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Singh D. Revolutionizing cellular energy: The convergence of mitochondrial dynamics and delivery technologies. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101873. [PMID: 38503363 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The intersection of mitochondrial dynamics and delivery technologies heralds a paradigm shift in cellular biology and therapeutic intervention. Mitochondrial dynamics, encompassing fusion, fission, transport, and mitophagy, are critical for cellular energy production, signaling, and homeostasis. Dysregulation of these processes is implicated in a myriad of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Concurrently, advances in delivery technologies, such as nanocarriers, targeted delivery systems, and gene editing tools, offer unprecedented opportunities to manipulate mitochondrial function directly. This review synthesizes current knowledge on mitochondrial dynamics, examines recent breakthroughs in targeted delivery methods, and explores their potential convergence to modulate cellular energetics for therapeutic purposes. By integrating insights from biology, chemistry, and bioengineering, this review highlights the innovative approaches being developed to enhance mitochondrial function, underscoring the potential of this convergence to address complex diseases. This interdisciplinary perspective not only broadens our understanding of cellular processes but also paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies, marking a significant step forward in the quest for precision medicine and targeted interventions in mitochondrial-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilpreet Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India; University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India.
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Talukdar A, Kundu P, Bhattacharya S, Dutta N. Microplastic contamination in wastewater: Sources, distribution, detection and remediation through physical and chemical-biological methods. Sci Total Environ 2024; 916:170254. [PMID: 38253100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. that have been widely detected in the environment, including in wastewater. They originate from various sources including breakdown of larger plastic debris, release of plastic fibres from textiles, and microbeads commonly used in personal care products. In wastewater, microplastics can pass through the treatment process and enter the environment, causing harm to biodiversity by potentially entering the food chain. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vector for harmful pollutants, increasing their transport and distribution in the environment. To address this issue, there is a growing need for effective wastewater treatment methods that can effectively remove microplastics. Currently, several physical and chemical methods are available, including filtration, sedimentation, and chemical degradation. However, these methods are costly, low efficiency and generate secondary pollutants. Furthermore, lack of standardization in the measurement and reporting of microplastics in wastewater, makes it difficult to accurately assess microplastic impact on the environment. In order to effectively manage these issues, further research and development of effective and efficient methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, as well as standardization in measurement and reporting, are necessary to effectively manage these detrimental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Talukdar
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Kundu
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India.
| | - Nalok Dutta
- Biochemical Engineering Department, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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3
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Sharma S, Fazal FM. Localization of RNAs to the Mitochondria - Mechanisms and Functions. RNA 2024:rna.079999.124. [PMID: 38448244 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079999.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian mitochondrial proteome comprises over 1000 proteins, with the majority translated from nuclear-encoded messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Mounting evidence suggests many of these mRNAs are localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) in a pre-or co-translational state. Upon reaching the mitochondrial surface, these mRNAs are locally translated to produce proteins that are co-translationally imported into mitochondria. Here, we summarize various mechanisms cells employ to localize RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs), to the OMM and recent technological advancements in the field to study these processes. While most early studies in the field were carried out in yeast, recent studies reveal RNA localization to the OMM and their regulation in higher organisms. Various factors regulate this localization process, including RNA sequence elements, RNA binding proteins (RBPs), cytoskeletal motors, and translation machinery. In this review, we also highlight the role of RNA structures and modifications in mitochondrial RNA localization and discuss how these features can alter the binding properties of RNAs. Finally, in addition to RNAs related to mitochondrial function, RNAs involved in other cellular processes can also localize to the OMM, including those implicated in the innate immune response and piRNA biogenesis. As impairment of mRNA localization and regulation compromise mitochondrial function, future studies will undoubtedly expand our understanding of how RNAs localize to the OMM and investigate the consequences of their mislocalization in disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, muscular dystrophies, and cancers.
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Anoopkumar AN, Aneesh EM, Sirohi R, Tarafdar A, Kuriakose LL, Surendhar A, Madhavan A, Kumar V, Awasthi MK, Binod P, Sindhu R. Bioactives from citrus food waste: types, extraction technologies and application. J Food Sci Technol 2024; 61:444-458. [PMID: 38327864 PMCID: PMC10844169 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The Citrus fruits belong to the category where the groups of fruits are recognized to be an admirable repository of bioactive elements and phytochemical constituents, with strong biological potentials. The prominent use of Citrus fruits for nutrition as well as food processing has led to the release of a large amount of waste into the environment and surrounding, and it simultaneously burdens the nature and existence of many organisms including the human population. In order to rectify such consequences, the reuse of food waste from citrus for various advantageous effects. In this regard, the first part of the article primarily focussed on the various strategies available for the extraction of chemical elements from citrus waste and the remaining strand of the article focussed on the various bioactive compounds with special reference to their pharmacological as well as the medicinal benefits and future prospects. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Anoopkumar
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases (CRET-D), Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala India
| | - Embalil Mathachan Aneesh
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases (CRET-D), Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala India
| | - Ranjna Sirohi
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248 001 India
| | - Ayon Tarafdar
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243 122 India
| | - Laya Liz Kuriakose
- Department of Food Technology, T K M Institute of Technology, Kollam, Kerala 691505 India
| | - A. Surendhar
- Department of Food Technology, T K M Institute of Technology, Kollam, Kerala 691505 India
| | - Aravind Madhavan
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, Kerala 690525 India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Fermentation Technology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, UT of Jammu and Kashmir 180 001 India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712 100 Shaanxi China
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Trivandrum, Kerala 695 019 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002 India
| | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Department of Food Technology, T K M Institute of Technology, Kollam, Kerala 691505 India
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Mennella C, Maniscalco U, De Pietro G, Esposito M. Ethical and regulatory challenges of AI technologies in healthcare: A narrative review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26297. [PMID: 38384518 PMCID: PMC10879008 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in AI-driven research, specifically geared toward enhancing crucial clinical processes and outcomes. The potential of AI-powered decision support systems to streamline clinical workflows, assist in diagnostics, and enable personalized treatment is increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the introduction of these cutting-edge solutions poses substantial challenges in clinical and care environments, necessitating a thorough exploration of ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. A robust governance framework is imperative to foster the acceptance and successful implementation of AI in healthcare. This article delves deep into the critical ethical and regulatory concerns entangled with the deployment of AI systems in clinical practice. It not only provides a comprehensive overview of the role of AI technologies but also offers an insightful perspective on the ethical and regulatory challenges, making a pioneering contribution to the field. This research aims to address the current challenges in digital healthcare by presenting valuable recommendations for all stakeholders eager to advance the development and implementation of innovative AI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Mennella
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR) - Research National Council of Italy (CNR), Italy
| | - Umberto Maniscalco
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR) - Research National Council of Italy (CNR), Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Pietro
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR) - Research National Council of Italy (CNR), Italy
| | - Massimo Esposito
- Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR) - Research National Council of Italy (CNR), Italy
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Awodele IA, Mewomo MC, Municio AMG, Chan AP, Darko A, Taiwo R, Olatunde NA, Eze EC, Awodele OA. Awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of railway 4.0 technologies in a developing economy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25934. [PMID: 38384510 PMCID: PMC10878949 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The railway industry has witnessed increasing adoption of digital technologies, known as Railway 4.0, that is revolutionizing operations, infrastructure, and transportation systems. However, developing countries face challenges in keeping pace with these technological advancements. With limited research on Railway 4.0 adoption in developing countries, this study was motivated to investigate the awareness, readiness, and challenges faced by railway professionals towards implementing Railway 4.0 technologies. The aim was to assess the level of awareness and preparedness and identify the key challenges influencing Railway 4.0 adoption in Nigeria's railway construction industry. A questionnaire survey (was distributed to professionals in the railway construction sector to gather their perspectives on awareness of, preparation for, and challenges associated with the use of Railway 4.0 technologies. The results revealed that awareness of Railway 4.0 technologies was moderate, while readiness was low among the professionals. Using exploratory factor analysis, 10 underlying challenge constructs were identified including lack of technical know-how, resistance to change, infrastructure limitations, and uncertainty about benefits, amongst others. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) confirmed these constructs, with reliability and availability, lack of technical know-how, lack of training and resources, and uncertainties in benefit and gains having significant influence on awareness and readiness. The study concludes that focused efforts in training, infrastructure improvement, supportive policies, and communicating the advantages of Railway 4.0 are critical to drive adoption in Nigeria and other developing economies. The findings provide insights into tailoring Railway 4.0 implementation strategies for developing contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imoleayo A. Awodele
- Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Modupe C. Mewomo
- Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | | | - Albert P.C. Chan
- Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amos Darko
- Department of Construction Management, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ridwan Taiwo
- Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nathaniel A. Olatunde
- Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel C. Eze
- Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Oluwaseyi A. Awodele
- Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University of Technology Akure, 340110, Nigeria
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Qureshi KN, Khan A, Jamil SUU, Sharma B, Jeon G. Internet of Things enables smart solid waste bin management system for a sustainable environment. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:125188-125196. [PMID: 37453012 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste management (SWM) is a pressing concern and significant research topic that requires attention from citizens and government stakeholders. Most of the responsibility of waste management is on the municipal sector for its collection, reallocation, and reuse of other resources. The daily solid waste production is more than 54,850 tonnes in urban areas and is difficult to manage due to limited resources and different administrative and service issues. New technologies are playing their role in this area but how to integrate the technologies is still a question, especially for developing countries. This paper is divided into two main phases including a detailed investigation and a technological solution. In the first phase, the data is collected by using the qualitative method to investigate and identify the issues related to waste management. After a detailed investigation and results, the gap is identified by using statistical analysis and proposed a technological solution in the second phase. The technology-based solution is used to control and manage waste with a low-cost, fast, and manageable solution. The new sensor-based technologies, cellular networks, and social media are utilized to monitor the trash in the areas. The trash management department receives notification via cellular services to locate the dustbin when the dustbin reaches a maximum level so the department may send a waste collector vehicle to the relevant spot to collect waste. The smart and fast solution will connect all stakeholders in the community and reduce the cost and time and make the collection process faster. The experiment results indicated the issues and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Naseer Qureshi
- Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Bhisham Sharma
- Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140 401, India
| | - Gwanggil Jeon
- Department of Embedded Systems Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.
- Energy Excellence & Smart City Lab, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.
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Soni A, Brightwell G. Effect of novel and conventional food processing technologies on Bacillus cereus spores. Adv Food Nutr Res 2023; 108:265-287. [PMID: 38461001 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
This chapter provides a summary of the effect of thermal and non-thermal processing technologies on Bacillus cereus spores, a well-known pathogenic bacterium associated with foodborne illnesses. B. cereus has been frequently detected in rice, milk products, infant food, liquid eggs products and meat products all over the world. This Gram positive, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobe can produce endospores that can withstand pasteurization, UV radiation, and chemical reagents commonly used for sanitization. B. cereus spores can germinate into vegetative cells that can produce toxins. The conventional regime for eliminating spores from food is retorting which uses the application of high temperature (121 °C). However, at this temperature, there could be a significant amount of loss in the organoleptic and functional qualities of the food components, especially proteins. This leads to the research on the preventive measures against germination and if possible, to reduce the resistance before using a non-thermal technology (temperatures less than retorting-121 °C) for inactivation. This chapter reviews the development and success of several food processing technologies in their ability to inactivate B. cereus spores in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathi Soni
- Food System Integrity, Smart Foods and Bioproducts, AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Gale Brightwell
- Food System Integrity, Smart Foods and Bioproducts, AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University Manawatu (Turitea), Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Smits M, Back N, Ebbers W. Responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of infectious diseases: towards a values-based assessment framework for the Dutch government. Public Health 2023; 222:29-36. [PMID: 37515834 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Dutch government implemented the apps 'CoronaMelder' and 'CoronaCheck' to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. They faced many questions on how to responsibly implement such technologies. Here, we aim to develop an assessment framework to support the Dutch national government with the responsible design and implementation of technologies for the prevention of future infectious diseases. STUDY DESIGN Three-stage web-based Delphi process. METHODS The assessment framework was developed through two research phases. During the Initial Design phase, a conceptual version of the assessment framework was developed through a scoping review and semistructured interviews with a scientific board. The Consensus phase involved a three-stage web-based Delphi process with an expert community. RESULTS The final assessment framework consists of five development phases, 10 values, and a total of 152 questions. CONCLUSIONS Technology assessment frameworks help policymakers to make informed decisions and contribute to the responsible implementation of technologies in society. The framework is now available for the Dutch government and other stakeholders to use in future pandemics. We discuss the possibilities of using the framework transnationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Smits
- PBLQ, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - N Back
- PBLQ, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - W Ebbers
- PBLQ, The Hague, the Netherlands; Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Hehakaya C, Frederix G, van der Voort van Zyp J, Grobbee D, Verkooijen H. Realizing the value of complex medical technology: Demonstrating cost-effectiveness is not enough. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2023; 41:100644. [PMID: 37304169 PMCID: PMC10248500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The main factors driving the value of medical treatments are proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. This is different for complex medical technologies that combine scientific disciplines, functions or tools in a single solution-oriented method. This short communication provides three recommendations to realize the value of complex medical technologies. It is important to engage stakeholders before technology implementation to promote its relevance from multiple perspectives, to explore opportunities for professional development and collaboration, and to demonstrate the societal effects over the entire life-cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Hehakaya
- Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G.W.J. Frederix
- Health Economic Evaluation, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - D.E. Grobbee
- Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Imaging & Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H.M. Verkooijen
- Division of Imaging & Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Xin X, Ny Avotra AAR. Role of environmental ownership and associated parameters to assess green patents in technologies with environmental scanning system as a controlling factor. Environ Res 2023; 227:115809. [PMID: 37011798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a general conception that environmental firms are more adapted to green solutions, and environmental patents are just lagging. The existing literature has paid particular attention to identifying obstacles and situational factors associated with established firms going green and has concentrated on how and why established businesses are becoming more financially viable and ecologically sustainable. In changing environment, manufacturing companies are direct contributors to environmental impacts. Increased awareness of consumers about the environment puts a handful amount of pressure on manufacturing companies to care about the environment. It also asserts unseen pressure on the financial performance of the companies. Therefore, it is time to go for green patenting of such firms while satisfying the eco-innovation and environmental scanning process. Moreover, Environmental ownership and its associated parameters keenly monitor this aspect. This paper evaluates the performance of the support vector machine (SVM/SVR) approach for estimating patents in environment-related technologies (PERT) in China from 1995 to 2021. For this work, six independent variables related to environmental ownership and environment-related technologies were selected, which include medium and high-tech exports (MHTE), green patents applicants (GPA), listed domestic companies (LDC), human capital index (HCI), self-employment (SE), and manufacturing value added in GDP (MVA). Data for dependent and independent variables were gathered from the World Bank (WB) official data bank portal. To make an initial understanding of the data basic statistical summary was computed in R programming to see the mean, minimum and maximum values in the data set. A correlation matrix plot showed the association between dependent and independent variables. SVM/SVR with radial basis function (RBF) regression was applied to see the impact of contributing parameters that influence PERT. For PERT, the model generated 0.95 R2 (RMSE = 92.43). The results of the SVR showed that the association among environmental parameters is strong. With a value of 4.82, the strongest coefficient in the SVR model is PAR. This work is novel and will benefit the manufacturing sector, analysts, policymakers, environmentalists as how green patenting can boost the eco innovation and environmental ownership and scanning system with advance technologies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie Xin
- Business School, Zhejiang Wanli University, China.
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12
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Capper JL, Williams P. Investing in health to improve the sustainability of cattle production in the United Kingdom: A narrative review. Vet J 2023; 296-297:105988. [PMID: 37150316 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Livestock health is a key concern for all food system stakeholders and has considerable impacts upon sustainable food production. Improving productivity means that a set quantity of milk or meat may be produced at a lower economic cost, using fewer resources and with reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe); however, diseases that reduce yield, growth or fertility have the opposite effect. The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the breadth of economic and environmental sustainability information relating to cattle health within the literature and to discuss related knowledge gaps within the literature. The mechanisms by which improved awareness and investment can lead to improved cattle health both on-farm and across the wider cattle industry are also appraised; concluding with the opportunities and challenges still outstanding in improving sustainability through livestock health. The economic and environmental impacts of cattle health have not been sufficiently quantified in the literature to draw valid conclusions regarding the sustainability impact of different diseases. Where available, economic data tended to be dated or extremely variable. Furthermore, environmental analyses did not use consistent methodologies and principally focused on GHGe, with little attention paid to other metrics. Although reducing disease severity or occurrence reduced GHGe, published impacts of disease varied from 1-40% with little apparent association between GHGe and industry-wide economic cost. An urgent need therefore exists to standardise methodologies and quantify disease impacts using a common baseline with up-to-date data inputs. Given the threat of antimicrobial resistance, improving cattle health through technology adoption and vaccine use would be expected to have positive impacts on social acceptability, especially if these improvements rendered milk and meat more affordable to the consumer. Therefore, it is important for cattle producers and allied industry to take a proactive approach to improving cattle health and welfare, with particular focus on diseases that have the greatest implications for sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith L Capper
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
| | - Paul Williams
- MSD Animal Health, Walton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK7 7AJ, UK
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Alrayes MM, Sukeik MT. Emerging Technologies in Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infections. Indian J Orthop 2023; 57:643-652. [PMID: 37128562 PMCID: PMC10147868 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a well-known serious complication following joint replacement surgeries and is responsible for high failure rates of implanted devices. Any delay in the diagnosis can compromise treatment success, putting a huge burden on the patients' wellness and healthcare systems. Diagnosing PJIs is quite complex as there is still no gold standard test to reach the definitive diagnosis in a timely manner. A number of laboratory tests and radiological imaging inventions have evolved in the past few years, requiring consistent updates of the available guidelines to keep up with the latest advances in the field. This article highlights the recent advances in diagnosing PJIs and discusses their validity for use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd M. Alrayes
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, 32210 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed T. Sukeik
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital–Al Khobar, Al Khobar, 34423 Saudi Arabia
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Chaudhary V, Thakur N, Chaudhary S, Bangar SP. Remediation plan of nano/microplastic toxicity in food. Adv Food Nutr Res 2023; 103:397-442. [PMID: 36863840 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is causing a stir globally due to its persistent and ubiquitous nature. The scientific collaboration is diligently working on improved, effective, sustainable, and cleaner measures to control the nano/microplastic load in the environment especially wrecking the aquatic habitat. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered in nano/microplastic control and improved technologies like density separation, continuous flow centrifugation, oil extraction protocol, electrostatic separation to extract and quantify the same. Although it is still in the early stages of research, biobased control measures, like meal worms and microbes to degrade microplastics in the environment have been proven effective. Besides the control measures, practical alternatives to microplastics can be developed like core-shell powder, mineral powder, and biobased food packaging systems like edible films and coatings developed using various nanotechnological tools. Lastly, the existing and ideal stage of global regulations is compared, and key research areas are pinpointed. This holistic coverage would enable manufacturers and consumers to reconsider their production and purchase decisions for sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Chaudhary
- Department of Dairy Technology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Neha Thakur
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sneh Punia Bangar
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States.
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15
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Ismanto A, Hadibarata T, Widada S, Indrayanti E, Ismunarti DH, Safinatunnajah N, Kusumastuti W, Dwiningsih Y, Alkahtani J. Groundwater contamination status in Malaysia: level of heavy metal, source, health impact, and remediation technologies. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2023; 46:467-82. [PMID: 36520279 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02826-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Groundwater is defined as water that exists underground in voids or gaps in sediments and is extracted for human consumption from aquifers. It is critical to our daily lives because it contributes to the sustainability of our natural ecosystem while also providing economic benefits. Heavy metals are metallic compounds with a relatively high atomic weight and density compared to water. In Malaysia, heavy metal contamination of groundwater has become a concern due to rapid population growth, economic development, and a lack of environmental awareness. Environmental factors or their behaviors, such as density, viscosity, or volume, affect the distribution and transportation of heavy metals. The article discusses the difficulties created by the presence of heavy metals in groundwater supplies and the resulting health problems. Additionally, remediation methods are discussed for managing contaminated water to preserve the ecological environment for current and future generations, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
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16
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Reis J, Melão N. Digital transformation: A meta-review and guidelines for future research. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12834. [PMID: 36691547 PMCID: PMC9860428 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of digital transformation has changed the business landscape for the foreseeable future. As scholars advance their understanding and digital transformation begins to gain maturity, it becomes necessary to develop a synthesis to create solid foundations. To do so, significant steps need to be taken to critically, rigorously, and transparently examine the existing literature. Therefore, this article uses a meta-review with the support of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Protocol. As a result, we identified six dimensions and seventeen categories related to digital transformation. The organizational, technological, and social dimensions are still pivotal in digital transformation, while two new dimensions (sustainability and smart cities) still need to be explored in the existing literature. The need to deepen knowledge in digital transformation and refine the dimensions found is of paramount importance, as it involves some complexity due to organizational dynamics and the development of new technologies. It was also possible to identify opportunities, challenges, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Reis
- Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering, Lusofona University and EIGeS, Campo Grande, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal,Corresponding author.
| | - Nuno Melão
- CISeD–Research Center in Digital Services, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510, Viseu, Portugal
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17
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Zoli A, Leone F, Zoli A, Visocchi M. Rheumatoid Diseases Involving the Cervical Spine I. History, Definition, and Diagnosis: New Trends and Technologies. Acta Neurochir Suppl 2023; 135:197-202. [PMID: 38153469 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36084-8_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The cervical spine might be involved in several conditions: congenital, traumatic, and chronic inflammatory and or degenerative rheumatic disorders. Among the inflammatory rheumatic conditions that can affect the cervical spine, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common, affecting up to 86% of patients and leading to cervical spine instability and subsequent myelopathy. Other inflammatory diseases include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and the spondyloarthritis group (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis. Since many patients do not show symptoms of cervical involvement, diagnosis is often delayed. Radiographs are the first line imaging modality used to detect such involvement, but MRI and CT are superior in terms of early diagnosis and surgical planning.In this review, we provide an overview of cervical involvement in RA, JIA, and SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zoli
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Leone
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Zoli
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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18
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Cain M, Campbell C, Coleman K. 'Kindness and empathy beyond all else': Challenges to professional identities of Higher Education teachers during COVID-19 times. Aust Educ Res 2022; 50:1-19. [PMID: 35966414 PMCID: PMC9362694 DOI: 10.1007/s13384-022-00552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has continued to effect higher education globally in significant ways. During 2020, many institutions shifted learning online overnight as the sector closed its doors and opened new sites for remote teaching. This article reports on an international study [Phillips et al., 2021] that sought to capture how cross-sectoral teachers experienced these emergency changes during the first months of restrictions. The data, analysed using narrative identity theory, revealed concerns that fall into two broad categories: technologies and relationships. Significantly, it was not a loss of content delivery or changes to assessment that prompted the greatest anxiety for our colleagues, but that they held significant concerns about their students' mental health; inequities of access to a range of services including technological; and challenges connecting emotionally with their students at a distance. The results provide actionable strategies for higher education institutions to apply in future emergencies where remote teaching is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Cain
- School of Education, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014 Australia
| | - Chris Campbell
- Division of Learning and Teaching, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Albury, NSW 2640 Australia
| | - Kathryn Coleman
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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19
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Méndez VG, Suelves DM, Méndez CG, Mas JARL. Future teachers facing the use of technology for inclusion: A view from the digital competence. Educ Inf Technol (Dordr) 2022; 28:1-19. [PMID: 35668900 PMCID: PMC9136738 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-022-11105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Technologies provide a differential value to the training process, allowing for the generation of new environments, methodologies and resources that make it possible to attend to students in a more appropriate way. This potential is especially relevant in matters of inclusion, where technology is sometimes an indispensable element for learning. In this paper we explore the main advantages of the use of technology for the attention to diversity, taking into consideration the level of digital competence of future teachers and their perceptions regarding its use for the implementation of inclusive strategies. The results suggest that participants have an intermediate level of digital competence, with differences according to gender, age and degree. It is also remarkable that they perceive inclusion as one of the main challenges of the education system and that technology can contribute to making teaching practice more inclusive, allowing it to be adapted to specific needs and highlighting the importance of teacher training in both digital competence and inclusion as an educational principle.
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20
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Ammann J, Umstätter C, El Benni N. The adoption of precision agriculture enabling technologies in Swiss outdoor vegetable production: a Delphi study. Precis Agric 2022; 23:1354-1374. [PMID: 35261556 PMCID: PMC8894125 DOI: 10.1007/s11119-022-09889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Digital technologies are a promising means to tackle the increasing global challenges (e.g., climate change, water pollution, soil degradation) and revolutionising agricultural production. The current research used a two-stage Delphi study with 34 experts from various domains, including production, advisory and research, to identify the key drivers and barriers, the most promising technologies and possible measures to support technology adoption in Swiss outdoor vegetable production. Combining these experts' views, the method provides realistic scenarios for future development. In Round 1, open-ended questions were used to collect the experts' opinions. These were then transformed into closed-ended questions for Round 2, where controlled feedback was provided to the experts. Twenty-six experts participated in both rounds, resulting in an overall response rate that was comparably high (76%). It was found that economic factors were important drivers and barriers in technology adoption and, consequently, the experts recommended financial measures to support this adoption. The practical relevance of new technologies provided through communication and education holds further potential in terms of their promotion. These findings are valuable beyond the research field. Educators and policy makers can build on the results and optimally align their efforts to target technology adoption and contribute to more sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Ammann
- Agroscope, Research Division on Competitiveness and System Evaluation, Tänikon 1, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland
| | | | - Nadja El Benni
- Agroscope, Research Division on Competitiveness and System Evaluation, Tänikon 1, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland
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21
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Nnaji C, Jin Z, Karakhan A. Safety and health management response to COVID-19 in the construction industry: A perspective of fieldworkers. Process Saf Environ Prot 2022; 159:477-488. [PMID: 35068710 PMCID: PMC8766253 DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted the construction industry. The pandemic can exacerbate an already dire safety and health situation in the industry and negatively impact construction employees and employers. The present study investigates the safety and health measures implemented by construction firms in the United States (US), their effectiveness and usefulness, and workers' satisfaction with these COVID-19 measures. A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to construction fieldworkers in the US to collect their perspectives on the implemented COVID-19 measures in the construction industry. A total of 187 valid responses were received and analyzed to achieve the aim of the study. Results revealed that strategies implemented to increase social distance and minimize group gathering to 10 persons in certain workstations were perceived to be substantially more effective than job-site screening strategies. Furthermore, smaller contractors implemented fewer safety measures and perceived them to be significantly less effective than those used by medium- and large-sized contractors. Fieldworkers were favorably disposed toward using technologies, such as video-conferencing apps and wearable sensing devices, to slow the spread of COVID-19 on construction job sites. The present study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying safety and health measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in construction. Practically, the study findings provide valuable insights to inform the successful implementation of safety strategies in the construction industry during a pandemic. The results are crucial for industry practitioners responsible for developing and revising pre- and post-pandemic safety and health plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuma Nnaji
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama, 3043 HM Comer, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Ziyu Jin
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Centennial Engineering Center Room 3052, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Ali Karakhan
- Department of Reconstruction & Projects, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
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22
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Drevet S, Favier B, Lardy B, Gavazzi G, Brun E. New imaging tools for mouse models of osteoarthritis. GeroScience 2022. [PMID: 35129777 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00525-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by a disruption of articular joint cartilage homeostasis. Mice are the most commonly used models to study OA. Despite recent reviews, there is still a lack of knowledge about the new development in imaging techniques. Two types of modalities are complementary: those that assess structural changes in joint tissues and those that assess metabolism and disease activity. Micro MRI is the most important imaging tool for OA research. Automated methodologies for assessing periarticular bone morphology with micro-CT have been developed allowing quantitative assessment of tibial surface that may be representative of the whole OA joint changes. Phase-contrast X-ray imaging provides in a single examination a high image precision with good differentiation between all anatomical elements of the knee joint (soft tissue and bone). Positron emission tomography, photoacoustic imaging, and fluorescence reflectance imaging provide molecular and functional data. To conclude, innovative imaging technologies could be an alternative to conventional histology with greater resolution and more efficiency in both morphological analysis and metabolism follow-up. There is a logic of permanent adjustment between innovations, 3R rule, and scientific perspectives. New imaging associated with artificial intelligence may add to human clinical practice allowing not only diagnosis but also prediction of disease progression to personalized medicine.
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23
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Qureshi KN, Alhudhaif A, Ali M, Qureshi MA, Jeon G. Self-assessment and deep learning-based coronavirus detection and medical diagnosis systems for healthcare. Multimed Syst 2022; 28:1439-1448. [PMID: 34511733 PMCID: PMC8421458 DOI: 10.1007/s00530-021-00839-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus is one of the serious threat and challenge for existing healthcare systems. Several prevention methods and precautions have been proposed by medical specialists to treat the virus and secure infected patients. Deep learning methods have been adopted for disease detection, especially for medical image classification. In this paper, we proposed a deep learning-based medical image classification for COVID-19 patients namely deep learning model for coronavirus (DLM-COVID-19). The proposed model improves the medical image classification and optimization for better disease diagnosis. This paper also proposes a mobile application for COVID-19 patient detection using a self-assessment test combined with medical expertise and diagnose and prevent the virus using the online system. The proposed deep learning model is evaluated with existing algorithms where it shows better performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Whereas the proposed application also helps to overcome the virus risk and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adi Alhudhaif
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Engineering and Sciences in Al-kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 151, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moazam Ali
- Department of Computer Science, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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24
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Sun X, Wandelt S, Zhang A. Technological and educational challenges towards pandemic-resilient aviation. Transp Policy (Oxf) 2021; 114:104-115. [PMID: 34566279 PMCID: PMC8453359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While COVID-19 has devastating effects on aviation, several recent studies have highlighted the potential of the pandemic-induced break for rethinking air transportation, hopefully orchestrating changes towards the construction of a more pandemic-resilient aviation system. Here, pandemic-resilient means that aviation stakeholders can sustain the impact of an epidemic or pandemic outbreak through a more informed reallocation of their resources and more collaborative decision making, while being able to minimize the impacts of external events. Our study contributes to the literature by discussing the challenges associated with technological innovation and education of aviation professionals, on the way towards pandemic-resilient aviation. We discuss issues surrounding technologies for smarter aircraft, smarter airports, and smarter airlines. While technology ensures long-term competitiveness and sustainability, an often-ignored source of challenges are human resources and education. COVID-19 has uncovered and magnified the effects of severe concerns with the current aviation education system, which need to be solved by extended skill sets, modern technology, and better career perspectives. Without properly addressing these technological and educational challenges, the aviation industry likely misses an distinct opportunity for restructuring towards pandemic-resilient aviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Sun
- National Key Laboratory of CNS/ATM, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Beihang University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Beihang Hangzhou Innovation Institute Yuhang, Xixi Octagon City, Yuhang District, 310023, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sebastian Wandelt
- National Key Laboratory of CNS/ATM, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Beihang University, 100191, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory of Multi-Modal Transportation Big Data, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Anming Zhang
- Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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25
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Nguru WM, Gachene CKK, Onyango CM, Ng'ang'a SK, Girvetz EH. Factors constraining the adoption of soil organic carbon enhancing technologies among small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08497. [PMID: 34917800 PMCID: PMC8646156 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining soil fertility is one of the major causes of food insecurity and high levels of poverty, both of which tend to hamper economic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To improve soil fertility, the implementation of soil organic carbon (SOC) enhancement technologies has become crucial to slowing land degradation, through increasing SOC, which is the basis of soil fertility. Using data from 381 households from Azuga-Suba and Yesir watersheds in Ethiopia, this study explores the extent of the adoption of technologies that enhance SOC. Soil organic carbon enhancing technologies include the use of manure, fertilizer, and crop residue management. The Probit model was used to assess what constrains the adoption of these technologies. The results indicate that fertilizer is the most adopted technology having over 90% adoption in both watersheds. Manure at 28% and 56% adoption while crop residue management at 37% and 26% adoption in Azuga-Suba and Yesir respectively. Technology adoption is highly constrained by lack of education, access to extension services, and access to credit services. Institutions and local farmer groups influence these constraints through training, provision of information, offering incentives, and credit services. Large plots hinder the use of manure and fertilizer due to the bulky nature of manure and the high costs of fertilizers. Insecurity in land tenure limits the adoption of manure and residue management. Perception of soil erosion and soil fertility tends to constrain the adoption of SOC technologies, as farmers are afraid that all improvements through soil amendment will be diminished through soil erosion. At the same time, farmers do not perceive the importance of SOC enhancing technologies in plots that were fertile. These results imply that strengthening institutions that enhance farmers' knowledge and provide credit as well as strengthening social protection schemes and farmer groups is crucial in promoting the adoption of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson M. Nguru
- Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles KK. Gachene
- Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cecilia M. Onyango
- Plant Science and Crop Protection Department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Evan H. Girvetz
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), P.O Box 823-00621 Nairobi, Kenya
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26
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D'Agostino D, Tzeiranaki ST, Zangheri P, Bertoldi P. Data on nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) projects and best practices in Europe. Data Brief 2021; 39:107641. [PMID: 34917701 PMCID: PMC8645458 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This data article refers to the paper "Assessing Nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) development in Europe" [1]. Data linked with this article relate to collected best practices NZEBs throughout Europe. Data on building geometry, year of construction or renovation, primary energy consumption, saving percentages, renewable production, heating demand are provided. Data allow an overview of the status of most commonly implemented efficiency measures and renewables in NZEBs. In particular, data are available in relation technologies, such as heating, domestic hot water, lighting, renewable sources, ventilation, cooling. Heat recovery efficiency data are also collected. U-values are detailed for roofs, walls, floors, windows. Further data can be visualized in relation to technologies costs, cost of construction and maintenance.
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Key Words
- AT, Austria
- BE-BRU, Belgium-Brussels region
- BE-FLA, Belgium- Flemish region
- BE-WA, Belgium- Wallonia
- BG, Bulgaria
- CY, Cyprus
- CZ, Czech Republic
- Costs
- DE, Germany
- DK, Denmark
- EE, Estonia
- EL, Greece
- EPBD, Energy Performance of Building Directive
- EPC, Energy performance certificate
- ES, Spain
- EU, European Union
- Energy efficiency in buildings
- European energy policy
- FI, Finland
- FR, France
- HR, Croatia
- HU, Hungary
- IE, Ireland
- IT, Italy
- LT, Lithuania
- LTRS, Long term renovation strategy
- LU, Luxemburg
- LV, Latvia
- MS, Member States
- MT, Malta
- NL, Netherlands
- NZEBs, Nearly zero energy buildings
- Nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs)
- PED, Primary Energy Demand
- PL, Poland
- PT, Portugal
- RES, Renewable Energy Sources
- RO, Romania
- Renewable sources
- SE, Sweden
- SI, Slovenia
- SK, Slovakia
- Technologies
- UK, United Kingdom
- c-o, Cost-optimal
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia D'Agostino
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Bertoldi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
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27
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Qureshi KN, Alhudhaif A, Qureshi MA, Jeon G. Nature-inspired solution for coronavirus disease detection and its impact on existing healthcare systems. Comput Electr Eng 2021; 95:107411. [PMID: 34511652 PMCID: PMC8418918 DOI: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus is an infectious life-threatening disease and is mainly transmitted through infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. This disease is a global challenge that demands advanced solutions to address multiple dimensions of this pandemic for health and wellbeing. Different types of medical and technological-based solutions have been proposed to control and treat COVID-19. Machine learning is one of the technologies used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) classification whereas nature-inspired algorithms are also adopted for image optimization. In this paper, we combined the machine learning and nature-inspired algorithm for brain MRI images of COVID-19 patients namely Machine Learning and Nature Inspired Model for Coronavirus (MLNI-COVID-19). This model improves the MRI image classification and optimization for better diagnosis. This model will improve the overall performance especially the area of brain images that is neglected due to the unavailability of the dataset. COVID-19 has a serious impact on the patient brain. The proposed model will help to improve the diagnosis process for better medical decisions and performance. The proposed model is evaluated with existing algorithms and achieved better performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adi Alhudhaif
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Engineering and Sciences in Al-kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 151, Al‑Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Gwanggil Jeon
- Department of Embedded Systems Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
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28
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Krishnan A, Mathur P, Kulothungan V, Salve HR, Leburu S, Amarchand R, Nongkynrih B, Chaturvedi HK, Ganeshkumar P, K S VU, Laxmaiah A, Boruah M, Kumar S, Patro BK, Raghav PR, Rajkumar P, Sarma PS, Sharma R, Tambe M, Arlappa N, Mahanta TG, Bhuyan PJ, Joshi RP, Pakhare AP, Galhotra A, Kumar D, Behera BK, Topno RK, Gupta MK, Rustagi N, Trivedi AV, Thankappan KR, Gupta S, Garg S, Shelke SC. Preparedness of primary and secondary health facilities in India to address major noncommunicable diseases: results of a National Noncommunicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS). BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:757. [PMID: 34332569 PMCID: PMC8325187 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06530-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monitoring framework for evaluating health system response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) include indicators to assess availability of affordable basic technologies and essential medicines to treat them in both public and private primary care facilities. The Government of India launched the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 to strengthen health systems. We assessed availability of trained human resources, essential medicines and technologies for diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases as one of the components of the National Noncommunicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS - 2017-18). METHODS NNMS was a cross-sectional survey. Health facility survey component covered three public [Primary health centre (PHC), Community health centre (CHC) and District hospital (DH)] and one private primary in each of the 600 primary sampling units (PSUs) selected by stratified multistage random sampling to be nationally representative. Survey teams interviewed medical officers, laboratory technicians, and pharmacists using an adapted World Health Organization (WHO) - Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool on handhelds with Open Data Kit (ODK) technology. List of essential medicines and technology was according to WHO - Package of Essential Medicines and Technologies for NCDs (PEN) and NPCDCS guidelines for primary and secondary facilities, respectively. Availability was defined as reported to be generally available within facility premises. RESULTS Total of 537 public and 512 private primary facilities, 386 CHCs and 334 DHs across India were covered. NPCDCS was being implemented in 72.8% of CHCs and 86.8% of DHs. All essential technologies and medicines available to manage three NCDs in primary care varied between 1.1% (95% CI; 0.3-3.3) in rural public to 9.0% (95% CI; 6.2-13.0) in urban private facilities. In NPCDCS implementing districts, 0.4% of CHCs and 14.5% of the DHs were fully equipped. DHs were well staffed, CHCs had deficits in physiotherapist and specialist positions, whereas PHCs reported shortage of nurse-midwives and health assistants. Training under NPCDCS was uniformly poor across all facilities. CONCLUSION Both private and public primary care facilities and public secondary facilities are currently not adequately prepared to comprehensively address the burden of NCDs in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Krishnan
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Mathur
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Nirmal Bhawan-ICMR Complex (II Floor), Poojanahalli, Kannamangala Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 562 110, India.
| | - Vaitheeswaran Kulothungan
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Nirmal Bhawan-ICMR Complex (II Floor), Poojanahalli, Kannamangala Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 562 110, India
| | - Harshal Ramesh Salve
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sravya Leburu
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Nirmal Bhawan-ICMR Complex (II Floor), Poojanahalli, Kannamangala Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 562 110, India
| | - Ritvik Amarchand
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Baridalyne Nongkynrih
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - P Ganeshkumar
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinay Urs K S
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Nirmal Bhawan-ICMR Complex (II Floor), Poojanahalli, Kannamangala Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 562 110, India
| | - Avula Laxmaiah
- Division of Public Health Nutrition, Indian Council Medical Research - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Manjit Boruah
- Department of Community Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Binod Kumar Patro
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
| | - Pankaja Ravi Raghav
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prabu Rajkumar
- Indian Council Medical Research - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Sankara Sarma
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Rinku Sharma
- Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases, National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi, India
| | - Muralidhar Tambe
- Department of Community Medicine, B J Govt. Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - N Arlappa
- Division of Public Health Nutrition, Indian Council Medical Research - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Tulika Goswami Mahanta
- Department of Community Medicine / Prevention & Social Medicine, Tezpur Medical College, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan
- Regional Director Office, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Rajnish P Joshi
- Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Abhijit P Pakhare
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Abhiruchi Galhotra
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India
| | - Dewesh Kumar
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Binod Kumar Behera
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
| | - Roshan K Topno
- Department of Epidemiology, Indian Council Medical Research - Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Neeti Rustagi
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Atulkumar V Trivedi
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - K R Thankappan
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Sonia Gupta
- Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases, National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi, India
| | - Suneela Garg
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
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Shastri DK, Chudasma P. The perception of ICT skills and challenges of usage of technologies among the library professionals of the Gujarat State during the COVID 19: a comprehensive study. Qual Quant 2022; 56:1093-120. [PMID: 34054149 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-021-01167-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is witnessed that the role of technology became crucial, and people are dependent on technologies to continue creative, professional, and academic activities during a pandemic situation when most of the libraries were not accessible physically worldwide. This study aims to know the level of ICT skills, competencies, usage of technologies, challenges, and services offered by library professionals of Gujarat state, India during the lockdown period. Due to the emergence of advanced technologies, the omnipresence of the internet, the explosive growth of e-resource, and pandemic situation, it is imperative for library professionals to acquire new ICT skills, techniques and apply them to disseminate information and reach out to library patrons. This study reveals how library professionals provided services and resources to users when they need resources/ information and which techniques/ methods library professionals adopted to fulfill the requirements of patrons during COVID-19. The methods adopted by patrons to access library resources were also studied. The 100 questionnaires were circulated via social media and email to library professionals of Gujarat state and 77 (77%) responses received in this study.
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Kour D, Kaur T, Devi R, Yadav A, Singh M, Joshi D, Singh J, Suyal DC, Kumar A, Rajput VD, Yadav AN, Singh K, Singh J, Sayyed RZ, Arora NK, Saxena AK. Beneficial microbiomes for bioremediation of diverse contaminated environments for environmental sustainability: present status and future challenges. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:24917-24939. [PMID: 33768457 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13252-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the rapid development of agriculture and industries has resulted in contamination of the environment by diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics, and various agrochemicals. Their presence in the environment is of great concern due to their toxicity and non-biodegradable nature. Their interaction with each other and coexistence in the environment greatly influence and threaten the ecological environment and human health. Furthermore, the presence of these pollutants affects the soil quality and fertility. Physicochemical techniques are used to remediate such environments, but they are less effective and demand high costs of operation. Bioremediation is an efficient, widespread, cost-effective, and eco-friendly cleanup tool. The use of microorganisms has received significant attention as an efficient biotechnological strategy to decontaminate the environment. Bioremediation through microorganisms appears to be an economically viable and efficient approach because it poses the lowest risk to the environment. This technique utilizes the metabolic potential of microorganisms to clean up contaminated environments. Many microbial genera have been known to be involved in bioremediation, including Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Aspergillus, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Mucor, Penicillium, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Talaromyces, and Trichoderma. Archaea, including Natrialba and Haloferax, from extreme environments have also been reported as potent bioresources for biological remediation. Thus, utilizing microbes for managing environmental pollution is promising technology, and, in fact, the microbes provide a useful podium that can be used for an enhanced bioremediation model of diverse environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divjot Kour
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, Sirmour, India
| | - Tanvir Kaur
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, Sirmour, India
| | - Rubee Devi
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, Sirmour, India
| | - Ashok Yadav
- Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Manali Singh
- Invertis Institute of Engineering and Technology (IIET), Invertis University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Divya Joshi
- Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Kashipur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jyoti Singh
- Department of Microbiology, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deep Chandra Suyal
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | | | - Ajar Nath Yadav
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, Sirmour, India.
| | - Karan Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indira Gandhi University, Haryana, 122502, Meerpur, Rewari, India
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Riyaz Z Sayyed
- Department of Microbiology, PSGVP Mandal's Arts, Science and Commerce College, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
| | - Naveen Kumar Arora
- Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Rae Bareli Road, Uttar Pradesh, 226025, Lucknow, India
| | - Anil Kumar Saxena
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Kusmaur, Mau, 275103, India
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Panagopoulos A. Water-energy nexus: desalination technologies and renewable energy sources. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:21009-21022. [PMID: 33704643 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid population growth and industrialization have contributed to a dramatic decline in the supply of freshwater. As a result, desalination is an important choice to solve the global problem of water scarcity. Nevertheless, the hyper-saline by-product, the high capital costs, and the high energy demands currently met by fossil fuels are key obstacles to the widespread adoption of desalination systems. Furthermore, desalination plants powered by fossil fuels have negative environmental impacts due to greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. In contrast to fossil fuels, renewable energy is abundant and clean and is therefore a promising alternative for powering desalination plants. This is why the water-energy nexus is a crucial step towards a sustainable future. Therefore, the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into desalination is very important. The main objective of this review to analyze and evaluate desalination technologies (thermal-based and membrane-based) and RES (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass) that could be combined as an integrated process. Social-economic factors, environmental concerns, current challenges, and future research areas for both desalination and RES are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris Panagopoulos
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St., Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
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Abstract
Development of high-throughput phenotyping technologies has progressed considerably in the last 10 years. These technologies provide precise measurements of desired traits among thousands of field-grown plants under diversified environments; this is a critical step towards selection of better performing lines as to yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance to accelerate crop improvement programs. High-throughput phenotyping techniques and platforms help unraveling the genetic basis of complex traits associated with plant growth and development and targeted traits. This review focuses on the advancements in technologies involved in high-throughput, field-based, aerial, and unmanned platforms. Development of user-friendly data management tools and softwares to better understand phenotyping will increase the use of field-based high-throughput techniques, which have potential to revolutionize breeding strategies and meet the future needs of stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Jangra
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004 India
| | - Vrantika Chaudhary
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004 India
| | - Ram C. Yadav
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004 India
| | - Neelam R. Yadav
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004 India
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Guiroy AJ, Duarte MP, Cabrera JP, Coombes N, Gagliardi M, Gotfryd A, Carazzo C, Taboada N, Falavigna A. Neurosurgery versus orthopedic surgery: Who has better access to minimally invasive spinal technology? Surg Neurol Int 2020; 11:385. [PMID: 33408919 PMCID: PMC7771484 DOI: 10.25259/sni_600_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Our aim was to evaluate differences in neurosurgeons versus orthopedists access to technologies needed to perform minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISS) in Latin America. Methods: We sent a survey to members of AO Spine Latin America (January 2020), and assessed the following variables; nationality, level of hospital (primary, secondary, and tertiary), number of spinal operations performed per year, spinal pathologies addressed, the number of minimally invasive spine operations performed/year, and differences in access to MISS spinal technology between neurosurgeons and orthopedists. Results: Responses were returned from 306 (25.6) members of AO Spine Latin America representing 20 different countries; 57.8% of respondents were orthopedic surgeons and 42.4% had over 10 years of experience. Although both specialties reported a lack of access to most of the technologies, the main difference between the two was greater utilization/access of neurosurgeons to operating microscope (e.g., 84% of the neurosurgeons vs. 39% of orthopedic spine surgeons). Conclusion: Although both specialties have limited access to MISS spinal technologies, orthopedic spine surgeons reported significantly lower access to operating microscopes versus neurosurgeons (P < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matias Pereira Duarte
- Department of Orthopedic, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Cabrera
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicolás Coombes
- Department of Orthopedics, Axial Medical Group, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Alberto Gotfryd
- Department of Orthopedic, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brasil
| | - Charles Carazzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brasil
| | - Nestor Taboada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinica Portoazul, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Asdrubal Falavigna
- Department of Medicine, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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Seifert A, Thilo FJS. [Digital transformation in residential old age institutions]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 54:795-801. [PMID: 33005983 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-020-01789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Stationäre Altersinstitutionen durchlaufen derzeit einen digitalen Transformationsprozess, der durch die Orientierung an einer zunehmenden Digitalisierung von Arbeitsprozessen und der institutionellen Infrastruktur gekennzeichnet ist. Doch wie sieht die Vielfalt der eingesetzten technischen Lösungen in den Altersinstitutionen überhaupt aus, und wie wird der digitale Transformationsprozess von den Leitungspersonen der Institutionen bewertet? Material und Methoden Die Befragung erfolgte als standardisierte Onlinebefragung bei stationären Alterseinrichtungen in der gesamten Schweiz. Befragt wurden die jeweiligen Leitungspersonen. Die Stichprobe bildeten 466 Institutionen. Ergebnisse Etablierte Technologien, wie z. B. Fernseher, Kontakt- und Sturzmatten sowie Softwarelösungen im Verwaltungsbereich, werden fast flächendeckend eingesetzt, während Roboter zur Aktivierung der Klientel, Spielkonsolen oder telemedizinische Technologien nur sehr selten verwendet werden. Die befragten Personen sehen in der Anwendung technischer Hilfsmittel eher Vor- als Nachteile. Die größten Hindernisse, die bei der Einführung neuer Technik wahrgenommen werden, sind die damit verbundenen Kosten, fehlende Mitarbeiterkompetenzen und eine nichtvorhandene Infrastruktur. Die multivariate Analyse zeigt, dass der Digitalisierungsgrad in einer Einrichtung nicht nur von deren Größe abhängt, sondern auch von der Technikaffinität der leitenden Mitarbeitenden. Diskussion Der Technologisierungsgrad in Altersinstitutionen ist unterschiedlich hoch, insgesamt aber eher ernüchternd niedrig, hinsichtlich der Verwendung neuer Technologien wie der Robotik oder Telemedizin. Barrieren für die digitale Transformation wurden aus der Befragung herausgearbeitet und diskutiert.
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Zheng J, Tang CH, Sun W. Heteroprotein complex coacervation: Focus on experimental strategies to investigate structure formation as a function of intrinsic and external physicochemical parameters for food applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 284:102268. [PMID: 32977143 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are important components of foods, because they are one of the essential food groups, they have many functional properties that are very useful for modifying the physicochemical and textural properties of processed foods and possess many biological activities that are beneficial to human health. The process of heteroprotein complex coacervation (HPCC) combines two or more proteins through long-range coulombic interaction and specific short-range forces, creating a liquid-liquid colloid, with highly concentrated protein in the droplet phase and much more diluted-protein in the bulk phase. Coacervates possess novel, modifiable, physicochemical characteristics, and often exhibit the combined biological activities of the protein components, which makes them applicable to formulated foods and encapsulation carriers. This review discusses research progress in the field of HPCC in three parts: (1) the basic and innovative experimental methods and simulation tools for understanding the physicochemical behavior of these heteroprotein supramolecular architectures; (2) the influence of environmental factors (pH, mixing ratio, salts, temperature, and formation time) and intrinsic factors (protein modifications, metal-binding, charge anisotropy, and polypeptide designs) on HPCC; (3) the potential applications of HPCC materials, such as encapsulation of nutraceuticals, nanogels, emulsion stabilization, and protein separation. The wide diversity of possible combinations of proteins with different properties, endows HPCC materials with great potential for development into highly-innovation functional food ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabao Zheng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Chuan-He Tang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center), Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Weizheng Sun
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center), Guangzhou 510641, China.
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Abstract
Over the past 20 years, and particularly in the last decade, significant developmental milestones have driven basic, translational, and clinical advances in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. In this article, we provide a systemic overview of the major recent discoveries in this exciting and rapidly developing field. We begin by discussing experimental advances in the generation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), next moving to the maintenance of stem cells in different culture types, and finishing with a discussion of three-dimensional (3D) cell technology and future stem cell applications. Specifically, we highlight the following crucial domains: 1) sources of pluripotent cells; 2) next-generation in vivo direct reprogramming technology; 3) cell types derived from PSCs and the influence of genetic memory; 4) induction of pluripotency with genomic modifications; 5) construction of vectors with reprogramming factor combinations; 6) enhancing pluripotency with small molecules and genetic signaling pathways; 7) induction of cell reprogramming by RNA signaling; 8) induction and enhancement of pluripotency with chemicals; 9) maintenance of pluripotency and genomic stability in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); 10) feeder-free and xenon-free culture environments; 11) biomaterial applications in stem cell biology; 12) three-dimensional (3D) cell technology; 13) 3D bioprinting; 14) downstream stem cell applications; and 15) current ethical issues in stem cell and regenerative medicine. This review, encompassing the fundamental concepts of regenerative medicine, is intended to provide a comprehensive portrait of important progress in stem cell research and development. Innovative technologies and real-world applications are emphasized for readers interested in the exciting, promising, and challenging field of stem cells and those seeking guidance in planning future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gele Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical College, 1725 W. Harrison St., Suite 855, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Brian T David
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical College, 1725 W. Harrison St., Suite 855, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Matthew Trawczynski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical College, 1725 W. Harrison St., Suite 855, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Richard G Fessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical College, 1725 W. Harrison St., Suite 855, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Kumaravel SK, Subramani RK, Jayaraj Sivakumar TK, Madurai Elavarasan R, Manavalanagar Vetrichelvan A, Annam A, Subramaniam U. Investigation on the impacts of COVID-19 quarantine on society and environment: Preventive measures and supportive technologies. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:393. [PMID: 32821645 PMCID: PMC7429420 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, epicentered in China in December 2019, has spread to many other countries. The entire humanity has a vital responsibility to tackle this pandemic and the technologies are being helpful to them to a greater extent. The purpose of the work is to precisely bring scientific and general awareness to the people all around the world who are currently fighting the war against COVID-19. It's visible that the number of people infected is increasing day by day and the medical community is tirelessly working to maintain the situation under control. Other than the negative effects caused by COVID-19, it is also equally important for the public to understand some of the positive impacts it has directly or indirectly given to society. This work emphasizes the various impacts that are created on society as well as the environment. As a special additive, some important key areas are highlighted namely, how the modernized technologies are aiding the people during the period of social distancing. Some effective technological implications carried out by both information technology and educational institutions are highlighted. There are also several steps taken by the state government and central government in each country in adopting the complete lockdown rule. These steps are taken primarily to prevent the people from COVID-19 impact. Moreover, the teachings we need to learn from the quarantine situation created to prevent further spread of this global pandemic is discussed in brief and the importance of carrying them to the future. Finally, the paper also elucidates the general preventive measures that have to be taken to prevent this deadly coronavirus, and the role of technology in this pandemic situation has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh Kumar Kumaravel
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602117 India
| | - Ranjith Kumar Subramani
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602117 India
| | - Tharun Kumar Jayaraj Sivakumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602117 India
| | - Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602117 India
- Electrical and Automotive Parts Manufacturing Unit, AA Industries, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123 India
| | | | - Annapurna Annam
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602117 India
| | - Umashankar Subramaniam
- Renewable Energy Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, 11586 Saudi Arabia
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Choi TM. Innovative "Bring-Service-Near-Your-Home" operations under Corona-Virus (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) outbreak: Can logistics become the Messiah? Transp Res E Logist Transp Rev 2020; 140:101961. [PMID: 32346356 PMCID: PMC7186194 DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.101961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The corona virus (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has created serious disruptions to many business operations. Among them, many service operations, which require customers to travel and visit a place indoor, become almost infeasible to run in a crowded city like Hong Kong. Motivated by a recent reported real case on an innovative service operation in Hong Kong, we build analytical models to explore how logistics and technologies together can transform the "static service operations" to become the "bring-service-near-your-home" mobile service operations. We also highlight how the government may provide the subsidy to support the above mentioned mobile service operation (MSO) to make it financially viable. We specifically show that the government may adopt the fixed-cost-subsidy (FCS) scheme, operations-cost-subsidy (OCS) scheme or safety-technology-support (STS) scheme to help. We further uncover that the OCS scheme would bring a larger consumer surplus than the FCS scheme and is hence more preferable. In the extended models, we first study the case when service fee cannot be changed because of corona virus outbreak (CVO). We then explore the feasibility of adopting MSO in the long run as a financially self-sustainable service operation and derive the analytical conditions under which MSO is a win-win business model for both the service provider and consumers. Finally, we study the optimal safety technology investment problem.
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Bolla AS, Patel AR, Priefer R. The silent development of counterfeit medications in developing countries - A systematic review of detection technologies. Int J Pharm 2020; 587:119702. [PMID: 32736015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Drug counterfeiting detection is very important for the safety of patients around the world. Counterfeit pharmaceutical products can be referred to the production and distribution of mislabeled medications in which the identity, authenticity, and/or effectiveness is altered. Drugs are often counterfeited to reduce manufacture costs, while still marketing it at as an authentic product. Increased incidence of drug counterfeiting is most noticeable in developing countries, which may not have the resources to supply counterfeit detection devices at a large scale. It is important to consider the direct problems that it may cause and to propose options for controlling and reducing the prevalence of counterfeit medications. Certain counterfeit detection devices have been successfully used for qualitative and quantitative assessment to differentiate counterfeit medications from the reference product. Different technologies are needed to identify the chemical properties of a questioned drug product, which can then be used to determine its authenticity. This review examines the implications of counterfeit medications and the current technological approaches that are able to detect counterfeited pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmole S Bolla
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Ashwani R Patel
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Ronny Priefer
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Boston 02115, USA.
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40
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Masiá P, Sol D, Ardura A, Laca A, Borrell YJ, Dopico E, Laca A, Machado-Schiaffino G, Díaz M, Garcia-Vazquez E. Bioremediation as a promising strategy for microplastics removal in wastewater treatment plants. Mar Pollut Bull 2020; 156:111252. [PMID: 32510394 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) attract ever-increasing attention due to environmental concerns. Nowadays, they are ubiquitous across ecosystems, and research demonstrates that the origin is mainly terrestrial. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a major source of MPs, especially fibres, in water masses. This review is focused on understanding the evolution and fate of microplastics during wastewater treatment processes with the aim of identifying advanced technologies to eliminate microplastics from the water stream. Among them, bioremediation has been highlighted as a promising tool, but confinement of microorganisms inside the WWTP is still a challenge. The potential for MPs bioremediation in WWTPs of higher aquatic eukaryotes, which offer the advantages of low dispersion rates and being easy to contain, is reviewed. Animals, seagrasses and macrophytes are considered, taking into account ecoethical and biological issues. Necessary research and its challenges have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Masiá
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Daniel Sol
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alba Ardura
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Amanda Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Dopico
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adriana Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Mario Díaz
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, Spain
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Zhang Z, Brazil J, Ozkaynak M, Desanto K. Evaluative Research of Technologies for Prehospital Communication and Coordination: a Systematic Review. J Med Syst 2020; 44:100. [PMID: 32246206 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Various technologies have been designed and developed to support communication and coordination between the field and hospital during a medical emergency. The usability issues and human factors entailed in these new technologies are important to their application and effectiveness, suggesting the need to examine this information in a systematic review. The systematic review aims to synthesize the user-centered evaluative research of prehospital communication technologies. We conducted a systematic literature search in four databases (Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science) for articles published between the years 2000 and 2019. We included articles that evaluated the technologies developed for supporting prehospital communication and collaboration, and were published in English. A total of 918 articles were retrieved and screened, with 17 articles included for in-depth analysis. Two authors conducted independent screens and reviews of the articles using a list of inclusion/exclusion criteria and defined factors. The types of technology of reviewed articles included ambulance-based telemedicine, wearable, handheld, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Even though these technologies have demonstrated high levels of user acceptance, the reviewed studies noted a variety of challenges faced by emergency care providers, which were grouped into three categories-technical, usability, and organizational challenges. Our review also highlighted the paucity of evaluative research of prehospital communication technologies and the lack of user engagement throughout system design process. Based on the results, we discuss the importance of adopting user-centered design approaches and accounting for three social-technical factors in designing technologies for time-critical medical settings, including cognitive and physical stressor, workflow, and context. This systematic review presents an overview of key evaluative research of prehospital communication technologies. The paucity of evaluative research in prehospital communication technology and challenges faced in adopting advanced technological solutions in emergency care highlight the need to adopt user-centered design and take into account socio-technical issues at the point of system design.
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Ngo PL, Pramanik BK, Shah K, Roychand R. Pathway, classification and removal efficiency of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. Environ Pollut 2019; 255:113326. [PMID: 31600707 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in water environment has recently been documented as an emerging environmental threat due to their negative impact on the ecosystem. Their sources are many, but all of them are from synthetic materials. The sources of MPs are cosmetics and personal care products, breakdown or abrasion processes of other plastic products, textile and tyre, bitumen and road marking paints. Because of their low density and small particle size, they are easily discharged into the wastewater drainage systems. Therefore, the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are indicated to be the main recipients of MPs before getting discharged into the natural waterbodies. Therefore, understanding the occurrence and fate of MPs in WWTPs are of great importance towards its control. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review to better understand the pathways of MPs before entering the WWTPs, characteristics of MPs in wastewater, and the removal efficiency of MPs of the existing wastewater treatment technologies adopted by the WWTPs. This review also covers the development of potential microplastics treatment technologies investigated to date. Based on the review of existing literature, it is found that the existing WWTPs are inefficient to completely remove the MPs and there is a risk that they may get discharged into the ambient water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Linh Ngo
- Environmental Engineering Department at the Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Nha Trang University, Viet Nam
| | | | - Kalpit Shah
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Rajeev Roychand
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Abstract
Critical care nurses work in challenging environments that are often sterile, impersonal, noisy, and frightening to patients and their families. Nurses act as liaisons between medical professionals and patients and their families in multiple specialty intensive care units. Critical care nursing practice, guided by the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, respects patients' religious, spiritual, and cultural beliefs, contributing to holistic care delivery. Therapeutic psychosocial outcomes of holistic care delivery and patient advocacy are explored. Personalized psychosocial care through treating patients holistically will support and maintain positive psychosocial outcomes in intensive care units across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn C Parsons
- Center for Health, Education and Research, Morehead State University, 316 West Second Street, Suite 201P, Morehead, KY 40351, USA.
| | - Michele A Walters
- St. Claire Family Medicine Express, Morehead State University, 316 West Second Street, CHER 201F, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
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Jha A, Kumar A. Biobased technologies for the efficient extraction of biopolymers from waste biomass. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2019; 42:1893-1901. [PMID: 31542821 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-019-02199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regardless of considerable progress in synthetic plastic or polymer-based industry, its low biodegradability is a critical issue. Nevertheless, natural "biopolymers" are gradually replacing them for being inherently biodegradable, eco-friendly with other unique properties. This article aims to present a review regarding different extraction techniques of biopolymers [natural (cellulose, chitin, lignin, pectin, starch, xylan), synthetic (polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polymethayl methacrylate (PMMA)] from waste using bio-based methods. The role of bio-based techniques in terms of conventional/ecologically stable strategies for biomass pre-treatment was investigated for proper utilization of waste. The review summarizes strong interplay between technological and future challenges of biopolymer extraction from waste and paints a discussion of how conventional resources could be replaced with more environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, we advocate the implementation of biomass waste from food, organic, and other bio-based industries that revolutionizes the stance of biopolymer in various emerging fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhuti Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India.
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45
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Della Volpe-Waizel M, Traber GL, Maloca P, Zinkernagel M, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Rubin G, Roska B, Otto T, Weleber RG, Scholl HPN. New Technologies for Outcome Measures in Retinal Disease: Review from the European Vision Institute Special Interest Focus Group. Ophthalmic Res 2019; 63:77-87. [PMID: 31352462 DOI: 10.1159/000501887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel diagnostic tools to measure retinal function and structure are rapidly being developed and introduced into clinical use. Opportunities exist to use these informative and robust measures as endpoints for clinical trials to determine efficacy and to monitor safety of therapeutic interventions. In order to inform researchers and clinician-scientists about these new diagnostic tools, a workshop was organized by the European Vision Institute. Invited speakers highlighted the recent advances in state-of-the-art technologies for outcome measures in the field of retina. This review highlights the workshop's presentations in the context of published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Della Volpe-Waizel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ghislaine L Traber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Maloca
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Gary Rubin
- UCL University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Botond Roska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tilman Otto
- Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Molecular and Medical Genetics, University of Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, .,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland,
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Wilberforce T, Baroutaji A, El Hassan Z, Thompson J, Soudan B, Olabi AG. Prospects and challenges of concentrated solar photovoltaics and enhanced geothermal energy technologies. Sci Total Environ 2019; 659:851-861. [PMID: 31096415 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the total emissions of energy generation systems is a pragmatic approach for limiting the environmental pollution and associated climate change problems. Socio economic activities in the 21st century is highly determined by the energy generation mediums, particularly the renewable resources, across the world. Therefore, a thorough investigation into the technologies used in harnessing these energy generation mediums should contribute to their further advancement. Concentrated Solar Photovoltaics (CSP) and Enhanced Geothermal Energy (EGE) are considered as emerging renewable energy technologies with high potential to be used as suitable replacements for fossil products (petroleum, coal, natural gas etc.). Despite the accelerated developments in these technologies, they are still facing many challenges in terms of cost. This review paper presents a detailed background about these renewable energy technologies and their main types such as solar tower, parabolic trough, and so on. Also, the principle challenges impeding the advancement of these energy technologies into commercialisation are discussed. Possible solutions for the main challenges are presented and the future prospects for such energy generation mediums are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabbi Wilberforce
- Institute of Engineering and Energy Technologies, University of the West of Scotland, UK.
| | - A Baroutaji
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Zaki El Hassan
- Institute of Engineering and Energy Technologies, University of the West of Scotland, UK
| | - J Thompson
- Institute of Engineering and Energy Technologies, University of the West of Scotland, UK
| | - Bassel Soudan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - A G Olabi
- Dept. of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Mechanical Engineering and Design, Aston University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
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Robards F, Kang M, Steinbeck K, Hawke C, Jan S, Sanci L, Liew YY, Kong M, Usherwood T. Health care equity and access for marginalised young people: a longitudinal qualitative study exploring health system navigation in Australia. Int J Equity Health 2019; 18:41. [PMID: 30832651 PMCID: PMC6399978 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-019-0941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young people have unique social, emotional and developmental needs that require a welcoming and responsive health system, and policies that support their access to health care. Those who are socially or culturally marginalised may face additional challenges in navigating health care, contributing to health inequity. The aim of this study was to understand health system navigation, including the role of technology, for young people belonging to one or more marginalised groups, in order to inform youth health policy in New South Wales, Australia. Methods This qualitative longitudinal study involved 2–4 interviews each over 6 to 12 months with marginalised young people aged 12–24 years living in NSW. The analysis used Nvivo software and grounded theory. Results We interviewed 41 young people at baseline who were living in rural or remote areas, sexuality and/or gender diverse, refugee, homeless, and/or Aboriginal. A retention rate of over 85% was achieved. Nineteen belonged to more than one marginalised group allowing an exploration of intersectionality. General practitioners (family physicians) were the most commonly accessed service throughout the study period. Participants were ambivalent about their healthcare journeys. Qualitative analysis identified five themes:Technology brings opportunities to understand, connect and engage with services Healthcare journeys are shaped by decisions weighing up convenience, engagement, effectiveness and affordability. Marginalised young people perceive and experience multiple forms of discrimination leading to forgone care. Multiple marginalisation makes health system navigation more challenging The impact of health system complexity and fragmentation may be mitigated by system knowledge and navigation support
Conclusions The compounding effects of multiple discrimination and access barriers were experienced more strongly for young people belonging to mutiple marginalised groups. We identify several areas for improving clinical practice and policy. Integrating technology and social media into processes that facilitate access and navigation, providing respectful and welcoming services that recognise diversity, improving health literacy and involving professionals in advocacy and navigation support may help to address these issues. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12939-019-0941-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Robards
- Department of General Practice, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 154, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Melissa Kang
- Department of General Practice, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 154, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,University of Technology Sydney, Discipline of Public Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katharine Steinbeck
- The University of Sydney, Discipline of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Hawke
- The University of Sydney, School of Rural Health, Orange, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lena Sanci
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Ying Ying Liew
- Department of General Practice, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 154, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Marlene Kong
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Tim Usherwood
- Department of General Practice, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, PO Box 154, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Chen Y, Abel KT, Janecek JT, Chen Y, Zheng K, Cramer SC. Home-based technologies for stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review. Int J Med Inform 2018; 123:11-22. [PMID: 30654899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many forms of home-based technology targeting stroke rehabilitation have been devised, and a number of human factors are important to their application, suggesting the need to examine this information in a comprehensive review. OBJECTIVE The systematic review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of technologies and human factors in home-based technologies for stroke rehabilitation. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in three electronic databases (IEEE, ACM, PubMed), including secondary citations from the literature search. We included articles that used technological means to help stroke patients conduct rehabilitation at home, reported empirical studies that evaluated the technologies with patients in the home environment, and were published in English. Three authors independently conducted the content analysis of searched articles using a list of interactively defined factors. RESULTS The search yielded 832 potentially relevant articles, leading to 31 articles that were included for in-depth analysis. The types of technology of reviewed articles included games, telerehabilitation, robotic devices, virtual reality devices, sensors, and tablets. We present the merits and limitations of each type of technology. We then derive two main human factors in designing home-based technologies for stroke rehabilitation: designing for engagement (including external and internal motivation) and designing for the home environment (including understanding the social context, practical challenges, and technical proficiency). CONCLUSION This systematic review presents an overview of key technologies and human factors for designing home-based technologies for stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- School of Information Systems and Technology, San Jose State University, United States.
| | | | - John T Janecek
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Yunan Chen
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Steven C Cramer
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, United States
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Smith K, Cénat JM, Lapierre A, Dion J, Hébert M, Côté K. Cyber dating violence: Prevalence and correlates among high school students from small urban areas in Quebec. J Affect Disord 2018; 234:220-3. [PMID: 29544168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents in a dating relationship can interact anytime using information and communication technologies. Yet, despite associated potential benefits, this availability of means to reach out to their partner may also exacerbate possible conflictual exchanges, including dating violence through technology. This study aimed to document the prevalence of cyber dating violence (CDV) victimization and perpetration among teenagers. It also explored self-esteem and psychological distress in participants having been perpetrators, victims, or perpetrator-victims, compared with those not having experienced CDV. METHODS The sample comprised 190 teenagers from a small urban area who completed the K10 psychological distress scale, the Self-Description Questionnaire, which measures self-esteem, and the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire, which measures the prevalence of CDV victimization and perpetration. RESULTS Our results suggest no gender difference in the prevalence of CDV victimization (35.8%), perpetration (33.0%), or the high co-occurrence rate of victimization and perpetration (27.2%) in the last 12 months. When age and gender were controlled for, cyber dating violence was found to be associated with low self-esteem and psychological distress in teenagers. Cyberperpetration was also associated with higher self-esteem. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design precludes any conclusion about the sequencing of the variables. Reliance on a convenience sample also represents a limitation of the study. CONCLUSIONS CDV is associated with low self-esteem and psychological distress in teenagers. Dating violence prevention programs should include issues related to CDV, considering its high prevalence, conceptual proximity to psychological violence, and relationship with psychological distress and low self esteem.
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50
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Lee PY, Chin SF, Low TY, Jamal R. Probing the colorectal cancer proteome for biomarkers: Current status and perspectives. J Proteomics 2018; 187:93-105. [PMID: 29953962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Biomarkers that can facilitate better clinical management of CRC are in high demand to improve patient outcome and to reduce mortality. In this regard, proteomic analysis holds a promising prospect in the hunt of novel biomarkers for CRC and in understanding the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. This review aims to provide an overview of the current progress of proteomic research, focusing on discovery and validation of diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. We will summarize the contributions of proteomic strategies to recent discoveries of protein biomarkers for CRC and also briefly discuss the potential and challenges of different proteomic approaches in biomarker discovery and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pey Yee Lee
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Siok-Fong Chin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rahman Jamal
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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