bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet of Traffic Surveillance System (IoTSS) With Genetic Algorithm for Optimized Weather-Adaptive Traffic Monitoring
Authors: Valarmathi V. , Dhanalakshmi S.
Published: May 2024

Weather variability poses significant challenges to traffic management systems, impacting road safety and transportation efficiency. In response, this chapter explores the integration of genetic algorithms (GAs) and the internet of things (IoT) for weather-adaptive traffic monitoring. GAs, inspired by natural selection, offer a robust optimization framework for evolving traffic management strategies resilient to changing weather conditions. IoT technology provides real-time data collection and analysis capabilities, facilitating adaptive traffic control based on environmental factors. By synergistically combining GAs and IoT, traffic management systems can dynamically adjust parameters such as traffic signal timings, route assignments, and incident management strategies to optimize traffic flow and safety in diverse weather conditions. This chapter reviews the underlying principles and integration of GAs and IoT offers promising solutions for smarter, safer, and more resilient transportation systems in the face of changing weather patterns and urbanization.
Unraveling Nature's Evolutionary Optimization Strategic Algorithms
Authors: Marseline K. S. Jeen
Published: May 2024

Evolutionary algorithms are inspired by Darwinian evolution by mimicking the mechanisms of natural selection. The most well-known type, namely genetic algorithms (GAs), uses populations of potential solutions represented as chromosomes, subjecting them to selection, crossover, and mutation operations. Tailored for specific problems and characteristics, they tend to be today's much murmured research. This chapter proposes the different EAs and their systematic workflow. EA, the process, begins with the initialization of a population of potential solutions. These solutions undergo evaluation based on a predefined fitness function. Crossover and mutation operations then generate new candidate solutions. This iterative process continues until convergence or a predefined stopping criterion is met. The performance of EA depends on parameter settings. Tuning parameters with crossover and mutation rates, and population size. EA's have been rooted in the elegance of nature's optimization strategies. They have evolved into indispensable tools for solving complex problems across domains. It has been changed as a valuable asset for many researchers. The overall perspective of EA in various ways is discussed in the chapter.
Conversational Techniques Using Artificial Intelligence for Customer Support
Authors: Kavipriya P. , Jegan G. , Lakshmi S. , Ebenezar Jebarani M. R.
Published: May 2024

Preprocessing involves tokenization, stemming, and other text normalization techniques to ensure high-quality input for the model. The model incorporates attention mechanisms and recurrent layers to capture the context and semantics of user queries, enabling accurate and context-aware responses. This enables the chatbot to efficiently route queries to the appropriate support team or address them directly. Chatbots are software applications that can interact with humans using natural language. They can be used for various purposes, such as customer service, information retrieval, entertainment, etc. In this chapter, the authors develop a chatbot for customer support using PyTorch, a popular deep learning framework. They use natural language processing (NLP) techniques, such as tokenization, stemming, lemmatization.
WDWWO Combined NN and Its Application to Handover in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Muddamalla Naresh , Satyanarayana T. V. V. , Suresh Varma K. N. V.
Published: May 2024

In heterogeneous networks, vertical handover (VH) has a significant impact on networking performance including delay, throughput, and call block probability. VH management involves technique complexity, network modelling challenges, and inaccurate handover despite several prior efforts. This chapter discusses hybrid methodology that aims to provide accurate VH maintaining less complexity. Deep residual neural (DRN) and wind-driven water wave optimisation (WDWWO) are combined to perform VH. To address this situation, the use of DRN is combined with WDWWO for weight optimisation, resulting in optimised DRN (ODRN). ODRN modelling encompasses a wide range of networking parameters, viz., bandwidth, delay, throughput, velocity, BER, SNR, energy consumption, monetary cost, and data traffic. Performance analysis is carried out based on various parameters such as energy consumption, RSS, throughput, packet delivery ratio, packet loss, handover failure rate, algorithm convergence, and latency are compared with D-TOPSIS, FIS-ENN, and F-AHP.
Nature-Inspired Algorithms for Problem Solving
Authors: Dhabliya Dharmesh , Gupta Ankur , Dari Sukhvinder Singh , Dhabliya Ritika , Dhablia Anishkumar , Anand Rohit , Sakhare Nitin N.
Published: May 2024

Nature-inspired algorithms have emerged as powerful tools in the realm of problem-solving in the field of computational intelligence. These algorithms draw inspiration from the nature and apply them to optimization, learning, and decision-making tasks. One prominent example is genetic algorithms (GAs), modeled after the process of natural selection. GAs encode potential solutions to a problem as individuals within a population and use operators like selection, crossover, and mutation to iteratively evolve and refine these solutions over successive generations. This mimicking of evolutionary processes allows nature-inspired algorithms to efficiently explore solution spaces and discover optimal or near-optimal solutions. Swarm intelligence, another facet of nature-inspired algorithms, takes inspiration from the collective behavior of social organisms, such as ants, bees, and birds. Algorithms like ant colony optimization (ACO) leverage the power of collaboration and decentralized decision-making. Present research is focused on ACO for localization of sensor nodes and reducing the error rate.
Demystifying Mathematical Principles in Swarm Intelligence With R
Authors: Rajan S. Dheva
Published: May 2024

Swarm intelligence is a type of computational intelligence that is used to tackle complicated problems. SI is the aggregate study of how people in a population interact with one another on a local level. Nature, particularly for systems of biology, is frequently an inspiration. SI benefits include collaborative, adaptable, flexible, decentralized, responsive, self-organized, self-correcting, and secure, with mathematical models serving as the foundation. SI has studied a variety of systems, including schools of fish, flocks of birds, and herds of land animals, which have inspired a variety of algorithms, including ant algorithms, particle swarm optimization, bee algorithms, genetic algorithms, firefly algorithm, bat algorithm, fish school search, cuckoo search algorithm, artificial bee colony algorithm, social spider algorithm, and grey wolf optimizer, etc. This chapter explores the MM underlying these techniques using R programming.
Prediction of Different Diseases in Upper Abdominal Organs Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Farooq Iqra , Kumar Pramod , Sharma Mohit Kumar , Bharti P. K.
Published: May 2024

The causes of abdominal pain can be numerous and vary according to a particular quadrant. As far as the anatomy of the upper abdomen is concerned, the organs mainly involved are the stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Causes of pain can be numerous, including gall bladder torsion, choledocholithiasis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystoenteric fistula, liver abscess, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastritis, etc. Cholecystitis is the main source of upper right quadrant pain and is the typical reason for patient admission with acute abdominal pain. Regarding upper abdominal pain, the cause can be related to either stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts. For stomach-related disorders, the preferred modality is CT. For spleen or liver-related disorders, the preferred modality can be USG. The preferred modality for the pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct is MRI. Thus, it is clear that the choice of modality on the basis of suspected cause varies and is more challenging. In such cases, there might be chances of human errors in deciding the choice of modality. The aim of the work is to overcome such human errors via machine learning. Data mining has become an ease of use for predicting modality from recent years as far as healthcare sectors are concerned. Data mining acquires the quality of dredging details from large amounts of sets of data, warehouses, or other depositories. Predicting modality on the basis of symptoms from the capacious medical databank is challenging for researchers up to a great extent. Thus, in order to sort this matter, the researchers make use of data mining techniques, which include classification, clustering, association rules, etc. The major purpose of the given research work is to forecast the particular modality on the basis of symptoms using classification algorithms. Naive Bayes algorithm is used in this work. The result of this study was obtained by Naive Bayes probabilistic classifier with an expert diagnostic result. Modality percentage accuracy based on the experimental results has been acquired by Naive Bayes-based expert system. So, the conclusion is that an expert system in combination with Naive Bayes possesses the great capacity of using successfully by people however improvement is still needed to attain further success rate.
Numerical Study of Drilling Parameters with Al 356 Alloy Using Bacterial Foraging Optimization
Authors: Pitchipoo Pandian , Athi Muthiah , Annamalai Manikandan , Kadarkarai Jeyakumar , Sivaprakasam Rajakarunakaran
Published: May 2024

A mechanical work piece created industrially frequently contains more than one machining process. Furthermore, it is a common activity of programmers, who make this selection every time a milling and drilling operation is conducted. Tool wear and borehole quality are two essential challenges for high precision drilling procedures, with Al 356 alloy being employed in experimental planning. Drilling specifications will be assessed in this work to get optimal parameters in minimizing the influence of drilling damage on alloy using a swarm-based optimization model. The drilling parameters are optimized using the Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) method, which includes three control factors: depth, feed rate, and spindle speed. Each parameter is designed in three levels, with multiple performance characteristics such as thrust force, surface roughness, and delamination factor. This investigation was carried out in order to obtain the proper optimization. The feed rate, next to the spindle speed, was discovered to be the essential element inducing lamination in drilling, with this phenomenon occurring in each diameter of the drill bit. The results reveal that the feed rate and drill type are the most important parameters influencing the drilling process, and that employing this strategy can successfully improve drilling process outcomes.
Calculation of Gibbs Free Energy of Iron Based Alloys Using Miedema's Model and Comparison with Experiment
Authors: Kadhim Ali K.
Published: May 2024

The utilization of the Miedema semi-empirical model has proven to be an effective approach for the estimation of Gibbs free energy in solid solutions within binary and ternary systems. Research findings indicate that in systems such as FeAl, FeMn, FeB, FeV, FeGa, AlMn, AlGa, and AlV, the Gibbs free energy exhibits highly negative values. Conversely, systems FeSn, AlB, and AlSn demonstrate positive Gibbs free energy values, with the most negative observing at a molar fraction of 50% for Fe. These results have been corroborated through studies involving the mechanosynthesis of binary and ternary FeAl based alloys. It is thus inferred that the Miedema model can be reliably employed for predictive purposes, facilitating the estimation of Gibbs free energy and the exploration of potential multicomponent system formations.
Effect of Picosecond Laser Irradiation on the Properties of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Khan Muhammed Naziruddin , Almohammedi Abdullah
Published: May 2024

In this article, a picosecond laser source was employed to irradiate the nanostructured ZnO thin film prepared by the sol-gel method. The impact of laser irradiation on the characteristics of a nanostructured ZnO thin film was investigated. Analysis using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed a significant influence on the structure of the ZnO thin film. As the duration of laser irradiation (the number of laser pulses) increased, there was a remarkable decrease in both the electronic and photoluminescence intensities of the nanostructured film. Tauc's plot indicates a noticeable change in the optical band gaps of the thin film with the increase in irradiation time. The morphological image suggests that the laser irradiation energy induces both degradation and modification of the film surface, consequently causing changes in the structural, absorption, and photoluminescence properties of nanostructured ZnO. The observed effects are attributed to alterations in the crystal structure and size of the nanostructured ZnO film, as confirmed by XRD. The reduction in photoluminescence intensity observed over the laser irradiation times may be a result of potential degradation in the crystalline structure of the nanostructured ZnO film.
Experimental Study of the Possibility of Butt Friction Stir Welding on Polyethylene Pipes
Authors: Bouha Djilali , Gaidi Laouni , Kaou Abdellah , Moulai Ali Boudjellel , Ould Chikh El Bahri , Meddah Hadj Miloud , Bouha Athmane Khalifa
Published: May 2024

In Algeria, polyethylene (PE) pipes are commonly installed for the distribution of potable water and natural gas in urban and rural areas. They are used for economic reasons, in addition to perfect maintenance, compared to metal pipes. The experiences of these tube installations have shown technical advantages in operational safety aspects and structures lifespan with very interesting mechanical properties. The connection between the polyethylene pipes is done through couplings, which are considered expensive during their replacement due to frequent use, especially in the agricultural field. The main objective of the present experiment is to elicit the main parameters of friction stir welding on polyethylene pipes (butt welding) using a milling machine, especially the rotational speed of the clamped pipe sections called the rotational welding speed, which replaced the welding speed, with the highlighting of the clamping device to form a butt joint. In the present work, the process using the conventional tool is presented with the design and provision of a pipe assembly device intended for this research in order to weld these pipes together during the FSW process. The rotary device used in this experiment is mounted on a milling machine and rotates the tube sections attached to the rotating arms of the support. The spindle can rotate freely 360 ̊ with the tool's rotating speed of 1100 rpm. Two sections of high-density polyethylene pipes with an outer diameter of 125 mm, which are intended for natural gas distribution, were successfully welded to achieve the conventional friction stir welding (C-FSW) reliability of polyethylene pipes. This study makes it possible to highlight the parameters and the method, on which it is recommended to improve welded joints, in the context of research that will always be ongoing.
The Use of Plastic Bottle Fibers in the Geotechnical Improvement of Tropical Soils from the Municipality of Viçosa - Brazil
Authors: Lucarelli Daniely Camargos , Pitanga Heraldo Nunes , Soares Marques Maria Esther , Oliveira da Silva Taciano , Miranda Nunes Darlan
Published: May 2024

Motivated by the environmental issues generated by the accumulation of waste from discarded plastic bottles and recognizing the utility of plastic properties in engineering, this research aimed to evaluate the application of plastic bottle fibers in the geotechnical improvement of tropical soils. In this context, the influence of quantity, roughness, and width of plastic bottle fibers on the shear strength parameters of soil- fiber mixtures, of two tropical residual soils, was analyzed. The fibers used in this study are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), generated from soft drink bottles, and added to the soil in different widths, textures, and contents. Results of the direct shear test showed higher shear strength for all soil-fiber systems compared to fiber-free mixtures. Additionally, the findings indicated that the systems with rough fibers presented better performances for clayey soil, whereas those with smooth fibers obtained better behavior for sandy soil. The cohesion results highlighted the better performance of mixtures with 0.5% fibers when compared to mixtures with 1% fibers. The enhancement of mechanical properties obtained in the studied soil-fiber systems demonstrates the potential application of these composites in geotechnical works.
Fatigue Behavior of Medium Entropy Alloys AlCrFe2Ni2 and AlCrFe2Ni2Mo0.1 - A Comparison with Super Duplex Steel 1.4517
Authors: Hemes Susanne , Gein Sergej , Navaeilavasani Niloofar , Hecht Ulrike
Published: May 2024

In the present study the notched fatigue behavior of two multi-phase medium entropy alloys (MEAs) AlCrFe2Ni2 and AlCrFe2Ni2Mo0.1 was characterized by three-point-bending (3-PB), along with a super-duplex steel 1.4517 as a reference material. An analytical approach for characterizing the fatigue notch factor (kf), based on grain size analysis in combination with finite element modelling (FEM) was used, relating the theory of critical distances (TCD) to the grain size of the material. To validate the approach, for the reference steel, the fatigue notch factor was also determined experimentally by comparing the fatigue behavior of notched and smooth specimens, resulting in an experimentally determined fatigue notch factor (kf) ~ 1.07. The numerically and analytically estimated notch effects increase with decreasing average grain size and vary between ~ 1.07 for the coarse-grained reference material – in very good agreement with the experimental results – and ~ 1.35 for the much more fine-grained AlCrFe2Ni2Mo0.1 medium entropy alloy. Note that these values are significantly lower than the stress concentration factor (kt) ~ 1.58, associated with the notch geometry. Fatigue endurance limits were measured at a fatigue stress ratio R ~ 0.1 (unidirectional stress), but were converted to fatigue amplitudes at R = -1 (σa, R-1, fully reversed stress), to be able to make due comparisons with available literature data, by using the elliptical relationship. The resulting fatigue endurance limit amplitudes for specimens surviving at least 2E+06 cycles for a minimum of three tested samples and including notch effects are σa, R-1 ~ 508 MPa for the AlCrFe2Ni2 alloy, σa, R-1 ~ 540 MPa for the AlCrFe2Ni2Mo0.1 alloy modification and σa, R-1 ~ 400 MPa for the reference super-duplex steel, putting the analyzed MEAs into a very competitive position compared to Cobalt containing multi-phase high or medium entropy alloys as well as commercially available steels.
Study on the Optimization and Experimental of Fly Ash and Sludge in Ecological Slope Protection Substrate
Authors: Wang Hai Tao , Zhang Yu , Liu Lin Lin , Xin Yue , Ren Kun
Published: May 2024

At present, adding solid waste in plant substrate to replace part of planting soil has become a new direction in the field of ecological slope protection substrate research. In this paper, 16 groups of indoor orthogonal experiments were carried out with fly ash and sludge as the components of vegetation substrate and tall fescue as the planting object to explore the influence of ecological slope protection substrate on vegetation growth. Based on the range analysis method, the three functions of substrate planting performance, mechanical properties and substrate properties were used as references, and the entropy weight method (EWM) was used to assign weights to the proportion of each index in the total score, and the ratio was optimized. The results show that the optimal substrate ratio is 10% sludge content, 30% fly ash, 4% cement, 6% fiber, 50% planting soil (the ratio of loess and peat soil is 1:3). Fly ash has a great influence on the height of plants and vegetation coverage, and has a significant effect on the internal friction angle and fertility of the substrate. Sludge mainly affects the growth height of plants and the pH value and fertility of the substrate. The importance of factors affecting the growth of plants from large to small is: fly ash, the ratio of loess and peat soil, sludge, rice husk, cement.
Association of Perception, Interest, and Barriers of Learning and Practicing Yoga with Levels of Stress in Life among Residents Living in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lingam Amara Swapna , Koppolu Pradeep , Abdelrahim Rawa Kamal , Gaafar Sara Salah , Lavanya Reddy , Lalitha Chintala
Published: May 2024

Background:

Yoga as a mind–body activity and clinical studies on yoga’s effects on physical and mental health have produced encouraging results. However, there is little research done on the population’s perception and interest toward practicing yoga in KSA. Thus, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the perception, interest, and barriers of learning and practicing yoga with levels of stress in life among residents of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology:

This is an observational, cross-sectional study in which people were polled using questionnaires. The study included people of both genders aged 18–70, and Google Forms were distributed through various online platforms. The collected data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

The study included 906 subjects in total. Participants were mostly female (64%) and non-Saudi residents (70.9%) between the ages of 31 and 51 years, with moderate levels of stress in life. About 58.6% of the study participants were aware of the benefits of yoga. The Chi-square analysis shows low-stress subjects (67.5%) knew more about yoga and meditation, whereas no-stress subjects (35.7%) practiced yoga. About 14.9% of high-stressed people consulted a yoga therapist. The majority of high (15.3%), medium (12%), and no-stressed (19.6%) did yoga for mental health and focus, whereas the low-stressed (19.3%) did it for physical health. C

onclusion:

Most of the study population knew yoga’s physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits. The study found a relationship between the everyday stress levels of Saudi Arabian citizens and their opinions about, interest in, and obstacles to taking up yoga. More experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Synergistic Interaction of Certain Essential Oils and Their Active Compounds with Fluconazole against Azole-resistant Strains of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Khan Mohd Sajjad Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This study investigated the anti-cryptococcal potential of certain essential oils (EOs)/compounds alone and in combination with fluconazole.

Materials and Methods:

We investigated the antifungal activity of oils of Cinnamomum verum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, and Syzygium aromaticum, and their major active ingredients cinnamaldehyde, citral, eugenol, and geraniol against clinical and standard strains of Cryptococcus neoformans (CN). Disc diffusion, broth microdilution, checkerboard methods, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to determine growth inhibition, synergistic interaction, and mechanism of action of test compounds.

Results:

EOs/compounds showed pronounced antifungal efficacy against azole-resistant CN in the order of cinnamaldehyde > eugenol > S. aromaticum > C. verum > citral > C. citratus > geraniol ≥ C. martini, each exhibiting zone of inhibition >15 mm. These oils/compounds were highly cidal compared to fluconazole. Eugenol and cinnamaldehyde showed the strongest synergy with fluconazole against CN by lowering their MICs up to 32-fold. Transmission electron microscopy indicated damage of the fungal cell wall, cell membrane, and other endomembranous organelles.

Conclusion:

Test oils and their active compounds exhibited potential anti-cryptococcus activity against the azole-resistant strains of CN. Moreover, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde significantly potentiated the anti-cryptococcal activity of fluconazole. It is suggested that multiple sites of action from oils/compounds could turn static fluconazole into a cidal drug combination in combating cryptococcosis.
Comparison of systematic and combined biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Jin-Lun , Huang Da , Chun Tsun-Tsun , Yao Chi , Zhan Yong-Le , Ruan Xiao-Hao , Lai Terence Chun-Ting , Tsang Chiu-Fung , Pang Karl-Ho , Ng Ada Tsui-Lin , Xu Dan-Feng , Ho Brian Sze-Ho , Na Rong
Published: May 2024

Systematic prostate biopsy has limitations, such as overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer and underdiagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy, a promising alternative, might improve diagnostic accuracy. To compare the cancer detection rates of systematic biopsy and combined biopsy (systematic biopsy plus MRI-targeted biopsy) in Asian men, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of men who underwent either systematic biopsy or combined biopsy at two medical centers (Queen Mary Hospital and Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China) from July 2015 to December 2022. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer. A total of 1391 participants were enrolled. The overall prostate cancer detection rates did not significantly differ between the two groups (36.3% vs 36.6%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–1.26, P = 0.92). However, combined biopsy showed a significant advantage in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 3+4) in patients with a total serum prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) concentration of 2–10 ng ml−1 (systematic vs combined: 11.9% vs 17.5%, OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08–2.31, P = 0.02). Specifically, in the transperineal biopsy subgroup, combined biopsy significantly outperformed systematic biopsy in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (systematic vs combined: 12.6% vs 24.0%, OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.21–3.97, P = 0.01). These findings suggest that in patients with a tPSA concentration of 2–10 ng ml−1, MRI-targeted biopsy may be of greater predictive value than systematic biopsy in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.
Association between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Hong , Ding Yi-Lang , Yang Peng , Chen Qiang , Huang Hai-Lin , Chen Xi , Zhou Hui-Liang , Tang Song-Xi
Published: May 2024

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is commonly performed to retrieve sperm in the testes for assisted reproductive techniques in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (iNOA). However, the success rate of sperm retrieval varies among individuals. We aim to investigate the association between clinical parameters and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from database inception to August 2, 2023. The main measure was whether sperm retrieval was successful in patients with iNOA who underwent mTESE. Pooled estimates of the sperm retrieval rate and weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.5%–46.0%, I
2 = 95.0%) in nine studies comprising 1892 patients with iNOA. No significant differences were found in age, testicular volume, serum total testosterone concentrations, or inhibin B concentrations between positive and negative sperm retrieval outcomes. Lower anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in patients with iNOA were associated with a positive outcome of mTESE (weighted mean differences: −2.70; 95% CI: −3.94–−1.46, I
2 = 79.0%). In conclusion, this study shows a significant relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA, while age, testicular volume, total testosterone, and inhibin B show no significant association. These findings have important implications for assessing the potential success of sperm retrieval and selecting appropriate treatment strategies in patients with iNOA.
Aberrant right subclavian artery: A report from Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Uwanuruochi Kelechukwu , Elendu Kelechi Collins , Chima Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

A 73-year-old woman presented with metastatic lung disease with primary from the thyroid mass and with sepsis complicating gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infection. On a computerized computer tomography scan, an aberrant right subclavian artery was detected. It is a rare abnormality of the aortic arch. There is a need for increased awareness, knowledge of the implications for patient management, and development of cardiothoracic surgery.
Low prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in Nigerians: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Amadi Casmir E. , Lawal Folasade Olufunke , Akinsola Clement M. , Udenze Ifeoma C. , Mbakwem Amam C. , Ajuluchukwu Jayne N. , Oke David A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) is a metric for primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease. Its prevalence in Nigerians is not known.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study assessed the seven American Heart Association’s ICH metrics of 889 Nigerians. The metrics included nonsmoking, healthy diet, physical activity, body mass index (<25 kg/m2), untreated blood pressure (BP) <120/<80 mmHg, untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, and untreated fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL). Logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors (age and sex) and meeting 5–7 CVH metrics.

Results:

No one met all 7 of ICH metrics while 70 (7.8%) had 5–7 metrics. The most prevalent and least prevalent ideal biological factors were ideal fasting plasma cholesterol (62.8%) and ideal BP (31.5%), respectively. The most prevalent and least prevalent behavioral factors were ideal smoking status (86.2%) and ideal diet (6.5%) respectively. Compared to males, females had better ideal BP, P = 0.005; better ideal fasting plasma glucose, P = 0.031; better ideal fasting plasma cholesterol, P < 0.001; and ideal smoking status, P < 0.001. Ages 45–64 had better ideal smoking status and ideal physical activity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:

There is a low prevalence of ICH among Nigerians. Concerted efforts should be made to improve healthy living among Nigerians.
Infective endocarditis-much lacunae for improved management
Authors: Offiah Eme , Uwanuruochi Kelechukwu
Published: May 2024

Infective endocarditis is not frequently reported in our environment, partly due to poor index of suspicion, inadequate investigation, and high mortality. We report a 52-year-old man who developed and presented with sepsis, hyperglycemia, cardiac failure, and echocardiographic detection of vegetation. We discuss management challenges in our environment.
Isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis: A report of three cases
Authors: Ogah Okechukwu S. , Adebiyi Adewole A , Aje Akinyemi , Obasuyi Veronica A. , Orimolade Olanike A. , Aremu Olubunmi Abisola , Oluwole Gabriel A. , Akinosi Taiwo Mojisola , Ajao Favour Ayomikun , Babatunde Abdulhammed Opeyemi , Nebo Ifunanyachukwu T. , Digwu Shalom O. , Okeke Mesoma F.
Published: May 2024

This is a case report of three patients who were managed for right sided infective endocarditis, each posing diagnostic challenges due to atypical clinical presentations and negative blood culture results. Case 1 is a 20-year-old female intravenous (IV) drug user who presented with septic emboli to the lung. Case 2 is a 43-year-old woman with a tunnel catheter for dialysis who had huge vegetations on the tricuspid valve which turned out to be fungal in origin. Case 3 is a 45-year-old female with background Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who developed tricuspid endocarditis following IV injections/line in a peripheral hospital. In this report, we discussed the factors causing late diagnosis of isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis in our environment, challenges of diagnosing this condition in patients with underlying health issues and the difficulties of obtaining blood culture results.
Pontine hemorrhage with disastrous outcome in middle age
Authors: Iheanacho Joseph , Elendu Kelechi Collins , Uwanuruochi Kelechukwu
Published: May 2024

Hypertension is still a silent killer, and many enlightened persons are not aware of this. We report a 44-year-old male, hypertensive but poorly controlled, who was discovered unconscious and found to have a pontine hemorrhage. This case highlights areas of improvement in the case management and the need for improved efforts at education for good control and management of hypertension.
Pharmacodynamic benefits of combined renin angiotensin system inhibition and alpha-1 adrenergic antagonism in the management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in people with African ancestry
Authors: Eluwole Omotayo Alaba , Adesuyi Ajayi. A
Published: May 2024

Genetic differences exist between Blacks and whites through sympathetic-vascular transduction signaling mechanisms. However, the lack of benefit of alpha-1 blockers in whites may not be applicable in Africans. The angiotensin II (Ang II) and alpha-1 receptor pathways are critical for vasoconstriction in Blacks. This article reviewed the consequence of the dual blockade among Nigerians, those with and without cardiovascular disease. Both receptors exhibited crosstalk and mutual regulations. Synergistic inhibition of Forearm vasoconstriction and hypotensive response to enalapril + prazosin (alpha-1 blocker [A1B]) occurred (P < 0.05). High efficacy of dual blockade by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) + A1B was reported in hypertensive urgency, hypertensive crises, and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction congestive HF compared to ACEI (P < 0.05). The high efficacy of dual blockade by ACEI + A1B + diuretics is beneficial for widespread use in Nigerians with cardiovascular disease.
Determinants of short-term outcome of mortality among heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation in a tertiary hospital of Kano, North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ringim Sadiq Hassan , Ibrahim Usman Muhammad , Hamza Sabiu Mohammed , Dankishiya Faisal Saleh , Mijinyawa Muhammad Sani , Sani Mahmoud Umar
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia that is encountered in clinical practice and is associated with increased risk of stroke and death. Because both heart failure (HF) and AF are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, their coexistence identifies individuals at higher mortality risk. We set out to describe the determinants of short-term outcome of mortality among HF patients with AF in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria.

Methodology:

We conducted a longitudinal study of all adults aged 18 years and above who presented at AKTH, Kano, within the study period and were hospitalized for HF. Those who consented were consecutively recruited into the study. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients at presentation were documented. We divided the patients into two groups: Those with AF and those with sinus rhythm (SR). We followed both groups for 3 months to look for the causes of mortality for each of the groups. In addition, we documented the determinants of mortality among the AF group. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) application version 20.

Results:

Out of the 30 HF patients with AF studied, 17 (56.7%) died within the period of follow-up. In bivariate analysis, we found mortality among patients with AF was associated with high New York Heart Association functional class and nontreatment with Vitamin K antagonist (warfarin). In multivariate analysis, nontreatment with warfarin was the only independent predictor of death among the HF patients with AF, with odds of dying 19-times higher among patients who did not receive warfarin compared to those who received it (adjusted odds ratio = 19.4, 95% confidence interval = 2.6–148).

Conclusion:

HF patients with AF have high mortality and nontreatment with warfarin is an independent predictor of that mortality. However, more studies with larger sample size are needed in our country to fully study the determinants of short-term outcomes of HF patients with AF.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among accountants in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Waked Sami , Alqahtani Nasser , Albadareen Bushra
Published: May 2024

This study assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and related factors among accounting personnel in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022 using an online electronic survey. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight among accountants was 69.2% (27.7% obese and 41.5% overweight). Age (OR = 5.50, P = 0.01), sex (OR = 2.28, P = 0.01), educational level (OR = −1.56, P = 0.01), working hours (OR = −0.61, P = 0.03), fruit intake (OR = 4.00, P = 0.02), meat intake (OR = 3.38, P = 0.03), and milk intake (OR = 6.71, P = 0.01) significantly increased the prevalence of obesity and overweight among accountants. Advanced age, male sex, and increased fruit, meat, and milk consumption are significantly associated with an increased prevalence of obesity and overweight.
Machine learning as a teaching strategy education: A review
Authors: Ramos Rivadeneira Deixy Ximena , Toledo Javier Alejandro Jiménez
Published: May 2024

In this article, we present a systematic review of the literature that explores the impact of Machine Learning as a teaching strategy in the educational field. Machine Learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, has gained relevance in teaching and learning due to its ability to personalize education and improve instructional effectiveness. The systematic review focuses on identifying studies investigating how Machine Learning has been used in educational settings. Through a thorough analysis, its impact on various areas related to teaching and learning, including student performance, knowledge retention, and curricular adaptability, is examined. The findings of this review indicate that Machine Learning has proven to be an effective strategy for tailoring instruction to individual student needs. As a result, engagement and academic performance are significantly improved. Furthermore, the review underscores the importance of future research. This future research will enable a deeper understanding of how Machine Learning can optimize education and address current challenges and emerging opportunities in this evolving field. This systematic review provides valuable information for educators, curriculum designers, and educational policymakers. It also emphasizes the continuing need to explore the potential of Machine Learning to enhance teaching and learning in the digital age of the 21st century.
Design of high‐efficiency rectenna for microwave power wireless transmission systems
Authors: Chen Jia‐Xiang , Ma Zhong‐Hua , Li Chen , Wang Meng‐Nan , Xing Hai‐Tao , Liang Wei‐Qian , Jiang Yan‐Feng
Published: May 2024

Radio power transmission is studied herein. A rectenna with high‐efficiency microwave power transmission is proposed. Improvement on the traditional Yagi antenna structure is implemented by using a rectenna. In this design, the antenna is fed by a coplanar waveguide, and the impedance bandwidth is widened by adding a set of radiation dipoles. A set of parasitic directors is used to enhance the directionality of the antenna. A rectifier circuit based on a power‐recovery network is designed using an open branch‐line network with harmonic rejection characteristics as a low‐pass filter. The rectifier network topology is adopted with a diode in parallel connection to increase the output voltage of the circuit. The reflected power generated by the impedance mismatch can be recycled by the power‐recovery network. Thus, the rectifying efficiency can be improved. Finally, experimental data show that the radiofrequency–direct current power conversion efficiency of the rectenna can be as high as 77.5% at the operating frequency 2.45 GHz and the input power 12 dBm. The proposed rectenna can be potentially used for the power supply of various wireless sensor nodes with high efficiency.
Asymptomatic bile duct stones: The devil is in the details
Authors: Elsayed Mohammed Omar Khalifa , Talkhan Mohamed Gamal
Published: May 2024

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are a common biliary tract disease. For asymptomatic CBD stones, stone removal by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is recommended in available guidelines. Because asymptomatic CBD stones is a benign disease with no noticeable symptoms, the risk vs benefit strategy should be thoroughly considered before performing ERCP in these patients. Clinical care review, technical aspects of the procedure, and patient preferences should also be considered.
Implementation of Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions classification in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction in a spanish university hospital
Authors: Cervera Javier Pérez , López Carlos Antonio Aranda , Romero Rosa Navarro , Macías Javier Corral , Asensio Juan Manuel Nogales , Mínguez José Ramón López
Published: May 2024

Background: Killip-Kimball classification has been used for estimating death risk in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Killip-Kimball stage IV corresponds to cardiogenic shock. However, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) classification provides a more precise tool to classify patients according to shock severity. The aim of this study was to apply this classification to a cohort of Killip IV patients and to analyze the differences in death risk estimation between the two classifications.Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study of 100 consecutive patients hospitalized for “Killip IV AMI” between 2016 and 2023 was performed to reclassify patients according to SCAI stage.Results: Distribution of patients according to SCAI stages was B=4%, C=53%, D=27%, E=16%. Thirty-day mortality increased progressively according to these stages (B=0%, C=11.88%, D=55.56%, E=87.50%; P<0.001). The exclusive use of Killip IV stage overestimated death risk compared to SCAI C (35% vs. 11.88%, P=0.002) and underestimated it compared to SCAI D and E stages (35% vs. 55.56% and 87.50%, P=0.03 and P<0.001, respectively). Age >69 years, creatinine >1.15 mg/dl and advanced SCAI stages (SCAI D and E) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Mechanical circulatory support use showed an almost significant benefit in advanced SCAI stages (D and E hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–1.06; P=0.058).Conclusions: SCAI classification showed superior death risk estimation compared to Killip IV. Age, creatinine levels and advanced SCAI stages were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Mechanical circulatory support could play a beneficial role in advanced SCAI stages.
Exploring the Role of the Private Sector in Tuberculosis Detection and Management in Lima, Peru: A Mixed-Methods Patient Pathway Analysis
Authors: Wippel Christoph , Farroñay Sheyla , Gilbert Hannah N. , Millones Ana Karina , Acosta Diana , Torres Isabel , Jimenez Judith , Alarcón Valentina A. , Lecca Leonid , Yuen Courtney M.
Published: May 2024

In Latin America, little is known about the involvement of private health-care providers in tuberculosis (TB) detection and management. We sought to gain a better understanding of current and potential roles of the private sector in delivering TB services in Peru. We conducted a mixed-methods study in North Lima, Peru. The quantitative component comprised a patient pathway analysis assessing the alignment of TB services with patient care-seeking behavior. The qualitative component comprised in-depth interviews with 18 private health-care providers and 5 key informants. We estimated that 77% of patients sought care initially at a facility with TB diagnostic capacity and 59% at a facility with TB treatment capacity. Among private facilities, 43% offered smear microscopy, 13% offered radiography, and none provided TB treatment. Among public-sector facilities, 100% offered smear microscopy, 26% offered radiography, and 99% provided TB treatment. Private providers believed they offered shorter wait times and a faster diagnosis, but they struggled with a lack of referral systems and communication with the public sector. Nonrecognition of private-sector tests by the public sector led to duplicate testing of referred patients. Although expressing willingness to collaborate with public-sector programs for diagnosis and referral, private providers had limited interest in treating TB. This study highlights the role of private providers in Peru as an entry point for TB care. Public–private collaboration is necessary to harness the potential of the private sector as an ally for early diagnosis.
My Name and Myself: Duet or Solo?
Authors: Coates Richard
Published: May 2024

Much work in onomastics tends to be language- or ethnicity-related and subdisciplinarian. In the Western tradition, the creation of a general onomastics, an overarching theory of names and naming, has largely been the province of philosophy, especially logic, with some sporadic additions from linguistics. Attempts to predicate such a theory on data from a world-wide range of languages have been conspicuously rare. Mostly, general work on names has been expressed in language-neutral terms, but within the framework of the dominant language of academic discourse; formerly Latin, and more recently often English. The elephant in the room of onomastic theory cannot be dealt with in this way. Humankind is split in its view of the relation between names and their individual (especially human) bearers. Are they more or less arbitrary labels, as the Western tradition broadly agrees (with some discomfort about what “more or less” might entail), or are they integral attributes of their bearers, like the mind or the soul, as other cultures insist? The point of this contribution is to frame the question in the light of current theoretical work, and to explore in what sense, if any, and in what way, it might be “answered” rather than dismissed.