Removing Digital Addiction: Through Digital Detoxication

Over-reliance on digital devices like cell phones, tablets, and iPad, has led to an individual using multiple digital devices the majority of the time when he or she is awake. Multiple device usage leads to an unconscious addictive use of a device that culminates in persistent information overload. This addictive use leads to information overload that continues even when the device is not being used or the individual is sleeping. We seek to explore if a digital detoxification app can remove digital addiction and create an impactful and healthy device usage, resulting in impactful device usage. Researchers have talked about the need for digital detoxification or digital cleansing. The popular remedies available include increased physical activities like yoga and meditation. We propose a digital detoxification model that can be used for mandatory service application of a device or the hedonistic use of an entertainment device. This model will allow individuals to use digital devices to the extent that it does not lead to addiction side effects like technostress, anxiety, insomnia, and information overload, thereby reducing digital addiction. This app will prevent an individual from unnecessarily utilizing the device while promoting optimal use, facilitating digital detoxication, and minimizing digital addiction. The digital detoxification apps will be available from all the publicly available app stores and allow the end-users to develop healthy habits and then detoxify from excessive use of the device. These apps will activate and prevent the end-user from excessively using the device. The individual will identify the safe usage time of the device. The app will activate features like airplane mode to ensure that excessive device usage is prevented and does not lead to digital toxification

Effects of administration of melatonin on prevalence of delirium and duration of stay in patients admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit – A prospective study

Background: The occurrence of delirium in patients who undergo elective surgeries is a common occurrence. Multiple studies have assessed the effect of different drugs in various elective procedures to decrease the prevalence of postoperative delirium. The effect of melatonin to decrease the prevalence of delirium and duration of neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) stay in patients undergoing neurosurgery has not been studied previously. The current study aimed to assess the same. Aims and Objectives: To assess the effect of preoperative and postoperative melatonin administration on the prevalence of delirium in patients undergoing elective ventilation in NSICU and to assess the effect of preoperative and postoperative melatonin administration on the duration of stay in NSICU. Methods and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 60 patients undergoing various neurosurgical procedures and admitted to NSICU were included. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received a placebo (Group P- tablet Sugarfree containing Aspartame) and another group received a tablet of melatonin 3 mg (Group M) in the preoperative and postoperative period. The effect of melatonin on the prevalence of delirium and duration of NSICU stay in these two groups was observed. Results: A decreasing trend of delirium was noted in both groups (Group M and Group P) with no statistical significance. A decreased prevalence of delirium was observed in patients of group M (33.3%) at the end of 12 h post-extubation compared to Group P (43.3%). The mean duration of stay for the patients in NSICU in Groups M and P were 2.7 and 3.2 days, with the range (1–14 Days) in Group M and Group P (1–20 days), respectively. Conclusion: Although there was a decreased prevalence of delirium and a decrease in the mean duration of the intensive care unit stay in patients who received oral melatonin, these beneficial effects did not show any statistical significance once compared with the control group

A comparison of internal jugular vein cannulation versus supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein cannulation using ultrasound guidance

Background: Ultrasound has become the standard of care for the insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the intensive care unit. With the introduction of ultrasonography in CVC insertion, there has been an improvement in the success rate and a dramatic decrease in the rate of complications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and ease of insertion of ultrasonically guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) with that of the supraclavicular subclavian vein (SCV) in adult patients undergoing various surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: All the patients in whom central venous cannulation was planned were assigned to two groups. Group I underwent ultrasound-guided IJV while as Group II underwent cannulation ultrasound-guided SCV cannulation. A comparison was made between the two groups, of the success rates, durations of procedure, number of attempts at needle redirections, difficulties if any during insertion of guidewires, and the complications encountered. Results: The IJV group had a higher proportion of first-attempt success (93.2% versus 62.7%). The IJV group had a lesser incidence (3.2%) of complications such as guidewire progression and needle redirections compared with SCV (15.2%). The frequency of adverse events did not differ between the two study groups with an incidence in 3.2% in IJV group and 9.6% in the subclavian group. Higher first-attempt success rates and fewer procedural complications were seen with ultrasound-guided IJV. Conclusion: IJV central venous catheterization is an easier and less invasive and less risky procedure for patients

Clinical Risk Factors affecting the Pregnancy Outcome using Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019

Background: South Asia is the world's most populous region, and it also has the highest rate of pregnancy loss. It is necessary to understand the risk factors for pregnancy loss in South Asian countries like Pakistan for reducing the global burden of pregnancy loss. Aim: To determine the potential clinical factors affecting pregnancy outcomes of Pakistani women aged 15-49 years during 2016-2019. Study design: This study was conducted using Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS 2019) during 2020-2021. All eligible ever-married women (n=7096) aged 15-49 were selected for this study. In this study, the clinical risk factors considered are fever, unconsciousness, high blood pressure, diabetes, vaginal bleeding, problems associated with the placenta, problems associated with the position of the baby, and preeclampsia. The response variable was pregnancy outcome comprising four categories that are live-birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, and abortion. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to test the relationship between the dependent variable and each of the eight risk factors. Results: Multinomial logistic regression model identified that fever (OR=0.723), vaginal bleeding(OR=1.614), high blood pressure (OR=1.473), and problems associated with the position of the baby (OR=0.396)are significantly associated with a stillbirth at a 10% level of significance. Additionally, unconsciousness (OR=1.019) appears as a potential risk factor for abortion. Practical implication: Understanding the most significant risk factors that contribute to negative pregnancy outcomes, it can prioritize resources to improve maternal health. Also, assistance to healthcare providers and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding maternal health in Pakistan can be provided. Conclusion: Fever, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, problems associated with the position of the baby are significant risk factors of stillbirth. However, unconsciousness identified a risk factor of abortion. It is concluded that in Pakistan pregnancy loss can be reduced by controlling the prevalence of diseases during pregnancy. Keywords: Abortion, Clinical risk factors, Miscarriage, Multinomial logistic model, Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth</jats:p

Determinants of Stunting among Children Under Five Years of Age: Evidence from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey

Aim: To determine the factors that influence the stunting level of children under the age of five years in Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted using Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-2018 during 2020-2021.The response variable comprised two categories: stunted and not stunted. In this study the demographic and socioeconomic factors affecting stunting are region, birthplace, preceding birth interval, women's education level, husband\partner`s education level, women's age, breast feeding, size of child at birth, total child ever born, type of place of residence, frequency of listening to the radio, sources of drinking facilities, and antenatal visits. A binary logistic regression model was applied to access the relationship between stunting with potential demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results: The binary logistic regression model identified that the significant factors for stunting of children in the regions of Pakistan are: Punjab (OR=.311, CI; 0.104, 0.934),KPK(OR=0.278,CI; 0.091,0.853), mother education(secondary OR=2.671,CI; 1.025,6.959),father education (Secondary OR=0.370, CI;0.146, 0.938),breastfeeding (1-year OR=0.197, CI; 0.056,0.689), child size (larger than average OR=0.113, CI; 0.020,0.646) and (average OR=0.212, CI;0.047,0.962). Practical implication: Identifying the determinants of stunting can lead to improved health outcomes for children, including reduced mortality rates, better cognitive development, and improved physical growth. Conclusion: This study discovered that stunting in Pakistan can be reduced by improving the education level of parents, proper breastfeeding, and proper diet during pregnancy duration. Keywords: Stunting, Binary logistic model, children, parent’s education</jats:p

Role of Nanotechnology in Precision Agriculture

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary study field that attempts to boost agricultural output through substantial nanotechnology. This study has been conducted because of the reckless use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers brought on by the green revolution, which has diminished soil biodiversity and increased disease and insect resistance. Only nanoparticles or nano chips can produce sophisticated biosensors for precision farming and deliver ingredients to plants in a nanoparticle-mediated manner. The precise distribution of nutrients and agrochemicals to plants is made possible by nano-encapsulated versions of conventional fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Nanotechnology-based tests for detecting plant viral diseases are also gaining popularity and are useful for making a rapid and accurate diagnosis of viral disorders. The advantages and future uses of nanotechnology in precision agriculture are covered in this article. Modern technologies and methods based on nanotechnology can solve many issues in traditional agriculture and could revolutionize this industry

Factors affecting the remediation of wastewater worldwide through eco-technologies

Water has always been an essential resource for the survival of living systems and a crucial reserve for the development of human society and the economy. However, current water resources are being contaminated by environmental factors, which include social systems, climate change, as well as industrial and agricultural waste. Water pollution has become a worldwide concern because of the increasing level of water demand. This global issue is a challenging spot to filter wastewater before enters into reservoirs of water. In this regard, it is necessary to identify the level of pollution, the form in which it already exists, and the biological efficacy of the water to establish sustainable techniques and scientific methods for removing pollution. Several eco-technologies of water remediation such as constructed wetlands, ecoremediation, green bridges, and green lake technologies are conferred and worked out widely. This chapter deals with water-associated contaminants and remediation factors with eco-friendly remediation developments including natural and advanced procedures. The advanced environment-friendly technologies with new methods and improved materials need to encounter the demand for wastewater treatment management. The improvement of both environmental and human health is the ultimate goal of wastewater management.No Full Tex