Thursday, 26 December 2024

Lesson Learned from the Effect of Traffic Calming in a Downtown District of Szczecin, Poland for Congested Urban Center | Chapter 1 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

There has been a lot of research to overcome traffic jams, but the application of traffic calming has been very important since the past in Europe and the USA. The aim of this research is to carry out physical quantification based on impact analysis within the urban centre. Three street sections starting and ending with different intersection types were chosen to examine the synergy of the applied traffic calming measures. The numbers and speeds of vehicles were measured in three day-long continuous surveys. As it was expected, the amount of speed reduction depended on the hourly traffic volume on a one-way street and various other traffic engineering aspects. The obtained results may be used to modify the existing speed profile models and can guide traffic engineers in choosing the most effective traffic calming measures. In the near future, i.e., after the completion of the upgrading of all the streets in the analysed block, the authors plan to repeat the traffic volume and speed reduction measurements with the purpose of supplementing the existing zone 30 km/h speed profiles, if appropriate and required.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Alicja Sołowczuk
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 50 Piastów Ave., 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.

 

Stanisław Majer
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 50 Piastów Ave., 70-311 Szczecin, Poland

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/8101E

Enhancing Diagnostic Precision by Image Processing in γ-Camera Scintigraphy for Lower Extremity Inflammation | Chapter 4 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

The present study highlights the improvement of evaluation of the inflammation extent on the scintigraphic imaging, by utilizing statistical indices (Inflammation Projection Ratio - IPR, skewness, kurtosis and Mean Pixel Value - MPV). Inflammatory processes and infection imaging are forms of tissue characterization by Nuclear Medicine. Image analysis was performed by means of an Interactive Data Language (IDL) tool. Twelve patients were referred for a radionuclide (Tc99m- Leukoscan) scan, by a GE Healthcare gamma camera, on the suspicion of an infectious lesion in the extremities. The findings of the study are that pathological tissues have a higher IPR index (3.12 to 4.32) compared to normal tissue (~ 1). The calculated indices IPR in combination with the processed Isocontouring images, contribute to the conclusion that Tc99m- Sulesomab scintigrams are characterized by high projection ratios specific for each case and demonstrate the full extent of the inflamed area in the lower extremities, with great accuracy. Furthermore, MPV, skewness and kurtosis differ significantly (> 5%) from normal to inflammable extremities. As a conclusion, image processing provides effective information in the structure and facilitates diagnosis semi-quantitatively. Moreover, increased imaging research and discussed the limitations of the study, such as the need for a larger sample size.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

M. Lyra
Department Radiology of Radiation Physics Unit A´, University of Athens, GR-11528, Athens, Greece.

 

S. Kordolaimi
Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Athens, 1 Rimini Str, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece.

 

A. L. Salvara
IATROPOLIS Medical Group, Athens, Greece.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/7877C

Optimising Off-Grid Microgrids in Remote Areas: The ‘Micro Reseau Mafate’ Project | Chapter 8 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

The development of autonomous microgrids presents a suitable alternative for electrifying isolated communities. However, to achieve truly virtuous solutions for environmental protection, a sustainable energy management system is highly recommended. This research project, located on Reunion Island, focuses on modelling the solar resource and user consumption profiles within a microgrid using specialised instrumentation. An innovative human-machine interface (HMI) is then developed and tested in a real-world configuration. This interface utilises a mathematical optimisation program to manage the microgrid effectively. The project meticulously examines the optimal operating point of the entire system, encompassing power generation devices, storage elements, and ultimately, household energy delivery. Tests have demonstrated that, in operational mode, the level of user acceptance of the management tool was highly satisfactory. The tool provides users with real-time information on the performance of the microgrid, which they found very helpful. This pilot program serves as a springboard for the future installation of numerous microgrids throughout this remote region.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

D. Calogine
PIMENT Laboratory, University of La Reunion, France.

 

O. Chau
PIMENT Laboratory, University of La Reunion, France.

 

T. Fanjirindratovo
Physics and Environment Laboratory, University of Toliara, Madagascar

 

O. Ramiarinjanahary
Physics and Environment Laboratory, University of Toliara, Madagascar.

 

J. Francou
PIMENT Laboratory, University of La Reunion, France.

 

P. Rasoavonjy
PIMENT Laboratory, University of La Reunion, France.

 

C. Abbezzot
PIMENT Laboratory, University of La Reunion, France.

 

Please See the book here :-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/176

Depth in Defense: A Multi-layered Approach to Cybersecurity for SCADA Systems in Industry 4.0 | Chapter 6 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

Industry 4.0 represents the vision of smart, interconnected factories where cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) enable advanced capabilities through tight integration of industrial operational technologies (OT) and information technologies (IT). The increased connectivity and automation capabilities of Industry 4.0 cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) create significant cyber-security vulnerabilities in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) environments if robust protections are not properly implemented. Legacy industrial control systems and new IP-enabled sensors, instruments, controllers, and appliances often lack basic safeguards like encryption, rigorous access controls, and endpoint security. This exposes manufacturers to substantial risks of cyberattacks that could manipulate, disrupt, or disable critical physical assets and processes related to their production lines and facilities. This study proposes a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to reduce the challenges faced by SCADA environments. The framework employs various measures such as granular access controls, network micro-segmentation, anomaly detection, encrypted communications, and legacy system upgrades to strengthen the security of SCADA environments. The multilayered defense-in-depth (DID) approach is able to combine policies, processes, and technologies to counter emerging vulnerabilities. The methodology was adopted in an electronics manufacturing facility, covering aspects such as access control, zoning, monitoring, and encryption. Results show security improvements, including 57.4% fewer unauthorized access events, 41.2% faster threat containment, and 79.2% fewer hacking attempts. The quantified metrics highlight the CPPS resilience and threat mitigation capabilities enabled by the securely designed SCADA architecture, which allows manufacturers to confidently pursue Industry 4.0 integration and digital transformation with minimized disruption. Organizations must balance costs against the risks of cyber incidents in their unique environment. Further research is needed to streamline and simplify management across disparate tools.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Eric Wai
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.

 

C. K. M. Lee
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China and Research Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.

 

Please See the book here :-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/12542F

Guided by Augmented Reality: The Results of Multiple Experiments Conducted to Enhance the Visitor Experience at a Culturally Historic Site | Chapter 2 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

In recent years, museums and historic sites have expanded their reach beyond traditional audiences by embracing innovative digital display technologies. Among these technologies, virtual, mixed, and augmented reality (AR) have gained prominence in society. These “virtual history” exhibits aim to bring historical narratives to life, allowing visitors to engage with the past in novel ways. However, the successful implementation of AR in cultural heritage contexts requires careful consideration of usability factors and alignment with media creators’ intended meanings.

Our research investigates the use of various AR technologies within cultural heritage applications. Specifically, we conducted multiple experiments at a historic fort in upstate New York, evaluating the impact of digital display technology on-site visitors. By analyzing user experiences, we aimed to understand how AR enhances cultural exploration and engagement.

Key areas of focus include:

          Usability Factors: We examined how visitors interacted with AR applications, considering ease of use, navigation, and overall satisfaction.

          Human-Computer Interaction: Understanding how users engage with AR interfaces and interpret historical content.

          Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of AR displays in conveying cultural heritage information.

Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on leveraging AR for cultural preservation and education. By bridging the gap between physical artifacts and virtual imagery, AR can enrich visitors’ understanding of historical contexts. As museums and heritage sites continue to embrace digital technologies, thoughtful design and evaluation are crucial for creating meaningful and immersive experiences.

In summary, this research sheds light on the potential of AR to augment cultural exploration, enhance visitor engagement, and breathe new life into historical narratives. By blending technology and heritage, we pave the way for a more dynamic and accessible appreciation of our shared past.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Dr. Damian Schofield
Department of Computer Science, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Paul Lear
Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Daniel Hufnal
Department of Computer Science, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Theodore Johnson
Department of Computer Science, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Sarah Colletta
Department of Computer Science, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Pranay Chapagain
Department of Computer Science, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, USA.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/8585E

Mitigation Measures to Address Soiling Effect in Solar Photovoltaic System Performance in Kuwait | Chapter 5 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

The present study primarily focused on Mitigation measures to address the soiling effect in solar photovoltaic system performance in Kuwait. The solar energy system has developed significantly in recent years, but a system’s lifetime may be impacted directly or indirectly by soiling, which is the accumulation of particles on a PV module’s surface. The Gulf Cooperation Countries have the advantages of fundamental characteristics and abundant natural resources due to the high proportion of solar radiation, which helps to expand the transition to renewable energy, especially in solar projects. The Kuwait location was chosen for this research because of its high dust levels and average daily sunshine of 9.4 hours. The Metrological Department of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Kuwait reports that the average amount of dust that falls over Kuwait ranges from 20 to 60 tons per square kilometer per month, which adds up to approximately 1 million tons per year. The soiling map of Kuwait was then created using PVsyst software. A theoretical and mathematical model for 100 MW was developed based on many environmental and technical parameters. The model was run with Kuwait parameters and 100 MW solar PV power plant capacity. Several methods have been adopted and investigated to mitigate dust from PV panels. Mitigation strategies fall into two broad categories: prevention and restorative. The results show that more than 25% of total generated electricity could be lost annually without any mitigation strategy. Furthermore, the efficiency loss could increase by around 50% during the seasons with sandstorms and high soiling rates. Additionally, manual and automatic cleaning methods were found to increase energy production from 112,092 MWh to 207,300 MWh. Moreover, manual cleaning reduced energy costs by 4.9%, but automated cleaning resulted in a 17.34% higher energy-saving cost than a system without cleaning. In addition, when using the automatic cleaning system, the payback period was reduced from 9.22 to 7.86 years. Therefore, an automated cleaning system is recommended for use in Kuwait. In general, FPVs are viable alternatives, and they are worth installing in the region of middle east Asian countries.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Yaqoub E. Althuwaini
Department of Water Facilities Operation and Maintenance, National Water Center, Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Shuwaikh, Kuwait.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/8440E

Civilization Needs Sustainable Energy: Fusion Breeding May be Best | Chapter 7 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

Fission breeding is certainly a sustainable source, as it makes the entire uranium and thorium resources available for power production. Civilization requires power. For a while, it can get by with the power supplies we currently use, fossil fuel, nuclear fuel; and hydroelectric, solar and wind. Only the last 3 are sustainable. The first two will run out at some point, very likely well before the end of this century, especially if the less developed parts of the world come up to OECD standards. In this work, I argue that at least for this century, solar, wind, and pure fusion are not up to the task. However, far before the end of the century, fusion might be used to produce fissile material for use in modern nuclear reactors. The requirements for a fusion device used as a breeder are considerably different from the requirements for pure fusion. It is likely that an ITER-type device could be used for fusion breeding on a large scale. Fusion breeding can support nuclear fuel for civilization, at 30-40 terawatts (TW), at least as far into the future as the dawn of civilization was in the past.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

 

Wallace Manheimer
US Naval Research Laboratory, USA.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/66

Application of Lab-on-chip (LOC) in Food Safety Sensing: A Review | Chapter 3 | Science and Technology - Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 2

 

This study mainly focuses on the processing, types, and materials used for Lab-on-chip (LOC) fabrication and application of LOC in food safety sensing. When paired with microfluidic techniques, lab-on-chip (LOC) provides an automated, compact platform that enhances analysis for a variety of applications. Using this LOC idea in biosensors makes a variety of analyses easier and faster to detect, particularly when it comes to food safety sensing. Microfluidic chips, also known as lab-on-a-chip devices or microfluidic devices, are miniaturized platforms that manipulate small volumes of fluids, typically in the microliter (10-6 liters) to picoliter (10-12 liters) range. These chips integrate various functions such as sample preparation, analysis, and detection into a single, compact device. The advancement in biosensors to lab-on-chip devices is possible through implementing microfluidics integrated sensing platforms. Microfluidics is an upcoming and novel research area that gives an innovative stream to work with fluid analysis. Channels and Chambers, Manipulation of Fluids, Sample Handling and Preparation, Chemical and Biological Analysis, Point-of-Care Diagnostics, High Throughput Screening, Customizability, and Scalability are the main applications of microfluidics technology on Lab on-chip. Point-of-care diagnostics in food processing is the main focus of this chapter. The processing method and fabrication of lab-on-chip material and some important applications in food safety are discussed in this chapter. There are also some innovative materials like nanomaterials, graphene and conductive polymers along with already known paper based LOC. More technological advancement and research is to be done on LOC based biosensors especially in field of food safety for precise qualitative and quantitative analysis.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Dr. Sruthi P. S.
Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala, India.

 

Dr. Sruthy P. B.
Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala, India.

 

Senthilkumar R.
Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala, India.

 

Please See the book here :-https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v2/3517G

Friday, 20 December 2024

Mucosal Immunity and Novel Prophylactic Strategy to Combat COVID-19 | Chapter 1 | Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 9

 

The study aims to explore the role of mucosal immunity in combating COVID-19 with the objective of developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as an expeditiously growing pandemic, in the human population caused by the highly transmissible RNA virus severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In clinical settings, SARS-CoV-2 infection can be elucidated on the basis of amplification of viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swab samples, and saliva tests (less invasive in nature), but sometimes faeces tests show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA even prior to symptoms appear and also long after a patient has tested negative from a conventional swab. The interplay of SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly occurs at the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane protease serine-type 2 positive (ACE2 + TMPRSS2+) epithelial cells of the mucosal surfaces like nasal, oral mucosae, and/or the conjunctival surface of the eye where it interacts with the immune system. The largest integrant of the entire immune system is the mucosal immune system which is augmented to provide a defence mechanism against various environmental pathogens at the mucosae. The primary host response towards the pathogen starts from an immune microenvironment of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The presence of exhausted lymphocytes, lymphopenia, pneumonia, and cytokine storm is the hallmark of COVID-19. The multifaceted nature of co-morbidity factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes and their effects on immunity can alter the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adipose tissue is a crucial endocrine organ that secretes a plethora of factors like adipokines, cytokines, and chemokines that have a profound impact on metabolism and augment the expression of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-23. Mucosal immunization could be a superior approach to activate mucosal and systemic immune responses against pathogenic invasion at mucosal surface entry ports. Mucosal vaccines are also able to generate strong systemic humoral immunity—required to neutralize any virus particle that dodges the primary immune response. In the case of various vaccines, the weakening of vaccine-induced immunity is associated with breakthrough infections. On the other hand, several lines of evidence suggest that mucosal immunization via natural infection or vaccination induces a more robust immune response in respiratory mucosa, which is the prime target of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop an efficient vaccine against mucosal pathogens, contemplation of the design of the delivery route, immunomodulatory features, and adjuvants are very important. In this article,  evidence was provided to understand the significant role of mucosal immunity, along with secretory and circulating immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in generating a novel mucosal vaccine against COVID-19. Moreover, along with mucosal vaccines, a look must be given to combination treatment strategies with plant bioactive molecules. Glycan-binding lectins against viral proteins for targeted activation of the mucosal immune response are one such example. These may play a promising role in halting this emerging virus. In this review, the different aspect of mucosal immunization and their probable prospect against the COVID-19 pandemic have been summarized. Further study on the formulation of nasal spray or inhaler with such plant bioactive molecules or engineered antibodies will be a potent therapeutic and prophylactic strategy in the prevention of a larger array of SARS-CoV2 with reduced side effects.

 

Author (s) Details

Dr. Swapan K. Chatterjee
Molecular Pharma Pvt. Ltd., 102A Windsor Palace, 6A, Iron Side Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
 
Dr. Snigdha Saha
Molecular Pharma Pvt. Ltd., 102A Windsor Palace, 6A, Iron Side Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
 
 
Maria Nilda M. Munoz
Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao City & De La Salle University, Manila 0900, Philippines.
 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v9/2196

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Oncogenic Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) As a Promising Targeted-molecule for HCC Therapy | Chapter 1 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in tissues and sera of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, further analyze IGF-1R on effects of biological behaviors of HepG2 cells and synergistic role with anti-cancer drugs on reversal MDR of HCC. In HCC, there was an overexpression of the IGF-1R. The connection between IGF-1R activation and the advancement of HCC is still unknown, though. In this work, we looked into how the biological characteristics of HCC cells were affected by IGF-1R editing. The expressions of IGF-1R and P-gp in HCC and their distal non-cancerous tissues (Non-Ca) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. IGF-1R was edited with CRISPR/Cas9 system, screened specific sgRNAs, and then transfected into HepG2 cells. CCK-8 and scratch wound test detected cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and transwell assays, respectively. Alterations of IGF-1R and P-gp were confirmed by Western blotting. Alterations of anti-cancer drug IC50 values were analyzed at the cell level. The incidences of IGF-1R (93.6%) or P-gp (88.2%) were significantly higher (P<0.001) in the HCC group than those (36.6% in IGF-1R or 26.9% in P-gp) in the Non-Ca group. There was a positive correlation between high IGF-1R and P-gp expression, and they were associated with HBV infection and vascular invasion of HCC. Abnormal levels of serum IGF-1R and P-gp were confirmed and associated with HCC progression. Biological feature alterations of HCC cells transfected with specific sgRNA showed IGF-1R expression down-regulation, cell proliferation inhibition, cell invasion or migration potential decreasing, and enhancing susceptibility of HepG2 cells to anti-cancer drugs. In this study, the specific sgRNA plus anti-tumor drugs had higher inhibitory effects on HCC cells, and the drug IC50 values were significantly decreased with inhibiting cell proliferation of HCC in the sgRNA group, indicating that HCC cells transfected with sgRNA could be more sensitive to anti-cancer drugs via inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway. These data indicated that the edited oncogenic IGF-1R was useful to inhibit biological behaviors of HCC cells and IGF-1R should be a promising targeted-molecule for HCC therapy.

 

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Min Yao
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Wenli Sai
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Chunxiu Sha
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Min Xu
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Rongfei Fang
Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.

 

Li Wang
Research Center for Intelligent Information Technology, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.

 

Qun Xie
Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu, China.

 

Dengfu Yao
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/11781F

Investigating the Factors Affecting Internet Sex Addiction | Chapter 8 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Today, with the advancement of technology and the use of the internet on smartphones, private interactions of individuals with strangers in the virtual space take a harmful form regardless of location. Problematic use of the Internet is now a concerning area across the globe, referring to excessive engagement in online activities known to be associated with marked functional impairment. A significant portion of people's communications takes place on social networks and through cyber facilities. The debate on human dependence on technology and cyber facilities has reached a point where the use of these facilities has become an inseparable part of many people's lives, work, and relationships. The increasing use of cyber facilities and individuals' membership in online social networks and chat rooms, alongside easy access to relationships with strangers, sometimes leads to the emergence of cybersex relationships and conversations aimed at satisfying instinctual and sexual desires. In this chapter, after defining internet sex addiction, sexual identity, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), the relationship between internet sex addiction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in men is examined. The impact of these items on each other and diagnostic and treatment methods are explained. The present research is correlation-relation research in which inferential statistics were used. Sexual Addiction Screening-Test-Revised (SAST-R) was used as a research tool in which 45 yes or no questions were included. The test has a main part and two subscale groups. The results of this research show that the body dysmorphic disorder variable has a correlation of 66.6%, and 44.3% predicts the level of internet sex addiction. Finally, it is concluded that there is an indirect and significant correlation between Internet sex addiction and body image.

 

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

 

Mehrnaz Sheibani-Noqabi (Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Researcher)
Mehrabani Counseling Center, Mashhad, Iran.

 

Mohamad Tolooe Arjomand (Doctor of Medicine, Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Researcher
Mehrabani Counseling Center, Mashhad, Iran.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/9098A

Platform to Help Motor/Social Disabilities, which connects Prescribers/Suppliers/ Patients and Sells Assistance Products | Chapter 4 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Aim: The research work tried to present a solution to help people with motor/social disabilities integrate into society and the world of work, promoting ease of communication between all those involved.

Background: The article introduces a digital prototype designed to offer a “Diagnostic Page” that connects patients with different prescribers and suppliers of assistive products that lessen their challenges. This prototype is presented from the perspectives of social inclusion and labor inclusion. Additionally, it offers a “Patient Card Page” with all the financing information for the individual items and all the paperwork that will probably be required for all parties to complete the business operations. It also aims to provide a digital medium to grow a community in this niche market. In the action research methodology approach, the prototype was taken to funding competitions and conferences, where interviews and surveys were carried out, and a number of suggestions were collected on the type of platform to consider in order to respond to the concerns and needs of end users, such as patients, prescribers, suppliers and associations.

Methods: The digital platform where the system is hosted uses algorithms that, on the diagnostic page, consider keywords used by patients and return a series of prescribers and suppliers of support products, in which the corresponding percentage of attenuation is taken into account and the best solution found to overcome the level of difficulty presented by the respective patients is delivered.

Results and Conclusions: With the help of this platform, it is hoped that individuals with motor/social difficulties will be able to quickly receive their diagnosis thanks to the algorithm in place, and they will also be given access to a range of suppliers, prescribers, and support products that are best suited to their needs, along with all the details or requirements needed to buy or finance them. However, as independent contractors who are a part of a community, prescribers, suppliers, and associations have access to an online platform where they can provide their advice, goods, and other forms of support.  In the future, it is intended to build, develop, test, and implement the system in the daily lives of the participants. At the moment, the prototype has not received any financial support, and for this, it is necessary to obtain funding from an experienced entity, which makes its concretization possible as well as guaranteeing the protection of copyright.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Beatriz Ferreira
IADE-Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication of the European University, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Maria Carolina
IADE-Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication of the European University, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/67

Evaluating the Misdiagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Hong Kong's Outpatient Healthcare Sector | Chapter 2 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 Background and Objective: Timely and accurate diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the successful management of diseases. However, delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis continue to be significant concerns, resulting in adverse effects on patient treatment outcomes. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, with over one million new cases acquired daily. The presence of misdiagnosis in STD cases cannot be ignored. The objective of the present study is to determine the rate of misdiagnosis of STDs and investigate the underlying factors contributing to this issue.

Methods: Specimens for STD diagnosis were collected from multiple clinics and hospitals between June 1, 2021, and October 20, 2021. The DNA extraction process utilized a magnetic bead-based method, followed by testing the extracted DNA using the DiagCor GenoFlowTM STD Array Test Kit to identify targeted pathogens.

Results: During the specified time, a total of 1459 specimens were collected and included in the study. Among these, 643 specimens tested positive for at least one targeted STD pathogen. Out of the positive cases, 494 were aligned with the tests ordered by physicians, while the remaining 149 positive cases had at least one pathogen detected that was not requested to be tested, leading to misdiagnosis. The overall misdiagnosis rate was determined to be 23.2% (149 out of 643), with a higher frequency of misdiagnosis observed in tests ordered for the detection of one to three pathogens. It is worth noting that Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Ureaplasma parvum (UU/UP) were the most detected pathogens in this study.

Conclusion: The study's findings emphasize that incorrect test selection by physicians is a major contributor to misdiagnosis in outpatient settings for STD cases. To mitigate diagnostic errors in STD diagnosis, it is crucial for physicians to meticulously choose and request tests that enable the detection of multiple pathogens. Co-infections involving multiple pathogens are commonly encountered among STD patients. Optimal test selection not only benefits individual patients but also has wider implications for public health.

Expanding upon these findings, this chapter delves into the challenges associated with STD misdiagnosis, explores the potential consequences for patients and public health, and provides strategies and recommendations for improving diagnostic accuracy in outpatient settings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing approaches that encompass multiple pathogens to address the complexity of STD infections effectively. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the significance of clinician education and awareness regarding appropriate test selection, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development and updated guidelines in the field of STD diagnosis. By addressing these issues, we can enhance diagnostic practices, reduce misdiagnosis rates, and ultimately improve patient care and public health outcomes in the context of sexually transmitted diseases.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Dr. Andes Lau
Clinical Laboratory Service Unit, Pangenia Life Sciences Ltd., Hong Kong, China.

 

Dr. Tyler Leung
DiagCor Life Science Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, China.

 

Dr. David W. Y. Ho
Clinical Laboratory Service Unit, Pangenia Life Sciences Ltd., Hong Kong, China.

 

Please see the link here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/12219F

Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Congenital Coronary Artery Variants: A Pictorial Essay Chapter 7 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography appearance of congenital coronary artery variants [CCAV]. Catheter angiography cannot detect ectopic openings of coronary arteries since it is only a two-dimensional study. Often, a diagnosis of an anomaly is made on MDCT coronary angiography, when catheter angiography fails to show the normal anatomy.

Although CCAVs are relatively uncommon, familiarity with atypical anatomy and their clinical presentation may facilitate appropriate diagnosis and management. Axial sections, multiplanar reconstructions, virtual angioscopy, and 3D volume-rendered images should aid in the detection and improve the interpretation of such anomalies, which can be of immense help to the clinician planning interventional procedures, like stenting, ablation procedures, balloon dilatation, or graft surgery particularly when there are secondary changes of atherosclerosis, calcification, plaque formation and stenosis.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Krishna Kumar M.
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Prof. DR. Senthilnathan V., MD., RD.,
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Dr. Dharan Venkatesh K.A., MD.,RD.,
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/8370E

Optimizing Cancer Treatment: The Synergy of Multimodal Oncology | Chapter 5 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

This chapter is an attempt to offer some perspective on how to apply these disparate methodologies so that they may be more effectively integrated, resulting in consistently better clinical responses. The term “integrative oncology” can mean particular things to different audiences. For the purposes of this chapter, it is intended to mean the simultaneous use of multiple anti-cancer strategies that can have a synergistic effect against the tumor, its microenvironment, and its propensity to metastasize. Thereby, having a maximum impact against the cancer with a minimum of side effects for the patient to endure. This chapter provides a quick overview of the five most common evidence-based systematic techniques now in use, as shown in the sources. Although the efficiency of each of these strategies varies, in my experience, when they are combined therapeutically, the results are exponentially better, changing the focus from progression-free survival to the prospect of improved overall survival and long-lasting remission.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Jesse A. Stoff
Integrative Medicine of New York, 520 Franklin Ave Suite 230 Garden City, NY-11530, USA.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/3803G

Importance of Air Filtration System Replacement to Improve the Embryo Quality in Assisted Reproduction Laboratory | Chapter 3 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Infertility is a common disease, which drives several couples to seek treatment with assisted reproduction techniques. In vitro fertilization plays a significant role in combatting infertility. However, many factors contribute to the efficiency of assisted reproductive techniques, such as the laboratory environment and air quality. Poor air quality in the IVF laboratory is a known risk factor in the culture of gametes and human embryos. Improving infrastructural conditions of the in vitro fertilization laboratory, such as the air quality, has profound positive effects on embryo culture. Poor environmental conditions reduce the rate of embryo formation and, therefore, of pregnancy. This review article presents important publications regarding the impact of air quality in human reproduction laboratories on embryo quality, pregnancy success, and live births. The studies demonstrate that replacing the air filtration system improves significantly the environmental air quality, and, consequently, improves laboratory parameters, such as the fertilization rate, the number of blastocysts, the embryo implantation rate, and the number of live births. On the other hand, improving air quality decreases the number of abortions. Therefore, environmental parameters that improve embryo quality and increase healthy childbirth rates must be the main targets for assisted reproduction laboratory quality control. More controlled studies on air quality should be performed with the aim of investigating how particulate filtration interferes with IVF results and provides an effective balance of costs and benefits of replacing the air filtration system in the context of human-assisted reproduction.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Karine Queiroz Poletto
Faculty of Medicine, Centro Universitário UNIRG, Gurupi, TO, Brazil.

 

Yanna Andressa Ramos de Lima
Center for Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.

 

Mário Silva Approbato
Center for Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/3789G

A Brief Review on the Type of Donors, Methods and Complications of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Children with Thalassemia Major | Chapter 6 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative treatment modality for children with transfusion-dependent Thalassemia. A transplant has been explored extensively in the last 30 years and presently more than 4000 allogeneic transplants have been performed worldwide. This review provides brief information on Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Transfusion-dependent thalassemia with the objective of providing outcome predictions based on modern transplant technologies and some of the known post-transplant complications.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Dr. Shweta Pathak (Associate Professor)
Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bosh Medical College, Jabalpur (MP), India.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/8433E