Recent Innovations Research Articles

Holistic Approach for the Early Detection of Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Training Module.

Oral cancer is significantly high in India, and screening is an effective approach to downstage the disease. Educating Community Health Workers (CHWs) on early oral cancer detection is an effective step toward reducing the burden and serves as a first step toward facilitating the transfer of knowledge. Therefore, the purpose of this hands-on education was to equip CHWs with insight on the advanced diagnostics, preventive techniques, and innovations for the early detection of oral cancer. A total of 178 participants were trained in two groups: Group 1 received training for screening and primary prevention, while group 2 received training on updates in recent diagnostic adjuncts and innovations, AI-enabled point-of-care diagnostics, and essential patient care in management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs). Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires were used to evaluate the participants. The knowledge assessment scores between the pre- and post-tests showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001), with rise in mean score of 3.99 from baseline. Six months following training, knowledge retention revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the participants' ability to recall the information. A well-structured training module can create awareness, impart knowledge and upskill the CHWs for early detection of oral cancer. Retraining of CHWs is required for knowledge retention post-training.

Innovation in Nutrition Promotion : Literature Analysis to Increase Community Awareness and Healthy Practices

The important role of health promotion in improving community welfare has encouraged effective innovation to increase nutritional awareness and healthy lifestyle practices. This research explores recent innovations in health promotion strategies, particularly in nutrition and health, to increase awareness and encourage positive behavioral change. Through comprehensive literature analysis, this research identifies and evaluates approaches such as technology interventions, community-based initiatives, and other new strategies. The results show that innovations such as nutrition promotion media (pop-up books, PGS cards, leaflets, nutrition puzzles, and educational videos) as well as active community participation (FGD and lunch menu practices) and empowering health workers and teachers, have succeeded in increasing knowledge. , attitudes and nutritional behavior of the community. Case studies and successful programs show real improvements in community nutrition practices. However, challenges such as limited sample size, short intervention duration, and methodological obstacles need to be overcome. Based on these findings, further research is recommended focusing on: (1) longitudinal research with larger sample sizes to understand long-term impacts; (2) exploration of contextual factors that influence program effectiveness; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of innovation for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or people with low education; (4) evaluation of community empowerment strategies and their impact on local health policies; and (5) exploration of cross-sectoral collaboration for holistic and sustainable nutrition promotion programs. These findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, and serve as a comprehensive resource for designing programs that increase nutrition awareness and encourage healthy practices in communities.

Integrase-LEDGF/p75 complex triggers the formation of biomolecular condensates that modulate HIV-1 integration efficiency in vitro

The pre-integration steps of the HIV-1 viral cycle are some of the most valuable targets of recent therapeutic innovations. HIV-1 integrase (IN) displays multiple functions, thanks to its considerable conformational flexibility. Recently, such flexible proteins have been characterized by their ability to form biomolecular condensates as a result of Liquid-Liquid-Phase-Separation (LLPS), allowing them to evolve in a restricted microenvironment within cells called membrane-less organelles (MLO). The LLPS context constitutes a more physiological approach to study the integration of molecular mechanisms performed by intasomes (complexes containing viral DNA, IN, and its cellular cofactor LEDGF/p75). We investigated here if such complexes can form LLPS invitro and if IN enzymatic activities were affected by this LLPS environment. We observed that the LLPS formed by IN-LEDGF/p75 functional complexes modulate the invitro IN activities. While the 3'-processing of viral DNA ends was drastically reduced inside LLPS, viral DNA strand transfer was strongly enhanced. These two catalytic IN activities appear thus tightly regulated by the environment encountered by intasomes.

RuBisCO: a sustainable protein ingredient for plant-based foods

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), is a widely available plant protein receiving great interest because of its nutritional and functional properties. It can be a valuable source of protein for vegetarians. However, it has not received commercial significance due to the lack of a streamlined extraction process at the industrial scale, including its potential health benefits. In this review, we have summarized the literature on the biochemical characteristics of RuBisCO and compared its nutritional value with other plant proteins, as well as highlighted its digestibility, allergic traits, and potential health benefits. Moreover, the existing literature on the extraction of RuBisCO, associated challenges in industrial-scale RuBisCO purification, and recent innovations that occurred in this context are compiled. We believe this review will provide insights into RuBisCO’s nutritional value and techno-functionality. Altogether, RuBisCO can be a sustainable source of protein in the future, especially for vegetarians.

The Doppler wind, temperature, and aerosol RMR lidar system at Kühlungsborn, Germany – Part 1: Technical specifications and capabilities

Abstract. This paper describes the technical specifications of the extensions made to the middle-atmospheric lidar facility at the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Kühlungsborn, Germany (54.12° N, 11.77° E). The upgrade complements the existing daylight-capable Rayleigh–Mie–Raman (RMR) temperature lidar with a nighttime-only RMR wind–temperature lidar. The new system comprises an independent lidar with laser, telescopes, and detectors, which is synchronized with and adapted to the (old) temperature lidar. As a result, with the combination of RMR lidars the atmosphere is probed with three (vertical and tilted) beams. This work intends to highlight the recent innovations in the construction of a Doppler–Rayleigh lidar system using the single-edge iodine-cell technique, which allows for the simultaneous measurement of wind, temperature, and aerosols. We will detail supporting subsystems that allow for a high degree of lidar automation and concisely provide key technical information about the system that will support readers in the development of additional RMR wind–temperature lidar systems. We show an example of time-resolved temperature and wind soundings reaching up to ∼ 90 km. These data agree well with ECMWF-IFS profiles between 35 and ∼ 50 km but show a much larger variability above. In the companion article, we will present the algorithm design and uncertainty budgets associated with the data processing chain.

HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BASED ON WEB

Hospital Management Systems (HMS) represent a key advancement in healthcare technology designed to revolutionize operational efficiency, raise standards of patient care and ensure compliance with regulatory protocols. This paper explores the multifaceted functions of HMS, highlighting its role in automating administrative tasks, supporting real-time access to patient data, and facilitating seamless communication between healthcare professionals. Drawing on current research and practical implementations, we delve into the transformative potential of HMS, particularly in the context of recent innovations in telemedicine, data analytics, and remote monitoring systems. In our research, we present SIMRS, a robust hospital management information system developed using the waterfall method, strategically focused on the systematic improvement of hospital operations. By automating key processes such as patient registration, appointment scheduling, payment and inventory management, SIMRS optimizes hospital workflows and ultimately improves patient care delivery. In addition, we examine the empirical evidence that shows the significant impact of management systems and leadership traits on the quality of care in hospital settings, and highlight the indispensable role of effective leadership and management frameworks. Next, we discuss the technical foundations of HMS and highlight the integration of various programming languages and database management systems such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and MongoDB. This cross-disciplinary approach underscores the synergy between technological innovation and healthcare management, paving the way for a more efficient patient- centered healthcare ecosystem. In summary, this research illuminates the transformative potential of HMS to revolutionize healthcare operations, improve patient outcomes and optimize resource allocation, advocating for its widespread adoption to shape the future of healthcare delivery. Key Words: JavaScript, MySql, HMS, Electronic Health Records, Telehealth

AI or Human? Finding and Responding to Artificial Intelligence in Student Work

Introduction Recent innovations in generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have led to an educational environment in which human authorship cannot be assumed, thereby posing a significant challenge to upholding academic integrity. Statement of the problem Both humans and AI detection technologies have difficulty distinguishing between AI-generated vs. human-authored text. This weakness raises a significant possibility of false positive errors: human-authored writing incorrectly judged as AI-generated. Literature review AI detection methodology, whether machine or human-based, is based on writing style characteristics. Empirical evidence demonstrates that AI detection technologies are more sensitive to AI-generated text than human judges, yet a positive finding from these technologies cannot provide absolute certainty of AI plagiarism. Teaching implications Given the uncertainty of detecting AI, a forgiving, pro-growth response to AI academic integrity cases is recommended, such as revise and resubmit decisions. Conclusion Faculty should cautiously embrace the use of AI detection technologies with the understanding that false positive errors will occasionally occur. This use is ethical provided that the responses to problematic cases are approached with the goal of educational growth rather than punishment.

Unleashing Innovation in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: The Role of New Technology in Driving Progress

This research paper explores the dynamic landscape of electrical and electronic engineering, focusing on the pivotal role of new technologies in driving progress and innovation. The study conducts a comprehensive review of recent technological innovations, with a particular emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the pervasive influence of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the transformative capabilities of 5G technology. Through a meticulous evaluation, the paper underscores the profound impact of these innovations on the field, emphasizing their contributions to enhanced efficiency, reliability, and communication capabilities within electrical and electronic systems. The implications for the future are discussed in the context of fostering continued innovation. Recommendations are presented to address the challenges and opportunities posed by these advancements. Key suggestions include investing in research and development, promoting collaboration through industry-academia partnerships, and encouraging interdisciplinary research to address complex challenges. The paper concludes by envisioning a future where electrical and electronic engineering, propelled by ongoing innovation and collaboration, plays a central role in addressing global challenges and driving societal advancements.

Social and Structural Determinants of Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in people who have diabetes. Racial and ethnic minorities with diabetes have suboptimal management of cardiovascular risk factors, leading to higher mortality. Social and structural determinants of health are external factors that influence an individual's ability to choose positive health behaviors. In this review, we will discuss cardiovascular complications in people who have diabetes and their relationship to social determinants of health (SDOH). Recent innovations in diabetes treatment, including new devices and medications, have improved care and survival. However, disparities in the availability of these treatments to racial and ethnic minorities may contribute to continued inequities in CVD outcomes. Racial/ethnic disparities in CVD relate to inequities in economic opportunity, education and health literacy, neighborhoods and social cohesion, and health care access and quality driven by structural racism.

Recent Trends and Innovations in Bead-Based Biosensors for Cancer Detection.

Demand is strong for sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tools for cancer detection. Accordingly, bead-based biosensors have emerged in recent years as promising diagnostic platforms based on wide-ranging cancer biomarkers owing to the versatility, high sensitivity, and flexibility to perform the multiplexing of beads. This comprehensive review highlights recent trends and innovations in the development of bead-based biosensors for cancer-biomarker detection. We introduce various types of bead-based biosensors such as optical, electrochemical, and magnetic biosensors, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Moreover, the review summarizes the latest advancements, including fabrication techniques, signal-amplification strategies, and integration with microfluidics and nanotechnology. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives in the field of bead-based biosensors for cancer-biomarker detection are discussed. Understanding these innovations in bead-based biosensors can greatly contribute to improvements in cancer diagnostics, thereby facilitating early detection and personalized treatments.

Recent Innovations in Primary Care Cancer Survivorship Roles.

Despite 2 decades of cancer survivorship research, policy, and advocacy, primary care in the United States has not fully integrated survivorship care into its generalist role. This manuscript describes innovative roles primary care physicians have adopted in survivorship care and how these roles emerged. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with a snowball sample of 10 US primary care physician innovators in survivorship care. Interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed. Our team met weekly as interviews were completed to review transcripts and write summaries. We analyzed data using an immersion-crystallization process. Innovators did not receive formal survivorship training but gained knowledge experientially and through self-guided education. All worked in academic primary care and/or cancer centers; context strongly influenced role operationalization. We delineated 4 major role-types along a spectrum, with primary care generalist orientations at one end and cancer generalist orientations at the other. Primary care generalists applied survivorship guidelines during regular visits ("GENERALISTS+") or focused on cancer treatment effects amid other comorbidities during blocked clinic time ("oncoGENERALISTS"). Cancer generalists focused on cancer-related sequalae during and after treatment; some provided continuity care to survivors ("ONCOGENERALISTS"), while others incorporated unmet primary care needs into survivorship consults ("ONCOgeneralists"). Primary care survivorship innovations are occurring in academic primary care and cancer centers settings in the US. To move beyond the work of individual innovators, systematic investments are needed to support adoption of such innovations. For wider diffusion of survivorship care into community primary care, additional strategies that include primary care survivorship education and workforce development are needed to facilitate risk-stratified and shared-care models.

How to reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector? Factors influencing farmers’ decision to participate in carbon sequestration programs

Mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in agricultural soils through humus formation is a crucial component of sustainable agriculture. Humus programs that are designed to incentivize farmers to build more humus are still recent innovations, so current knowledge about farmers' motivation to participate is limited. This study examines the adoption of non-governmental humus programs to promote carbon sequestration by analyzing farmers' willingness to participate in humus programs and influential factors. We specifically investigate behavioral factors underlying farmers' adoption of humus programs using the Theory of Planned Behavior. To this end, we collected data using an online survey with 190 German farmers and applied partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that (i) perceived economic benefits, (ii) the actions of fellow farmers, and (iii) farmers' sense of responsibility with regard to climate change have a statistically significant influence on farmers' intention to participate in a humus program. In contrast, the perceived ecological benefits, political pressure, the possibility of establishing humus-building measures, and prior knowledge of humus programs have no statistically significant influence. Our findings suggest that farmers’ decision to participate in humus programs is strongly influenced by the financial benefits, but the actions and thoughts of other farmers, as well as their own moral claims regarding climate change, also play a crucial role. We found that farmers lack knowledge about the registration and general functioning of humus programs, which can currently be one of the biggest barriers to participation in such initiatives.

Bioinformatics Perspective of Drug Repurposing

Abstract: Different diseases can be treated with various therapeutic agents. Drug discovery aims to find potential molecules for existing and emerging diseases. However, factors, such as increasing development cost, generic competition due to the patent expiry of several drugs, increase in conservative regulatory policies, and insufficient breakthrough innovations impairs the development of new drugs and the learning productivity of pharmaceutical industries. Drug repurposing is the process of finding new therapeutic applications for already approved, withdrawn from use, abandoned, and experimental drugs. Drug repurposing is another method that may partially overcome the hurdles related to drug discovery and hence appears to be a wise attempt. However, drug repurposing being not a standard regulatory process, leads to administrative concerns and problems. The drug repurposing also requires expensive, high-risk clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug. Recent innovations in the field of bioinformatics can accelerate the new drug repurposing studies by identifying new targets of the existing drugs along with drug candidate screening and refinement. Recent advancements in the field of comprehensive high throughput data in genomics, epigenetics, chromosome architecture, transcriptomic, proteomics, and metabolomics may also contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in drug-target interaction. The present review describes the current scenario in the field of drug repurposing along with the application of various bioinformatic tools for the identification of new targets for the existing drug.

Eugenics, Sex and Family Life Education, and Juvenile Delinquency in Los Angeles County, California

AbstractThis glimpse into sex education in the Los Angeles region illustrates the eugenic ideas about racially “fit” reproduction that emerged in family life curricula during the Second World War. Ideas about eugenic reproduction in public schools responded to broader cultural fears about increasing divorce rates, criminality, immigration, and birthright citizenship. Eugenics in sex and family life education, importantly, portrayed a woman’s choice of mate as a civic responsibility, a move that paved the way for future conflicts about teaching gender and sexuality in public school sex education. Amid a half-century-long conflict over abstinence-only versus comprehensive sex education in public schools, topics like genetics and heredity have come to be widely accepted by both sides—recognized as a presumably value-neutral staple of sex education in US public schools. Yet recent innovations in genetic and reproductive technologies, as well as the conflict over trans and queer youth in the United States, challenge the assumption that teaching genetics and heredity in public schools really is “value neutral.”

Electrochemical Properties of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Endodontic Instruments

IntroductionNickel-titanium rotary endodontic files have been commercially available for decades, but more recent innovations have introduced heat-treated and surface-treated files. This study investigated the corrosion properties of various nickel-titanium files in normal saline and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). MethodsTen different file brands of size 40 with a 0.04 taper were subjected to electrochemical testing in 0.9% NaCl (saline) and 5.25% NaOCl at room temperature. The Open Circuit Potential (OCP) was observed for 1 hour followed by a cyclic polarization test from −300 to 700 mV and back to −300 mV (vs OCP). Nonparametric ANOVA and a pairwise comparison (P < .05) were used for statistical analysis of the OCP at 1 hour and the corrosion current (Icorr) obtained via the cyclic polarization test. ResultsSignificant differences (P < .05) were found between files with respect to OCP and Icorr in both solutions. Nine files exhibited significantly greater (P < .05) Icorrs in NaOCl than in saline. Conversely, pitting corrosion was observed in the saline solution but not NaOCl. Weak and/or moderate correlations existed between OCP and Icorr measures in the 2 solutions. ConclusionSignificant differences in electrochemical properties were observed among the 10 brands of files. Overall, there was not a clear trend between conventional, heat-treated, or surface-treated files among OCP or Icorr in either solution.

Hyperseed: Unsupervised Learning With Vector Symbolic Architectures.

Motivated by recent innovations in biologically inspired neuromorphic hardware, this article presents a novel unsupervised machine learning algorithm named Hyperseed that draws on the principles of vector symbolic architectures (VSAs) for fast learning of a topology preserving feature map of unlabeled data. It relies on two major operations of VSA, binding and bundling. The algorithmic part of Hyperseed is expressed within the Fourier holographic reduced representations (FHRR) model, which is specifically suited for implementation on spiking neuromorphic hardware. The two primary contributions of the Hyperseed algorithm are few-shot learning and a learning rule based on single vector operation. These properties are empirically evaluated on synthetic datasets and on illustrative benchmark use cases, IRIS classification, and a language identification task using the n -gram statistics. The results of these experiments confirm the capabilities of Hyperseed and its applications in neuromorphic hardware.

Soft mechanical sensors for wearable and implantable applications.

Wearable and implantable sensing of biomechanical signals such as pressure, strain, shear, and vibration can enable a multitude of human-integrated applications, including on-skin monitoring of vital signs, motion tracking, monitoring of internal organ condition, restoration of lost/impaired mechanoreception, among many others. The mechanical conformability of such sensors to the human skin and tissue is critical to enhancing their biocompatibility and sensing accuracy. As such, in the recent decade, significant efforts have been made in the development of soft mechanical sensors. To satisfy the requirements of different wearable and implantable applications, such sensors have been imparted with various additional properties to make them better suited for the varied contexts of human-integrated applications. In this review, focusing on the four major types of soft mechanical sensors for pressure, strain, shear, and vibration, we discussed the recent material and device design innovations for achieving several important properties, including flexibility and stretchability, bioresorbability and biodegradability, self-healing properties, breathability, transparency, wireless communication capabilities, and high-density integration. We then went on to discuss the current research state of the use of such novel soft mechanical sensors in wearable and implantable applications, based on which future research needs were further discussed. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.

The use of supporting materials in the process of making food containers from a mixture of PLA-starch and testing the quality of the coating: A review

The fulfillment of the food packaging industry’s needs for the use of non-petrochemical, biodegradable plastics from renewable sources that are also economically viable can be achieved through the utilization of polylactic acid-starch (PLA-starch). However, the perceived limitations of PLA-starch in terms of long-term food packaging have prompted recent innovations in which research is conducted on supportive materials that extend the shelf life of food packaging while still considering the health value of the added substances. This innovation provides significant advantages in using more durable food packaging materials that do not have adverse effects on food and human health. The utilization of ferulic and cinnamic acid compounds has been studied to reduce the environmental impact of food packaging while extending the shelf life of food. A three-layer film of PLA/starch/PLA (PSP) was designed based on the complementary barrier properties of the polymers, resulting in a film system with improved barrier properties. Electrospinning was effective in producing fibrous mats that encapsulated the acids, while film spraying resulted in the formation of crystalline structures of the active compounds strongly adhered to the surface. The electrospinning- and spray-coated films exhibited effective inhibition against the growth of E. coli and L. innocua. The TPScf-PLAes blend showed good antioxidant capacity when used in meat packaging and reduced microbial counts during cold storage. Silane-doped bilayer films demonstrated higher thermal stability compared to PPS. Therefore, the bilayer films and supporting materials have significant potential to extend the shelf life of food, maintaining its quality and safety for a longer period.

A recent update on gastro retentive drug delivery systems

Gastro retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance by prolonging gastric residence time and optimizing drug release kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in GRDDS, focusing on formulation strategies, design principles, and evaluation methodologies. Various approaches such as floating systems, mucoadhesive systems, expandable systems, and magnetic systems are discussed in detail, highlighting their mechanisms of action and applications in targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, recent innovations in materials science and formulation technologies have enabled the development of novel GRDDS with improved biocompatibility, stability, and controlled release profiles. The review also addresses challenges associated with GRDDS, including physiological variability, drug stability, and regulatory considerations, and proposes potential strategies to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, the clinical relevance of GRDDS in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders and their future prospects in personalized medicine and targeted therapy are explored. Overall, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art in GRDDS research and its implications for the advancement of drug delivery science.

Innovations in public health surveillance: An overview of novel use of data and analytic methods.

Innovative data sources and methods for public health surveillance (PHS) have evolved rapidly over the past 10 years, suggesting the need for a closer look at the scientific maturity, feasibility, and utility of use in real-world situations. This article provides an overview of recent innovations in PHS, including data from social media, internet search engines, the Internet of Things (IoT), wastewater surveillance, participatory surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI), and nowcasting. Examples identified suggest that novel data sources and analytic methods have the potential to strengthen PHS by improving disease estimates, promoting early warning for disease outbreaks, and generating additional and/or more timely information for public health action. For example, wastewater surveillance has re-emerged as a practical tool for early detection of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other pathogens, and AI is increasingly used to process large amounts of digital data. Challenges to implementing novel methods include lack of scientific maturity, limited examples of implementation in real-world public health settings, privacy and security risks, and health equity implications. Improving data governance, developing clear policies for the use of AI technologies, and public health workforce development are important next steps towards advancing the use of innovation in PHS.