bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic membrane bioreactors
Authors: Stuckey D. C.
Published: May 2024

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) are a recent development in wastewater treatment driven by concerns about energy use and sludge disposal. It separates hydraulic retention time from solid retention time enabling short retention times (as low as 3–6 h, but normally 12–24 h), and excellent performance (85–95% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, no effluent solids and high bacterial/virus removal). It produces low-sludge yields (0.04–0.12 g sludge/g CODrem), and methane in both the gas and dissolved in the effluent (lower temperatures yield higher soluble methane). It can be net energy positive depending on its configuration, for example, using ‘dynamic membranes’, mechanically shaken membrane or a two-stage granular activated carbon (GAC) bed reactor. However, membranes ranging from ultrafiltration (0.04 μm) to microfiltration (0.4 μm) foul quite quickly, with Soluble Microbial Products (SMPs)/Extra Cellular Polymers (ECPs-which include extracellular polysaccharides) and cells depositing and growing on the surface. At a certain cell density Quorum Sensing (QS) occurs and there is a rapid increase in trans-membrane pressure (‘TMP jump’). Fouling can be ameliorated by managed gas sparging, mechanical shaking, addition of flocculants/adsorbents, for example, powdered activated carbon, or quorum quenching. Nevertheless, some fouling is important as it enhances membrane performance. Due to the membrane rejecting cells and many low molecular weight solutes, AnMBRs tolerate shock loads and toxins well, and enable microbial adaptation to occur. However, to improve performance more research is needed to minimize overall energy use, explore enhanced performance with bioaugmentation, enhance rates of solid hydrolysis, optimize its performance in the overall flowsheet (global optimization), use life-cycle analysis to reduce its environmental impact, control sulphate reduction and improve post-treatment of effluents to enable water recycling.
Immobilized and granular biomass systems
Authors: Tomei M. C. , De Sanctis M. , Altieri V. G. , Di Iaconi C. , Stazi V.
Published: May 2024

In several geographic areas, domestic wastewater (DWW) is characterized by low temperatures (below 25°C), which enables a stable and effective operation of an anaerobic process, as mainstream treatment option at ambient temperature, quite challenging. Low temperatures reduce the hydrolysis rate of particulate organic matter with consequent reduction of biogas production and energy recovery. In addition, the low growth rate of the anaerobic microorganisms can cause poor effluent quality and risk of biomass washout in case of suspended biomass systems. Increasing biomass concentration in the bioreactor has the beneficial effect of increasing biodegradation kinetics thus allowing the reduction of the reactor volumes and footprint thus making the anaerobic process competitive with the conventional activated sludge process. This operating condition can be achieved with different strategies including biomass granulation and biomass immobilization on inert support media. For both alternatives, a number of studies have been conducted, with different plant configurations, operating the anaerobic process under variable temperature regimes or in isothermal mode in psychrophilic or mesophilic conditions. In this chapter, examples of application to demonstrate the feasibility of immobilized and granular biomass systems for direct anaerobic treatment of DWW are reported and discussed. In the first case, the effect of feeding strategy and the suitability of natural and synthetic filling materials were investigated while, in the second, the effect of temperature and of the hydraulic retention time have been tested in order to maximize the process performance and evaluate the potentialities of the anaerobic process in comparison to the aerobic one.
Dissolved methane
Authors: Centeno Mora E. , Souza C. L. , Bressani-Ribeiro T. , Chernicharo C. A. L.
Published: May 2024

This chapter addresses the fate of dissolved methane (D-CH4) in mainstream anaerobic-based sewage treatment plants (STPs). As much as 30–40% of the total CH4 generated during anaerobic digestion can be lost in the effluent of anaerobic reactors treating sewage. This implies a loss of energetic potential, possible emission of CH4 downstream the anaerobic reactor with an increase in the carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions and safety risks for operators. The first section presents the fundamentals that explain the origin of D-CH4 and the physical principle behind its emission and desorption. Next, a review of the measuring methods for D-CH4, reported values for different anaerobic reactor configurations applied to sewage treatment and the energetic and environmental effects of D-CH4 are presented. Later sections explore different techniques and bioprocesses that have been studied to mitigate D-CH4 in anaerobic effluents, describing the general principles behind its functioning, experimental performance and current state of development. Four management strategies are depicted to mitigate D-CH4 in anaerobic effluents: (a) desorption-based techniques followed by the oxidation of waste gas; (b) desorption-based techniques aiming at recovering an energetically valuable gas; (c) bioprocesses to oxidize D-CH4 in post-treatment unit and (d) bioprocesses that use D-CH4 in the post-treatment unit for other treatment objectives, such as denitrification or electricity generation. Some of these techniques and bioprocesses are available and already applied in full-scale anaerobic-based STPs, whereas others seem very promissory but require further research to validate their application with real anaerobic effluents.
Metrics for stabilization of fecal sludge and relation to dewatering metrics
Authors: Kapanda Kapanda , Sam Stanley , Andriessen Nienke , Ward Barbara Jeanne , Strande Linda , Tembo James Madalitso
Published: May 2024

Stabilization and dewatering are essential treatment mechanisms for the management of fecal sludge (FS) that accumulates in onsite containment, but reliable predictors of treatment performance are lacking. FS in Lusaka, Zambia is typically 80–98% water, which when delivered to treatment first requires dewatering, followed by stabilization of varying levels of organic matter. In addition, varying levels of stabilization are themselves observed to influence dewatering performance. Therefore, this study evaluated rapid and low-cost metrics of stabilization and their relation to dewaterability. Fourteen metrics of stabilization were evaluated based on 11 criteria in a decision matrix. Four metrics were selected to then evaluate method performance and suitability with FS samples (n = 27). The relation between stabilization and dewatering performance of collected samples were analyzed, and also following anaerobic stabilization in the laboratory. The study found that metrics based on physical–chemical characteristics such as volatile/total solids (VS/TS) and biological oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand (BOD/COD) were not reliable for measuring FS stabilization and its relation to dewaterability. Metrics that rely on microbial activity such as SOUR (specific oxygen uptake rate) are more promising based on the consistent results obtained throughout this study.
Władza w pierwszym papieskim orędziu radiowym papieża Piusa XI z 1931 r. - kwestia aktualności koncepcji
Authors: Misztal Wojciech
Published: May 2024

Artykuł ukazuje podejście do władzy w pierwszym papieskim orędziu radiowym z 1931 r., w czasach naznaczonych np. niebagatelnym rozwojem technologicznym a zarazem niepewnością, poważnymi konfliktami, wyzwaniami, sprzecznymi sposobami znajdowania rozwiązań, biorąc pod uwagę, że właśnie z tej epoki wywodzi się II wojna światowa i jej konsekwencje. Została podjęta tematyka związana z ówczesną sytuacją np. polityczną. Wskazano, o jakich podmiotach władzy w orędziu jest mowa, w tym w związku z zakresem ich kompetencji. Przedstawiono kwestię sposobów i celu sprawowania władzy. W podsumowaniu podjęto zagadnienie aktualności koncepcji władzy jako posiadającej bardzo ważny wg papieża wymiar metafizyczny.
Functionalized Adenine-based Receptors for Monocarboxylic Acids’ Recognition
Authors: Sen Tanushree , Adhikari Suman , Baildya Nabajyoti , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: May 2024

:

Three receptors 1-3, built on adenine, have been synthesized, structurally characterized,
and successfully employed for the recognition of monocarboxylic acids. The adenine-
based receptors 1-3 have been found to bind monocarboxylic acids via the Hoogsteen
(HG) binding site or the Watson-Crick (WC) binding site and form 1:1 complexes in
CHCl3. Detailed binding of the receptors 1-3, in the presence of the monocarboxylic acids,
corroborates that there is a distinct propensity of the HG site for aromatic carboxylic acids,
for example, (S)-mandelic acid and benzoic acid. Aliphatic acids, for example, propanoic
acid and rac-lactic acid, on the other hand, prefer to bind at the WC site. The monocarboxylic
acid bindings to 1-3 were examined by UV–Vis, fluorescence, and 1H NMR spectroscopic
methods, and DFT study.
Current Therapeutic Strategies for the Management of Benzodiazepine
(BZD) Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Saini Sangita , Tahlan Sumit , Minocha Neha
Published: May 2024

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed drugs for numerous indications such as
epilepsy, anti-anxiety, sleep aids, sedatives, and hypnotics. Although the well-tolerated effects of
benzodiazepine are seen in many clinical instances, the severity of side effects reduces its quantifiable
use. Benzodiazepines, which are medically useful but theoretically unsafe, are frequently recommended
by medical practitioners for psychotic patients but have misuse and dependence liabilities.
It is impelled as a debateable topic globally about which no one talks. These drugs are also
known as silent killers because abruptly stopping them can result in tremors, muscle spasticity,
and life-frightening seizures. These drugs are beneficial as well as risky. Nonclinical treatment is
simple and well suited and provides support for patients suffering from side effects generated by
benzodiazepine withdrawal. This review mainly focuses on antipsychotic drugs and their mechanisms,
mortality, withdrawal, abuse, and management via clinical and nonclinical therapies.
A New Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Selective Determination of
Chromium(III) in Pharmaceutical Drugs and Food Samples
Authors: EL-Sanafery Safa S. , Hussein Khaled M. , Abbas Ashraf A. , Omar M. M. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective:

This study presents a novel potentiometric method for the
precise, accurate, selective, and rapid determination of Cr(III) ion concentration in different samples.

Methods:

A new ionophore, namely macrocyclic tetramide ionophore (MCTA), was synthesized
through an inexpensive and straightforward approach, yielding a high-quality product. The (MCTA)
ionophore was utilized as the active center in the preparation of modified carbon paste electrodes
(MCPEs) to quantify the Cr(III) ion. The paste was made by adding graphite, MCTA, and plasticizer
and mixing them in varying weight percent ratios.

Results:

The proposed electrodes, I and II, exhibited a trivalent Nernstian response of 20.029 ±0.57
and 20.3±0.56 mV decade-1
, respectively, with linearity of 1.0x10-7 – 1.0x10-2 and 1.0x10-5 – 1.0x10-
2 mol L-1
. Electrodes I and II were examined for their pH, response time, and thermal stability. In
comparison to other mono-, bi-, and trivalent cations, starch, and sugars, the electrodes demonstrated
a high degree of selectivity for Cr(III). The modified electrodes were used to determine the concentration of Cr(III) in various real samples, including drug tablets, juice extractions, and tap water, with
acceptable recovery values.

Conclusion:

The results were compared with those obtained using the previously reported method,
with no significant difference observed between them, as indicated by the F and t-test values. The
data showed good accuracy and precision, as well as a high percentage of recovery. The adsorption
capacity of the MCTA ionophore towards Cr(III) ions was also examined.
Optimization of Reduction Time for Chemically Synthesized rGO
Authors: Paul Payal , Limbu China , Bisawas Joydeep , Kabi Sanjib , Misra Kamakhya Prakash , Chattopadhyay Saikat
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

This article presents structural and morphological analysis for graphene
oxide (GO) synthesized via Hummers' method and for reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) prepared
by chemical reduction. Graphene Oxide is synthesized from graphite powder at room temperature. Hydrazine hydrate is used as a reducing agent to reduce the accumulated GO.

Method:

To understand the impact of reduction time on structural parameters of produced rGO,
three different time limits, i.e. 4, 5, and 6 hrs at 800 °C are used. FTIR spectra show the presence
of all functional groups to confirm the authenticity of rGO samples. The XRD peaks are utilized
to calculate different structural parameters for all the samples to identify the effect of reduction
time. A change in the band gap energy may be noticed from UV-Vis absorption spectra.

Result:

It indicates that with the increase in reduction time, the absorption edge shifts to a lower
wavelength value. FESEM micrographs reveal a flake-like random growth of rGO with prominent wrinkled structures, which is a signature of graphene-like 2D material.

Conclusion:

Hence, from the structural and absorption studies, it can be concluded that an increase in reduction time will produce smaller rGO flakes in the Hummers synthesis method.
Improved Electrocatalytic Degradation of Alizarin Yellow R by Ti/Zr-SnO2/PbO2 Electrodes Doped with Ytterbium
Authors: Yang Bi , Gao Guan-Jin , Miao Qing-Dong , Ergu Asha , Liu Guo-Cong , Zou Jiao , Yu Jin-Gang
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Electrochemical oxidation of Alizarin Yellow R (AYR) was investigated
on Ytterbium (Yb) doped Ti/PbO2 electrodes prepared by an electrodeposition method.

Methods:

The etching of the Ti sheet by using a mixed acid of H2SO4 and TA (volume ratio= 2:
1) for 50 min at 100 °C could produce a suitable interface for further modification. The morphologies, composition, and electrochemical properties of Yb doping on the electrode were
characterized by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The introduction of an appropriate intermediate layer, Zr-SnO2, was performed. We also tried to fabricate
Ytterbium (Yb) doped Ti/Zr-SnO2/PbO2 electrodes by an electrodeposition method on the intermediate layer of Zr-SnO2. The surface morphology of the Ti/Zr-SnO2/PbO2 electrode was
changed due to the Yb doping, which affected the electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode.

Results:

The developed Yb-doped Ti/Zr-SnO2/PbO2 electrode showed improved removal efficiencies
toward AYR.

Conclusion:

The effects of current density and initial AYR concentration on the electrochemical
oxidation of AYR by Yb-doped Ti/Zr-SnO2/PbO2 were investigated. The removal rate of AYR
was 97.3% in 180 min under the conditions of the current density of 60 mA/cm2, initial AYR
concentration of 50.0 mg L-1, and Na2SO4 concentration of 0.10 mol L-1.
Spinal Osteoarticular Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Ukunda Fred UN , Chuene Mabua
Published: May 2024

Introduction

We report a case of a young child with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) of the thoracic spine, complicated by myelopathy.

Case Report

Clinical assessment revealed a lower thoracic gibbus and neurological features of upper motor neuron syndrome conforming to myelopathy. Radiological evaluation revealed a marked kyphosis, contiguous T10-T11 vertebral destruction, paraspinal soft tissue collection, and intraspinal compression with cord signal changes, suggestive of spinal TB. Rapid molecular testing expedited the diagnosis of MDR/RR-TB and guided prompt treatment initiation. Although second-line drugs are the mainstay of treatment, surgery was undertaken due to marked kyphosis, spinal instability, and neurological complications in the growing spine.

Conclusion

Although the case seems interesting, it, unfortunately, highlights multiple health system failures in developing countries, resulting in premature termination of MDR/RR-TB treatment and loss of kyphosis correction with subsequent recurrence of the kyphotic deformity.
Feature Level Fusion of Fingerprints and IRIS for the Enhancement of
Biometric System
Authors: Rahul Mayur , Jha Sonu Kumar , Khan Mohammad Ilyas , Prakash Ayushi , Pal Parashu ram , Yadav Vikash
Published: May 2024

Background::

With the growing need for information safety and security rules in every
corner of the globe. The biometric innovation has been used widely all over the world in daily life. In
this view, the Multimodal-based biometric technique has gained popularity and interest due to its
capability to resolve various problems associated with single-model biometric identification systems

Methods::

In this research, an advanced multimodal-based biometric recognition system is introduced,
which depends on multilayer perceptron (MLP), and it identifies humans using biometric
features of Fingerprints and IRIS. To build an efficient model, the popular model called Rest-
Net50 was used, the gradient method was used and the hinge technique was used as a loss function.
For the technique of fusion, different techniques are used to show the effect of fusion in our
model. The recognition rate of introduced systems was assessed by experimenting with various
techniques on SDUMLA-HMT datasets based on the multimodal biometric datasets. The recognition
rate showed that merging two biometric features in biometric recognition systems gives the
best results compared to a single biometric feature.

Results::

The results obtained showed the superiority of our model with other existing techniques
by obtaining a recognition rate of 99.79% with a feature-based fusion method.

Conclusion::

The introduced system used the MLP deep learning technique. The feature level fusion
was applied to recognize the user using IRIS and fingerprints. To the best of our belief, this is
the first research to incorporate MLP and multimodal-based biometric systems using IRIS and
fingerprints.
Diabetes Management: Herbal Remedies and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Vishwakarma Pratik Kumar , Moharana Ankita , Behra Snigdha Rani , Choudhury Priyabati , Jayronia Sonali , Tripathi Shivendra Mani
Published: May 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions worldwide, characterized by inadequate insulin production or malfunctioning insulin action, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Its prevalence is escalating globally, with estimates projecting a rise from 2.8% to over 5.4% of
the world's population by 2025. In India, diabetes poses a significant health challenge, especially
in urban areas. While conventional medications are widely available, herbal remedies have
gained popularity due to their potential for fewer side effects and lower costs. Herbal remedies
have been employed for centuries in diabetes management and have been extensively studied for
their blood sugar regulatory properties. Prominent herbs studied for their potential to manage
diabetes include gymnema, cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon. These herbs are believed to
enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce glucose absorption in the intestines, and improve glucose metabolism. This review highlights emerging alternative treatment options, such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy, in the field of diabetes management. Stem cell therapy aims to regenerate
insulin-producing cells or enhance their function, while gene therapy targets the underlying genetic factors contributing to diabetes. These innovative approaches hold promise for more effective and personalized treatments in the future. It is essential to emphasize that any diabetes
treatment or remedy should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Diabetes management
requires a personalized approach based on individual needs and medical history. The integration
of herbal remedies and alternative treatment options into conventional diabetes management
warrants further research to determine their efficacy, safety, and potential for widespread implementation
Isolation and Extraction of Microcellulose from Pineapple Leaves Fiber
Authors: Randis  , Fellicia Dian Mughni , Rus Tatag Yufitra , Sulaiman Abdul Mudjib
Published: May 2024

Microcellulose, a natural fiber, has gained attention due to its ability to be isolated from various sources. Cellulose, derived from plant cell walls, is a promising alternative to synthetic materials due to its strength and stability. Isolating and extracting microcellulose from pineapple leaf fibers (PLF) is essential to harness its potential. This research isolated PLF through isolation and extraction, with the aim of recommending microcellulose application if results are satisfactory.  The pretreatment process involved alkali treatment, the bleaching process, as well as hydrolysis. FTIR proved all of the noncellulosic substances had been extracted from PLF to the utmost extent. The hydrolysis treatment improved the PLF's crystallinity index. According to TGA, the hydrolyzed PLF demonstrated the highest thermal stability. A potential approach for future cellulose reinforcing material development is micro-cellulose PLF, which has the potential to evolve into nano-cellulose.
Pengaruh Pupuk Kandang dan Pupuk N pada Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Kedelai (Glycine max L. merill) Var. Anjasmoro
Authors: Fitrah Rafly Ibrahim , Sumarni Titin
Published: May 2024

Upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk meningkatkan produksi kedelai adalah dengan pemupukan yang tepat. Penggunaan pupuk organik bermanfaat secara ekologis karena memperbaiki sifat tanah, dan ekosistem tanah menopang kelangsungan hidup semua organisme dalam jangka panjang. Penggunaan pupuk organik saja belum mampu memenuhi kebutuhan unsur hara tanaman sehingga perlu dikombinasikan dengan pupuk anorganik seperti pupuk N. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari – April 2023 di Kebun Percobaan Universitas Brawijaya. Penelitian ini adalah percobaan faktorial yang disusun dengan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK), yang terdiri dari 2 faktor. Faktor pertama adalah pupuk kandang ayam dengan 3 taraf, dan faktor kedua adalah pupuk N dengan 3 taraf dan diulang sebanyak 3 ulangan sehingga terdapat 9 kombinasi perlakuan dan 27 satuan percobaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pupuk kandang, pupuk N dan interaksi kedua faktor tersebut memberikan pengaruh yang nyata pada pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman kedelai. Pupuk kandang berpengaruh nyata pada tinggi tanaman, luas daun, dan jumlah polong per tanaman. Pupuk N memberikan pengaruh nyata pada tinggi tanaman, luas daun, jumlah polong per tanaman dan bobot 100 biji. Interaksi antara pupuk kandang dan pupuk N menunjukkan adanya pengaruh nyata pada jumlah polong hampa, bobot
Design of Thermoelectric-Based Salinity and Temperature Control for Nomei Fish
Authors: Prasetia Abdul Muis , Sartika Linda , Setiyawan Muhammad Dicky , Salim Gazali
Published: May 2024

Nomei fish (Harpodon nehereus) are creatures commonly found under layers of mud or fine sand along the coast. They cannot survive in waters with extreme salinity and temperature. When daylight comes and the air temperature rises, the temperature inside the fishpond also tends to rise, while when night falls, the water in the pond becomes colder. Extreme temperature changes, both high and low, can make these fish susceptible to disease and impact their ability to feed and immune system. This research is developmental research as the objective is to test the control of salinity and temperature in Nomei fishponds. To achieve this goal, a system has been developed. The system uses two sensors, namely a conductivity sensor that serves to measure the level of water salinity and sends data to the Arduino device to set the pump based on an average of about 17 ppm. In addition, there is also a temperature sensor that measures the water temperature in the pool and sends data to the Arduino device to adjust the heater and thermoelectric based on the average temperature between 28.5°C and 31.5°C, to maintain stable water quality. The results of this study show that the developed system successfully maintains and controls the salinity and temperature in the Nomei fishpond in accordance with the predetermined set points.
Incubator Control System Automatic Temperature Stabilizer Bangkok Chicken with LM35 Sensor
Authors: Indrawati Elsanda Merita , Prahesti Fidya Eka , Maulidina Miftakhul , Suwardono Agus , Prasetyo Kartika Rahayu Tri , Puspitasari M. Dewi Manikta , Anggoro Fanny
Published: May 2024

Many cases of death of chicks in farmers are caused by drastic changes in temperature which result in stress and death of chickens. In this study the authors made a chick coop design equipped with an LM35 sensor which functions to control the temperature of the chicks. The research object is Bangkok chicken aged 7-10 days which has a temperature requirement of 300oC. The test results show that the temperature stabilizer incubator for both the sensor test separately and the integration of the incubator control system as a whole works according to the program design, this is based on the test results that the lights and fans work according to the LM35 sensor reading input with 100% accuracy where as long as 3 days of testing the average temperature of the first, second and third days is below 300oC so that the output is in the form of lights on and the fan is off. On Day 3 all the chickens were healthy and growing well.
Envisioning the Future of Personalized Medicine: Role and Realities of Digital Twins
Authors: Vallée Alexandre
Published: May 2024

Digital twins have emerged as a groundbreaking concept in personalized medicine, offering immense potential to transform health care delivery and improve patient outcomes. It is important to highlight the impact of digital twins on personalized medicine across the understanding of patient health, risk assessment, clinical trials and drug development, and patient monitoring. By mirroring individual health profiles, digital twins offer unparalleled insights into patient-specific conditions, enabling more accurate risk assessments and tailored interventions. However, their application extends beyond clinical benefits, prompting significant ethical debates over data privacy, consent, and potential biases in health care. The rapid evolution of this technology necessitates a careful balancing act between innovation and ethical responsibility. As the field of personalized medicine continues to evolve, digital twins hold tremendous promise in transforming health care delivery and revolutionizing patient care. While challenges exist, the continued development and integration of digital twins hold the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine, ushering in an era of tailored treatments and improved patient well-being. Digital twins can assist in recognizing trends and indicators that might signal the presence of diseases or forecast the likelihood of developing specific medical conditions, along with the progression of such diseases. Nevertheless, the use of human digital twins gives rise to ethical dilemmas related to informed consent, data ownership, and the potential for discrimination based on health profiles. There is a critical need for robust guidelines and regulations to navigate these challenges, ensuring that the pursuit of advanced health care solutions does not compromise patient rights and well-being. This viewpoint aims to ignite a comprehensive dialogue on the responsible integration of digital twins in medicine, advocating for a future where technology serves as a cornerstone for personalized, ethical, and effective patient care.
Predictors of Health Care Practitioners’ Intention to Use AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems: Meta-Analysis Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
Authors: Dingel Julius , Kleine Anne-Kathrin , Cecil Julia , Sigl Anna Leonie , Lermer Eva , Gaube Susanne
Published: May 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence–enabled clinical decision support systems (AI-CDSSs) offer potential for improving health care outcomes, but their adoption among health care practitioners remains limited.

Objective

This meta-analysis identified predictors influencing health care practitioners’ intention to use AI-CDSSs based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Additional predictors were examined based on existing empirical evidence.

Methods

The literature search using electronic databases, forward searches, conference programs, and personal correspondence yielded 7731 results, of which 17 (0.22%) studies met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis, relative weight analyses, and meta-analytic moderation and mediation analyses were used to examine the relationships between relevant predictor variables and the intention to use AI-CDSSs.

Results

The meta-analysis results supported the application of the UTAUT to the context of the intention to use AI-CDSSs. The results showed that performance expectancy (r=0.66), effort expectancy (r=0.55), social influence (r=0.66), and facilitating conditions (r=0.66) were positively associated with the intention to use AI-CDSSs, in line with the predictions of the UTAUT. The meta-analysis further identified positive attitude (r=0.63), trust (r=0.73), anxiety (r=–0.41), perceived risk (r=–0.21), and innovativeness (r=0.54) as additional relevant predictors. Trust emerged as the most influential predictor overall. The results of the moderation analyses show that the relationship between social influence and use intention becomes weaker with increasing age. In addition, the relationship between effort expectancy and use intention was stronger for diagnostic AI-CDSSs than for devices that combined diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Finally, the relationship between facilitating conditions and use intention was mediated through performance and effort expectancy.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis contributes to the understanding of the predictors of intention to use AI-CDSSs based on an extended UTAUT model. More research is needed to substantiate the identified relationships and explain the observed variations in effect sizes by identifying relevant moderating factors. The research findings bear important implications for the design and implementation of training programs for health care practitioners to ease the adoption of AI-CDSSs into their practice.
Envisioning the Future of Personalized Medicine: Role and Realities of Digital Twins (Preprint)
Authors: Vallée Alexandre
Published: May 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Digital twins have emerged as a groundbreaking concept in personalized medicine, offering immense potential to transform health care delivery and improve patient outcomes. It is important to highlight the impact of digital twins on personalized medicine across the understanding of patient health, risk assessment, clinical trials and drug development, and patient monitoring. By mirroring individual health profiles, digital twins offer unparalleled insights into patient-specific conditions, enabling more accurate risk assessments and tailored interventions. However, their application extends beyond clinical benefits, prompting significant ethical debates over data privacy, consent, and potential biases in health care. The rapid evolution of this technology necessitates a careful balancing act between innovation and ethical responsibility. As the field of personalized medicine continues to evolve, digital twins hold tremendous promise in transforming health care delivery and revolutionizing patient care. While challenges exist, the continued development and integration of digital twins hold the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine, ushering in an era of tailored treatments and improved patient well-being. Digital twins can assist in recognizing trends and indicators that might signal the presence of diseases or forecast the likelihood of developing specific medical conditions, along with the progression of such diseases. Nevertheless, the use of human digital twins gives rise to ethical dilemmas related to informed consent, data ownership, and the potential for discrimination based on health profiles. There is a critical need for robust guidelines and regulations to navigate these challenges, ensuring that the pursuit of advanced health care solutions does not compromise patient rights and well-being. This viewpoint aims to ignite a comprehensive dialogue on the responsible integration of digital twins in medicine, advocating for a future where technology serves as a cornerstone for personalized, ethical, and effective patient care.
Mainstream Technologies in Facilities for People With Intellectual Disabilities: Multiple-Methods Study Using the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability Framework (Preprint)
Authors: Menschik Christian , Kunze Christophe , Renner Gregor , Etges Theresa
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

People with intellectual disabilities in residential or outpatient facilities for people with disabilities run the risk of being digitally excluded by not having opportunities for taking advantage of digitalization possibilities.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate how disability caregivers and managers describe barriers and facilitating factors to implement and adopt mainstream technology for people with intellectual disabilities in residential or outpatient facilities and how the competencies and capabilities of the caregivers are assessed in the process.

METHODS

For this reason, we conducted a multiple-methods study applying the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability framework.

RESULTS

As a result, we identified barriers and facilitators across the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability framework domains: (1) condition—people with intellectual disabilities are a diverse group, where the individual condition of the person and, for example, their communication skills were seen as a prerequisite for implementing mainstream technologies; (2) technology—the extent to which mainstream technology fits the individual needs and demands contributed to the implementation process; (3) value proposition—communication was seen as a life area where mainstream technology can add value; (4) adopters—the caregivers needed competencies and capabilities to accompany their care recipients’ technology use; (5) organization—missing legal regulations and lack of personnel resources were described as barriers; (6) wider context—funding opportunities were seen as unclear in disability services as mainstream technologies could not be financed as participation benefits; (7) embedding and adaptation over time—the COVID-19 pandemic forced facilities to become digitalized to some extent.

CONCLUSIONS

The disability services investigated were still in need of standardized procedures to promote the digital participation of their residents.

CLINICALTRIAL
Assessment of human motion using smartphone sensors: a tutorial for education, research and practice (Preprint)
Authors: Gallina Alessio , Vieira Taian
Published: May 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Sport science and rehabilitation are naturally evolving towards the implementation of data-driven technology for the analysis of human motion. Analysis of movement has traditionally been taught, researched, and implemented in practice either visually, or using equipment often unavailable outside specialized research centers. The motion sensors in contemporary smartphones can be used to collect acceleration and orientation data, making smartphones widely-available, low-cost devices that may provide useful in the characterization of human motion. The aim of this tutorial is to review basic concepts of how acceleration and orientation data collected with smartphone sensors can be used to assess human motion. We include six examples of data collection and analysis: jump height, balance, jogging cadence, joint range of motion, pelvic orientation during single-leg squat, timed up-and-go test. Acceleration and orientation data related to each example were analyzed using spreadsheet editors; video tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to analyze the data. Results are interpreted with respect to biomechanics, performance analysis and potential clinical relevance. We discuss this approach in the context of education, research and practice, hoping that it will help promote data-driven education and practice in fields that may benefit from objective analysis of human motion, such as sport science and rehabilitation.
Tender-headedness: A Google Trends Analysis of Search Interests for Scalp-related concerns (Preprint)
Authors: Obeng-Nyarko Charissa , Barrera Tatiana , Ogunleye Temitayo , Taylor Susan
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The Internet is a commonly used source for information on hair and scalp care. “Tender-headed” is a socio-cultural term used in Black communities to describe an individual who complains of scalp tenderness, soreness, discomfort, or pain from hair manipulation and hairstyling including combing/brushing, braiding/twisting, parting of the hair, ponytails, or blow-drying.

OBJECTIVE

In this Google Trends cross-sectional analysis, we aim to understand how tender-headedness is searched on a major search engine and assess differences between queries related to tender-headedness from January 2013 to December 2022.

METHODS

Search volume index (SVI) was extracted for categories of keyword phrases (KP) used to describe tender-headedness: (1) tenderness (“tender headed,” “tender head”); (2) scalp discomfort (“sore scalp,” “scalp hurts,” “tight scalp”), and (3) both concepts combined ([‘tenderness’ and ‘scalp’] and [“tender scalp,” “scalp tenderness”]).

RESULTS

Our findings showed that over the ten-year period, the category phrase for scalp discomfort garnered the highest search interest. Moreover, keyword phrases “tenderhead” and “sore scalp” generated the highest online search interest.

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging how culturally-specific terms may be used to describe scalp symptoms in Black patients can aid dermatologists differentiate between tenderness induced by scalp manipulation and tenderness associated with an inflammatory alopecia, thus guiding management accordingly.

CLINICALTRIAL
Strategies and tools for EHR and physician workflow alignment: a scoping review protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Oluwole Oluwakemi Olufunmilayo , Haggarty Nicole , Ikenyei Uche , Tinuoye Oluwabambi , Honora Andreawan , Issakah Mohammed Abass
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Despite the acknowledged potential benefits of electronic health records (EHR) in supporting physicians to achieve efficient care delivery, achieving a fit between physician workflow and EHR has posed a major challenge, leaving negative effects on physician wellbeing and patient outcomes. To this effect, organizations have attempted to align the EHR with physician workflow in various ways yet alignment issues persist. To improve alignment, it is important to understand the different ways in which organizations have tried to achieve this fit, their impacts, and their limitations.

OBJECTIVE

This review seeks to identify the strategies and tools that organizations have used to align physician workflow with the EHR and their impacts on EHR-to-physician workflow alignment. This information will serve as a toolkit for healthcare organizations and a knowledge required for the direct application of strategy for optimizing EHR workflow and an opportunity to understand the extent, limitations and gaps in achieving this fit.

METHODS

The scoping review will employ a methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley by searching the literature in 6 steps, and by incorporating the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist for transparency. We will include literature reporting on the tools, strategies, and interventions used to align physician workflow to EHR by searching MEDLINE (OVID), MEDLINE (OVID), PUBMED, COCHRANE CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and WEB of SCIENCE.

RESULTS

The study is expected to provide healthcare organizations with a toolkit that will help them effectively align physician workflow with EHR. This toolkit will also provide researchers with an opportunity to identify gaps in the literature, which can then lead to further studies on how to better achieve a fit between the two. The report is planned to be submitted to an indexed journal in November 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings will provide insight into the strategies and tools implemented by healthcare organizations to align EHR with physician workflow. Furthermore, this review will assess the effectiveness of these strategies and tools whenever feasible.
Improving Skills Through Training in Freshwater Fish Farming and Crystal Guava Jam Production (Bantarjaya Village, Bogor Regency, West Java)
Authors: Umar Ali , Risdiyanto Idung , Albarkah Anita Maharani , Aziz Maulana , Bagaskara Muhammad Fajar
Published: May 2024

Fish farming is a type of fishing that involves cultivating various fish on land. Fish farming success can be influenced by site characteristics, water quality, fish suitability, and care. Crystal guava processing is a production utilization innovation. This has the potential to raise the value of crystal guava commodities, which can be consumed directly but are also processed into various derivative products. The community groups will be divided into two foster groups: the MSME group that makes crystal guava jam and the foster group that grows fish in irrigation ponds. This empowerment approach involves the creation of supporting infrastructure such as ponds in irrigation canals and the production of crystal guava jam. Then, using the t-test on the dependent mean and Principal Component Analysis, integrated training was carried out, including socializing and field practice, to quantify statistical development in abilities. As a result, the target community's understanding has increased. The target group (community) can increase their abilities in fish cultivation, the production of novel products (commodity derivatives), and marketing across various phases with the creation of supporting infrastructure.
AN ASSESSMNENT OF THE RESPONSE OF SECUIRTY INSTITUTION TO CONFLICT AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: WANAN CORNELIUS TERZUNGWE  , MUSA BULAMA MUSA  , OGBA MICHAEL
Published: May 2024

Nigeria has been struggling with several challenges, such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and so on, in a bid to attain the desired national development goal. These issues have, however, continued to affect all efforts geared toward national development. The goal of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of our security agencies in response to security challenges in our country, which could gingered national development. To achieve this purpose, the paper relied on documented sources to assess the responses and challenges associated with the operations of the security agencies in the countries. The findings of the research show that the insecurity agencies have not been effective in performing their tasks due to poor funding, poor recruitment and training processes, and corruption in the system, among others. The paper recommends, among others, that leadership at all institutional levels are central to building responses to security challenges. Therefore, Nigeria will have to develop visionary leadership, a leadership that is detribalized and free from corruption that can channel the necessary resources to strengthen the security institutions response to insecurity issues in the country. This will create an enabling environment for developmental activities to take palace effectively.
UNRAVELLING THE FACTORS THAT IMPEDE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: FROM TEACHERS’ VIEWPOINT
Authors: HUSSAIN AHMED LITON
Published: May 2024

Students’ effective learning and course learning outcomes (CLOs) are of constant concern for teachers, students, parents, and institutions, regardless of academic levels and contexts. To this end, teachers employ varied techniques and methods in soliciting the expected learning outcomes and students’ academic skill developments, but very often some factors are found to be liable and barriers to the success of this mission. Behind such a teaching and learning perspective, this paper attempts to explore the factors that impede students’ English language learning (ELL) and CLOs at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, with the intent of finding new vantage points that augment students’ effective learning outcomes. To this end, the present study devised a survey questionnaire for teachers (Appendix 1) to collect data and observations to determine the ground reality of the issue undertaken for this study. The population participants were 25 EFL teachers. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively. Finally, the analytical result of this paper unveils that teachers should drive “needs analysis” to diagnose the learners’ lack of motivation, TBLT practice in the classroom, and their training for techno-pedagogical professional skill development. It also reveals some other implications and effective recommendations for making a learnercentric EFL teaching and learning curriculum. The findings of this paper contribute to the fields of ELT, TEFL, learning outcomes, curriculum design, pragmatics, and ELL paradigms.
Estudiando la estructura de las redes alimentarias: una introducción a los algoritmos para su construcción
Authors: Abrica-Jacinto Norma Leticia , Benítez-Keinrad Mariana , Azpeitia Eugenio
Published: May 2024

Las relaciones entre diversas poblaciones permiten describir diferentes tipos de interacción entre especies, como el consumo, la búsqueda de alimento, el parasitismo, la polinización, por mencionar algunas. Cuando éstas ocurren entre recursos y consumidores se conocen como relaciones tróficas, y el conjunto de relaciones tróficas de una comunidad o un ecosistema describe a una red alimentaria. Estas redes son de importancia ecológica ya que permiten describir la dirección y el flujo de energía dentro del ecosistema, son esenciales para analizar la dinámica y biodiversidad del sistema, y su construcción realista es clave para el estudio de comunidades biológicas. En las últimas décadas, algunos autores han propuesto modelos que reproducen varias propiedades importantes de redes alimentarias. Sin embargo, hasta donde sabemos, la aplicación de dichos modelos no ha sido estandarizada ni puesta a disposición de la comunidad científica en algún repositorio público. En este trabajo presentamos 3 de los modelos más usados para crear redes alimentarias e indicadores representativos que dan información sobre la estructura y composición de la red. Además, compartimos los códigos de los modelos e indicadores para que puedan ser replicados y usados en otras investigaciones.