University Research Institute Research Articles

Comparison of a linear discrimination function and artificial neural networks approach to discriminate the seismic events in Ankara (Turkey)

In this study, natural and blast-induced ground vibrations (namely earthquakes and quarry blasts) in Ankara (Turkey) were analysed and distinguished from each other. A total of 156 digitized vertical component velocity seismograms of seismic events of 2009-2014 with Md≤3.5 were obtained from the Lodumlu broadband station (LOD) controlled by Boğaziçi University, Kandilli Observatory, and Earthquake Research Institute Regional Earthquake-Tsunami Monitoring Center (BU-KOERIRETMC). We examined the following variables: the ratio of the highest amplitude value of the S-wave and the highest amplitude value of the P-wave (Amplitude ratio) of vertical component velocity seismograms, the power ratio (Complexity), the logarithmical value of the amplitude of the S-wave of the seismogram (Log S), and total signal duration of the seismogram. It is the first time that natural and blast-induced ground vibrations were separated from each other using the Fisher’s Linear Discriminate Analysis (FLDA) technique and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) approach together in Ankara (The capital of Turkey). Ninety-two (59%) of the 156 seismic events studied were identified as earthquakes and sixty-four (41%) of them were described as blast-induced ground vibrations. Then the obtained accuracy percentage results of three pairs of some variables were compared. The amplitude ratio versus complexity and the amplitude ratio versus total signal duration had a high classification accuracy determination coefficient for the LOD dataset (94% for the FLDA technique and 100% for ANNs approach). ANNs approach is more successful than the FLDA technique.

Journey of a university research institute: transition from multi-disciplinary to inter-disciplinary research in supporting sustainable development goals (SDGS)

PurposeUniversity research institutes were established in Malaysian Universities to facilitate research activities that do not fit into discipline-oriented departments, including the multi- and inter-disciplinary research that goes beyond the single-disciplinary boundary. This paper aims to report on a case study of one university research institute established in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), known as the institute for environment and development (LESTARI). LESTARI conducts multi-disciplinary research that emphasises research and capacity building on issues related to sustainable development. The aims of this paper are to examine the research evolution undergone at LESTARI, and to ascertain its contribution towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachLESTARI was established two years after the Rio Conference held in 1992, with the aims of promoting sustainable development through research and capacity building. This paper uses a qualitative approach to evaluate the research evolution of LESTARI, and a quantitative analysis to ascertain LESTARI’s contribution to SDGs.FindingsAfter almost 30 years of establishment, LESTARI has moved from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research. Although the transition was based on respective research areas (e.g. chemicals management and geopark), the research maturity of LESTARI is shown in its transformation from conventional to translational research. LESTARI has proven its capability to conduct multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research, and the research outputs are also contributing to the SDGs.Practical implicationsThe LESTARI case study has shown that as long as a research institute has a firm and clear research direction, regardless of how it is evaluated and monitored (e.g. evaluated by SDGs), the research institute remains relevant in the context of its establishment.Social implicationsThe findings from this paper serve to set LESTARI as an example for other university research institutes, whether in Malaysia or in other countries.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this contribution is the first that discusses the transition from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research, as well as the contribution to SDGs, among university research institutes in Malaysia.

Preface

2024 International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing and Mechatronics (IMM2024) is hosted by Qingdao University and Dalian Jiaotong University and held in Qingdao, China, from March 01-03, 2024. Aiming at providing an excellent international academic platform for all the participating experts, scholars, and engineers, IMM2024 has attracted participation among all over the universities research institutes and companies in the industry. It provide academic exchange for exploring the needs of intelligent manufacturing, mechatronics, automation control systems and electrical engineering in various industries, enabling them to establish academic connection and gain greater development in the future. IMM2024 proceeding collects up-to-date and comprehensive research papers concentrating on the fields related to Intelligent Control, Electrical Engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing, Automation, and Mechatronics. All the accepted papers have been peer-reviewed by 2 experts based on relevance, originality, significance, writing and clarity for the purpose of the conference. The Technical Program Committee members have been working hard to deal with the manuscripts and reviews. The conference accepted 23 papers finally. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the keynote speakers, editors, committee members, volunteers, staffs and organizers for their endeavor and precious time spent on the conference. We would like to thank all the authors, speakers and participants for their great contributions to the success of IMM2024. List of The Organizing Committee of IMM2024 is available in this Pdf.

The construction of urban cultural and creative industries using deep learning and information management

The ongoing transition within the Chinese economy assumes a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the cultural and creative industries (CCI). Renowned for its environmentally sustainable attributes, coupled with high productivity, CCI has garnered considerable attention across diverse societal strata. This study endeavors to delineate the determinants influencing the developmental trajectory of CCI, with a focal point on City A as the primary subject of investigation, juxtaposed against Cities G, D, B, H, and X for comparative analysis, leveraging developmental data from the year 2021. Initially, the study elucidates the conceptual framework underpinning CCI and its intrinsic significance in facilitating urban metamorphosis. Subsequently, the positive impact of CCI through deep learning and information management technology is emphasized, and a cultural and creative recommendation model based on LSTM algorithm is constructed. Through performance evaluation, the recommendation accuracy for cultural and creative projects reaches 94.74 %. A robust developmental assessment model for CCI is then constructed via meticulous factor analysis of pertinent influencers. Employing factor analysis techniques, the study identifies two primary determinants exerting sway over CCI development: sustainable profitability factors and cultural influence factors. Noteworthy among the factors influencing CCI development within City A are fixed asset investment, cultural industry financing, the proliferation of university-based research institutions, and per capita cultural expenditure by residents. Of these, fixed asset investment, cultural industry financing, and the density of university research institutions prominently impinge upon sustainable profitability, with a discernible impact weight of 0.738 in the evaluative framework of CCI development, thus significantly shaping its trajectory. Moreover, consumer psychological factors, particularly market consumption patterns, are observed to exert a discernible influence on CCI evolution. This study augurs fresh insights into the realm of CCI development, infusing it with renewed vigor and vitality. Moreover, it underscores the inherent interdependence and positive correlation among the various research factors, offering novel perspectives and methodologies germane to the advancement of urban CCI.

Evaluation of a unique and innovative diabetes care model in primary care in Ontario, Canada: protocol for a multiple-methods study with a convergent parallel design

IntroductionThe growth and complexity of diabetes are exceeding the capacity of family physicians, resulting in the demand for community-based, interprofessional, primary care-led transition clinics. The Primary Care Diabetes Support Programme...

Serum Ceruloplasmin-to-Albumin Ratio as a Biochemical Marker in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Before and After Treatment.

The study compares the serum ceruloplasmin-to-albumin ratio of tuberculosis (TB) patients before and after anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) to assess its diagnostic and prognostic value. Despite the pandemic's impact on TB notifications, global TB cases rose by 16% in 2022. The study was conducted at Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram, from November 2022 to November 2023, with participants aged 15 and above diagnosed with pulmonary TB. The analysis of clinical, radiographic, microbiological, and biochemical data revealed a gender distribution of 58% male and 42% female individuals, with an average age of 49. Significant reductions in ceruloplasmin levels and increases in albumin levels were found following therapy, as well as a decrease in the ceruloplasmin-to-albumin ratio, showing that ceruloplasmin may serve as a severity measure and treatment indicator. Male patients accounted for 58% of the study population, while females accounted for 42%. Patients aged 36-45 made up the largest group (26%). Following treatment, serum ceruloplasmin levels decreased significantly (from 66.28 mg/dL to 35.56 mg/dL), but albumin levels increased (from 2.96 g/dL to 4.19 g/dL). The ceruloplasmin-to-albumin ratio dropped from 0.022 to 0.008, showing treatment efficacy. The study highlights the potential of serum biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring TB. The serum ceruloplasmin-to-albumin ratio is a promising biochemical diagnostic. Further research is needed to validate these findings and investigate their clinical significance in TB management.

Mid-level healthcare workers knowledge on non-communicable diseases in Tanzania: a district-level pre-and post-training assessment

IntroductionOver the past two decades, Tanzania’s burden of non-communicable diseases has grown disproportionately, but limited resources are still prioritized. A trained human resource for health is urgently needed to combat these diseases. However, continuous medical education for NCDs is scarce. This paper reports on the mid-level healthcare workers knowledge on NCDs. We assessed the knowledge to measure the effectiveness of the training conducted during the initiation of a Package for Essential Management of Severe NCDs (PEN Plus) in rural district hospitals in Tanzania.MethodsThe training was given to 48 healthcare employees from Dodoma Region’s Kondoa Town Council District Hospital. For a total of five (5) days, a fundamental course on NCDs featured in-depth interactive lectures and practical workshops. Physicians from Tanzania’s higher education institutions, tertiary university hospitals, research institutes, and medical organizations served as trainers. Before and after the training, a knowledge assessment comprising 28 questions was administered. Descriptive data analysis to describe the characteristics of the specific knowledge on physiology, diagnosis and therapy of diabetes mellitus, rheumatic fever, heart disease, and sickle cell disease was done using Stata version 17 (STATA Corp Inc., TX, USA).ResultsComplete assessment data for 42 out of the 48 participants was available. Six participants did not complete the training and the assessment. The mean age of participants was 36.9 years, and slightly above half (52%) were above 35 years. Two-thirds (61.9%) were female, and about half (45%) were nurses. The majority had the experience of working for more than 5 years, and the average was 9.4 years (+/- 8.4 years). Overall, the trainees’ average scores improved after the training (12.79 vs. 16.05, p < 0.0001) out of 28 possible scores. Specifically, trainees’ average scores were better in treatment than in diagnosis, except for sickle cell disease (1.26 vs. 1.83). Most were not able to diagnose rheumatic heart disease (47.6% able) compared to diabetes mellitus (54.8% able) or sickle cell disease (64.3% able) at baseline. The proportion of trainees with adequate knowledge of the treatment of sickle cell disease and diabetes mellitus was 35% and 38.1%, respectively, and there was a non-statistical difference after training. Those working for less than 5 years had a higher proportion of adequate knowledge (30.8%) compared to their more experienced colleagues (6.9%). After the training, participants’ knowledge of NCDs increased by three times (i.e., aPR 3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5, and 6.0).Conclusion and recommendationsPEN Plus training improved the knowledge of healthcare workers at Kondoa Town Council District Hospital. Training is especially needed among nurses and those with a longer duration of work. Continuing education for human resources for health on the management of NCDs is highly recommended in this setting.

Perceptions on Medical Professionalism Among Future Healthcare Professionals: A Mixed Method Study.

Background Accreditation councils across the world constantly examine policies and practices in professionalism in their medical curriculum. The National Medical Commission (NMC) in India has recognized the pressing need to reform and include professionalism in its undergraduate curriculum. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of medical and nursing students on professional behavior, suitable teaching-learning methods, and assessment strategies for curriculum integration. Methodology The study utilized a concurrent triangulation mixed method design, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously to gain a comprehensive understanding of medical and nursing students' perceptions of professionalism. It included 83 final-year undergraduate medical students and 42 final-year undergraduate nursing students. The approval of the Institutional Review Board of Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute was obtained. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristicsand opinions regarding academic professional behavior, teaching-learning, and evaluation of professionalism was used. Perceptions regarding the meaning of professionalism, behavior of professionalism to be emphasized in teaching, and pressing challenges of professionalism were explored. Students were also asked to rank the best behavior associated with professionalism. Frequency and percentages were used for descriptive statistics. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables. An unpaired t-test was used to determine a statistically significant difference between the means in the two groups. The quantitative data was analyzed with R programming and content analysis was performed for the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. Results Unexplained/unauthorized absence from academic activities (2.39 ± 1.553), not following the timeline (2.41 ± 1.560), making fun of patients and peers (2.16 ± 1.619), cheating in the exams (2.37 ± 1.651), and inebriation (2.39 ± 1.666) were unacceptable behaviors by undergraduate medical students compared with nursing students. Clinical experience (1.54 ± 0.857) and role models (1.74 ± 0.935) were the highly acceptable methods of teaching professionalism and interprofessional interactions (1.58 ± 0.650) and awards (1.98 ± 1.100) were the most common suggestions to improve the course curriculum by both groups. Community/field activity (1.78 ± 0.860) and clinical examination (1.89 ±1.123) were the most preferred methods of evaluation of professionalism. According to the students, dedication, honesty, respect, and self-improvement were identified as the best behaviors associated with professionalism. Conclusions The study revealed that students had a wide range of perspectives about professionalism. Different unprofessional acts were acceptable to students. The causes of these perspectives need to be explored and resolved to promote professionalism. Students identified the need for strong positive role models and frequent clinical experiences, along with improved interprofessional interactions and awards to improve teaching and learning professionalism. Community/field activity was the preferred assessment method proposed by the students. Medical institutions must promote these components in curriculum, faculty development, and clinical settings to foster the development of professionalism among students.

Study protocol to assess aflatoxin M1 health risks versus benefits of dairy consumption in Ethiopian children: an epidemiological trial and risk-benefit analysis

IntroductionIn Sidama, Ethiopia, animal-source foods can be difficult to access. Milk has important nutrients for child growth, but carries the risk of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination. AFM1 is a metabolite...

Study protocol for a type-II hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to reach teenagers using mobile money shops to reduce unintended pregnancies in Uganda

IntroductionUnintended teenage pregnancies have become a global public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a notably high prevalence of unintended pregnancies among unmarried teenagers in Uganda. This study...

How Can Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises Improve Green Innovation Performance through Innovation Ecosystems?

Under the fierce business competition and sustainable development pressure, the pattern of enterprise innovation has gradually changed from independent innovation to cooperative innovation. As a collection of multi-type innovation actors, the innovation ecosystem provides opportunities and platforms for cooperative innovation among government–industry–university–research institutions. While the present studies on innovation ecosystems are mostly from the perspective of the system level, few studies pay attention to the innovation mechanism of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) in the innovation ecosystem. Therefore, this study takes SMMEs embedded in innovation ecosystems as research objects and explores the factors affecting green innovation. We constructed a theoretical model to explain the effect of innovation eco-embeddedness on green innovation performance based on ecosystem theory and network embeddedness theory; we then collected 363 samples of SMMEs in China through surveys and further tested the data empirically. The results show that the innovation eco-embeddedness (IEE) of SMMEs has a positive effect on their green innovation performance (GIP), and their green value co-creation practices (GVCCPs) partially mediate the relationship between IEE and GIP. Moreover, ecological norms (ENs) in the innovation ecosystem not only positively moderate the impact of IEE on GVCCPs but also positively moderate the mediating role of GVCCPs. This study enriches the relevant research on innovation ecosystems from the perspective of non-core enterprises and provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for SMMEs to implement green innovation practices and realize growth through innovation ecosystems.

Effectiveness of Om chanting on perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in individuals with pre-hypertension

Background: Akara, Ukara, Makara (OUM) chanting regulates emotions and removes negative emotions by inactivating the processing in the amygdala. At the same time, the prefrontal complex was inhibited followed by chanting OUM. Further, there was an increase in the oxygenation levels followed by chanting OUM. Hence, OUM chanting has multiple benefits and offers improvement in the quality of life. Though there are multiple benefits followed by chanting OUM, the scientific evidence for the same is comparatively less. Hence, there is a need for more studies in this area. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to find out the variations in the perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals and also to observe the effectiveness of Om chanting on perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at the St Peter’s Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 50 young adults with pre-hypertension were recruited in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Age- and gender-matched 50 healthy participants were recruited after obtaining the voluntary, informed consent. Diamond digital sphygmomanometer was used to record the blood pressure. All the parameters were recorded at 9 am for the convenience of the participants and also to avoid diurnal variation. The perceived stress scale was used to assess the stress levels. Negative affectivity and social inhibition were recorded using a type D (DS-14) questionnaire. Cases practiced the OUM chanting for 6 weeks after they were trained by an expert yoga therapist. Results: Perceived stress scores were significantly decreased followed by the OUM chanting. There was a significant decrease in the scores of negative affectivity of cases after the intervention when compared with control group participants. There was a significant decrease in the scores of social inhibition of cases after the intervention when compared with control group participants. Conclusion: Perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition were significantly higher in the pre-hypertensive individuals. The study results provide further evidence that practicing OUM chanting causes stress relief and also decreases the negative emotions that is negative affectivity and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals.

A Retrospective Study of the Relationship Between Typhoid and Vestibular Disorders- A Case Series

Background: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Salmonella Typhi). faecal-oral is the main route of transmission by contaminated water or food. Over the last few years, the classic presentation of typhoid fever has varied, and the cases with atypical presentation are increasing. In this study we are presenting a retrospective evaluation of patients presenting with giddiness post history of typhoid, to correlate a link between vestibular disorders and typhoid. Aims and Objectives: To retrospectively study the relationship between typhoid and vestibular disorders. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective hospital-based case series conducted in vertigo clinic in The Department of ENT at SGT Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Budhera, Gurugram. Five patients who gave positive history of typhoid, their case files were retrospectively evaluated. All the patients were made to undergo routine ENT, vertigo, and audiological evaluation. Results: Total of 5 patients presented to vertigo clinic at SGT hospital with complains of giddiness, all of them gave a history of typhoid in the past few weeks. Majority of patients presented with giddiness within four weeks after history of typhoid infection. Patients developed symptoms of giddiness, nausea, and vomiting. Out of 5 patients,4 were females and one male. Two patients were in the age group of 30-40 years. Two patients were in paediatric age group. On examination, Dix Hallpike test was positive in 3 patients. Patients were treated with vestibular sedatives and corrective manoeuvre like Epley’s. Pure tone audiometry, MRI brain and lab parameters were all normal in all the five patients. Conclusion: Endotoxins of the typhoid bacillus are capable of producing cochleovestibular lesions but only a few isolated reports suggest the same. Since very few literatures has been discussed on the possible correlation between vestibular disorders and typhoid, clinicians should be aware of atypical presentations of typhoid is to avoid any delay in diagnosis and prompt treatment. Therefore, there is a strong need to analyse and study the corelation between typhoid fever and vestibular disorders.

Types of common R&D partners and knowledge leakage to rivals: The role of IP litigation reputation

We argue that knowledge leakage may occur between rival firms through indirect ties, i.e., if rivals collaborate on R&D with a common partner, but that firms with an aggressive reputation for IP litigation may be able to restrict such knowledge spillovers. We argue that knowledge leakage is more prominent, and litigation reputation is less powerful, when the common partner is a university or public research institution adhering to the open science paradigm, compared with when the common partner is another (non-rival) firm. Patent similarity analysis among dyads of leading pharmaceutical firms provides support for these hypotheses.

Kepemimpinan Dan Manajemen Organisasi Inovatif Di Era Disrupsi Dengan Semangat Budaya Anti Korupsi

To improve leadership and management skills and spreading an anti-corruption culture in the younger generation. The working group for reviewing socio-cultural issues at the Muara Bungo University Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) in collaboration with the Muara Bungo Treasury Services Office (KPPN) held a Seminar on Innovative Organizational Leadership and Management in the Era of Disruption with the Spirit of Anti-Corruption Culture. This Seminar involves organizational elements of the Student Executive Board (BEM) and the Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS) in Bungo Regency and expected to inspire the younger generation to be more enthusiastic in learning and working in all fields in order to realize the Vision of a Golden Generation 2045 that is quality, competent and empowered in high competition.

Community engagement in genetics and genomics research: a qualitative study of the perspectives of genetics and genomics researchers in Uganda

BackgroundGenerally, there is unanimity about the value of community engagement in health-related research. There is also a growing tendency to view genetics and genomics research (GGR) as a special category of research, the conduct of which including community engagement (CE) as needing additional caution. One of the motivations of this study was to establish how differently if at all, we should think about CE in GGR.AimTo assess the perspectives of genetics and genomics researchers in Uganda on CE in GGR.MethodA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted at Makerere University and Uganda Virus Research Institute. Twenty-five individuals participated, the majority being male (sixteen). Participants included nineteen genetics and genomics researchers (researchers and research coordinators), two CE officers, three nurses and one nursing counsellor. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed in a thematic manner using NVivo version 12 Plus.Study findingsThirteen of the respondents had conducted CE in their GGR in either a geographical and disease-specific community. Some respondents said CE principles are the same and there is no need for special consideration for CE in GGR. Others gave ethical issues in GGR that require special consideration for CE in such research and these were categorized into six themes: GGR is new to communities, Difficulty in communicating GGR by the researchers, Genes are shared in communities, Cultural sensitivities against GGR, Community attitude toward GGR, Some GGR studies take long to end, and Negotiation of research benefits. Special considerations for CE when conducting GGR were suggested and categorized into seven themes: creating awareness of GGR in communities, obtaining both community acceptance and individual consent, CE team composition, involve communities in solving GGR challenges, prolong CE in some GGR, develop guidelines for CE in GGR, and legal considerations on GGR.ConclusionGGR was characterized by special issues that require special CE considerations for such research.

Effectiveness of Hamstring Release and Neural Mobilisation in Improving Walking Capability and Physical Activity Associated with Intermittent Neurogenic Claudication in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: In India, one of the most prevalent spinal pathologies is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). It is characterised by the compression of neural structures in the spinal canal, resulting in symptoms such as neurogenic claudication, lower extremity radiculopathy, and gait impairment. Treatment involves various therapeutic modalities, with present study focusing on an integrated exercise method. Aim: To evaluate the potential efficacy of hamstring release and neural mobilisation in LSS patients. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at SGT Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, India from September 2021 to May 2022. Total of 30 patients diagnosed with LSS were divided into two groups based on inclusion criteria: group A (experimental) and group B (control). Pain, neural flexibility, walking capacity, disability, and physical activity were assessed at baseline and after the 3rd week of the intervention. Treatment sessions were administered for 30 minutes per day, three times per week (on alternate days), for a duration of three weeks in both groups. Data analysis was done using the Windows version of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The paired t-test was used to compare mean data within each group before and after the intervention. The Independent t-test formula was applied to compare pre and postintervention changes between group A and group B. Group B. A significance level of p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group A and group B had respective mean ages of 37.07±8.66 years and 41.07±8.66 years. Total of 30 LSS patients were treated. Significant differences were observed in the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (p-value&lt;0.0001), Straight Leg Raise (SLR) (p &lt; 0.001), Slump Test (p-value&lt;0.0001), and Self-paced Walking Test (SPWT) (p-value &lt;0.0001). Minimal significance was noted in the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) (p-value=0.027) and Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSSQ) (p-value=0.029). Conclusion: Hamstring release and neural mobilisation improve pain, neural flexibility, walking capacity, disability, and physical activity in LSS patients.

Using Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions to Optimise Breast Cancer Care: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in recent years. This portable device can be efficiently utilised to promote health and deliver high-quality healthcare services via Mobile Health (mHealth) technology interventions. In view of the increasing global burden of breast cancer cases, mHealth interventions can be constructive in breast cancer prevention and management. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence to support the utility of mHealth interventions in breast cancer care. Aim: To analyse and synthesise evidence from published literature on the feasibility and effectiveness of mHealth interventions employed for breast cancer prevention, detection, management, and rehabilitation. Additionally, this study intends to draft a conceptual framework for mHealth intervention strategies in breast cancer management. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted at Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from June 2022 to December 2022. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used to find published articles relevant to the study’s objectives. The reviewers selected articles based on the relevance of the article and eligibility criteria. Articles on mHealth interventions for the female population above 18 years of age with breast cancer were included. Results: A total of 13 articles were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Regardless of the type of mHealth technology employed, target population, and purpose of intervention, all the studies strongly support the use of mHealth technologybased interventions over usual care to enhance breast cancer management. Conclusion: The use of mHealth applications has increased exponentially in recent years. Since then, many studies have been conducted to validate their use. However, the usability of these applications is not well established. The involvement of not only patients but also healthcare professionals is crucial to develop well-equipped digital health applications. Personalised applications that provide security and safeguard user privacy are highly preferred by patients. A collaborative approach involving patients, healthcare professionals, and application developers will aid in the development of highly efficient mHealth applications.

Programmatic Assessment of Foundation Course for Undergraduate Medical Student’s Immediately following the Course and One-year thereafter: A Post-test Quasiexperimental Study

Introduction: The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced a one-month “Foundation Course (FC)” at the commencement of medical school to promote better adaptation to the new competence-based medical education curriculum starting from the academic year 2019. The effectiveness of the program was studied in previous researches conducted over one month, and it was found to be effective. However, the effectiveness with which students could implement the acquired basic knowledge and skills in subsequent years of study has not been reported. Aim: To explore the effectiveness of various modules and their competencies in the FC immediately at the end of the program and to assess the usefulness of the acquired competencies in subsequent academic years. Materials and Methods: A post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kattangulathur, South India, within the education department over a period of three academic years. A total of 450 student participants from the academic years 2019 to 2022 were involved in two stages. A total of 36 competencies were evaluated across the six prescribed modules by the NMC. A five-point Likert scale was used for the evaluation. Feedback questionnaires were administered immediately at the end of the program and again at the completion of the academic year. Analysis was conducted using the non parametric “Wilcoxon signed-rank test” to determine the usefulness of the program in subsequent years by comparing immediate feedback with responses after one year. Results: The mean scores for various competencies ranged between 3.5 and 4.5 out of 5, indicating that the overall competencies in the FC were very effective. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a p-value of &lt;0.0001, indicating high significance regarding the effectiveness of usage in subsequent years. Out of the 36 competencies, 16 were most frequently used by the students in the following year, 12 were moderately used, and 8 were least used. Conclusion: The evaluation of the NMC-mandated FC program, in terms of overall immediate performance and its effectiveness in subsequent years, yielded very promising results.

The study of food habits among undergraduate medical students from a health institution in Tamil Nadu in changing scenario

The present study was designed to assess the food habits among Undergraduate medical students in the changing scenario. A Structured Questionnaire was administered to collect information on meal pattern and food choices. A core sample of 100 undergraduate medical students from Panimalar medical college hospital and research institute, Tamil Nadu with an age range between 19 –22 years were considered for the study and comprises 50 boys and 50 girls.Information regarding the Food and Nutrient intake of the subjects was collected using 24 hours recall for 3 consecutive days. The data collected was tabulated, grouped and subjected to Statistical analysis. The ‘t’ test was used to compare the food and nutrient intake of the students with ICMR Standard and percentage adequacy was also calculated. Adequacy of diet was assessed by comparing the calculated nutrient intake with the Indian RDA.The result indicated that meal pattern of the subjects between boys and girls were almost similar. Fats, sugar and jaggery intake was found to be higher than RDA in both groups. Thirty percent boys and fifty percent girls skipped breakfast, and this shows a negative impact on their lifestyle. Thus, awareness on nutrition education is an important measure for improving dietary practice among this population.