Enhancing Transparency Research Articles

Explainable AI for Medical Image Analysis in Medical Cyber-Physical Systems: Enhancing Transparency and Trustworthiness of IoMT.

Medical image analysis plays a crucial role in healthcare systems of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), aiding in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of various diseases. With the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in medical image analysis, there is a growing need for transparency and trustworthiness in decision-making. This study explores the application of explainable AI (XAI) in the context of medical image analysis within medical cyber-physical systems (MCPS) to enhance transparency and trustworthiness. To this end, this study proposes an explainable framework that integrates machine learning and knowledge reasoning. The explainability of the model is realized when the framework evolution target feature results and reasoning results are the same and are relatively reliable. However, using these technologies also presents new challenges, including the need to ensure the security and privacy of patient data from IoMT. Therefore, attack detection is an essential aspect of MCPS security. For the MCPS model with only sensor attacks, the necessary and sufficient conditions for detecting attacks are given based on the definition of sparse observability. The corresponding attack detector and state estimator are designed by assuming that some IoMT sensors are under protection. It is expounded that the IoMT sensors under protection play an important role in improving the efficiency of attack detection and state estimation. The experimental results show that the XAI in the context of medical image analysis within MCPS improves the accuracy of lesion classification, effectively removes low-quality medical images, and realizes the explainability of recognition results. This helps doctors understand the logic of the system's decision-making and can choose whether to trust the results based on the explanation given by the framework.

Exploring the Concept of Explainable AI and Developing Information Governance Standards for Enhancing Trust and Transparency in Handling Customer Data

Exploring the Concept of Explainable AI and Developing Information Governance Standards for Enhancing Trust and Transparency in Handling Customer Data

Blockchain-based secure dining: Enhancing safety, transparency, and traceability in food consumption environment

This research paper seeks to examine the possibilities of blockchain technology. For use in the field of restaurant food tracking and safety. Public health risks and economic costs are at stake when foodborne illness outbreaks occur, making food safety a top priority in the food industry. It can be difficult to quickly identify and address possible concerns about using traditional food traceability systems due to inefficiencies, data discrepancies, and a lack of transparency. In this study, we introduce a novel blockchain-based system developed especially for the purpose of tracking restaurant food. Blockchain decentralised consensus, immutability, and smart contracts are put to use in this system to provide trustworthy and transparent traceable infrastructure. Real-time monitoring and data collection along the food supply chain become possible when the blockchain architecture is combined with the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and RFID technology. We show that our proposed blockchain-based traceability solution is practical and efficient through a thorough assessment and validation procedure. The outcomes show that the system not only improves data quality and reliability but also drastically decreases the time and resources needed for food traceability. In addition, patrons are more likely to return to eateries that place a premium on food safety when they are given more information about the establishment’s practises. Additionally, we discuss scalability, data privacy, and interoperability concerns that may arise in future implementations and provide some initial ideas for overcoming these issues.

Enhancing Security and Transparency: The Role of Blockchain in Document Verification

Enhancing Security and Transparency: The Role of Blockchain in Document Verification

Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in a large health system: a quality improvement approach using a fractal management system

Abstract Objective: Although preventable through established infection control practices, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain prevalent in acute-care settings. Our goal was to improve the CAUTI rates through multiple hospitals through implementing sustainable practices, including enhancing communication, provider engagement, accountability, and transparency in reporting to achieve long-term improvements. Design: Quality improvement with multiple levels of interventions Setting: A health system in northern Ohio with 21 affiliated hospitals across 16 counties. Patients: Adult patients admitted to the hospital between June 2020 and June 2023. Methods: A broad set of quality improvement (QI) strategies was developed by an interdisciplinary team and guided by the Fractal Management System framework to ensure accountability, communication, and alignment across teams and facilities. Key drivers were indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) alternatives, insertion, maintenance, removal, and smart diagnostics. The main outcome measures were standardized infection ratios (SIR) and standardized utilization ratio (SUR), comparing period 1 (P1, June 2020 to December 2021) and period 2 (P2, January 2022 to June 2023). Results: Enhanced communication and management played crucial roles in minimizing IUC placement. Updated policies and protocols, coupled with clear guidelines and decision support tools, facilitated effective urinary management. Performance tracking and visual management boards provided real-time insights, while collaborative efforts, including staff huddles and multidisciplinary teamwork, ensured consistent adherence to best practices. Conclusions: A systemwide QI initiative focused on enhanced communication, management, and collaboration contributed to improved SIR and reduced CAUTI rates across multiple hospitals, highlighting the impact of strong communication and proactive management in healthcare settings.

Evaluating Barriers to the Adoption of Blockchain for Enhancing Transparency in the Procurement Process within Apparel Supply Chains

The textile and apparel industry is a rapidly growing global market, with the emergence of its complexity, volatility, and competitiveness. As a result, consumer demand for transparency in the supply chain has surged, leading to the recognition of blockchain as a pivotal tool for enhanced transparency. This study focuses on evaluating barriers to blockchain adoption in apparel supply chains, with a specific emphasis on sourcing and procurement. Collaborating with industry experts in Sri Lanka, the research aims to address critical gaps in information flow. The study employed a methodology consisting of two distinct steps, incorporating a background study and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM). Data analysis involves identifying barriers, developing ISM-based hierarchy models, and conducting MICMAC analysis. The study reveals key challenges, such as lack of expertise and underdeveloped technology to adopt blockchain emphasizing the need for strategic planning to address these obstacles and facilitate successful blockchain implementation. This research contributes to bridging gaps in blockchain adoption within the apparel supply chain, providing practical insights for industry stakeholders and decision-makers. Future research should validate identified barriers and develop strategies for effective blockchain implementation.

Role of Blockchain Technology in Public Procurement Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Role of Blockchain Technology in Public Procurement Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Fear of recurrence in women with ovarian cancer: A qualitative evidence synthesis

PurposeApproximately 80% of ovarian cancers recur after first-line treatments. Women with ovarian cancer (OC) are therefore particularly vulnerable to experiencing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This study aimed to synthesise experiences of fear of cancer recurrence among women living with ovarian cancer. MethodA qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) was conducted in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. A systematic search of seven databases was undertaken to identify all available qualitative research exploring fear of cancer recurrence in women with OC. Thematic synthesis of extracted data from included studies was undertaken and managed in NVivo. ResultsTwenty-two papers reporting on eighteen studies were included in the synthesis. Three main themes were developed (triggers, responses, and coping) and included ten subthemes. FCR was triggered by factors relating to awareness of prognosis, treatment, and negative communication. Women responded to FCR by performing body checking and protecting their families. FCR led to adverse effects on women's wellbeing as it exacerbated uncertainty about their future. Women attempted to cope with FCR through seeking support, regaining control, and redirecting negative thoughts and actions. ConclusionsWomen use a variety of approaches to manage their fear of recurrence. Further research on the most appropriate interventions for FCR tailored specifically to the needs of women with OC is needed.

Enhancing Security and Transparency: The Role of Blockchain in Document Verification.

Enhancing Security and Transparency: The Role of Blockchain in Document Verification.

Blockchain Technology in Agriculture: Enhancing Transparency, Traceability, and Efficiency.

Blockchain Technology in Agriculture: Enhancing Transparency, Traceability, and Efficiency.

A Multi-stage Optimization Strategy Based on Fuzzy QFD and Fuzzy Swara to Adopt Blockchain Technology in the Drug Supply Chain

Introduction: Utilizing blockchain technology helps to address issues that the supply chain faces, including the intricate connections between chain network members, regulation of the distribution network, and inventory management.
 Objective: To adopt blockchain technology in the drug supply chain, this study aims to offer a multi-stage optimization strategy based on Swara and QFD approaches and a zero-one nonlinear optimization problem employing a fuzzy approach.
 Methods: First, field and library research was conducted to identify the barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the drug supply chain and the ways to overcome these barriers. The relevance of the barriers is ascertained using the fuzzy Swara approach following their refinement employing the Friedman test. The output is entered as an input in the house of quality (HOQ) rows, while the barrier-reducing techniques are presented in the columns. These approaches to reducing barriers are arranged in rows in the second phase of the house of quality.
 Results: Among the criteria of the barrier-reduction approach, the Performance Expectancy criterion with a score of 0.0521 has the greatest score, and the criterion of Focusing on the Major Points has the minimum score, as determined by the findings of the fuzzy Swara model. The criterion of Enhancing Transparency with a score of 0.5374 and Reducing Risk with a score of 0.4045 have the maximum, and Sustainability Performance with a score of 0.07 has the minimum score, according to the findings concerning the objectives of blockchain technology adoption in the drug supply chain. The criterion of lack of customers' awareness and attitude about sustainability and blockchain technology has the greatest score among the barriers to adoption, scoring 0.521, and the criterion of difficulty in altering organizational culture, scoring 0.033, has the minimum value.
 Conclusion: Based on the results of the fuzzy house of quality, we concluded that, for the adoption of blockchain technology in the drug supply chain, the eighth (long-term perspective), first (performance expectation), and tenth (focused on the primary strengths) strategies are more beneficial. In addition, it was demonstrated that the second (Effort Expectation), ninth (information sharing), and sixth (Trust) strategies have poor rankings.

Challenges of Imaging Obese Patients in General Radiography: A Qualitative Systematic Review to Guide the Training and Practice in Zambia

Background: Obese patients are increasingly being referred for medical imaging examinations across the world. Obese patients require a modified standard of care to compensate for challenges caused by both technical and psychological issues related to their weight and body habitus. There have been research studies conducted on this issue, but no systematic review has brought the findings of these studies together to inform training and practice.
 Aim: This study was aimed at synthesising primary studies on the challenges faced by radiographers and radiography students in imaging obese patients to guide the training and practice in Zambia.
 Methods: This qualitative systematic review was conducted using the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. Two databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) were systematically searched to identify relevant literature. This was supplemented by other sources: radiography journals, grey literature, and cited references. Data from the included studies were assessed for quality, extracted, and synthesised using thematic analysis.
 Results: Five studies were identified and included in this review. Following data analysis, four themes related to challenges faced in imaging obese patients in general radiography emerged: difficulties in communicating without causing psychosocial distress, manual handling risks, limitation of the equipment, and difficulties in positioning and determining the exposure factors for diagnostic radiographic images.
 Conclusion: This review provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by radiographers and radiography students in imaging obese patients. Strategies to enhance radiography training and practice have been identified to help educators and radiographers.

Adults' perceived health promotion needs in the prediabetes stage: a meta-synthesis study.

One of the methods to promote pre-diabetic patients' adherence to preventive behaviors and improving their lifestyle is to pay attention to their needs in the designed educational programs. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the needs of individuals with prediabetes. Three databases, including ISI/Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus were searched without time limitation until August 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. This study was reported according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research guidelines and to achieve the research goal, Sandelowski and Barroso's seven-step meta-synthesis method (2007) was used. Thematic synthesis was used to analyses the data. Out of the 1934 studies obtained, 34 studies were finally examined and 805 codes were recorded based on the extracted data. Through synthesizing and analyzing the primary studies, 8 main themes were extracted regarding individuals' needs in the prediabetes stage: Information needs, Cultural needs, psychological needs, Social support needs, Education needs, Financial needs, Service needs and Skill needs. The perceived needs and their types in each of the dimensions in detail can be a proper guide for designing educational programs and various interventions to control the prediabetes condition, leading to a reduction in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the society.

E-Gram Panchayats: Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in Rural Administration

Abstract: The "e-Gram Panchayat" application is a transformative digital platform designed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of rural governance in India. This application leverages Information Technology (IT) to bridge the digital divide and empower Gram Panchayats, the local self-governing bodies, to better serve their constituents. The project aims to bring government services, land records, social welfare schemes, and administrative processes to the fingertips of citizens in rural areas.Key features of the e-Gram Panchayat application include a user-friendly interface accessible via web and mobile, comprehensive data management systems, robust security measures, and integration with other government databases. It also includes modules for citizen registration, service delivery, document management, GIS mapping, feedback mechanisms, and capacity building.

Electronic Democracy: Enhancing Participation and Transparency through E-Voting

This study aims to examine the implementation of the e-voting system in Indonesia, focusing on its stages, challenges, and potential. The methods employed include document analysis and literature review related to e-voting, encompassing case studies of implementation in Belgium and the Netherlands. The study found that the implementation of e-voting in Indonesia is still in its initial stage and is limited by the uneven distribution of electronic identification (e-KTP). E-voting has the potential to simplify the election process in Indonesia, an archipelagic nation, thereby saving time and costs. However, challenges related to data security, process confidentiality, and election integrity must be addressed. Furthermore, the implementation of e-voting requires supportive infrastructure, adequate public education, and a robust legal framework. The findings of this study indicate that, although e-voting offers efficiency, the decision to adopt it should be made thoughtfully, weighing the pros and cons, as well as considering its impact on public participation.

Blockchain-based Clinical Trials: A Meta-Model Framework for Enhancing Security and Transparency with a Novel Algorithm

Blockchain-based Clinical Trials: A Meta-Model Framework for Enhancing Security and Transparency with a Novel Algorithm

Mental health and wellbeing interventions for care-experienced children and young people: Systematic review and synthesis of process evaluations

BackgroundThe mental health and well-being of care-experienced children and young people remains a concern. Despite a range of interventions, the existing evidence base is limited in scope, with a reliance on standalone outcome evaluations which limits understanding of how contextual factors influence implementation and acceptability. The Care-experienced cHildren and young people’s Interventions to improve Mental health and wEll-being outcomes Systematic review (CHIMES) aimed to synthesise evidence of intervention theory, outcome, process and economic effectiveness. This paper reports the process evaluation synthesis, exploring how system factors facilitate and inhibit implementation and acceptability of mental health and wellbeing interventions for care-experienced children and young people. MethodsSixteen databases and 22 websites were searched between 2020 and 2022 for studies published from 1990 and May 2022. This was supplemented with contacting experts in the field, citation tracking, screening of relevant systematic reviews and stakeholder consultations. We drew on framework synthesis of qualitative data and incorporated a systems lens, taking account of contextual influences across socio-ecological domains. Quality appraisal assessed reliability and usefulness. Confidence in synthesised findings was assessed with the GRADE-CERQual tool. We report the review in accordance with relevant elements of both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), and the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) checklist. ResultsSearches retrieved 15,068 unique study reports, and 23 of these were eligible for process evaluation synthesis, reporting on sixteen interventions. Studies were published between 2003 and 2021. Nine interventions were from the UK and Ireland, six interventions were from the USA, and one was from Australia. They were largely classified as interpersonal, where the aim was to modify carer-child relationships. Five key context factors were identified that supported and prohibited intervention delivery: (1) lack of system resources; (2) intervention burden, which encompasses the time, cognitive, and emotional burden associated with implementation and participation; (3) interprofessional relationships between health and social care professionals; (4) care-experienced young people’s identity; and (5) carer identity. ConclusionWe identified several supportive and restrictive factors across social and health care systems that may impact intervention implementation and acceptability. Key implications include: the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in intervention development and delivery; the need to better resource and support those involved in interventions, particularly training and support for carers; and ensuring future evaluations integrate process evaluations in order to optimise interventions.

Student nurses' experiences of remote learning during Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative evidence synthesis.

To systematically synthesize undergraduate student nurses' experience of online, blended or distance learning during Covid-19 pandemic. A qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). A QES. Themes were organized using the 'best fit' framework approach. Methodological limitations and confidence in the review findings were informed by GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research). Qualitative literature from five databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Education Full Text (H.W. Wilson) and ERIC were searched from March 2020 to November 2021. Nine qualitative and two mixed method studies were included in this 'best fit' framework using Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. Importance of the social presence of the teacher through effective communication and interpersonal relationships is highlighted. Clinical placement and in-person practical skills training are needed for effective nursing education. This review highlighted that online content can be developed into efficient and high-quality learner-centred education within blended undergraduate nursing programmes incorporating essential face-to-face and practical components. Various supporting measures are required for both students and faculty. We suggest an adaptation of a 'Blending with Purpose: The Multimodal Model' with key considerations for undergraduate nursing programmes where pedagogical objectives and activities drive the approaches to achieve intended learning outcomes and student satisfaction. Well-designed online programmes using digital tools that support interaction and teamwork are required for undergraduate nursing education. Blended learning approaches offer more flexibility than online learning alone which leads to improved student engagement. Clinical placement and in-person practical skills training are needed for effective nursing education. REPORTING METHOD: 'Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research' (ENTREQ) for QES. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Cocreators’ experiences and effectiveness of cocreated interventions in improving health behaviours of adults with non-communicable diseases: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionImproved health behaviours and help-seeking behaviour reduce morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Compliance with the recommendations of lifestyle changes for the management of NCDs has been challenging, as...

Enhancing Transparency and Trust through Effective Financial Statement Audits

Enhancing Transparency and Trust through Effective Financial Statement Audits