The Biopsychosocial Journey: Unveiling the Veteran Identity | Chapter 09 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

American Veterans currently represent a poorly understood, underrepresented segment of the population. The proportion of the US population that identifies as a Veteran is continuing to decline, with the prevalence reported as 7% in 2020 (Vespa, 2020). While cultural competence is critical to the practices of psychotherapy and clinical research, numerous divergent strategies for defining Veteran investigational cohorts can be found, at times including participants who are still actively serving or their dependents. 3 studies modeled a Veteran by participation in the VA, 2 that used participation in a campaign or a military operation to define the studied group, 3 that used a prior history of participation in the Armed Forces, and 2 studies that used alternative definitions will be presented and discussed. Simultaneously, our Veterans have been shown to be at a greater risk for a range of biopsychosocial challenges than normed civilians. The differing modeling strategies may be contributing to the “veteran disorder” that describes the reduction of functioning of Veterans as compared to civilians (MacLeash, 2019). This study sought to identify the culturally preferred strategy of self-identification of US Veterans. It has been hypothesized that the preferred self-identification of Veterans is “Veteran” while the Service Members identify with the branch of service. 325 participants were selected at random from an archival dataset of 655 respondents who were asked their preferred method of self-identification. The study population was inclusive of 94 Service Members and 231 Veterans. The responses indicate that membership in both Service Member and Veteran groups is exclusive, with 100% of Veterans preferring to identify as a Veteran and 100% of Service Members identifying with the branch of service.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Michael Ginzburg
Anchor Therapy Clinic, Sacramento, California, USA.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/44

Drug Abuse Prevention Strategies: A Post-pandemic Approach | Chapter 08 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

This book chapter discusses the causes of the rapid rise in drug abuse and several strategies that may be used to control the rapid rise of drug abuse among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic to date (post-pandemic era). The suggested effective strategies are based on the holistic approach model that engages all stakeholders to work collaboratively to implement prevention and intervention strategies as posited by the PROSPER Model. Prosper Model brings together schools, families, communities, and Universities in partnerships that use positive approaches to strengthen families and empower youths to make informed decisions. Keeping adolescents engaged in fruitful activities, empowering them with life skills, and involving the students in volunteer work for vulnerable children will help them resist peer pressure and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Blessing Chifamba
Department of Journalism and Communication, Rusangu University, Zambia.

 

Constance Chifamba
Department of Education, Solusi University, Zimbabwe.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/12707F

Unveiling the Nexus: Exploring Service Quality's Impact on Student Satisfaction and Loyalty in Higher Education | Chapter 07 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

The purpose of this research is to empirically examine and analyze the influence of Service Quality on Satisfaction and its impact on Student Loyalty. This study adopts a descriptive (survey) method with a quantitative approach design. The data used consists of primary and secondary data. The population in this study is students of the Faculty of Economics at Lancang Kuning University, with a sample size of 100 individuals adopting Slovin's proposition. The sampling technique used is non-random sampling with the Accidental Sampling method. Data analysis is conducted using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the Warp PLS application. The research results indicate that there is a significant influence of the physical, reliability, and assurance dimensions on customer satisfaction, whereas responsiveness and empathy aspects are not significant. The satisfaction variable has a significant influence on loyalty. The research results also show that all dimensions and variables have positive relationships, both from the perspective of service quality on satisfaction and satisfaction on loyalty.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Arizal N.
Universitas Lancang Kuning, Pekanbaru, 28265, Indonesia.

 

Wita Dwika Listihana

Universitas Lancang Kuning, Pekanbaru, 28265, Indonesia.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/12298F

On Studying the Hierarchical Inter-Relationships amongst Challenges to Using Info-Graphics, implementation of Ideation Tools and Techniques, as well as Usage of Video Technologies in Education | Chapter 06 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

Info-graphics are a great way to help people process information in a way that’s most appealing, comfortable and accessible to them. This includes providing words, images, and even interactive elements to help with attention, memory, and recall processes. Ideation is an essential part of the design process, both in education and practice and a crucial part of the Design Thinking process. Design Thinking is all about breaking down barriers and removing the obstacles that typically block innovation. This paper deals with three parts focusing on challenges to using info-graphics, challenges to implementation of ideation tools and challenges to use of video technologies in education respectively. Further, the hierarchical inter-relationships amongst the challenges have been studied using VAXO technique-based matrices.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Arnav Jain
Techture Structures Private Limited, Indore, India.

 

Remica Aggarwal
MIT-SOER, MIT-ADT University, Loni Kalbhor Pune, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/7758C

Identification and Exclusion of Illegal Evidence in China: Past, Present and Future | Chapter 05 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

The application of the exclusionary rule of illegal evidence in judicial practice is increasingly ignored in China. This is related to the failure to consolidate the foundation of illegal evidence. To identify and eliminate illegal evidence, three problems must be solved: the identification standard and basis of illegal evidence; The extent and scope of the exclusion of illegal evidence; and the Exclusion procedure of illegal evidence. In the process of establishing the exclusionary rule of illegal evidence in China, in order to avoid the complexity of the American exclusionary rule in the interpretation of rights, China consciously ignored the relationship between the exclusionary rule and constitutional rights, and tried to solve the above problems through specific document descriptions, but ignored the characteristics of the judge's law that actually existed in the identification and exclusion of illegal evidence. This makes the judge's duty to exclude evidence unclear, and the enthusiasm to exclude illegal evidence is not obvious.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Qi Yaping
China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/7745E

On Hierarchical Inter-relationships amongst the Challenges Faced while Implementation of Play Therapy amongst School Children in India | Chapter 04 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

Play Therapy [PT] has its roots in psychoanalysis and child psychology. The earliest forms of PT can be traced back to the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers, who used play and creative activities as a means of exploring a child's unconscious thoughts and feelings. Play therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. The present research tries to explore the challenges faced while implementing play therapy among school children in India.

 

Author(s) Details :-

Lakshay Aggarwal
Department of Psychology, IGNOU, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Remica Aggarwa
MIT- SOER, MIT-ADT University, Pune, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/7588C

Capabilities of Engineers to Build Machines with Human-like Intelligence Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) | Chapter 03 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

The study addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the capabilities of engineers to build machines with human-like intelligence using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). By highlighting the existing obstacles and proposing an alternative approach based on complexity theory and non-linear adaptive systems, the manuscript offers valuable insights and potential solutions to the challenges faced by engineers in the field of AI and ML research. Additionally, it aims to clarify the confusion and misuse of terminology surrounding AI and ML, contributing to greater clarity and understanding within the scientific community. AI and ML are attracting a lot of scientific and engineering attention nowadays, nothing up to now has been achieved to reach the level of building machines that possess human-like intelligence. However, the engineering community continuously claims that several engineering problems are solved using AI or ML. Here, it is argued that engineers are not able to build intelligent machines, implying that the systems claimed to have AI/ML belong to different engineering domains. The base of the syllogism is the existence of four main obstacles on which extensive elucidation is performed. These are (i) lack of precise definition of AI (and ML), (ii) impossible generation of requirements and verification and validation procedures for designing and fabricating machines with intelligence, (iii) no scientific consensus, (iv) philosophical fundamental issues with AI/ML which impose conceptual and assimilation problems in order not to be able making progress if not deal with them. In addition, an attempt to clear out the developed confusion, misuse and abuse of the phrases “Artificial Intelligence” and “Machine Learning” by scientists and engineers is carried out. The confusion is a result of the previous obstacles scientists and engineers are facing and avoid to face, hence creating and growing a kind of “Lusus Naturae” of this scientific field with socio-political impacts as well.  Furthermore, mathematical, and philosophical approaches are also mentioned that strengthen the argument against AI implementability as part of the whole syllogism. Finally, an alternative approach (not being unique) is suggested and discussed for performing research on AI and ML by the engineers. It is based on complexity theory and non-linear adaptive systems and provides the benefit of eliminating the before mentioned pragmatic and philosophical obstacles that engineers are facing and ignoring, without creating confusion on this scientific endeavor. This approach is based on the emergent properties of complex systems. So instead of trying to make the apple (as a symbol of AI), we build the apple tree which through complexity the apple will be grown (symbolically AI will be emanated).

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos
On Board Computers & Data Handling Systems, European Space Research & Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/322

Analysis of Tourism as a Socio-Cultural Phenomenon: Present and Future Consequences | Chapter 02 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

The study presents an analysis of tourism as a socio-cultural phenomenon. It presents a critical analysis of earlier findings on the evolution of tourism as a concept and sheds light on cultural and social factors leading to tourism in its present state as well as its social and cultural impacts, positive and negative. The foundation of global tourism is the movement of people away from their typical surroundings, which enables interpersonal communication. By uniting individuals of various racial backgrounds, tongues, and religious beliefs, it has a positive effect on both the host community and the visitors. International tourism boosts sociocultural exchange between the host and visitor countries and has a positive economic influence on the host nation.  Furthermore identifies some sociological and cultural factors that shape the characteristics of tourists and highlights the role of socio-cultural motivations of tourists. The present study is based on the secondary re-analysis of a large set of qualitative data. These are derived from articles published between 2011 and 2021, following a search on scholarly databases with the search keywords: Socio-cultural Tourism, social tourism, cultural tourism. The extracted data are in form of a database with parameters of the year of publication, positive and negative socio-cultural impact of tourism, and findings. The study delves into various social and cultural factors influencing tourism. Social factors like safety, political stability, and family dynamics shape tourist behavior, while cultural factors such as competitiveness and preserving identity fuel tourist desires. Additionally, the study identifies sociological factors like human behavior and lifecycle stages, as well as cultural elements like knowledge and family orientation, shaping tourists' characteristics and motivations. Furthermore, a critical analysis of literature highlights both positive and negative impacts of tourism. Positives include improved infrastructure and regional image, fostering local pride. However, negatives such as increased crime and cultural decline are noted, along with challenges like unsustainable development and exploitation. Overall, the study emphasizes the complex interplay of social and cultural factors in tourism and the need for balanced, sustainable approaches to mitigate negative impacts.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Christos Amoiradi
University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece.

Efstathios Velissario
University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece.

Mariya Stankov
South-West University, “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.

 

Please see the book here :-https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/313

Analysis of Pictorial and Multimodal Metaphors Used in Editorial Cartoons Created by the Saudi Cartoonist Abdullah Jaber | Chapter 01 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 9

 

This study identifies and analyzes pictorial and multimodal metaphors used in the editorial cartoons created by the Saudi cartoonist Abdullah Jaber to depict the impact of smartphones and social media platforms on the lives of Saudis from 2011 until 2020. The internet, smartphones and social networking have reshaped the conventional means of communication and people’s understanding of interaction and conversation. Over the past few decades, the development of Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the distinction between monomodal and multimodal discourse have inspired academics to reinvestigate pictorial and multimodal metaphors. All editorial cartoons analyzed in this study were taken from the cartoonist’s accounts on Twitter and Instagram @jabertoon. The analysis reveals that multimodal verbo-pictorial metaphors are more common than monomodal pictorial ones, which facilitates viewers' interpretation of the cartoonist's intended meanings. Jaber’s artistic work is not meant only to entertain or amuse his readers; his cartoons are not supposed to be conveyed as merely comical works of art. Rather, he utilizes his cartoons to communicate messages and reflect values that users of social media platforms might overlook. His main interest is to highlight the potential consequences that can arise due to social media platforms. Besides, the analysis reveals the negative impact of smartphones and social media platforms on Saudi users, which is consistent with research findings. Further research is needed to explore and analyze the kinds of humor in Saudi editorial cartoons and examine Saudis’ perception and appreciation of humor and how it relates to audience background and exposure.

 

Author(s) Details :-

Muna I. Alahmadi
Department of Languages and Translation, Taibah University, Madina, KSA.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v9/8504E             

Hardware Implementation and Optimisation of a Chaotic-Chua-Based Pseudo-Random Number Generator for Security Applications | Chapter 8 | Mathematics and Computer Science: Research Updates Vol. 8

 

In this paper, we propose a high-performance pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) based on the Chua chaotic system, specifically optimised for FPGA deployment. The inherent nonlinear dynamics and extreme sensitivity to initial conditions exhibited by the Chua system substantially improve the statistical quality of the generated sequences, yielding high entropy and strong resistance to cryptanalytic attacks. A hardware-oriented architecture is carefully designed to minimise arithmetic complexity, enhance parallelism, and ensure efficient utilisation of FPGA resources. The proposed implementation achieves a maximum operating frequency of 104.613 MHz and an ultra-high throughput of 3,347.616 Mb/s, making it well-suited for real-time and lightweight security applications. Experimental results confirm that the proposed Chua-based PRNG delivers excellent performance in terms of unpredictability, statistical robustness, and hardware efficiency.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Rim Amdouni
Research Laboratory in Algebra Numbers Theory and Intelligent Systems (RLANTIS), University of Monastir, Tunisia and University of Monastir, Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

 

Mohamed Ali Hajjaji
Research Laboratory in Algebra Numbers Theory and Intelligent Systems (RLANTIS), University of Monastir, Tunisia and University of Sousse, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Sousse, Tunisia.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mcsru/v8/6833

Fractional Pharmacokinetic Models in One-compartment Systems |Chapter 7 | Mathematics and Computer Science: Research Updates Vol. 8

 

Classical models typically use integer-order (ordinary) differential equations and predict exponential-like concentration decay after administration of drugs. These classical assumptions are adequate for many compounds but fail to capture anomalous behaviours seen in numerous drugs: long tails in concentration-time curves, non-exponential elimination, or irregular accumulation after repeated dosing. The study aimed to develop fractional pharmacokinetic models in one-compartment systems to enhance drug absorption. Fractional derivatives can be inserted into compartmental networks to create fractional multi-compartment models. Recent theoretical work provides a general framework for embedding fractional orders within compartmental mass-balance systems while preserving physically meaningful constraints (mass conservation and positivity), which is important for physiological interpretability. Practical implementations often use efficient strategies to reduce the cost of history terms (e.g., short-memory approximations, nonuniform time grids, or convolution quadrature approaches). Fractional models can inform controlled-release formulation design and the prediction of long-term toxicological accumulation. However, adoption in clinical pharmacology requires standardised parameter-estimation pipelines, software, and regulatory acceptance—areas currently under development. Widespread adoption will require advances in parameter estimation, computational tools, and translational validation, but the literature over the past two decades demonstrates clear progress and growing interest in fractional approaches.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Hemlata Saxena
Career Point University, Kota, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mcsru/v8/6795

Analysing Image Processing Algorithms Using Correlational Values within the Cloud Platform| Chapter 6 | Mathematics and Computer Science: Research Updates Vol. 8

 

Background: Image processing strategy is an important part of image processing to visualise the performance and outcome of the goal. Image processing is a discipline in which the process's input and output are both images. It is a process that entails elementary operations such as noise reduction, contrast enhancement, and image sharpening. Image analysis is a process that takes images as inputs but produces attributes extracted from those images as outputs (e.g., edges, contours, and the identity of individual objects).

 

Aims: This paper aims to analyse the algorithms of image processing in the cloud platform. Several algorithms are commonly used in image processing and computing techniques. Correlations for the observation matrix were observed to marginalise the images, and results were transmitted to the cloud platform.

 

Methodology: Here, a selection of state-of-art is applied to test image processing execution and timing factor using different strategies and platforms. Among them, the dataset structure and performance of the system can choose a verification algorithm to achieve the final operation. Based on the structure of a real-time image processing system based on SOPC technology is built, and the corresponding functional receiving unit is designed for real-time image storage, editing, viewing, and analysis. Datasets were collected online from the free domain of kaggle.com. Images belong to the traffic light of 250 out of 2056 files. 120 images were selected randomly to process after pre-processing of the images.

 

Results: Studies have shown that the image processing system based on cloud computing has increased the speed of image data processing by 12.7%. Compared with another platform, especially in the case of segmentation and enhancement of the image. This analysis has advantages in image compression and image restoration on a cloud platform. Qualitative and quantitative performances in the cloud platform of the algorithm are compared, and the results of the three indicators show that the platform has better performance than others. The results show that the cloud platform requires less computational time in comparison with others after loading the image file into the system.

 

Conclusion: Different image processing parameters like noise, smoothing, the timing of enhancement and segmentation have a greater effect on the compression effect of the image, including correlational value within the dataset of the image. The larger the correlation, the less compressed the image data is, the faster the image compression rate, and the lower the image's peak entry-to-noise ratio.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Faizur Rashid
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SCOS, JSPM University, Pune, India.

 

Gavendra Singh
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SDGI Global University, U.P., India.

 

Jemal Abate
Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois, Brazil.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mcsru/v8/5885

 

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prelude to a Sinister Outcome | Chapter 7 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 3

 

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (C-SCC) is the second most frequent cutaneous malignancy worldwide and represents a potentially life-threatening condition due to its ability to demonstrate rapid progression, aggressive local invasion, and metastatic spread. Although it is often regarded as relatively indolent, delayed recognition and treatment may result in advanced disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This case series highlights five clinically diverse and often misleading presentations of C-SCC that mimicked benign dermatological conditions, thereby concealing their malignant potential. Emphasis is placed on the urgency of early clinical suspicion, prompt histopathological confirmation, and timely therapeutic intervention, as these measures play a decisive role in modifying disease course, reducing metastatic risk, and improving overall patient outcomes.

 

Objectives: This study highlights the clinical heterogeneity of C-SCC through diverse presentations, emphasising the need for diagnostic vigilance.

 

Methods: A case series of five patients with histopathologically confirmed C-SCC was analysed. Each case was evaluated for site, predisposing factors, morphology, and management outcomes. Case 1 involved a Post-burn scar ulcer (Marjolin’s ulcer) treated with excision and grafting, whereas Case 2 presented as a Groin and penile ulcer with nodal metastasis; the patient succumbed during chemotherapy. Case 3 was a Keratoacanthoma with adjacent SCC on the leg, managed with retinoids. Case 4 had an Inguinal lesion post-hair-plucking trauma; well-differentiated SCC. Case 5 involved Verrucous carcinoma over condyloma acuminata; partial penectomy performed.

 

Results: These five cases illustrate the diverse presentations and histopathological variants of Cutaneous SCC. Lesions arose in varied contexts—over scars, traumatic or infectious sites, and pre-existing dermatoses.

 

Conclusion: This case series highlights the broad and deceptive clinical spectrum of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, ranging from chronic non-healing ulcers to aggressive keratinising tumours that are frequently misinterpreted as benign conditions. Importantly, even complicated and advanced presentations of C-SCC demonstrate significant potential for improved outcomes when early intervention is undertaken under histopathological guidance. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management remain critical in offering the best chance for curative outcomes, minimising the risk of metastasis, and enhancing overall prognosis.

 

Recommendations: Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for non-healing, indurated, or atypical cutaneous lesions.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sharmila Patil
Department of Dermatology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

Fiza Chaudhary
Department of Dermatology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

Sabhya Sehgal
Department of Dermatology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

Aishwarya Patil
Department of Dermatology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

Amishi Rathod
Department of Dermatology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v3/6746

A Prospective Comparative Study of Diagnostic Accuracy between TrueNat and GeneXpert for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis |Chapter 6 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 3

 

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), primarily transmitted via airborne particles. The currently recommended methods for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) include molecular-based tests that can detect both TB and drug-resistant forms of the disease. Enhancing access to reliable and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is a priority for global TB control. Molbio Diagnostics has developed the TrueNat point-of-care molecular assays for detecting TB and rifampicin (RIF) resistance. Until 2020, the Xpert system was the only WHO-recommended option for rapid molecular detection of both TB and rifampin-resistant TB. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of GeneXpert with TrueNat, using the MGIT test as the gold standard.

 

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study involved 350 patients with suspected pulmonary TB at the Intermediate Reference Laboratory in the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases, Puducherry, India. Sputum samples were collected in pre-sterilised tubes, transported at 2–8°C to the reference laboratory, and processed using the NALC-NaOH method, with aliquots allocated for microscopy, culture, TrueNat, and Xpert testing, while excess was stored at –80°C. The BACTEC-MGIT-960 test is used to detect the growth of M. tuberculosis in drug-containing and drug-free tubes. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy for tuberculosis diagnosis were calculated for TrueNat and GeneXpert and compared to the MGIT results. Data analysis was performed using MedCalc Software Ltd., specifically the Odds Ratio Calculator (Version 23.1.6).

 

Results: Among the 350 patients, 296 (84.57%) tested positive for TB with GeneXpert, while 280 (80.00%) tested positive with TrueNat. For the GeneXpert assay in detecting pulmonary TB in sputum samples, the sensitivity was 98.66%, the specificity was 96.15%, the PPV was 99.32%, the NPV was 92.59%, and the accuracy was 98.29%. In comparison, the TrueNat technique had a sensitivity of 93.22%, specificity of 90.91%, PPV of 98.21%, NPV of 71.43%, and accuracy of 92.86%. The agreement between the TrueNat assay and the GeneXpert method, using the BACTEC-MGIT-960 method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary samples, was significant, with Kappa values of 0.76 (S.E.: 0.05) for TrueNat and 0.93 (S.E.: 0.03) for GeneXpert.

 

Conclusion: Overall, the GeneXpert assay demonstrated greater sensitivity than TrueNat in respiratory samples. It is advisable to interpret TrueNat negative results cautiously and to correlate them closely with the patient's clinical and treatment history.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Balasundaram Revathi Mani
Department of Biochemistry, Queen Mary’s College, Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Usharani Brammacharry
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Venkateswari Ramachandra
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Muthuraj Muthaiah
Department of Microbiology, State TB Training and Demonstration Centre, Intermediate Reference Laboratory, Government Hospital for Chest Diseases, Puducherry, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v3/6786

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome without Venography: A Pragmatic Pathway Using Doppler Ultrasound, Laparoscopy and Ligation in Resource-Limited Settings |Chapter 5 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 3

 

Background: Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is an under-recognised cause of chronic pelvic pain and a frequent driver of diagnostic wandering, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent adoption of the SVP (Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology) framework and more structured imaging pathways can shorten time to diagnosis and treatment.

 

Objective: To illustrate an SVP-harmonised, resource-adapted diagnostic–therapeutic pathway that resolves pain and ends diagnostic wandering.

 

Case presentation: A 42-year-old grand multipara (G9P9009) with >6-month non-cyclical pelvic pain and post-coital exacerbation underwent a stepwise work-up. Transvaginal duplex ultrasonography (TVUS) was used as the gatekeeper test; cross-sectional venous imaging and selective venography were not available. Persistent symptoms and high clinical suspicion led to diagnostic laparoscopy with planned concomitant intervention. Laparoscopy revealed parauterine varicosities consistent with venous reflux phenotype. Transperitoneal ligation of the culprit veins was performed in the same session. A venoactive agent was prescribed post-operatively for 30 days. The patient experienced complete resolution of pelvic pain and dyspareunia on follow-up, effectively terminating a prolonged diagnostic odyssey.

 

Conclusion: In settings where venography and endovascular therapy are limited, a graded pathway SVP-guided clinical phenotyping, standardised TVUS, and diagnostic-therapeutic laparoscopy is a pragmatic alternative that can deliver rapid, patient-centred benefit. Embolisation remains first-line where available; laparoscopy is a viable “when necessary” option. Prospective LMIC studies with harmonised outcomes are urgently needed.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Michèle Florence Mendoua
Department of Surgery and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v3/6538

The Performance of a Micro-Dam Rainwater Harvesting System in an Inland-Valley Swamp in Sierra Leone | Book publisher International

 

Major opportunities to improve food security and household incomes are being missed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because of inadequate management of agricultural water, especially in rain-fed systems. Moreover, there are challenges of coping with water scarcity and stress due to climatic variability. Land degradation resulting from soil erosion by wind and water, and poor management of soil fertility, also contributes to low rainwater use efficiency. Sierra Leone receives a lot of rain, with an annual average of 2526 mm. During the wet season, typically between April and November, there is an excess of water; more than the requirement for crop production. However, the situation changes drastically in the dry season (December to March) when the total rainfall is most times 6-8% of the annual rainfall. Rainwater is an important input factor for healthy and productive ecosystems. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) in a watershed context has a role and an impact on several aspects of ecosystems and human well-being. In Sierra Leone, irrigation plays a minor role as almost all farming activities are rainfed. This study takes an integrated approach towards agricultural water management with specific objectives designed to optimise the availability and utilization of water and move the focus from local field level to basin or watershed scale. This research was conducted in an Inland Valley Swamp at Njala University, located in the Southern region of Sierra Leone. A micro-dam with a reservoir of capacity, 26,500 m3 was evaluated to know the extent to which it can improve cropping intensity and extend the cropping season. Losses by seepage was high, amounting to 34% and 27% of stored water during 2014/15 and 2015/16 dry season respectively. The reduction in seepage could be attributed to the addition of a layer of soil with high clay content on the upstream of the dam. Despite the seepage, there was sufficient water to support a second crop with supplementary irrigation. Yields from the dry season crop were generally higher than those of the rainy season. This throws more light on the potential for higher yields not just in the lowlands as against the uplands, but also getting better yields in the dry season as compared to the wet season. To further improve the performance of the RWH system, a novel approach was undertaken to improve rice yields and save water during irrigation, with the addition of Biochar. In doing so, the effect of biochar on water productivity under various management practices was investigated. Many studies have demonstrated that using biochar as a soil amendment can improve the soil carbon content and water retention.  The water management practices included: the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method, Aerobic Rice System (ARS) and the Continuous Flooding (CF) practice. In a period of three years (2014-2017), rice was cultivated twice a year, wet and dry season. The highest measured wet and dry season yields, 3.2 t ha-1 and 4.7 t ha-1, occurred during the 2015/2016 cropping season. In general, dry season yields were higher than wet season yields, plots with biochar had higher yields than plots without biochar, and CF plots had higher yields than ARS plots, which in turn had higher yields than AWD plots. The water management practices had significant effect on water productivity, with the yields under the ARS being significantly higher during the dry season of 2015/16 (p = 0.001) and 2016/17 (p= 0.003) than the CF and AWD. As the small reservoir (or pond) is a key component of the watershed and is affected by various hydrologic variables, it is critical to understand the impacts of impending climate change on its functionality. Typically, this is done using physically-based hydrologic models coupled with future climate data from General Circulation Models (GCMs). Simulated volume of water in the pond from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated with observed data for the same period. (2014/15 dry season).  A Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) value of 0.82 was calculated during the validation of the model.  The model also predicted a reduction in the volume of stored water by the end of the century (2081-2100 as compared to a baseline period (1961-2000).

 

Author(s) Details

Mohamed Matthew Blango
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Technology, Njala University, Sierra Leone.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-47485-35-0

Advances in Nutrition Therapy: Emerging Concepts, Research Trends and Practical Applications | Book Publisher International

 

Background: Authors were motivated to write this book on account of the growing global concern over limited effectiveness and high cost of conventional medications drawing from extensive research, which demonstrated that many common ailments are rooted to nutrient imbalances rather than conditions termed irreversible.

 

Objectives: To present a comprehensive exploration of the healing potential found within natural foods, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils, emphasizing their role in disease prevention and treatment.

 

Methods: The highlights of how excesses and deficiencies of specific nutrients cause certain diseases for examples, beriberi, rickets, and scurvy caused by vitamins B, D and c respectively, and when nutrients were restored at balance levels, vitality, and health was restored. Authors examined the chemical composition, physiological roles, and therapeutic benefits of various foods and herbs, to underscores the concept of nutraceuticals. Findings were organized in chapters, for both accessibility and depth, each chapter guides readers through the essential macronutrients and micronutrients vital to human health, before delving into the curative properties of specific natural remedies.

 

Results: Showed that foods with proven medicinal value are viable, affordable, and sustainable approach to wellness. Ultimately, this work advocates a return to nature’s pharmacy, offering a scientifically grounded yet practical perspective on how food can serve not only as nourishment but also as powerful medicine.

Author(s) Details

 

Dr. N. E. Ahajumobi
Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Walden University, Minneapolis, USA.

 

Sr. Prof. E. T. Oparaocha
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-47485-34-3