bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming the Challenges in Topical Delivery of Antifungal Agents for
Skin Fungal Infections
Authors: Devi Komal , Agarwal Shweta , Kumari Risha , Saini Vipin
Published: August 2024

Fungal infections of the skin are a major global health concern that requires specific
and efficient treatment because of their resistant nature. Antifungal drugs used topically present a
viable method for targeted therapy with less systemic adverse effects. Nevertheless, a number of
challenges impede the effective distribution of these substances, such as restricted skin penetration,
inadequate medication retention, and the rise of resistant strains. Overcoming these challenges
is very much warranted to minimize the side effects associated with long-term systemic delivery
of antifungal agents. This review examines recent developments and approaches to subdue
these problems and improve topical antifungal therapy efficacy. The effectiveness of several formulation
strategies, including nanotechnology -based treatments, nanostructures, vesicular carriers,
Gelling Systems-Polymeric Carriers, and some enhanced targeted therapies in enhancing medication
penetration across the epidermal barrier is discussed. Polyenes, azoles, allylamines, echinocandins,
hydroxypyridone, and other antifungals are the primary types of antifungal medications.
Novel formulation techniques, such as the use of nanostructures, lipid-based carriers, and microneedle
technology, show great promise for enhancing medication penetration across the skin
barrier and emphasizing the significance of effective topical drug delivery. These tactics not only
improve antifungal agent distribution to the intended site but also create opportunities for more focused
and effective therapy. This review outlines recent developments in novel strategies used in
topical carriers to boost the therapeutic performance of anti-fungal drugs with minimal side effects
as compared to systemic therapy.
The Impact of Post-traumatic Stress on Sexual Function of Survivors of
Hematological Malignancies and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell
Transplantation
Authors: Tsatsou Ioanna , Mystakidou Kyriaki , Parpa Efi , Konstantinidis Theocharis , Kalemikerakis Ioannis , Adamakidou Theodoula , Panagou Eleni , Galanos Antonis , Govina Ourania
Published: August 2024

Background:

Autolοgous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) is a
treatment οption fοr patients with hematological malignancies that improves prοgnοsis and survival.
Thus, it is necessary tο deal with its long-term cοmplications, such as sexual dysfunction
and trauma that significantly affect survivors’ quality οf life.

Objective:

The aim οf this study was to evaluate the Sexual Function (SF) and
the Pοst-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) οf survivοrs οf hematolοgical malignancy
and AHSCT.

Methods:

A multicenter, quantitative, crοss-sectional, descriptive, and cοrrelational study was
cοnducted from December 2019 to March 2022. Thrοugh cοnvenience sampling, 127 adults and
sexually active survivors οf hematolοgic malignancy whο underwent AHSCT frοm 6 mοnths tο
5 years were recruited frοm 5 hοspitals in Athens. The survivοrs cοmpleted questionnaires on
demοgraphic and clinical data, a male or female SF assessment tοοl [Internatiοnal Index Erectile
Functiοn (IIEF) and Female Sexual Functiοn Index (FSFI), respectively], and the Impact of
Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 45.6 (±12.8) years. The median time frοm transplant was 3
years and the majοrity οf the survivοrs had Hodgkin's lymphοma. Accοrding tο the FSFI,
wοmen had a mοderate level of SF, with a better functional area the “pain” and wοrse the “οrgasm”.
Accοrding tο the IIEF, men had a high level of SF, with a better functional area the
“erection” and wοrse the “οverall satisfaction”. Survivοrs had lοw levels οf PTSD based οn the
IES-R, with nο differences between men and women. The subscale οf “hyperarοusal” had the
lοwest values and the subscale οf “avοidance” had the highest values fοr bοth men and wοmen
survivοrs. There was a lοw tο mοderate negative statistically significant cοrrelation between the
IES-R and bοth FSFI and IIEF, suggesting a high level οf PTSD to be correlated with wοrse
sexual function.

Conclusion:

Survivοrs οf AHSCT had impaired SF tο varying degrees and areas of functionality
depending οn their gender, but lοw levels of PTSD and lοw correlations between
these twο variables. This matter is impοrtant in survivοrship care and needs further
investigatiοn.
Severe Hypocalcemia Occurring During the Hospitalization of a Patient Affected by Permanent Post-Surgical Hypoparathyroidism with Multimorbidity: A Case Report
Authors: Nardone Isabella , Wolde Sellasie Sium , Cinque Alessandra , Tacchi Giovanni , Zaccaria Simona , Giusto Cristina , Palumbo Roberto , Gaspardone Achille , Uccioli Luigi , Amendola Stefano
Published: August 2024

Background:

Patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism experience an impaired
quality of life, due to acute and chronic complications that may affect several organs, with an increased
risk of hospitalisation and death. Adequate and continuous replacement therapy with calcium
and calcitriol is necessary to avoid symptoms and long-term complications related to hypocalcemia.

Case Presentation:

A 63 years old male, affected by permanent post-surgical hypoparathyroidism,
was hospitalized in the cardiology department because of a dehiscence of the subcutaneous
housing of the double-chambered implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Chronic replacement
therapy for hypoparathyroidism was poorly controlled and, during hospitalization, severe
hypocalcemia occurred together with electrocardiographic and echocardiogram life-threatening alterations.

Conclusion:

Constant and targeted long-term replacement therapy with calcium and particularly
calcitriol is necessary to avoid major consequences on patients’ health, especially during acute
events and in the presence of other comorbidities.
A Systematic Review on Machine Learning / Deep Learning Model-based Detection of Sleep Apnea Using Bio-Signals
Authors: Sabeenian R. S. , Vinodhini C. M.
Published: August 2024

Backgrounds:

Sleep Apnea (SA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder diagnosed in clinical
laboratories. The gold standard is Polysomnography (PSG), a multi-parameter evaluation of a
sleep monitoring system that records the biological signals during overnight sleep. Apart from PSG
recording, apnea events are recorded by various other bio-signals called Electrocardiogram (ECG),
Electroencephalogram (EEG), Oxygen Saturation level (SpO2), etc. Further evaluation of the recorded
bio-signals is tedious and time-consuming as experts perform it manually. Aiming to overcome
the disadvantage without compromising accuracy, scientists focus on developing robust measurements
of SA by using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models.

Method:

This study aimed to analyze the recent research findings in the field of sleep apnea classification
and various machine learning and deep learning methods implemented in detecting SA. This
study revealed the best-performing technique considering different types of bio-signals used for
analysis and the respective ML or DL models used for automatic detection

Result:

The studies and patents included in this review underwent a precise screening process using
PRISMA guidelines. The literature study is comprised of three different analysis tools to showcase
the review process and provide evidence for the research findings obtained in the respective publications.
The publications considered were limited to the last decade.

Conclusion:

This review delivers the key finding that ECG signals-based detection of sleep apnea
using deep learning model-based deep neural network classifiers will provide more accurate and
robust classification, which will pave the way for possible future research directions.
Nanocomposites of Glass/Sisal Fibre Strengthened Hybrid Polymer Matrix and the Effect of SiC Nanofillers on its Mechanical Features
Authors: Senthilkumar N. , Perumal G. , Satheshkumar D. , Anandhakumar S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

This study investigates the mechanical characteristics of hybrid sisal fibre
(SF)/glass fibre (GF) reinforced composites with various weight % of nSiC fillers (nano silicon carbide).
SF/GF/nSiC reinforced hybrid composite materials were developed following ASTM specifications
using the vacuum infusion technique.

Method:

The resulting composites were then evaluated for their tensile, impact, hardness, and flexural
characteristics. The findings reveal that none of the composites can imitate the GF composite's
mechanical advantages despite hybridization and the nanofiller addition. The hybrid composite laminates
with 2 wt.% nSiC show better mechanical response than competing hybrid composites.

Results:

The GF/SF/2%nSiC composite's impact strength and shore D hardness of the
GF/SF/2%nSiC composite are 1.25 and 1.2 times greater than those of the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites.
The GF/SF/2%nSiC composites exhibit 1.64, 1.5, and 1.8 times higher tensile strength, tensile
modulus, and toughness modulus than the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites. The GF/SF/2%nSiC composite
has a flexural modulus and strength of 1.22 and 1.41 times higher than the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites.

Conclusion:

The improved mechanical properties of the GF/SF/2%nSiC composite can be attributed
to the firm bond between the fibre and matrix, the uniform dispersion of nanofillers, and reduced
porosity.

result:

The tensile, impact, hardness, and flexural properties of the developed composites were assessed. SEM of the fractured surface was also performed to corroborate the results and determine the fracture mode.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence on Firm's Human Resources Management
Authors: Majeed Mohammed
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to look at the implications of AI for HR
administration. Using AI in human resources is not novel. But as the technology
advances, it is gradually integrated into more and more tools and programs. AI has the
ability to increase productivity and speed up the decision-making process, but it also
presents serious moral concerns. Recruiting, initial orientation, instruction, and
continuing analytics have all been simplified thanks to AI. Data-mining an
organization's HR system with AI can reveal which staff members are most likely to
leave, allowing for more targeted efforts to retain them. To back up the organization's
commercial plans, AI will additionally assist to discover gaps in skills and expertise.
There is no doubt that AI has the potential to improve processes and increase output.
HR departments everywhere can benefit greatly from this tech's ability to track and
analyze employee actions and habits. Companies today are embracing technology
advancements in order to compete in today's intricate market.
Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Organizations
Authors: Majeed Mohammed
Published: August 2024

The current digital revolution is increasingly centered on the digital
transformation and the related AI operations. The business and industrial settings have
yet to feel its full effects, problems, and opportunities. Here, innovation is what really
drives success in the business world. However, innovation is now an essential outlook
that ought to be ingrained in every employee and all operations of a company to
maximize its potential for success and the satisfaction of its people. In this light, the
proliferation of AI in corporate settings appears to be altering the ways in which
businesses generate and oversee new ideas. It has helped to progress a wide variety of
sectors, including the financial sector, the education sector, the transport industry, and
others. This report set out to add to the growing body of research on artificial
intelligence's impact on corporate creativity. As this chapter made clear, scientific and
technological progress is accelerating, with AI serving as the main attraction.
Understanding innovation leadership is about the fact that data is growing
exponentially. It is argued that, in general, AI systems can relieve managers of
technical and time-consuming research while simultaneously improving processes for
creativity. This frees up managerial time and energy to devote to imaginative
approaches to issue handling and the growth of new forms of innovation. This research
is novel because it seeks to add spark based on information about the potential effects
of AI on the creative process.
Brazilian Siparuna Species as a Source of Antiviral Agents
Authors: Leal Carla M. , Fernandes Diégina A. , Simas Rosineide Costa , Leitão Suzana G. , Leitão Gilda G.
Published: August 2024

Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by the
Alphainfluenzavirus whose subtypes were responsible for historical pandemics. Recently, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has also affected the world, causing acute respiratory
syndrome, thus rendering the search for anti-influenza and anti-SARS-CoV-2
compounds an urgent task. Plants of the genus Siparuna are used in Brazilian folk
medicine for treating colds, fever, headaches, and rheumatic pain as well as
gastrointestinal disorders. S. apiosyce (“Limão Bravo”) is mentioned in the first
Brazilian Pharmacopeia due to its importance as an ingredient in syrup and cough
drops. Alkaloids, methylated and glycosylated flavonoids stand out as secondary
metabolites described for these species, being also well described in the literature for
their antiviral activity. During our investigation of Brazilian plants active against viral
infections, the anti-influenza activity of five Amazonian Siparuna (S. cristata, S.
decipiens, S. glycycarpa, S. reginae and S. sarmentosa) were investigated, showing the
n-butanol extracts of S. glycycarpa and S. sarmentosa as the most active. Dereplication
of these extracts pointed alkaloids, O- and C-glycosylated flavonoids as well as
dihydrochalcones and a procyanidin dimer as potential active metabolites. On the other
hand, the dichloromethane extract from S. cristata containing methylated flavonoids
was able to inhibit the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2, where it was shown that
retusin and kumatakenin presented a higher selectivity index than lopinavir/ritonavir
and chloroquine controls. Further in-silico studies showed the potential interaction
between these flavonoids and the virus proteases 3CLpro and PLpro. Here we highlight
the possible application of compounds isolated from Siparuna species as antiviral
agents.
Herbal Medicine: Traditional Approach to Treat Infections
Authors: Baghel Uttam Singh , Nidhi  , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Singh Deeksha
Published: August 2024

Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality at a
worldwide level. While common cold, encephalitis, meningitis and gastroenteritis are
mostly triggered by viruses, cholera, diphtheria, dysentery, tuberculosis, typhoid and
pneumonia infections are caused by various bacteria, whereas valley fever,
histoplasmosis, candidiasis, ringworm and eye infections are generated by several
fungi. Also, ectoparasites like mites, lice, ticks and fleas can be responsible for some
infections by attaching to the skin. However, after the onset of COVID-19, which
mostly presents as a respiratory disease, a top interest has been put on virus research.
Many studies have shown that phytochemicals exert a plethora of biological effects,
among them, their antimicrobial action through different mechanisms has been highly
underlined. Indeed, they are able to damage the bacterial cell membrane and suppress
diverse virulence factors, including inhibition of the activity of various enzymes and
toxins and biofilm formation. This chapter summarizes the impact of certain
phytochemicals, for example, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, steroids, tannins,
terpenoids, and alkaloids, as naturally-occurring bioactive compounds present in plants,
in several infectious diseases.

Some herbal medicines containing flavonoids form complexes with cell walls of
bacteria, protein and extracellular components and are important and effective
antimicrobial compounds. Herbal medicines contain terpenoids involved in weakening
microorganism cell wall and membranous tissue dissolution, thus inhibiting the growth
of infections. Saponins found in herbal medicines cause microbes enzyme leakage from
the cell, whereas Steroid in antimicrobial drugs is responsible for liposome leakage
from the lipid bilayer membrane. Based on the evidences, the antimicrobial activity of
the medicinal plant Veronica biloba was found against E.coli, S.aureus, and
Aspergillus fumigatus pathogens. The common herbs tarragon and thyme both contain
caffeic acid, which is effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Organosulphur
compounds such as allicin, isothiocynate and ajoene have shown antibacterial activity
against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Catechins, the most reduced form of the C3
unit in flavonoid compounds, deserve special mention due to their
occurrence in green teas. It was noticed that teas also exerted antimicrobial activity
against Vibrio cholerae, S. mutans, shigella and other microorganisms. This chapter
focuses on all aspects of infectious diseases and herbal medicines, including chemical
constituents and their therapeutic effects.
Effectiveness of a Waste Collection System in Bangkalan Sub-District, Bangkalan District
Authors: Avriska Mawardah Setya Aulia Diva , Meidiana Christia , Permata Wijayanti Wawargita , Alfiah Rindang , Kumar Ghosh Ratan
Published: August 2024

The discovery of illegal dumping activities in Bangkalan sub-district shows that there is inequality in services provided by the waste collection system. This needs to be reviewed through calculations from an analysis of the effectiveness of the waste collection system in order to assess the performance of waste collection at temporary waste shelter sites in Bangkalan District and improve environmental livability. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the waste collection system in Bangkalan Regency through the performance of each temporary waste shelter. The analysis used is the effectiveness of the waste collection system by dividing the output value by the input. The results of the effectiveness analysis will be compared with the Jakstranas document, which states that a temporary waste shelter can be said to be effective if it has an effectiveness value of 100%. Based on calculations, three temporary waste shelter were found in Bangkalan District whose value was below 100%, namely Pangeranan 3R Waste Management which has a percentage value of 15%, recycling house which has a percentage value of 26%, and Martajasah 3R Waste Management, which has a percentage value of 54%. This can be caused by an uneven waste collection system, limited waste infrastructure, limited waste officers, and a lack of public awareness. Apart from that, the existence of illegal dumpings around the temporary waste shelter area is also evidence that the temporary waste shelter is not running effectively.
Integrating elements of innovative development of the region’s industrial complex into the overall management concept
Authors: Kurasov M. V. , Zhakhov N. V.
Published: August 2024

Relevance. The modern development of science, technology, technology, digitalization of the economic space and the widespread introduction of IT solutions into business practice actualizes the topic of managing innovative development. At the same time, a priority in the strategic perspective and important in the tactical period is the innovative development of the industrial complex of regions that contribute to the development of Russian society and the state as a whole. This circumstance predetermined the choice of the topic of scientific research. At the same time, the issue of identifying elements of innovative development of the industrial complex of the region, as well as their integration into the overall management concept, remains important and insufficiently studied.

Purpose. The main purpose of the study is to highlight the elements of innovative development of the regional industrial complex and their integration into the overall management concept.

The objectives of the study are to substantiate the relevance of the problem being solved; studying the views of different scientists on the issues of identifying the main elements of innovative development of the industrial complex of the region; substantiation of the author's position regarding the key elements of innovative development of the industrial complex of the region; visualization of the author's idea of integrating key elements of innovative development of the region's industrial complex into one's own vision of the concept of managing the innovative development of the region's industrial complex.

Methodology. The research methods were analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison, juxtaposition and generalization of scientific approaches, methods of visualization and presentation of the results of the author's research.

The results of the study are presented by visualization of the author's justification for integrating key elements of the innovative development of the regional industrial complex into his own vision of the concept of managing the innovative development of the regional industrial complex.

Conclusions. The findings contain a conclusion about the author's vision of integrating elements of innovative development of the region's industrial complex into the overall management concept.
Ethnic culture in urban space: a theoretical review
Authors: Vetrova O. A. , Afanas’eva V. A.
Published: August 2024

Relevance. Cities are centers of attraction for people of different nationalities and cultures. In the context of urbanization and globalization, various ethnic cultures interact, which leads to their transformation. The study of ethnic culture in urban space makes it possible to understand how culture changes under the influence of new living conditions, which is especially important for the formation of intercultural relations and tolerant attitude towards representatives of other cultures and nationalities.

The purpose is to analyze theoretical studies of ethnic culture in urban space, including issues of tolerance, identity, and urban mentality.

Objectives: to consider the elements of ethnic culture; to analyze the connection between ethnic culture and urban space; to determine how identity manifests itself in urban space; to characterize cultural ethnic practices in urban space; to characterize the visual artifacts of ethnicity in urban space.

Methodology. The socio-cultural paradigm of studying urban space was used as the methodological basis of the study. The authors also applied general scientific methods: analysis, comparison, generalization.

Results. A theoretical analysis of the developments of domestic authors on the topic of manifestations of ethnic culture in urban space, including aspects of national symbols, architecture, mentality, identity, tolerance, is carried out.

Conclusions. Ethnic culture in urban space is a complex phenomenon encompassing socio-cultural and ethnodemographic aspects of urban community life. It finds expression in architecture, cultural practices of events, ornaments, everyday life, and the media. Today, despite the unification of everyday life and lifestyle, there are trends towards strengthening national identity, preserving national identity and cultural traditions, in particular through elements of urban public spaces.
The antinomic nature of socialization in the space of digital culture
Authors: Kilimova L. V. , Cherkashin M. D.
Published: August 2024

The relevance of the study is due to the intensive development of digital technologies, which is generated by a specific element of social space virtual space. The dynamic development of digital culture has led to the formation of processes and phenomena that significantly affect both the functioning of the social system and the socialization of an individual.

The purpose of the work is to reveal the features of the influence of digital culture on the socialization of a modern person.

Objectives: to characterize the phenomenon of digital culture; outline the features of socialization of a person in the conditions of digital culture.

Methodology. The methodological basis of the article includes: a systematic method that allows identifying the main elements of the space of digital culture, which determine the specifics of the socialization of a person; analysis and synthesis to reveal the essence and specifics of socialization in the space of digital culture.

Results. In modern socio-cultural conditions, the space of digital culture is defined as a specific factor of socialization, which led to the selection and establishment of a new concept of "digital socialization", which is considered to be a defining component of the socialization process of a person.

Conclusions. The space of digital culture creates more favorable conditions for the self-realization of the individual, since in it the results of the subject's creative activity are accepted by others as an acceptance of his individuality and the maximum activity of the individual is ensured when determining the trajectory of his development.

At the same time, actual or potentially negative results of transferring the process of socialization to the Internet space are highlighted. This, first of all, is far from being an equivalent replacement for real virtual-simulation communication; strengthening of social anomie; the dominance of fragmented and intuitive knowledge, as well as extreme value relativism in the process of innovative transformations in the sphere of socialization, etc.
Global trends in the investment policy of countries in agriculture in the context of transition towards renewable energy sources
Authors: Kuzmina V. M. , Parkhomchuk M. A.
Published: August 2024

Relevance. The renewable energy sector is attractive for foreign direct investment, among which projects related to the introduction of wind energy, as well as the reproduction of energy from biomass and biofuels are popular with investors. The proof of the popularity of such projects is the investment of 70% of all investments in renewable energy sources.

The purpose The aim is to consider the trends of global investments in agriculture in the context of the transition to renewable energy sources.

Objectives: to analyze the inflow of FDI to various regions of the world for the implementation of renewable energy transition projects; to show the reasons for the uneven investment of countries in different regions in modern conditions.

Methodology. The structural theory is used to study investment flows, and the method of studying statistical reporting according  to  UNCTAD and  CEPAL data  is  used  for quantitative  and  qualitative  analysis of attracted investments.

Results. The statistical data used formed the basis for a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the directions of attracting FDI to various countries, showing the heterogeneity of this process by region. The global climate situation requires accelerating low-carbon innovation by all possible means. Developed countries have the same problems of transition to renewable energy as developing countries, so investment investments are relevant for agriculture in all regions of the world.

Conclusions. Western countries prefer to be in the trend of the modern economy and invest in green sectors of the economy and those industries that use carbon-neutral technologies. Global changes in green energy financing related to the transfer of funds to the "hotbeds of conflict" in Ukraine and the Middle East have put some countries (LACs) in need of finding their own resources to continue energy transition projects.
Selecting a priority criterion when forming optimal management of a production enterprise using digitalization tools
Authors: Lapshina M. L. , Serebryakova N. A. , Lukina O. O. , Lapshin D. D.
Published: August 2024

Relevance. At the present stage, economic and mathematical methods cannot be fully implemented without the use of digitalization tools. The center of many modern theoretical studies, both by foreign and Russian authors, is a simulation model that allows the most complete reflection of both the theoretical message under consideration and its nuances, to which a software package or modeling tools can be fully adapted. The activities of various production and technology companies may be influenced by external factors, which must be resolved not only strategically, but also operationally. Methodological problems lie in the choice of a priority criterion for the formation of optimal management of a manufacturing enterprise using digitalization tools.

The purpose is to select a priority criterion for the formation of optimal management of a manufacturing enterprise using digitalization tools.

Objectives. objective prerequisites for the construction of simulation models based on an optimization approach are given; the initial formulation of the convex programming problem is justified, an analysis of the priority of weight coefficients is given; the accuracy of calculation and the type of utility function is justified when the analysis of the prevailing normalized prices is assumed. In such initial conditions, the solution of the convex programming problem can be reduced to finding the optimum in the production planning problem.

Methodology. The study was carried out using methods of logical and comparative analysis of existing simulation models of operational management of the company, as well as methods of mathematical modeling.

Results. The paper proposes an algorithm for the phased implementation of the optimization task, taking into account three relevant responses of the system to the use of resource-saving technologies, determined by the use of a specific type of technological production.

Conclusions. The priority of choosing a criterion in the formation of optimal management of a manufacturing enterprise using digitalization tools creates favorable conditions for the system's response to technology changes, depending on three possible states of production technology: ultra-efficient technology, extremely backward technology, medium or normal technology.
Enhancement of Immersive Technology Use in Pediatric Health Care With Accessible, Context-Specific Training: Descriptive Feasibility Study
Authors: Li Brian S K , Fereday Brendan , Wang Ellen , Rodriguez Samuel , Forssell Karin , Bollaert André N , Menendez Maria , Caruso Thomas J
Published: August 2024

Background

Immersive technology provides adjuncts for pediatric care. However, accessibility and inadequate training limit implementation of this technology. Standardized instruction with no-cost software licensing may improve health care professionals’ facility with immersive technologies.

Objective

This descriptive feasibility study aimed to examine the applications of immersive technologies in pediatric health care, including virtual reality (VR) and projectors.

Methods

We developed immersive technology instructional guides for pediatric health care. The training guides were created for multiple software content and hardware types across several clinical scenarios. Content was available in print and digital versions. The primary outcome was technology use across sites with no-cost software agreements. The secondary outcome was the specific application types used at a single site, stratified by sessions and minutes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Data were collected from 19 licensed sites from January through June 2022. Among the 19 sites, 32% (n=6) used 10 or more VR units. Among the 6 sites that had projectors, half used 5 or more units. The mean minutes of use per month of all sites combined was 2199 (IQR 51-1058). Three sites had more than 10,000 minutes of total use during the 6-month review period. Secondary results indicated that active VR (977 total sessions) and passive projector streaming (1261 total sessions) were the most popular application types by session, while active projector (66,849 total minutes) and passive projector streaming (32,711 total minutes) were the most popular types when stratified by minutes of use. The active VR application with the most minutes of use was an application often used in physical therapy.

Conclusions

Context-specific technological instruction coupled to no-cost licenses may increase access to immersive technology in pediatric health care settings.
Enhancing Performance of the National Field Triage Guidelines Using Machine Learning: Development of a Prehospital Triage Model to Predict Severe Trauma
Authors: Chen Qi , Qin Yuchen , Jin Zhichao , Zhao Xinxin , He Jia , Wu Cheng , Tang Bihan
Published: August 2024

Background

Prehospital trauma triage is essential to get the right patient to the right hospital. However, the national field triage guidelines proposed by the American College of Surgeons have proven to be relatively insensitive when identifying severe traumas.

Objective

This study aimed to build a prehospital triage model to predict severe trauma and enhance the performance of the national field triage guidelines.

Methods

This was a multisite prediction study, and the data were extracted from the National Trauma Data Bank between 2017 and 2019. All patients with injury, aged 16 years of age or older, and transported by ambulance from the injury scene to any trauma center were potentially eligible. The data were divided into training, internal, and external validation sets of 672,309; 288,134; and 508,703 patients, respectively. As the national field triage guidelines recommended, age, 7 vital signs, and 8 injury patterns at the prehospital stage were included as candidate variables for model development. Outcomes were severe trauma with an Injured Severity Score ≥16 (primary) and critical resource use within 24 hours of emergency department arrival (secondary). The triage model was developed using an extreme gradient boosting model and Shapley additive explanation analysis. The model’s accuracy regarding discrimination, calibration, and clinical benefit was assessed.

Results

At a fixed specificity of 0.5, the model showed a sensitivity of 0.799 (95% CI 0.797-0.801), an undertriage rate of 0.080 (95% CI 0.079-0.081), and an overtriage rate of 0.743 (95% CI 0.742-0.743) for predicting severe trauma. The model showed a sensitivity of 0.774 (95% CI 0.772-0.776), an undertriage rate of 0.158 (95% CI 0.157-0.159), and an overtriage rate of 0.609 (95% CI 0.608-0.609) when predicting critical resource use, fixed at 0.5 specificity. The triage model’s areas under the curve were 0.755 (95% CI 0.753-0.757) for severe trauma prediction and 0.736 (95% CI 0.734-0.737) for critical resource use prediction. The triage model’s performance was better than those of the Glasgow Coma Score, Prehospital Index, revised trauma score, and the 2011 national field triage guidelines RED criteria. The model’s performance was consistent in the 2 validation sets.

Conclusions

The prehospital triage model is promising for predicting severe trauma and achieving an undertriage rate of <10%. Moreover, machine learning enhances the performance of field triage guidelines.
Assessing ChatGPT’s Competency in Addressing Interdisciplinary Inquiries on Chatbot Uses in Sports Rehabilitation: Simulation Study (Preprint)
Authors: McBee Joseph C , Han Daniel Y , Liu Li , Ma Leah , Adjeroh Donald A , Xu Dong , Hu Gangqing
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

ChatGPT showcases exceptional conversational capabilities and extensive cross-disciplinary knowledge. In addition, it can perform multiple roles in a single chat session. This unique multirole-playing feature positions ChatGPT as a promising tool for exploring interdisciplinary subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate ChatGPT’s competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiries based on a case study exploring the opportunities and challenges of chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation.

METHODS

We developed a model termed PanelGPT to assess ChatGPT’s competency in addressing interdisciplinary topics through simulated panel discussions. Taking chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation as an example of an interdisciplinary topic, we prompted ChatGPT through PanelGPT to role-play a physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, artificial intelligence expert, and athlete in a simulated panel discussion. During the simulation, we posed questions to the panel while ChatGPT acted as both the panelists for responses and the moderator for steering the discussion. We performed the simulation using ChatGPT-4 and evaluated the responses by referring to the literature and our human expertise.

RESULTS

By tackling questions related to chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation with respect to patient education, physiotherapy, physiology, nutrition, and ethical considerations, responses from the ChatGPT-simulated panel discussion reasonably pointed to various benefits such as 24/7 support, personalized advice, automated tracking, and reminders. ChatGPT also correctly emphasized the importance of patient education, and identified challenges such as limited interaction modes, inaccuracies in emotion-related advice, assurance of data privacy and security, transparency in data handling, and fairness in model training. It also stressed that chatbots are to assist as a copilot, not to replace human health care professionals in the rehabilitation process.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT exhibits strong competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiry by simulating multiple experts from complementary backgrounds, with significant implications in assisting medical education.
A brief cognitive behavioral therapy-based digital intervention for reducing hazardous alcohol use in South Korea: Development and prospective pilot study (Preprint)
Authors: Kwon Manjae , Moon Daa Un , Kang Minjae , Jung Young-Chul
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, associated with numerous acute and chronic medical conditions. Digital health interventions offer a promising solution to overcome barriers associated with traditional treatment methods, providing accessible, scalable, and cost-effective means to support individuals in reducing hazardous drinking.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the "Sober" smartphone app in individuals with hazardous alcohol use.

METHODS

This single-group, pre-post pilot study included 20 participants with hazardous alcohol use, identified using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants used the "Sober" app for four weeks, which incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)-based interventions. Feasibility was assessed by study and session completion rates, acceptability by participant satisfaction and perceived usefulness, and preliminary efficacy by changes in alcohol consumption and psychiatric symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 20 enrolled participants, 17 completed the study. The app demonstrated high feasibility with an 85% study completion rate, and 58.8% completed all CBT sessions. Participants reported positive acceptability, with average satisfaction and usefulness ratings of 3.8 and 3.7 out of 5, respectively. Preliminary efficacy outcomes showed significant improvements: abstinence days increased from 66.8% to 84.8% (Z=-3.165, P=.002), heavy drinking episodes decreased from 3.3 to 1.9 (t=-2.965, P=.003), and total alcohol consumption reduced from 456.8 mL to 195.9 mL (t=3.159, P=.002). AUDIT scores dropped from 17.5 to 10.7 (t=4.513, P<.001). Additionally, depression (PHQ-9) scores decreased from 5.8 to 4.4 (t=2.908, P=.010), and anxiety (GAD-7) scores from 3.4 to 2.1 (Z=-2.801, P=.005). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The mobile application "Sober" shows promise as an effective tool for reducing hazardous alcohol consumption and improving related psychiatric symptoms. The study demonstrated high feasibility and positive acceptability, with significant preliminary efficacy in reducing alcohol use. Feedback from participants and clinicians highlighted areas for improvement, which will be used to refine the app and study design for future research. Further research through a randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm these findings and optimize the application’s features and content.

CLINICALTRIAL

The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06502756)
Development of a voice-activated virtual assistant to improve insomnia among young adult cancer survivors: Focus groups findings and device feasibility testing (Preprint)
Authors: Groninger Hunter , Arem Hannah , Ayangma Lylian , Gong Lisa , Zhou Eric , Greenberg Daniel
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Up to 75% of young adult cancer survivors (YACS) experience chronic insomnia, negatively affecting physical and emotional health and overall quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a gold standard intervention to address insomnia. However, widespread uptake of CBT-I remains limited and new strategies of CBT-I delivery are warranted.

OBJECTIVE

We wished to understand how YACS experience insomnia, how they might incorporate technology-delivered CBT-I into a daily routine and test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel voice-activated virtual assistant-delivered CBT-I prototype.

METHODS

We conducted four focus groups (6-7 participants per group, N=26 total) to understand the YACS experience of insomnia, their routine use of technology at home, particularly voice-activated virtual assistants such as the Amazon Alexa, and input on how CBT-I might be delivered at home through a smart speaker system. We developed a prototype device to deliver key elements of CBT-I at home along with circadian lighting and monitoring of post-bedtime device use, collected YACS user perspectives on this prototype, and then conducted a single-arm feasibility and acceptability study.

RESULTS

Twenty-six YACS experiencing insomnia participated in focus groups to share experiences of insomnia during cancer survivorship and to provide input regarding a CBT-I prototype. Common triggers of insomnia included worry about disease management and progression, disease-related pain and other symptoms, choices regarding personal device use, and worry about the impact of poor sleep on daily functioning. Twelve participants completed device prototype testing, exceeding pre-determined feasibility and acceptability benchmarks and providing qualitative data to inform future device refinement.

CONCLUSIONS

YACS were highly engaged with our voice-activated virtual assistant-delivered CBT-I prototype and found it acceptable to use. Following final device development, future studies should evaluate efficacy of this intervention among YACS.

CLINICALTRIAL

NCT05875129
Edge AI: Revolutionizing Real-Time Intelligence at the Network Periphery
Authors: Pandey Devesh Mohan
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Edge AI, which transfers computation from centralized data centers to devices at the edge of the network, is a revolutionary development in artificial intelligence that offers advantages including real-time processing, decreased latency, increased privacy, and increased bandwidth efficiency. This paradigm is especially important for industrial IoT, smart city, and autonomous car applications where quick data processing and decision making are critical. Even with obstacles like scalability and hardware constraints, edge AI capabilities are being significantly expanded by continuing research and technical developments. Its revolutionary influence is demonstrated by current applications in a variety of domains, from improving industrial operations to urban infrastructure. Edge AI promises to revolutionize many industries, changing how we interact with technology and influencing the development of the next wave of AI applications as it develops further thanks to advancements in hardware and AI algorithms. With enormous potential for the future, edge AI represents a major advancement toward ubiquitous AI with broad ramifications for both technology and society
Linguistic Intelligence Development Strategy Through Student Activities: A Case Study in Intensive Arabic Language Learning
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad Farih , Farid Qomaruddin  , Ali Ridho Saleh Mulachela  , Umar Al Faruq
Published: August 2024

This research aimed to reveal the efforts, promotion, and development of the teaching of the Arabic language in the intensive Arabic language teaching at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Malang to improve the linguistic intelligence of students through the student activities of the “Arabic Camp” (Mukhoyyam Arabi). The method used in this research is a case study to describe the various events that occurred in this field, which is the teaching of the Arabic language presented by lecturers of the intensive program for teaching the Arabic language to improve verbal linguistic intelligence. The research focused on the two advanced levels, which were FJ-3 and FJ-4. Among the results of this research were that the students’ activities towards the first-place competition, Arabic songs, and Arabic encouraging chants (yel-yel) programmed in the outdoor classroom in the natural environment improved verbal-linguistic intelligence toward using correct and effective words and forming sentences according to grammatical rules aimed at communication.
INVESTIGATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION CAPACITY AND DISSOLUTION RATE WITH AMINO ACID SALT SOLUTIONS: SODIUM AND POTASSIUM GLYCINATE
Authors: Çapoğlu İrem Koçyiğit , Uysal Duygu , Doğan Özkan Murat
Published: August 2024

Global warming is a major world problem and causes climate change. The primary cause of global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Ongoing studies are being conducted to mitigate the effects of this problem. Anthropogenic CO2 emissions occur by burning fossil fuels to generate power and heat. To combat this problem, CO2 must be captured from point emission sources or directly from air. The conventional method to remove CO2 at the point emission sources is post-combustion systems. In these systems, absorption process is generally used to diminish CO2 emission and capturing at the source. Current researches aim to find an efficient and alternative solution to absorption. In this work, sodium glycinate (NaGly) and potassium glycinate (KGly), which are amino acid salt solutions, were investigated for CO2 absorption. Amino acid salt solutions have shown similar absorption kinetics and capacities to amine-based solutions due to same functional group. These solutions are usually more stable to oxidative degradation and have low volatilities, higher surface tensions and the viscosities are very close to waters. Experiments were performed using a stirred cell system at ambient temperature (20°C) and atmospheric pressure (91 kPa), in Ankara, Türkiye. In experiments, sodium glycinate and potassium glycinate concentration was ranged between 0.1 and 1.5 M. The experiments were also repeated with sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in the same concentration range for comparison. In addition, the amino acid salt solutions examined in this study were compared with alkaline solutions and glycine in terms of total CO2 absorption capacity and CO2 dissolution rate. As a result of the experiments, the potassium glycinate solutions gave approximately 1.4 times better results than the sodium glycinate solutions at the highest concentration. Also, functional groups were determined by FTIR analysis of pure and CO2-loaded potassium glycinate solution.