold. The analysis results from the software can be used for actual pouring, where the fully cast mold successfully produced a complete workpiece. This can be a guideline for future improvements to reduce the shrinkage of actual cast workpieces.
Study on some Correlations between Hardness with Process Parameters Applying on Welded Joints Made through TIG Welding Process Using High Frequency Pulsed Arc
Authors: Remus Boboescu , Voicu-Ioan Safta , Dumitru Mnerie , Mnerie Gabriela-Victoria
Published: October 2024

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding has more and more application options. To always create new ways of optimization, a more in-depth study of the effects on the components subject to joining is necessary. The paper includes a study on the hardness resulting in the specific areas of the welded joint, using TIG welding with high frequency pulsed arc, applied to join some stainless-steel plates. The relative variation of the hardness was determined and analysed, in correlation with the process parameters. The study is part of the research on obtaining a good energy efficiency in the welding process, based on the requirements imposed on the quality of the joints.
Effects of the Solid Concentration of Ceria Slurry on the Removal Rate and Selectivity of Si Wafer during Chemical Mechanical Polishing
Authors: Chafidz Achmad , Gupta Karan Kumar , Yu Chun Wei , Lu Chung Hsin
Published: October 2024

Shallow trench isolation via chemical mechanical polishing (CMP-STI) tests of Si wafers using CeO2 slurry were studied. The impact of CeO2 slurry's solid concentration on the SiO2 removal rate and the selectivity ratio The effects of the solid concentration of CeO2 slurry on the removal rate of SiO2 and selectivity (SiO2/Si3N4) were investigated. The CeO2 abrasive was well matched to the XRD standard pattern, confirming that it had a cubic phase and the absence of any impurities. The SEM image showed that CeO2 primary particles had a spherical-like shape with a size within 30-60 nm. Additionally, the prepared CeO2 slurry showed a relatively high dispersion level. The wettability degree of the CeO2 slurry on top of the Si wafer surface was also sufficient. Furthermore, results from polishing tests indicated that both the SiO2 removal rate and the selectivity increased linearly with a rise in CeO2 solid concentration.
Synergistic Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity and In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Polymeric Nano-Formulation in Textile Finishing
Authors: Javaid Sana , Rehman Shafi Ur , Ahmad Nasir M.
Published: October 2024

Fouling and damage of variety of surfaces including textile material is a global challenge. As textile wears next to the skin and health issues are more significant. Thus in an effort to address the issues related to textile surfaces damage, antimicrobial polymeric textile finishing was developed to impart antimicrobial functionalities to the textile fabric. The nanoprecipitation technique was done to synthesize antimicrobial polymeric nanoparticles and applied on to the cotton textile fabric via layer-by-layer self-assembled multilayers dip coating technique. The particle size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles was evaluated form dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) as 216 nm and-11.2 mV. The antimicrobial polymeric finishing of cotton textile was done by alternate dip coating in polyelectrolytes and nanoformulation. The structural morphology and roughness of the resultant textile was studied by SEM and optical profilometery. While the surface hydrophobicity was found to increase with the number of bilayers coating of hydrophobic polymeric formulation as measured in term of contact angle θ. In-vitro antimicrobial activity was studied against gram negative E. coli and gram positive S. aureus with significant zone of inhibition against both strains. Thus surface hydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity of the textile fabric was synergistically achieved and have potential for biomedical and industrial application.
AlZn-Matrix Cast Composites Reinforced with Ti Aluminides
Authors: Krajewski Paweł K. , Greer Alan Lindsay , Orava Jiří , Gracz Beata , Piwowarski Grzegorz , Kawalec Magdalena , Olejnik Ewa , Krajewski Witold K.
Published: October 2024

Doping high-zinc aluminium alloys with Ti builds in-situ composites reinforced with ternary aluminides Ti (Al,Zn)3 with a significantly grain-refined matrix. In a series of studies, Ti was introduced with Al-6 wt% Ti (AlTi6) and Zn-4 wt% Ti (ZnTi4) master alloys in amount to contribute about 3 wt% Ti in the examined alloys. The alloy microstructure has been studied using light microscopy, SEM / EDS and XRD measurements. The observed significant refinement of the alloys matrix should lead to improvement in ductility, while the in-situ reinforcement should improve tensile strength and wear properties.
Use of Modified Organic and Inorganic Phase Change Materials for the Development of Personal Cooling Device
Authors: Farhan Farhan , Hamza Muhammad Amir
Published: October 2024

The human body needs comfort in every condition. Human health is significantly impacted by heat. The ambient air temperature rises in hot weather, which causes the human body to become fatigued and exhausted. Phase Change Materials (PCM) can solve this problem with high latent heat absorption values and a wide range of phase change temperatures. The objective is to develop a PCM-based cooling device that is safe, readily available, and easy to use in normal routine life. A personal cooling system, such as a cooling vest using PCM, can assist in preventing heat-related issues. In this study, Polyethylene Glycol-600 (PEG-600) and modified glauber salt are selected as thermal energy storage materials with melting temperatures of 18–22°C and 27°C, respectively. Graphene Oxide (GO) nanoparticles were synthesised and mixed into the PEG-600 to enhance its thermal conductivity and latent heat of fusion. GO nanoparticles were prepared by Modified Hummer’s method (MHM) and characterised by Fourier’s Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The latent heats and melting ranges of GO/PEG-600 and modified glauber salt were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The addition of 0.6 wt.% GO to PEG-600 results in an increase in thermal conductivity of 6.1% and latent heat of 8%. The PCMs are encapsulated in aluminium packs, sealed, and kept in a cooling device. The developed cooling vest provides cooling for up to 95 minutes. The cooling vest is recharged by keeping it below 10°C for 20 minutes. The developed personal cooling device provides a passive, inexpensive, and safe cooling system by extracting heat from the human body.
A clinical odyssey: ulcerative colitis, renal failure, obstructive uropathy, and Streptococcus agalactiae meningoencephalitis
Authors: Saipangallu Y. , Srivastava A. , Pulikottil V. W. , Vashisht R. , Mukherjee A. , Bhartiya M.
Published: October 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae infections are primarily attributed to pregnancy and neonates. However, adults with underlying immune-compromised states can also be affected. We report a rare instance of GBS meningoencephalitis in a 40-year-old male with chronic kidney disease. The patient presented to us with obstructive uropathy with urinary tract infection. He developed generalised seizures during in-hospital care. Cerebrospinal fluid examination confirmed Streptococcus agalactiae infection. The immunocompromised state of the patient probably contributed to his illness (GBS meningoencephalitis). Early diagnosis by a qualitative multiplexed nucleic acid based in vitro diagnostic test (BioFire ® FilmArray ®) and early treatment helped achieve a successful outcome with no post infection sequelae. This case report demonstrates the importance of early accurate aetiological diagnosis and appropriate treatment to achieve an optimal outcome.
The influencing factors of pediatric nurses’ perception of patient safety culture and partnership with patients’ parents on patient safety nursing activities in South Korea: a descriptive study
Authors: Lee Seo Jin , Han Young Ran
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of pediatric nurses’ perception of patient safety culture and their partnership with patients’ parents on pediatric patient safety nursing activities.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted over a two-month period, from October to November 2022, utilizing self-reported questionnaires. The study included 165 nurses, each having at least 6 months of working experience in wards where children were admitted. These nurses were selected from 13 pediatric specialty hospitals, general hospitals, and university hospitals across seven regions. The data analysis was performed using the SPSS/WIN 26.0 program (IBM Corp.) for descriptive statistics, t-test, One-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.Results: The average scores for awareness of patient safety culture, partnership with patients’ parents, and pediatric patient safety nursing activities were 3.37±0.41, 3.94±0.41, and 4.50±0.38, out of 5 points respectively. The factors influencing pediatric patient safety nursing activities were identified as a partnership with patients’ parents (β=.41, p<.001). Among hospital-related characteristics, safety management committee (β=.16, p=.029) and safety management regulations (β=.17, p=.016) were also analyzed as factors influencing patient safety nursing activities. These factors accounted for 29.2% of the explanatory power for pediatric patient safety nursing activities.Conclusion: Based on the above study results, we found that to promote safe nursing activities for pediatric patients, developing and implementing training programs that enhance partnerships with patient’s parents was imperative, and establishing work regulations and a safety management committee to systematically manage safety management tasks was deemed important.
Development and effect of hybrid simulation program for nursing students: focusing on a case of pediatric cardiac catheterization in Korea: quasi-experimental study
Authors: Jin Eunju , Kang Hyunju
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Hybrid simulation has emerged to increase the practicality of simulation training by combining simulators and standardized patient (SP) that implement realistic clinical environments at a high level. This study aimed to develop a hybrid simulation program focused on case of pediatric cardiac catheterization and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: The hybrid simulation program was developed according to the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) model. And deep learning-based analysis program was used to analyze non-verbal communication with SP and applied it for debriefing sessions. To verify the effect of the program, a quasi-experimental study using a random assignment design was conducted. In total, 48 nursing students (n=24 in the experimental group; n=24 in the control group) participated in the study.Results: Knowledge (F=3.53, p=.038), confidence in clinical performance (F=9.73, p<.001), and communication self-efficacy (F=5.20, p=.007) showed a significant difference in both groups and interaction between time points, and the communication ability of the experimental group increased significantly (t=3.32, p=.003).Conclusion: Hybrid simulation program developed in this study has been proven effective, it can be implemented in child nursing education. Future research should focus on developing and incorporating various hybrid simulation programs using SP into the nursing curriculum and evaluating their effectiveness.
The effect of peer tutoring on pediatric nursing education: a systematic review
Authors: Koo Hyun Young , An Hyeran , Lee Bo Ryeong
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically review studies on the effect of peer tutoring on pediatric nursing education for nursing students and identify its contents and characteristics.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted from November to December 2023 across databases including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, ProQuest, and others. We included both published and unpublished literature in English or Korean. Three reviewers independently screened and selected eligible studies that involved undergraduate nursing students participating in peer tutoring programs focused on pediatric nursing education. We analyzed quantitative outcomes related to learning effects and learner responses. The quality of the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the risk of bias assessment tool for non-randomized studies.Results: Five studies were reviewed, encompassing randomized controlled trials, a non-randomized controlled trial, a cohort study, and a before-after study. These interventions were conducted in school settings or pediatric clinical environments and featured different forms of peer teaching: horizontal, near-peer, and reciprocal. The tutor-to-tutee ratios ranged from 1:3 to 1:36.5. The educational content covered nursing care for major neonatal diseases, communication skills, medication administration, and resuscitation techniques. Significant improvements in cognitive knowledge and communication skills were observed among nursing students. However, there was noticeable variability in the design and reporting of the studies.Conclusion: Peer tutoring programs can effectively enhance pediatric nursing education by improving nursing students’ knowledge and skills. For future meta-analyses, more studies in this field reported according to reporting guidelines are needed.
Ramadan fasting experience of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Oman
Authors: Al-Marzouqi Zalikha , Momani Aaliyah , Al-Mamari Halima
Published: October 2024

Background:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects >50% of pregnancies in many Arab countries. However, few studies have explored the impact of Ramadan fasting on pregnant women with GDM and no such study has been conducted in Oman. Therefore, this is the first study in Oman which aimed to examine the experience of pregnant women with GDM during Ramadan fasting.

Methods:

This study employed a rigorous qualitative design, guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with GDM in the North Batinah Governorate of Oman at four primary health-care institutions. Purposive and theoretical sampling was utilized.

Results:

The experiences of 20 women were discussed during the interviews. Two main themes, “encouraging experiences” and “worrying experiences” emerged from the constant comparative analysis. Encouraging experiences included belief, family influence, embarrassment, sharing spiritual moments, and coping approaches. Worrying experiences included health problems, fear of harming babies, and advice from health-care professionals. This led to the development of the core category “Finding A Balance,” which means that women with GDM who fasted and did not fast during Ramadan were attempting to maintain their blood sugar to avoid harming themselves and their fetus.

Conclusion:

The insights gained from understanding the experiences of pregnant women with GDM are crucial as they guide the development of the best approaches to health education and supportive programs for pregnant women with GDM. Pregnant women with GDM who wish to fast should be informed about the potential risks associated with fasting during pregnancy.
Development and Validation of an RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of the Selective Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor Topiroxostat in Tablets: Greenness Analysis Using AGREE Score
Authors: Madhavi Arram , Srinivas Medidi , Gupta Niraj
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a key enzyme in the breakdown of purines. It converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and then xanthine to uric acid. Excess uric acid can lead to gout, a painful type of arthritis. XOR inhibitors such as topiroxostat are used to treat gout by reducing uric acid production, preventing the formation of uric acid crystals.

Aim and Objectives:

A simple and sensitive analytical method was developed to quantify the xanthine oxidase inhibitor topiroxostat in tablet formulation.

Materials and Methods:

The analyte was seperated on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm particle size) using a mobile phase of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate pH 2.5 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile (60:40 % v/v) pumped at 1.0 mL/min. Detection of the effluent was done using a UV detector at a wavelength of 215 nm.

Results:

The retention time for topiroxostat was 3.81 min. The drug showed linearity within the concentration range of 18–42 μg/mL. The accuracy of the method was considered satisfactory and the mean recovery percentage in the acceptable range of 99.33-100.45 %.

Conclusion:

The RP-HPLC method was successfully developed and validated according to ICH guidelines. The AGREE software was used to assess the environmental friendliness score of the proposed method, which was determined to be 0.79. The proposed method was simple, precise, sensitive, rapid, and robust for estimating topiroxostat in tablets.
Quality of Life: A Comprehensive Review on Impact of Interventions among Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Rajanna Sunitha , Shaji Helen J C , Arunachalam Lakshmi , Dharmarajan Babu
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The effect of various therapeutic interventions on quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer patients is vital. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate therapies that target patients with breast cancer’s health-related QoL (HRQoL). The literature search was carried out in the Cochrane, Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases and PubMed between January 2015 and March 2023 which included published theses and articles from a variety of national and international databases. To extract pertinent material, the text and abstract of the chosen articles were carefully reviewed and evaluated. By applying the PRISMA guidelines, the Google search engine’s search parameters were expanded to encompass open-access articles, guaranteeing a greater variety of resources for the research. Following the screening of various citations, 284 full-text articles were examined. In the end, 14 articles were included. The reviews emphasized the effectiveness of therapies meant to improve HRQoL in individuals with breast cancer. The physical, psychological, and social domains saw therapeutic effects from these therapies, which resulted in a major improvement in the HRQoL of breast cancer patients. The importance of including different therapies in the treatment of patients with breast cancer is underscored by the persistent evidence of noteworthy enhancements in HRQoL. Overall, the review supports the recommendation for incorporating counseling, psychological interventions, educational programs, and supportive therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation as essential components of comprehensive care for breast cancer patients. By addressing the multidimensional needs of patients, these interventions contribute to improved HRQoL and overall well-being throughout the breast cancer journey.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Boswellia serrata in Periodontal Disease Management: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ubale Prerna , Sidharthan Sangamithra , Lodha Riddhi , Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

This review explores the potential benefits of using Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, as a therapeutic agent for treating periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and damage to the tissues supporting the teeth, presents a significant challenge in dental care. Research has indicated that B. serrata possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms associated with periodontal disease. Studies have shown promising results regarding the efficacy of B. serrata in managing periodontal disease. However, further investigation is required to determine the optimal dosage, treatment duration, and long-term effects of B. serrata in periodontal therapy. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate its effectiveness and safety in diverse patient populations. In conclusion, B. serrata holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for managing periodontal disease. Continued research in this area may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies that can improve the outcomes for individuals suffering from periodontal diseases.