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Mapping the AI landscape in healthcare quality: A bibliometrics analysis
This study explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare quality improvement through a bibliometric analysis of 222 documents retrieved from the Scopus database using the keywords "healthcare," "quality," and "AI." By examining bibliographic coupling, citations, co-citations, author keywords, and co-occurrence networks, the research unveils the key themes, prominent authors, and emerging trends in this field. The analysis reveals a focus on areas like machine learning for disease prediction, clinical decision support systems, and patient safety improvement. Leading authors and research groups are identified, and promising future directions such as explainable AI and integration with electronic health records are highlighted. This study contributes to understanding the current landscape of AI in healthcare quality improvement and guiding future research for maximizing its impact. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Marine microbial biopolymers and their applications
Marine environment has been an important surrounding in recent times for valuable resources such as bioactive polymers. Increasing environmental concerns and realizing the limitation of global petroleum resources, biopolymers has gained utmost importance. Highly abundant renewable biopolymers of different polysaccharides have been produced from microbes, clams, shrimps, etc., exhibiting varying biological activities. Among all these biopolymers, microbial biopolymers are the most promising substitute for the existing synthetic polymers. Microbial polymers are synthesized intracellularly and extracellularly for their cell functions and survival playing specific roles as reserve materials for energy conservation, symbiosis and osmotic adaptation, protective agents that can be extruded and used for various applications. These biopolymers have exceptional moisture and oxygen barrier characteristics in making films for use in food industries and medical aspects. Microbial biopolymers that have been used include the cellulose, levan, pullulans, xanthan, gellan, kefiran, Haloferax exopolysaccharides, Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and poly-3-hydroxybutyrates. Marine bacteria such as Bacillus, Halomonas, Alteromonas, Planococcus, Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Zoogloea, and Thermococcus are found to be hyperproducers for biopolymers. Due to their high quality, sustainability, long shelf life, and biodegradability, they have been receiving interest for innumerable biological activities such as antioxidants, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial actions. Microbial marine biopolymers with natural biological activity, structural functions can be tailored using genetic engineering to obtain newer biomaterials with novel functionalities. 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a profound and rare Islamic scholar, writer, thinker, freedom fighter who promoted the idea of 'universal humanism'. He was well versed in poetry, art and music besides having a flair for writing. He was a multi-faceted personality with a progressive outlook. Though he had a rationalist outlook, he was very well versed in Islamic lore and history. His view of Islam did not necessarily come into conflict with territorial nationalism, Pan-Islamism and anti-imperialism. In this sense, he had interpreted Islam from a rationalist perspective. Maulana Azad had given a clarion call to the Muslims to join hands with the Hindus to achieve the common goal of ending British rule and domination in India. In fact, he considered this as the duty of the Indian Muslims, because according to him Muslims were created not for despondency but for 'hope'. As a revolutionary journalist the Maulana heralded a new era in Urdu journalism. His weekly 'Al-Hilal' grew in readership to such an extent that ultimately the British Government had to ban it. This chapter will analyse the thoughts, ideas and contribution of Maulana Azad to the freedom movement and nation-building in the post-independent India. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. All rights reserved. -
Measurement Model of CO-PO Attainment in Higher Education: A Simplified Approach
The educational system in most countries are moving toward Outcome-Based Education (OBE) which is a student-centric teaching and learning methodology. The basic idea behind the adoption of OBE model is that the graduates should possess a sound knowledge in their respective disciplines and also have global mobility and acceptance. The Outcome-Based Education (OBE) should be based on the vision and mission of the institution. The institutions should clearly spell out the learning objectives of the program and course. The Course Outcome (CO), Program Outcome (PO), Program Specific Outcome (PSO) and Program Educational Objectives (PEO) determine clearly what the students are expected to accomplish, post their course or program respectively. This study aims to provide the simplified approach on assessment, evaluation and calculating the attainment levels of students through COs and POs in a management program. To assess the CO attainment for management courses, the authors have identified the subject Entrepreneurship Development offered in the first semester from the 2018-2020 batch of 60 students from the MBA program of an autonomous institute. The Course Outcome (CO) and Program Outcome (PO) are mapped with the Continuous Internal Assessments (CIA) and Semester Exam End (SEE) and thus the attainment levels of each CO are measured. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Mechanical and tribological properties of polymer composites developed by FDM
In the coming years, researchers and manufacturers will be more concerned with the demand for products that are easy to construct and can be rendered seamlessly, even at complicated geometries, with the touch of a button. These requirements will be met by the advent of additive manufacturing. This will serve as the catalyst for a revolution. Additive layer manufacturing (ALM), also known as additive manufacturing (AM) or more commonly referred to as 3D printing, is a modern fabrication technology that uses a variety of raw materials to produce items such as medical implants and aircraft wing components by printing layers of material based on 3D digital models. In this chapter, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanical and tribological behaviour of ceramic, metallic, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites that are made by a range of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. These composites can be used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Mechanical and Wear Behavior of Halloysite Nanotubes Filled Silk/Basalt Hybrid Composites Using Response Surface Methodology
The aim of this study is to develop bio-friendly light weight polymer nanocomposites for load bearing applications and to evaluate the influence of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on mechanical as well as wear behavior of silk fiber (SF) and basalt fiber (BF) reinforced epoxy (Ep) composites. HNT filled biocomposites were fabricated using vacuum bagging technique. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of experiment with Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to conduct the dry-sliding wear tests on a pin on disc apparatus. Tribo-mechanical properties and worn surface micrographs of hybrid composite samples were analyzed. Hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance behavior of SF + BF/Ep hybrid composites were substantially improved with the incorporation of HNTs. It was observed from the confirmation test that there is a strong agreement between the experimental findings as well as the predicted values, with a minimum reported error of <5% for HNT-SF + BF/Ep hybrid nanocomposites. SEM micrographs of the worn-out surface of HNT filled SF + BF/Ep composite exhibited fiber breakage, pulverized matrix, good interfacial bonding and fractured fibers. The novelty of the current research work is the development of eco-friendly polymeric composites for wear resistant and structural applications. The effect of hybridization (fiberssilk and basalt, fillersHNTs) on the tribo-mechanical properties of polymeric composites were investigated for the first time. The study showed that the mechanical as well as the tribological properties of SF and BF reinforced epoxy composites were enhanced with the addition of nanofiller. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023. -
Mechanisms towards enhanced quality of experience (QoE) in fog computing environments
The Fog or Edge computing emerges as one of the important paradigms for setting up and sustaining smarter environments across industry verticals. Our everyday environments are being meticulously advanced and accentuated through a bevy of edge and digital technologies and tools in order to be situation-aware and sophisticated. On the other side, we have powerful Cloud environments contributing as the one-stop IT solutions not only for business automation but also for people empowerment. Compared to the number of prospective Cloud environments, the number of Fog environments is going to be quite large with the availability of billions of connected devices. The scope of Fog environments, which are being touted as the most crucial for empowering people and in their everyday activities, is bound to escalate in the days to unfurl. The immediate challenge for Fog environments is to drastically enhance the quality of experience (QoE) for users. Academic professors and industry professionals have come out with a number of solution approaches and algorithms. This chapter is being specially prepared and presented in this book to tell all about the role and responsibility of Fog computing environments, the unique use cases and the various challenges, etc. Furthermore, the significance of QoE is described in detail and how that requirement can be attained by smartly applying various proven and potential technologies. This chapter also aims to motivate the readers and researchers to dig deep into this new critical requirement to unearth pioneering solutions towards enhanced QoE. Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018. -
Mediating Effect of Digital Literacy Between Attitude Towards AI and Job Insecurity Among HR Professionals
As businesses continue to incorporate technologies that use AI into a variety of business processes, the connection between employee attitudes towards AI and job insecurity has attracted some attention. However, a critical aspect that has not been covered in the existing literature is the potential mediating role of digital literacy in shaping this relationship. This study investigates the interplay between attitudes towards AI, job insecurity, and digital literacy among HR employees through an online survey. Utilizing established scales, including Attitudes Towards AI (ATAI), Job Insecurity, and Digital Literacy, significant results reveal a substantial mediated relationship. Finding also states a significant impact of attitudes towards AI on job insecurity. Acceptance AI attitude indirectly reduce job insecurity through heightened digital literacy. Also, the pivotal role of digital literacy as a mediator, emphasizing its importance in alleviating job insecurity concerns amidst AI integration. These findings offer practical insights for organizations seeking to foster employee confidence in AI-rich workplaces. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Medical image classification using MRI: An investigation
The main objective of the paper is to review the performance of various machine learning classification technique currently used for magnetic resonance imaging. The prerequisite for the best classification technique is the main drive for the paper. In magnetic resonance imaging, detection of various diseases might be simple but the physicians need quantification for further treatment. So, the machine learning along with digital image processing aids for the diagnosis of the diseases and synergizes between the computer and the radiologist. The review of machine learning classification based on the support vector machine, discrete wavelet transform, artificial neural network, and principal component analysis reveals that discrete wavelet transform combined with other highly used method like PCA, ANN, etc., will bring high accuracy rate of 100%. The hybrid technique provides the second opinion to the radiologist on taking the decision. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. -
Mental health treatment: Exploring the potential of augmented reality and virtual reality
By producing immersive, individualized, and captivating therapeutic experiences, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) may significantly transform mental health treatment. These technologies provide efficacious resolutions for exposure therapy, augmenting conventional methodologies, mitigating social disapproval, and fortifying the therapeutic alliance. Virtual and augmented reality increase the accessibility and convenience of therapy by enabling highly individualized interventions. Training for mental health professionals, rigorous research, compliance with data privacy regulations, and adherence to ethical standards are essential for responsible use. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can expand the accessibility of mental health services as costs decrease, thereby ultimately enhancing the welfare of those in search of assistance and recovery. Incorporating augmented reality and virtual reality into clinical practice may make mental health treatment more engaging, effective, and individualized. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Metal Organic Frameworks to Remove Arsenic Adsorption from Wastewater
Water is an integral part of life on earth. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population explosion have all contributed to the pollution of ground and surface water with, among other things, heavy metals. This has led to an acute shortage of clean drinking water. Arsenic is one of the most toxic heavy metals found in water, posing a serious threat to the environment, human beings, and aquatic life. Over the years, a considerable amount of research has been directed toward the elimination of arsenic from water via sustainable methodologies. Metal organic frameworks are a class of materials possessing exceptional features like chemical stability, high porosity, multiple functional groups, and large surface areas. These properties can be effectively channelized to make metal organic frameworks excellent adsorbents for the removal of arsenic from contaminated water and make it drinkable. We have reviewed herein, the problems of heavy metal contamination, specifically the different forms of arsenic that pollute water. The importance of metal organic frameworks and the progress made in the synthesis of materials having a metal oxide framework have been discussed. Significant properties like adsorption and mechanistic aspects of adsorption through metal organic frameworks have been described. Furthermore, the characterization of the electronic and geometric aspects of metal organic frameworks using density functional theory has been reviewed. Insight into proper scaling up and development of metal organic frameworks for practical applications have also been suggested. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Infectious Diseases and Therapeutics
Infectious diseases that are easily transmitted by microorganisms like bacteria, protozoa, fungus, etc. are a menace to humans. The greatest threat to human race is to mitigate the impact of these diseases. People with less immunity and children are prone to these diseases. Even healthy people get infected due to its easy transmission. Microorganisms causing these diseases are becoming more resistant to the drugs that are available in the market. So, there is a need to find new therapeutic which is facile, sensitive, and selective, is an important challenge for the medical field and this is where nanotechnology is having a greater chance. Nanoparticles especially metal-based nanoparticles have the ability to act against infectious and non-infectious diseases, this is because of their unique properties like small size, high surface area, etc. They do not have a specific binding site on the bacterial cell, which lead to the failure of bacterial resistant towards the nanoparticle mechanism. There are many nanoparticles which are efficient against particular diseases. In this review we are discussing about the advanced nanomaterials as therapeutics for infectious diseases. We have also discussed about antiviral activities which gives us a ray of hope for the solution of the SARS-COV-2. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. -
Microalgae: a promising tool for plastic degradation
The use of plastics in the present-day routine is an unavoidable part of human life. It is posing a global environmental threat due to its never-ending accumulation. Complete disposal of plastics is a major problem, and for their complete degradation an effective solution or method has not been discovered yet. However, in order to turn to a biological approach for coping with the ever-increasing fear of plastic aggregation and decay, the development of a methodology would be useful for posterity. To eliminate plastic wastes, two scenarios exist: produce biodegradable plastics from renewable materials or fossil fuels as building blocks, such as hydrobiodegradable/oxo-biodegradable; or find appropriate microalgae and their toxins for the development of a protocol to effectively biodegrade the plastics. Just as biodegradation of plastics is a constructive option, as they are eco-friendly with not much harm done to the environment, the development of biodegradable plastic is also equally effective. Some of the algae that are isolated from the plastic wastes are green-algae, blue-green algae, diatoms, etc. Polyethylene is basically carbon and hydrogen polymer, which is exceptionally resistant to biodegradation (less than 0.5% over 100 years), whose degradation is dependent mainly on moisture, light, and temperature. The most used types of plastics like polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene are a major threat as they are used in the manufacture of bottles, fibers, packing materials, etc. The degradation or disposal of these plastics is leading to their conversion into microsized particles which is further leading to harm to the environment, mainly when these microplastics interact with microalgae like Spirulina. However, landfill, incineration, and chemical methods are some of the conventional methods for polyethylene disposal that are fatal to the environment as they cause hazardous effects on flora and fauna. 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
Microbial Enzymes for Synthesis of Chiral Drug Intermediates
Microbes or microbial enzymes can catalyze the synthesis of bioorganic compounds, and this process is defined as biocatalysis. Biocatalysis has become an essential technique in organic biotransformation, typically applied in chemical industries. Biocatalysts generally show high activity and excellent enantio, stereo, regio, and chemo-selectivity. They offer practical and cost-effective ways to synthesize semi-synthetic analogues and novel drug molecules. Many bacteria and fungi-derived enzymes could catalyze highly specific hydroxylations of various substrates that are highly complex to synthesize by chemical methods. This chapter details and discusses different biocatalytic microbial platforms that permit to produce the chiral drug intermediates. 2023 selection and editorial matter, Ranjna Sirohi, Amit Kumar Rai, Luciana Porto de Souza Vandenberghe, and Binod Parameswaran; individual chapters, the contributors -
Microbial fuel cells for electricity generation and environmental bioremediation
The environmental impact on the use of fossil fuels and their unsustainable nature has led to the development of techniques using renewable energy and fuel cells. The recent decade has captured the attention of scientists towards the importance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with the role of microbial ability in converting organic wastes directly to electricity through microbially catalyzed anodic reactions along with microbial/enzymatic cathodic electrochemical reactions. MFC represents an environmental friendly approach for the use of generating electricity using wastewater, thus ensuring a bioremedial approach for effluent treatment with the achievement of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of about 50% chemical oxygen demand and power densities. This MFC utilises microbial metabolism for electricity generation. The overall performance of electricigens or MFC is based on the reactor design, operating conditions, electrode material used, types of substrates, and microorganisms involved. The optimization parameters studies for commercial production and their applications for MFC need to be intensified. Microbes have applications as biopolymer electrolytes that can be variously used in the applications of batteries, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. The use of MFCs has many advantages as they are eco-friendly, they have high performance abilities and they are costeffective and therefore can be used for modern applications. 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. -
Microbial Fuel Cells: The Microbial Route for Bioelectricity
The quest for sustainable energy sources serves as the essential pillar for development of humans since the dawn of civilization. The alarming increase in demand of energy, especially electricity propelled the need to screen for alternative sources of energy over the conventional fossil based non-renewable counterparts. Electricity generation through microbial route functions by the fundamental phenomena of electron transport chain and the microbes operate as the source of energy production utilizing the substrate. Since its initiation, microbial fuel cell has gained a lot of research focus from all over the world. The integration of waste treatment with power generation was highlighted as the most productive and sustainable part of microbial fuel cells. Over the past few decades, a lot of research and development was done on improving the design of fuel cells, searching for cost-effective electrodes and membranes for commercialization. Despite tremendous research done on this domain, its commercialization still faces a lot of hurdles especially once it comes to the overall maintenance and production cost. This chapter summarizes the basic architecture of different microbial fuel cells and the challenges that need to be addressed for making microbial fuel cells a sustainable route for the bioelectricity generation from microorganisms. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020. -
Microbial Synthesis of Alkaloids and Applications in Healthcare
Plant alkaloids are a large group of natural compounds with wide-ranging bioactive characteristics, but the number of alkaloids obtained from the plant is low. Mass extraction of these bioactive alkaloids is affected by the trouble in large-scale propagation of these plants and absence of efficient strategies for extraction. However, production by chemical reactions is a substitute method; it is less effective due to its highly complex structure. The extensive study of alkaloid biosynthesis in plants and the advancement of genetic and metabolic engineering techniques enabled the opportunity to synthesise alkaloids through microbial hosts via metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimisations. In this chapter, we discuss the various gene-manipulation strategies to produce alkaloids in various microbial hosts and their application in the healthcare industry. 2023 selection and editorial matter, Ranjna Sirohi, Amit Kumar Rai, Luciana Porto de Souza Vandenberghe, and Binod Parameswaran; individual chapters, the contributors -
Microfinance Sector and the Supportive Role of Regulator in its Transformation: A Case Study from India
Microfinance is a proven business model to deliver financial services to unbanked. In the beginning years of microfinance, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) were engaged in microfinance initiative and used to raise capital through grants for their microfinance program, similar to other grant-based development initiatives. To become self-sustainable financial institutions, NGOs started to transform their microfinance initiatives to a for-profit legal entity. Microfinance experienced commercialization in the process of transformation which neglected the basics of microfinance, especially in protecting the interest of clients. Supportive role of regulator transformed the Indian microfinance sectors and formed sustainable financial institutions. The successful story of Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) intervention in shaping Indian microfinance sector counters the argument of free market principle in fixing the interest rate and healthy regulation for microfinance institutions. Supportive role of Reserve Bank of India created win-win situation for both microfinance borrowers, microfinance institutions and other stakeholders for the long-term sustainability. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021. -
Microwave-assisted extraction of phytochemicals
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has emerged as a promising technique for the extraction of phytochemicals and has received substantial scientific attention in recent years. MAE involves the utilization of microwaves to heat the sample, which facilitates the release of bioactive compounds from the plant matrix. MAE offers several advantages over traditional extraction methods, including faster extraction times, higher extraction yields, and reduced solvent consumption. To improve the efficiency of the extraction process, research has concentrated on optimizing various parameters, including the extraction temperature, extraction time, and solvent type. Additional studies have investigated the effect of MAE on the chemistry and bioactivity of the extracted phytochemicals. Several classes of phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids, have been successfully extracted using MAE. These compounds possess various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Essential oils from aromatic plants have also been extracted using MAE, which is widely employed in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its many advantages, the major challenge in the application of MAE is the potential degradation of the extracted compounds due to the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions during extraction. Additionally, the cost of microwave equipment and the need for specialized expertise may stunt its widespread adoption. In diverse omics disciplines, MAE shows promise, notably for the development of analytical platforms for research in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and related subdisciplines. Nonetheless, more investigation is required to optimize the extraction conditions and guarantee that the chemical makeup and biological activity of the isolated phytochemicals are preserved. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023, Corrected Publication 2023. All rights reserved. -
Mid-career dilemmas of female academics: An Indian perspective
Historically, many studies have shown discrimination, bias, and barriers for women entering leadership roles in Indian institutions of higher education. The objective of the present .study is to understand the mid-career dilemma of Indian women leaders based on their personal experiences. The study follows a phenomenological approach. The phenomenological approach as a qualitative research methodology provides for analysing the subjective experiences of individuals and their interpretations of these experiences. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study aggregates the views of women leaders and understands the challenges they face in pursuing their careers and maintaining their leadership roles. The study explored the transitions experienced by women through the ages, and hence, a qualitative paradigm with thematic analysis provided a better scope for understanding the experiences of women leaders. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved.