bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provider Perspectives, Barriers, and Improvement Strategies for Hospital Discharge Support Programs: A Focus Group Interview Study in Korea
Authors: Choi Jae Woo , Yoo Aejung , Bang Hyojung , Park Hyun-Kyung , Lee Hyun-Ji , Lee Hyejin
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Transitional periods, such as patient discharge, are notably challenging. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of providers involved in hospital discharge support programs, identify the primary obstacles, and propose strategies for improvement.Methods: In this qualitative cross-sectional study, we interviewed 49 healthcare professionals, comprising doctors, nurses, and social workers, who participated in two pilot programs. We organized focus group interviews with 3-6 participants per group, segmented by the type of discharge support program and profession. For data analysis, we employed phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method.Results: Participants recognized the importance of the discharge support program and anticipated its benefits. The Rehabilitation Hospital Discharge Patient Support program saw more active involvement from doctors than the Establishment of a Public Health-Medical Collaboration System program. Both programs highlighted the critical need for more staff and better compensation, as identified by the doctors. Nurses and social workers cited the heavy documentation burden, uncooperative attitudes from patients and local governments, and other issues. They also anticipated that program improvements could be achieved through the standardization of regional welfare services and better coordination by local governments serving as welfare service regulators. All groups—doctors, nurses, and social workers—underscored the significance of promoting these programs.Conclusions: Discharge support programs are crucial for patients with functional impairments and severe illnesses, particularly in ensuring continuity of care. Policy support is essential for the successful implementation of these programs in Korea.
Blood Protein Ratios Reveal New Diagnostic Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer: A Study from the Perspective of Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Jiang Zikang , Sung Jinghui , Li Weijie , Zhuang Yixin , Huang Yuanpeng
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading malignancy affecting men globally, contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to explore causal relationships between blood protein ratios (BPR) and PCa using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, potentially identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Methods: A two-sample MR method was employed, utilizing genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to infer causality between circulating BPR and PCa. Data on BPR were obtained from a proteomics study of the UK Biobank, while PCa data were sourced from FinnGen, the PRACTICLE Consortium, and the GWAS Catalog. Stringent criteria were applied for IV selection, and statistical analyses included the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with sensitivity analyses to address pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Results: Significant causal associations were identified between several BPR and PCa. Notably, the ratios of CEBPB/PXN, APBB1IP/NCF2, APP/EGF, and CRKL/ EGF were found to be protective against PCa, while the ratios of ARHGAP1/RAD23B, EGF/ TNFSF14, and GOLM2/STC1 were identified as risk factors. Reverse MR analysis suggested that PCa might act as a protective factor for the GOLM2/STC1 ratio. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Conclusions: This study elucidates significant causal relationships between 7 BPR and PCa, offering new insights for diagnosis, treatment evaluation, and personalized therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on validating these findings and exploring the underlying biological mechanisms to improve PCa management.
Educating the Nation in Ethiopia
Authors: Guidi Pierre
Published: October 2024

In analysing the educational dynamics of the Wolaita region in Ethiopia, this book traces the history of the nation-state from the perspective of its margins, between 1941 and 1991. From Haile Selassie's divine right monarchy to the Derg's Marxist-Leninist military regime, it looks at the ways in which the inhabitants of a region incorporated at the end of the nineteenth century reacted to their dominated position within the national structure by negotiating with schooling—its successive ideologies, its knowledge, its languages of instruction, and its practices of power—in order to take their place in the national political community. By focusing on everyday feelings of belonging and ordinary nationalism as manifested in school dynamics, this book bears witness to the way in which nations are constructed and reshaped in the interaction and tensions between various social groups and the state. The ways in which the Ethiopian governments appropriated the North American and then Soviet schooling models offer a special insight into Ethiopia's changing positions vis-à-vis the outside world in the context of the Cold War as well as the forms of translation at work right down to the local level. Featuring a wide range of actors—women and men, urban graduates and peasants, national and local civil servants, North American Peace Corps workers and East German advisers, Catholic and Protestant missionaries—this book will appeal to a much wider audience than Ethiopia specialists alone.
Les retornados
Authors: Delaunay Morgane
Published: October 2024

Au lendemain de la Révolution des Œillets du 25 avril 1974, qui mit fin au régime de l’Estado Novo en place au Portugal, commencèrent, de manière simultanée, le processus de démocratisation du pays et le processus de décolonisation des territoires africains qui se trouvaient alors sous domination portugaise. Une des conséquences fut l’arrivée au Portugal de près d’un demi-million de colons, originaires, dans la majorité des cas, d’Angola et du Mozambique. Connus sous le nom de retornados, ces rapatriés arrivèrent pour la plupart au cours de l’été et du printemps 1975 et occasionnèrent une augmentation de près de 5 % de la population que comptait alors le pays.Dans un contexte marqué par une forte instabilité politique et sociale, et par une crise économique mondiale, ce phénomène migratoire représenta un défi supplémentaire pour les autorités portugaises qui durent définir et mettre en place un ensemble de mesures pour accueillir, loger et intégrer ces migrants nationaux au sein de l’économie et de la société portugaise dans son ensemble.
From Analogue to Digital Revolution
Authors: Ouda James Bill , Wekullo Caroline Sabina , Opiyo Rose Atieno
Published: October 2024

The digital revolution has brought about significant changes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), transforming teaching, learning, and assessment. The chapter explores the impact of this paradigm shift from analogue to digital methods and discuss how education practices in higher education institutions have been revolutionized. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the key models and approaches that have guided this critical transformation. The mission of this chapter is to provide educators, researchers, and practitioners with an in-depth understanding of how digital technologies are reshaping higher education. The examination of the various models and approaches, is aimed at providing strategies needed to effectively navigate the digital space and enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. At the same time, the chapter recognizes that digital transformation of higher education comes with its own set of concerns and challenges. The best practices have also been suggested in the chapter.
Virtual Classrooms and Communication Behavior
Authors: Menon Vishnu Achutha , Prasad Aswathi , Thomas Juby
Published: October 2024

The rise of online open electives has transformed education, shifting from traditional classrooms to virtual platforms due to technological advancements and improved accessibility. This shift fosters a culture of continuous learning globally, accommodating diverse schedules and overcoming geographical barriers. Demographic trends, such as the globalization of education and the growing emphasis on lifelong learning, highlight the inclusive nature of online open electives. This study utilizes the Measure of Online Communication Attitude (MOCA) to explore online communication attitudes across different demographic groups, focusing on gender, age, and locality. Conducted from January to April 2023, Bayesian statistical analyses were employed to assess psychological dimensions. Results reveal nuanced gender differences in self-disclosure, apprehension, miscommunication, social connection, and ease. Psychological similarities were found among different age groups, with slight variations observed in apprehension and miscommunication across rural, semi-urban, and urban localities.
Transformational Leadership in Higher Education
Authors: Sabwami Kenneth M.
Published: October 2024

Education is the most powerful weapon that can be put to use to change the world and requires a good head and a good heart for its effectuality. Higher education is an umbrella encompassing all types of education as provided by universities, technological institutes, teacher training colleges and normally intended for students who have completed secondary education and have an educational objective of acquisition of a title, a grade, certificate, or diploma of higher education. Higher education is facing a myriad of challenges that are impacting negatively towards its progress and performance. To forestall such, transformational leadership has been touted as a game changer that when applied can be beneficial in aiding higher education recourse and adopt a trajectory geared towards its betterment. The chapter highlights key components that transformational leadership impacts to cause necessary changes and realignments: training of leaders, financial management, collaboration partnerships, technology, inclusivity and diversity, and innovation.
Corporate Governance, Management-Shareholder, and Reporting Practices
Authors: Vickneswaran Anojan
Published: October 2024

In the dynamic realm of contemporary business, the synergy between corporate governance, management-shareholder dynamics, and reporting practices is pivotal for organizational success and ethical integrity. Corporate governance establishes a framework for responsible decision-making, fostering trust amid heightened scrutiny. The second facet explores the intricate relationship between management and shareholders, emphasizing the need for alignment through mechanisms like executive compensation and open communication. Reporting practices, the third pillar, extend beyond compliance to embrace environmental, social, and governance factors, reflecting a commitment to ethical conduct. The evolving business landscape necessitates a re-evaluation of governance frameworks, management practices, and reporting standards, with legal frameworks and auditing playing crucial roles. Auditing ensures transparency and sustainability, instilling confidence in stakeholders.
Role Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita in Public Administration
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar
Published: October 2024

The holy book of Hinduism, the Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā, offers deep insight and direction that can be used in many facets of life, including governmental administration, management, and business. The function of the Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā in public administration is summed up in this abstract. As a holy book, the Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā provides insightful knowledge, which is applicable to the field of public administration. It highlights the significance of moral leadership, moral decision-making, etc. The Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā teaches public managers how to develop a sense of responsibility, compassion, and integrity in their work. Public managers can create a more comprehensive approach to public service and a deeper awareness of their tasks and responsibilities by studying the teachings of the Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā. The chapter highlights the primary competencies of organizational settings and their attributes, with a particular emphasis on Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā in the areas of management and business, scientific research, and its ethical and spiritual implications.
Exploring the Role of Corporate Governance and CSR Strategy on the Level of ESG Disclosure
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Amara Tijani
Published: October 2024

We refer to devote this paper on investigating the impact of Global Compact membership, GRI Standards adoption, board size, audit committee independence', ESG controversies, remuneration of the board of directors members on the ESG disclosure. The methodology proposed will draw on the multidimensional scaling as a multivariate assessment tool to evaluate and prioritize the effect of corporate governance on the environmental, social and governance disclosure. This paper uses a cross-country sample of 455 listed firms located in thirty eight countries from Europe and Asia over the period 2010–2018. We found evidence provide that the Global Compact membership, GRI Standards adoption and CSR strategy index' affect positively the ESG disclosure level. Likewise, the results have highlighted and important effect of audit committee independence' and board compensation on the ESG disclosure for both of European and Asian firms. Our results suggest a negative relation between ESG Controversies, Board Size' and firm ESG Disclosure for our sample of studies.
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Kujundziski Aleksandra Porjazoska , Bojadjiev Jordan
Published: October 2024

Digital technologies, with the forerunner of artificial intelligence (AI), affect many aspects of modern society. With the integration of AI, the education sector has offered innovative educational experiences for both students and teachers. This work aims to give an overview of the implementation of artificial intelligence in the education landscape, considering two different aspects of AI. The first approach considers education using AI technology during teaching and learning, known as AI in education, while the second one is education for AI concentrated on AI literacy. AI transforms the role of teachers, shifting their focus to the more strategic and creative aspects of the educational process. The techniques and technologies implemented in the educational AI-powered systems have also been communicated. AI not only imparts privileges to the education systems but also triggers some concerns. Ethical issues, including data privacy, biases, algorithmic robustness, and the potential misuse of AI-generated content, have been studied as well.
Redesigning Academic Writing Assignments in the Age of AI-Generated Content
Authors: Stevkovska Marija
Published: October 2024

This chapter aims to explore different ways of designing academic writing assignments in the face of artificial intelligence and provide strategies for managing academic dishonesty and AI-generated content. Before AI, plagiarism was the most common problem in academic writing. Emerging trends in AI and machine learning have transformed the writing process completely. Students focus on the end product and lack motivation to develop their academic writing skills. Therefore, teachers have to rethink and redesign students' writing tasks to overcome the challenges of academic writing. This involves incorporating AI-powered tools in academic writing courses, both in the classroom and for self-study purposes. A study was conducted with 60 second-year university students as part of the Academic writing course. The theoretical background of the study is the framework of Vygotsky and neo-Vygotskyan research on scaffolding, with particular emphasis on increasing students' awareness of writing conventions and exploring ways of helping students retain them in their academic discourse. The writing assignments of the students were compared and analyzed using digital tools such as Plagiarism Checker, Turnitin, ChatGPT, and the Smodin AI-Content Detector Remover, in order to check students' writing for plagiarism and to detect possible AI-generated content. The results show that students tend to plagiarize texts rather than use free AI chatbots. Consequently, students fail to develop their academic writing skills as well as their critical thinking skills. Regarding the use of AI tools, they could be implemented in academic writing classes with teachers acting as monitors and facilitators. AI tools can enhance students' skills to paraphrase, summarize, proofread, and use appropriate citation styles. Pedagogical implications include finding effective strategies for developing students' academic writing, research, and critical thinking skills and focusing on the writing process rather than the final product. This involves writing in the classroom, assigning short writing tasks, and doing more peer review. Furthermore, teachers should raise students' awareness of the tools for detecting plagiarism and AI-generated content. With the advent of revolutionary AI technologies, teachers should explore other ways of developing students' writing skills and collaborate in interdisciplinary projects on creating advanced software for detecting plagiarism and the use of AI tools.
Student Receptiveness Towards Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Gómez Ramos José Luis , Palazón Fernández José Luis , Torres Javier Rodríguez , López-Cirugeda Isabel
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores undergraduate and adult learners' attitudes toward integrating AI-enabled educational technologies into L1 and L2 teaching and learning environments. The research was conducted through a survey and data was collected to understand students' key preferences and concerns about integrating AI into education. The results show a distinct range of attitudes among participants and highlight either positive reactions, such as the appreciation for personalised feedback; or negative concerns, such as fears about reduced human interaction and privacy. Also, relevant pedagogical implications, recommendations for educators, and suggestions for future research are discussed to support the integration of AI into syllabus education.
An Examination of Text Mining Data Regarding Amazon Basics Consumer Durables Customers' Experience
Authors: Kalyani V. , Babu Praveen , Kumar Sunita , Mathew Roy
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines customer experiences with four popular consumer durables sold under Amazon's private label, Amazon Basics, using reviews from 2019 to 2023. With the rise of e-commerce, manufacturers now sell through direct and indirect channels, while online retailers introduce their own private labels. By analyzing Amazon reviews before, during, and after the pandemic in India using NVivo 12, the study identifies frequently used terms and attitudes related to product qualities. It provides an overview of user experiences in these durable categories, offering valuable insights for researchers and Amazon. The findings, which can be generalized to other brands in the Indian market, highlight key characteristics and elements that new and established players should consider to enhance customer satisfaction and experience.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience Through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Authors: Nyakuchena Nyasha , Tsikada Charles
Published: October 2024

In the face of an increasingly complex and volatile global business environment, enhancing supply chain resilience has become paramount for organizations. This study used a systematic literature review to explore the strategic deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for improving supply chain risk identification, assessment, and management. By leveraging Dynamic Capabilities Theory and the Resource-Based View, the study provides a theoretical framework for understanding how AI and ML contribute to building resilient supply chains. The study also addresses the ethical and governance challenges associated with these technologies, including data privacy and algorithmic bias. The comprehensive framework developed through the literature review provides practical implications for improved decision-making and operational stability. Future research should explore the latest technological advancements to further refine the proposed framework.
Cloud Computing and IoMT in Disease Screening and Diagnosis
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Kaunert Christian
Published: October 2024

The cloud and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) are changing a landscape where near-patient home healthcare can now integrate AI-based tools to redefine disease screening and diagnosis. Real-time data storage and processing with cloud computing permit seamless communication between IoMT devices and healthcare providers. This network enables real-time health monitoring and alerts to catch issues before they lead to larger system failure. AI solutions monitor data from IoMT sensors and identify patterns or anomalies that could signify diseases to provide individualised, accurate diagnoses. This chapter focuses on the various dimensions of evolving role of cloud computing in prioritizing disease screening and managing pandemic outbreaks, with a focus on innovative approaches for mass vaccine scattering.
Investigating Social Media Marketing Adoption Among Homestay Operators in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Noraihan , Shi Cheng Wei
Published: October 2024

Social media marketing has appeared as a crucial tool for businesses to promote products and services. In the case of SMEs in Malaysia, the adoption of social media marketing remains low, particularly among homestay operators. This study investigated the factors that influence homestay operators in Malaysia to adopt social media marketing. Using a cross-sectional research design, a self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect responses from 208 homestay operators in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. The results revealed that customer pressure and preference, as well as competitive pressure have a significant impact in influencing homestay operators to adopt social media marketing compared to perceived cost and digital skills. This study provides valuable insights to the authorities to understand social media marketing adoption among SMEs in Malaysia. Undeniably, it is a business strategy for SMEs to employ new technologies that provide extensive and effective connectivity at low cost.
Leveraging AI-Driven Text Mining of Online Reviews to Uncover Culinary Experience Dimensions for International Tourists
Authors: Srivastava Sidharth , Mishra Rajiv , Singh Vikas , Singh Amrik
Published: October 2024

Culinary tourism draws numerous international tourists eager to savour local delicacies. With the widespread availability of Internet services, tourists often form their impressions of destinations by accessing digital reviews. This study aims to identify the dimensions of culinary experiences by analysing online reviews written by international tourists following their encounters with local cuisine. Data was gathered from TripAdvisor.com, a well-known website that reviews the travel and tourism sector. Eight hundred sixty-seven reviews from international tourists about Delhi Street food were gathered and subjected to qualitative analysis using Bigram analysis in R software to identify frequent phrases. These frequent phrases were then classified into distinct dimensions. The findings suggest that the identified dimensions of tourists' experiences with Delhi Street food can enhance the destination's image for international tourists evaluating online reviews. Future research could expand on these findings by utilizing larger sample sizes across different geographical locations.
Economic Perspectives on Hotel Occupancy and Tourist Movement Patterns
Authors: Talukder Mohammad Badruddoza , Swarna Dil Afrin
Published: October 2024

Important insights about the economic performance of the hospitality sector may be gleaned from the interaction between the occupancy rates of hotels and the number of tourists that visit such hotels. This chapter aims to investigate the link between these two measures from an economic point of view, analyzing patterns, variables that influence relationships, and consequences for various stakeholders. Examining the existing body of literature draws attention to historical patterns and theoretical models, whereas examining recent empirical data exposes contemporary trends and issues. The chapter comes to a close with some proposals for further study and advice for increasing hotel occupancy and better managing visitor flows. This chapter aims to analyze these factors to contribute to a more in-depth understanding of tourist economics and provide industry experts with ideas they can implement.
Assessing the Impact of Digital Innovations on Tourist Decision Making and Behavior
Authors: Bathla Gaurav , Raina Ashish , Tripathi Ranjeeta , Rana Varinder Singh , Singh Amrik
Published: October 2024

This book chapter explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on tourist behavior, highlighting how these innovations have redefined the travel experience. Digital technologies have become integral to the tourism sector, from the pre-travel phase, when tourists use online platforms for research and planning, to the on-site experience, which is improved by smartphone applications and real-time information. Specifically, user-generated material and evaluations on social media platforms have a substantial impact on both the choice to travel and the actions taken while there. New technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also covered in the chapter; they provide immersive experiences and new ways to interact with places. Digital technologies provide many benefits, such as personalisation, ease of use, and adaptability, but they also pose some difficulties. Concerns about data sharing and the potential negative effects of over-reliance on technology on the quality of unplanned travel experiences are on the rise. On top of that, being constantly connected might make tourists feel obligated to capture every minute of their vacation instead of just enjoying themselves. Finally, the chapter stresses the importance of striking a balance between using modern tools and keeping the real pleasures of travel alive. The tourism sector will need to change to meet these new challenges as digital technologies advance, all the while improving the quality of the trip for tourists.
Sustainable Construction of Higher Education MOOCs Using CNN Feature Extraction
Authors: Zhao Yongyan , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

The attention time of students studying in MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) classroom was analyzed to optimize and further improve their performance. On this basis, a student class model based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) feature extraction was proposed. Through Pr (Adobe Premiere) technology, students' class videos were processed by framing, and relevant features were extracted based on changes in students' eye movement trajectories. Then, 10 class videos of ten different experimenters were selected for comparative experiments. After comparing the results, it was found that the test scores of the experimental personnel using MOOC model for assisted learning were significantly different from those before using MOOC model. The final test scores of the students using MOOC model for learning increased to 5-10 points, which had a certain positive impact on the learning results. In the context of sustainable development of higher education, the construction and application of the MOOC model require more favorable promotion and practice.
Enhancement of Autophagy in Macrophages via the p120-Catenin-Mediated mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kanmani Suganya , Song Xue-Min , Kanmani Paulraj , Wu Xiao-Jing , Tan Xiao-Di , Liu Jing , Wang Ji-Ping , Minshall Richard D , Hu Guochang
Published: October 2024

Autophagy serves as a critical regulator of immune responses in sepsis. Macrophages are vital constituents of both innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we delved into the intricate role of p120-catenin (p120) in orchestrating autophagy in macrophages in response to endotoxin stimulation. Depletion of p120 effectively suppressed LPS-induced autophagy in both J774A.1 macrophages and murine bone marrow–derived macrophages. LPS not only elevated the interaction between p120 and L chain 3 (LC3) I/II but also facilitated the association of p120 with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). p120 depletion in macrophages by small interfering RNA reduced LPS-induced dissociation of mTOR and Unc-51–like kinase 1 (ULK1), leading to an increase in the phosphorylation of ULK1. p120 depletion also enhanced LPS-triggered macrophage apoptosis, as evidenced by increased levels of cleaved caspase 3, 7-aminoactinomycin D staining, and TUNEL assay. Notably, inhibiting autophagy reversed the decrease in apoptosis caused by LPS stimulation in macrophages overexpressing p120. Additionally, the ablation of p120 inhibited autophagy and accentuated apoptosis in alveolar macrophages in LPS-challenged mice. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that p120 plays a pivotal role in fostering autophagy while concurrently hindering apoptosis in macrophages, achieved through modulation of the mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway in sepsis. This underscores the potential of targeting macrophage p120 as an innovative therapeutic avenue for treating inflammatory disorders.
“Hot phase” clinical presentation of biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: when the perfect electrical storm spontaneously stops
Authors: Gomes Tinoco Mariana , Castro Margarida , Pinheiro Luísa , Pereira Tamara , Oliveira Margarida , Ribeiro Sílvia , Ferreira Nuno , Azevedo Olga , Lourenço António
Published: October 2024

An 18-year-old male presented with syncope during a training break. Post-syncope, he developed effort dyspnea, which he associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received a week earlier. Electrocardiogram showed T inversion in V1-V3, III, and aVF, while 24-hour Holter monitoring revealed frequent ventricular premature beats. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe biventricular dilation and mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging confirmed these findings, showing moderate right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction with akinesia of the inferior and inferolateral walls. T2 hypersignal in the middle segment of the inferior inferior interventricular septum suggested myocardial edema. Extensive transmural late gadolinium enhancement was noted in the RV and LV walls. An implantable loop recorder was implanted. Three months later, the patient was admitted with palpitations, fever, and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes were documented and managed with amiodarone and β-blockers. Follow-up CMR showed a slight improvement in LV ejection fraction and resolution of edema. A single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. Genetic testing for arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was negative, and family screening was normal. Two years later, pre-syncope episodes occurred, and ICD interrogation revealed nonsustained VT. The patient is awaiting VT ablation. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of ARVC, particularly in differentiating it from myocarditis. The "hot-phase" presentation, vaccine association, and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection added complexity. CMR was crucial for diagnosis, and VT management required a combination of medical therapy and invasive procedures.
The association of smoking and alcohol in colorectal cancer in black patients – Case-control study
Authors: Kgomo Mpho K. , Zingoni Ratidzo L. , Becker Piet J.
Published: October 2024

Background: Studies have focused on smoking and alcohol as risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). Caucasians and other populations have been studied worldwide, and both smoking and alcohol have been validated as causes of CRC. However, there are limited data on the black population; studies that have been performed in Africa have not specifically focused on these two risk factors but rather in combination with other risks.Aim: To determine how smoking and alcohol affect the incidence of CRC in the African black population.Setting: Steve Biko Academic Hospital’s gastrointestinal clinic.Methods: Subjects used for the study included black African patients above 18 years who had undergone a colonoscopy for suspected CRC between 2016 and 2018. Cases used were confirmed CRC on histology; controls were negative on histology. A minimum of 68 cases and 136 controls were needed for this study according to sample calculation. Hundred and ten cases and 220 controls were obtained in the final analysis. Data were collected between June 2019 and March 2020.Results: Smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.795, p = 0.049) was a significant risk factor for CRC among black patients who presented at the gastrointestinal clinic. Age 50 years (OR = 3.742, p  0.001), family history (OR = 12.457, p  0.001), and the combination of smoking and alcohol (OR = 5.927, p = 0.008) were significant risk factors. Interestingly, alcohol alone was protective (OR = 0.205, p  0.001).Conclusion: Both smoking and a combination of alcohol and smoking are significant risk factors in the development of CRC in the black African population.Contribution: Smoking, as in most population groups, is a risk factor for CRC. The observed protective role of alcohol needs to be confirmed in larger studies representing the African population.
Solidarity for the mpox outbreak: A call for a unified global response
Authors: Khalifa Banda , Foláyan Morẹ́nikẹ́ O. , Ndembi Nicaise
Published: October 2024

No abstract available.
Descriptive study of mental health care users 12 months pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Hlongwane Noluthando A. , Lowton Karishma
Published: October 2024

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted on a range of physical, mental and societal health indices. Increased levels of psychological stress are often reported following pandemics.Aim: To describe and compare the presentations of mental health care users pre- and post-initiation of the lockdown, with an emphasis on demographic profiles and final diagnoses.Setting: The study was conducted as a retrospective record review over the predetermined period at a large public hospital in Johannesburg and included all mental health care users requiring psychiatry consultation during the study period.Methods: Clinical records were traced via the emergency department registration desk, and information pertaining to demographics, presenting complaints, date of presentation and diagnosis was extracted.Results: A significant increase was seen in patients with psychotic disorders from pre-COVID-19 to post-COVID-19. There was a reduction in presentations of mood disorders and substance-related disorders. Patients presenting in the post-COVID-19 time period were significantly younger than in the pre-COVID-19 time period.Conclusion: Pandemics result in notable negative mental health sequelae. Policies aimed at mitigating the spread of infective agents should be implemented with consideration of the burden of psychological distress following the pandemic.Contribution: This study provides insights into clinical and demographic variables in a mental health care population serviced at a government hospital pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Design and Development of a Micromobility Smart Electric Scooter to Revolutionize Urban Commuting
Authors: Tappa Raju , Singh Chowhan Sri Aanshu , Shaik Amjad , Maroju Abhinav , Talluri Srinivasa Rao
Published: October 2024

Urban areas around the world are facing an increasing number of issues, such as air pollution, parking shortages, traffic congestion and inadequate transit options, all of which necessitate innovative solutions. Lot of people are becoming interested in micromobility in urban areas as a replacement for quick excursions and round trips to get to or from transportation services (e.g., Offices, Institutions, Hospitals, Tourist spots, etc.). This research examines the critical role that micromobility plays, concentrating on the effectiveness of micromobility smart electric scooters in resolving urgent urban problems. Micromobility, which includes both human and electric-powered vehicles, presents a viable substitute for normal and short-distance urban commuting. This study presents a micromobility smart electric scooter that is portable and easy to operate, with the goal of transforming urban transportation. 3D model was designed using SOLIDWORKS and analyzed using ANSYS. For strength and lighter weight aluminium 6061 T6 alloy was used, the design also showcases collapsible seat integration and foldable handle. MATLAB Simulink was used to size the motor, battery and simulate the powertrain system. This scooter has a 500W hub motor and a 48V 20Ah Li-Ion Battery which makes commuting easy while taking into account issues like economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. The vehicle has a range between 26-30 km and maximum speed of 20 kmph. An MIT App Inventor application with Bluetooth connectivity is used to switch the powertrain using smart phone via connecting the vehicle through Bluetooth. By encouraging the use of these cutting-edge automobiles, communities may lessen traffic problems and create a more sustainable and livable urban environment.
Machine Learning Technique for Rubber Bush Simulation
Authors: Hazra Sandip , More Vishwas , Tangadpalliwar Sonali
Published: October 2024

Elastomeric bushings are common components in vehicles, used to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. Rubber bushings are employed in suspension components such as control arm bushings, subframe bushings, and motor mount bushings, each with varying static and dynamic stiffness requirements depending on vehicle weight and ride and handling performance. Traditional rubber bush simulations typically use simple material models like hyperelastic or viscoelastic models. However, recent advancements have introduced more sophisticated material models to capture the nonlinear and time-dependent behavior of rubber materials. These advanced models may incorporate nonlinear viscoelasticity, strain rate dependency, and damage mechanics. Rubber bushings experience multiple physical phenomena simultaneously, such as mechanical loading, thermal effects, and fluid-structure interaction. New simulation techniques enable the coupling of different physics domains, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of bushing performance under realistic conditions. This paper explores the application of machine learning techniques to rubber bush simulations, aiming to enhance accuracy and efficiency. By training neural networks or other machine learning algorithms using experimental data, predictive stiffness models for rubber material behavior are developed. Overall, this new approach to rubber bush simulation facilitates more accurate and predictive analyses of bushing behavior, thereby improving the design and performance of automotive suspension systems and other applications.
Integration of AI-Powered Vehicles with Smart City Infrastructure to Transform the Future of Automotive World
Authors: Shrimal Harsh
Published: October 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, revolutionizing processes and enhancing efficiency. In the automotive domain, AI's adaption has ushered in a new era of innovation and driving advancements across manufacturing, safety, and user experience. By leveraging AI technologies, the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation that is reshaping the way vehicles are manufactured, operated, and experienced. The benefits of AI-powered vehicles are not limited to their manufacturing, operation, and enhancing the user experience but also by integrating AI-powered vehicles with smart city infrastructure can unlock much more potential of the technology and can offer numerous advantages such as enhanced safety, efficiency, growth, and sustainability. Smart cities aim to create more livable, resilient, and inclusive communities by harnessing innovation through technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), devices, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) and enables data-driven decision-making to meet the evolving needs of urban populations. Integrating AI-powered vehicles with smart city infrastructure can potentially compliment it and can offer numerous advantages like: Traffic Management, Infrastructure Optimization, Parking Optimization, Safety Enhancements, Environmental Sustainability, Emergency Response, various Infrastructure, and business Investment Planning and many more. Moreover, the integration will also have positive impact on environment such as Smart city infrastructure can provide AI-powered vehicles with data on optimal routes and availability of parking slot, resulting in reduced air pollution and energy consumption. In essence, this offers a holistic approach to urban mobility, fostering safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation systems. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights, cities can unlock new opportunities for improving quality of life, enhancing economic competitiveness, and fostering inclusive and resilient communities. In this technical manual, we delve into the futuristic implications of this integration, providing a detailed exploration of the technical aspects and benefits.
A Driver Safety System Using Raspberry Pi and Computer Vision
Authors: Ganesh Katta , Prasad Gvl
Published: October 2024

Road safety remains a critical concern globally, with millions of lives lost annually due to road accidents. In India alone, the year 2021 witnessed over 4,12,432 road accidents resulting in 1,53,972 fatalities and 3,84,448 injuries. The age group most affected by these accidents is 18-45 years, constituting approximately 67% of total deaths. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and neglect to use safety gear increases the severity of these incidents. This paper presents a novel approach to address these challenges by introducing a driver safety system aimed at promoting good driving etiquette and mitigating distractions and fatigue. Leveraging Raspberry Pi and computer vision techniques, the system monitors driver behavior in real-time, including head position, eye blinks, mouth opening and closing, hand position, and internal audio levels to detect signs of distraction and drowsiness. The system operates in both passive and active modes, providing alerts and alarms to the driver while also implementing a negative reinforcement mechanism. Through a negative reinforcement system which consists of not starting the car if the driver is distracted and sleepy in the previous trip, hence discourages distracted or drowsy driving behavior. Various methods for detecting the driver drowsiness have been experimented with. The one with the highest accuracy were used in the system. By providing real-time feedback and implementing a proactive deterrent, the system aims to promote safer driving practices and contribute to enhancing road safety. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in identifying and reducing driver distractions and fatigue, thus contributing to a reduction in the number of accidents.
Ailesinde Yaşlı Bulunan Bireylerin Kurum Bakımı ve Yerinde Yaşlanma Kavramları Hakkındaki Düşüncelerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Çetinkaya İlknur , Ersoy Ali Fuat
Published: October 2024

Yaşlılık, yaşam süresinin ileri dönemlerini ve bireylerin bu dönemde geçirdiği değişimleri tanımlayan bir kavramdır. Çevresiyle birlikte değişen ve dönüşen bireyin yaşı ilerledikçe, yaşamında bazı sosyal sorunlar ortaya çıkmaktadır. Tarım toplumundan sanayi toplumuna geçiş sürecinde büyük dezavantajlar yaşayan yaşlılar sağlık, barınma, bakım ve istihdam gibi sorunların yanı sıra psikolojik sorunlarla da karşı karşıya kalmaktadır. Karşılaşılan bu sorunlarla baş etme konusunda da aile ve sosyal çevrenin desteği önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı ise ailesinde yaşlı yetişkin olan bireylerin yaşlılığa, yaşlı bireye, kurum bakımına ve yerinde yaşlanma kavramlarına dair düşüncelerini incelemektir. Çalışma nitel araştırma deseninde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu, 18 yaşından büyük ve ailesinde yaşlı yetişkin bulunan bireylerden oluşmaktadır. Bu kapsamda ailesinde yaşlı yetişkin bulunan 6’sı erkek 5’i kadın olmak üzere 11 katılımcıyla görüşülmüştür. Veri toplamak için yarı-yapılandırılmış bir görüşme formu tasarlanmış, katılımcılarla yapılan görüşmeler bu formdan yararlanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Toplanan verilerin analiz edilmesinin ardından yaşlılığa karşı tutum, ailedeki yaşlının ifade ettiği anlam, kurum bakımına ilişkin bilgi durumu ve bakım verme ile ilgili görüşler olmak üzere dört tema ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu çalışmanın sonucunda; katılımcıların yaşlılığa dair duygu, düşünce ve tutumları, yerinde yaşlanma ve kurum bakımına dair ne kadar bilgi sahibi oldukları tartışılmıştır. Çalışmanın, ülkemizdeki yaşlı kurum ve kuruluş hizmetlerine olan algının geliştirilmesi açısından önemli olduğu düşünülmektedir.
Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Strategy on Labor Pain Reduction Among Parturition Primi Mothers at Pudukkottai
Authors: Bommi N. K. , Ramalingam Yamuna
Published: October 2024

“There is a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong." Childbirth is a natural process that occurs when the woman gives birth to a child. Childbirth can be a challenging experience for many, both physically and emotionally. Pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and medication can help alleviate discomfort during labor. Some mothers, during labor, experience a severe amount of pain that can be controlled by medication. The research aims to identify the efficacy of circular hip massage in limiting labor pain. Design of the Study: The experimental (post-test only control group) study design was used. The study was done for around one week. Problem Statement: An accurate experimental study to evaluate the efficacy of a non-pharmacological approach to the limitation of labor pain during the early stage of labor among parturient first Gravida mothers admitted in selected hospitals at Pudukkottai. Study Sample: A non-probability (convenient sampling) sample of around 60 primi participants (30 of them in the experimental & 30 of them in the control group) mothers were included in the study. Study Setting: The study was conducted at Illuppur government hospital (experimental) & Annavasal government hospital (control). Results: Study results present that in the post-test for the control group, 66.67% of the majority experienced severe pain, and about 33.33% experienced moderate pain, whereas, in the experimental group, 56.67% of the majority experienced mild pain and about 43.33% experienced moderate pain.
Campus Lost: Connect and Recover
Authors: Manjeti Soumya  , Syed Zoya Mehak  , V Vinod Chandra  , P Saamrat  , Surendra Bandi
Published: October 2024

The Campus Lost and Found web application aims to address the inefficiencies of
traditional lost and found systems in college settings. By providing a centralized platform for
reporting and retrieving lost items, this application enhances user convenience and promotes a sense
of community. Key features include user authentication, detailed item listings, and robust security
measures to prevent misuse. This paper discusses the rationale, design, implementation, and
benefits of the application, emphasizing its role in creating a connected and secure campus
environment.