Factors affecting the adoption of metaverse in healthcare: The moderating role of digital division, and meta-culture

This research aims to find out the factors affecting the adoption of Metaverse in healthcare. This study explores the effect of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust on adopting Metaverse in healthcare by keeping digital division and metaculture as moderating variables. The philosophical foundation is rooted in the positivism paradigm, the methodology is quantitative, and the approach used is deductive. Data was collected in Pakistan and China through judgmental sampling from 384 respondents. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data. The findings validate the relationship between perceived ease of use and the adoption of metaverse with β-value 0.236, t-value 5.207 and p-value 0.000, the relationship between perceived usefulness and the adoption of metaverse with β-value 0.233, t-value 4.017 and p-value 0.000, and the relationship between trust and adoption of a metaverse with β-value 0.192, t-value 3.589 and p-value 0.000. Results also show that the digital divide moderates the relation between perceived ease of use and adopting the metaverse having β-value 0.078, t-value 1.848 and p-value 0.032. Similarly, the findings also show that the digital divide does not moderate the relationships of perceived usefulness and trust with adopting the metaverse. Moreover, the meta culture also does not moderate the relationships of perceived ease of use, usefulness, and trust with adopting the metaverse. The study contributes to theoretical research on adopting a metaverse in healthcare by examining various factors necessary for its development. It also provides guidelines for the developers and adopters of suitable metaverse technology.

Investigating the role of Cybersecurity's perceived threats in the adoption of health information systems

Information technology is one of the most rapidly growing technologies globally. Over the last decade, its usage in healthcare has been remarkable. Over the last decade, its usage in healthcare has been remarkable. The study examines the impact of various factors as barriers to adopting the information system in healthcare. These factors are categorized into three major types: external attacks, which include phishing attacks and ransomware; employee factors, including lack of skills and the issue of information misuse; and technological factors, including complexity and vulnerability. The findings show that external attacks and technological factors are the main barriers to adopting information systems, while employee factors have no significant impact on the adoption of information systems in the healthcare industry of Pakistan. The study provides implications for healthcare policy makers, professionals and organziations regarding the successful adoption of health information system.

An empirical evaluation of technology acceptance model for Artificial Intelligence in E-commerce

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become essential to Electronic-Commerce technology over the past decades. Its fast growth has changed the way consumers do online shopping. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, this research examines how AI can be made more effective and profitable in e-commerce and how entrepreneurs can make AI technology to assist in achieving their business goals. In this regard, an online survey was conducted from the online purchasers of e-commerce firms. The Partial Least Square (PLS) Smart was used to examine the data. The broadly used TAM was identified as an appropriate hypothetical model for studying the acceptance of AI technology in e-commerce. The findings of this study show that Subjective Norms positively impact Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Pursued Ease of Use (PEU), trust has a positive effect on PEU, and PEU positively impacts PU and attitudes toward use. Similarly, PU also has a positive effect on attitudes toward use and intention to use. Furthermore, the findings do not support the impact of Trust on PU and attitudes towards behavioural intention to use. Lastly, behavioural intention to use positively impacted the actual use of AI technology. This study adds theoretical and practical knowledge for adopting the TAM model in the E-commerce sector. It helps entrepreneurs to implement the TAM model in their business to use AI in a better and more appropriate way.

Studies of acid resistance characteristics in multiple drug resistant Salmonella species isolated from tomatoes

Salmonella species found to have a great potential of causing a variety of diseases ranging from gastroenteritis to enteric fever. Salmonella have been isolated from all food, animals and also found in the vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach etc. Several out breaks of Salmonellosis have been associated with the consumption of raw tomatoes. This is because of the fact that Salmonella attaches to the surface of tomatoes and also present in the interior part due to geotropic transmission via contaminated soil irrigated with contaminated water. .During the life cycle, Salmonella encounters the various environments such as acidic environment (low pH). To overcome such factors, Salmonella has certain adaptable mechanisms. In present 'study total 200 samples of tomatoes were analyzed out of which 10 samples were found to contain Salmonella. All the 10 isolates were then subjected to the antibiotic susceptibility testing and were found to be resistant against several antibiotics. These were subjected to acid resistant tolerance study.

Videodefecography: a study of the rectal motile pattern

The mechanism of rectal motility has remained largely obscure. Recently, by recording rectal electromechanical activity, we identified the rectal motility pattern as occurring in a "mass squeeze" manner. In the current communication, rectal motility was studied by means of videodefecography. The study comprised 28 healthy volunteers (18 men, 10 women; mean age 37.6+/-11.8 years). Evacuation dynamics were studied and registered using a videocassette tape with a high-resolution recorder. The rectum showed no peristaltic or segmentation activity at rest. When the subject was asked to evacuate, a contraction wave started at the rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) and spread aborally. The upper rectum appeared to contract producing anal canal opening and the closure of the RSJ; after rectal evacuation, the anal canal closed and the RSJ opened. The rectal contraction wave was repeated as long as the rectum still contained barium paste. The subjects strained prior to the start of each contraction wave. Some waves did not effect rectal evacuation. These "incomplete" waves started at the mid- or lower rectum and were followed by "complete" waves that produced evacuation. In five of 28 subjects, rectal intussusception occurred during rectal contraction. A small anterior rectocele occurred in another two subjects during rectal contraction. Videodefecography revealed that upon rectal distension with barium paste, a contraction wave, initiated at the RSJ, effected reflex RSJ closure and anal canal opening. The wave spread aborally, "squeezing" the rectal contents towards the opened anal canal. Two types of contraction waves were observed: "complete" which produced rectal evacuation, and "incomplete" which failed to effect evacuation. Physiologic intussusception or rectocele were seen in a few subjects.

Transverse folds of rectum: anatomic study and clinical implications

There are controversies with respect to the location, number, and function of the transverse folds of the rectum (TFR), probably because their physioanatomic aspects have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this communication was to study the anatomic and histologic structure of the TFR aiming at elucidation of their function in the light of their structure. The TFR were studied morphologically and histologically in 18 cadavers (10 male, 8 female) with a mean age of 36.6 +/- 10.4 (SD) years. Barium enema studies were also performed in 36 volunteers (20 male, 16 female; mean age 38.6 +/- 15.2 [SD] years). The number of TFR varied, the commonest findings being two and three. In a few cases, TFR were absent or exceeded three in number. Most folds extended beyond the middle of the rectal lumen; a few were narrow. They were thick at the base and tapered gradually. Microscopically, the TFR contained circular and longitudinal smooth muscle fibers; they were rarely purely mucosal. TFR varied in location dividing the rectum into compartments; an alternating side-to-side arrangement allows for a wavy movement of the stool in the rectum. The wavy movement, compartmental division, and the shelving action of the TFR are suggested to retard stool movement in the rectum so as to allow time for fecal sampling (stool or gas) and for impulses to reach the conscious level to decide whether or not to defecate. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of the TFR in clinical practice.

Rectosigmoid junction: anatomical, histological, and radiological studies with special reference to a sphincteric function

The existence of a sphincter at the rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) is controversial. Recent studies have demonstrated a high-pressure zone within the RSJ which responds to sigmoid colon or rectal contractions by relaxation or contraction, respectively. These findings suggest the presence of a "physiological" sphincter at the RSJ. The current study investigated the anatomical and histological structure and the radiological picture of the RSJ in view of the possible existence of an anatomical sphincter at the RSJ and elucidating its function. The RSJ was studied in 28 cadavers (18 adults and 10 fully mature neonates) by dissection. A histological study of the RSJ was performed in 5 cadavers. Radiological examination using double-contrast barium enema was carried out in 50 healthy volunteers (mean age 44.2+/-14.4 years; 32 men, 18 women). The mucous membrane of the RSJ was found in folds forming a "mucosal rosette" of a mean length of 2.8+/-0.9 cm in adult specimens and 0.7+/-0.2 cm in neonates. The distal end of the mucosal rosette was sharply delineated and in some specimens protruded into the rectal lumen as a small nipple, which was surrounded by a "rectal fornix" on either side. The histological examination of the RSJ showed mucosal foldings with deep crypts surrounded by lymphocytic aggregates and marginated by muscularis mucosa. The circular muscle coat showed gradually increasing thickness towards the rectum. Nerve cells in the submucosa were located at three levels: in the vicinity of the muscularis mucosa, in the middle of the submucosa, and in the proximity of the circular muscle. Radiologically the opening of the sigmoid colon into the RSJ presented as a ring or crescent. Radiological striations representing the mucosal rosette were demonstrated. The RSJ appeared as a narrow contractile segment. The anatomical, histological, and radiological findings thus indicate that the RSJ is a segment which can be identified by its interior rather than outer aspect. The study suggests the presence of an anatomical sphincter at the RSJ which seems to regulate the passage of stools from the sigmoid colon to the rectum.

Relationship between caries status, colony forming units (cfu) of Streptococcus mutans and Snyder caries activity test

It is a well established fact that dental caries is caused by streptococcus mutans. For qualitative and quantitative analysis of streptococcus mutans, saliva samples are often preferred and are processed according to Kohler and Brathall method. In the present study an attempt is made to relate caries status (caries free, average caries, and rampant caries group) with cfu counts of streptococcus mutans and Snyder test. The streptococcus mutans were isolated using MSB agar and cfu were determined of each individual from different caries groups. The saliva of the same individual was drooled into a culture bottle containing Snyder test agar and extent of colour change was observed after 24, 48, and 72 hours incubated at 37 degrees C. The time and extent of colour change determined the conduciveness of diet. It has been observed that caries free individuals have low cfu count and their diet was mild or moderately conducive, while the individuals having average caries had medium cfu count and their diet was moderately-high conducive. In rampant caries, individuals however the cfu count were high and the diet was highly conducive. In caries free, average caries and rampant caries group 40, 60, and 80 per cent samples showed colour change, in Snyder test up to full length in 72 hours respectively. Thus a definite correlation exists between caries status, cfu count of streptococcus mutans and Snyder caries activity test.

Prevalence of dental caries in nursery school children of Akola city

A study of prevalence and severity of dental caries was undertaken in seven nursery schools of Akola city in the age group of 5-6 years. A total of 508 children were examined out of which 288 were boys and 220 girls. The examination for dental caries and data collection was carried out as per W.H.O. (1987) criteria. Out of the total 508 children examined 61.41% were observed to be having caries with mean dmft/dmfs of 2.75+/-3.98 & 4.04+/-6.84 respectively. Total 17.91% school children were found to be having decay in either all upper or lower molars. In the high risk caries group 0.98% children were found to be affected with nursing caries and 0.2% children with rampant caries. Only a negligible proportion of filled teeth (1.42%) and missing due to caries (0.14%) was observed in the population. Occlusal surface caries was the most prevalent type of decay (44.71) and the mandibular deciduous second molars were the most affected by caries. Due to high prevalence of dental caries (61.41%) research must be carried out in the direction of identification of the children population at high risk of caries, so that a rigorous preventive programme be implemented.

Is the rectum a conduit or storage organ?

The rectum is claimed to be a conduit; as it receives the stools, the rectoanal inhibitory reflex is evoked and defecation occurs. However, in many healthy subjects, stools could be palpated in the rectum by digital rectal examination (DRE) without the subject feeling the desire to defecate. The purpose of this communication is to study whether the rectum is a conduit or a storage organ. The study comprised 48 healthy volunteers (mean age 38.4 +/- 15.8 SD years; 30 men, 18 women). Number of stools per week was recorded and DRE was carried out followed by air enema radiography. The subjects had a normal stool frequency of 7.8 +/- 1.4 per week. Most of them last defecated a mean of 6.2 +/- 3.4 hours prior to the test. Stools were palpated in the lower rectum by DRE in 31/48 subjects and by radiography in 12/16. DRE correlated with radiologic examination in 9/12 subjects; in 3 of them, DRE revealed an empty rectum while radiography showed stools in the upper rectum. The 17 subjects with an empty rectum had their last defecation 5.2 +/- 3.6 hours before DRE, and the 31 subjects with palpable stools 15.6 +/- 12.9 hours. In conclusion, the rectum might be considered not simply as a conduit for stools but also as a storage organ. This occurs when it receives from the sigmoid colon an amount of stools too small to evoke the defecation reflex, or when this reflex is neglected due to unfavorable circumstances of defecation.

Does conventional tomography still have a place in glottic cancer evaluation?

Computed tomography (CT) can detect laryngeal cancer invading the pre-epiglottic, paraglottic spaces, laryngeal cartilages, and soft tissues, but in T1 and limited T2 tumours its main value is in evaluating subglottic extent. Conventional tomography in the coronal plane has been used with reasonable success to detect both subglottic and ventricular invasion and is less expensive than CT. Twenty-nine cases of glottic carcinoma of all stages were examined clinically, endoscopically and radiographically by both coronal conventional tomography and CT. The results of these imaging studies are compared in this investigation, stressing their relationship to clinical findings (and stage), especially vocal and cord mobility. Coronal conventional tomography was found to be as accurate as CT for sublottic spread in nine cases of T1 and T2A cancer with normal vocal cord mobility. Conventional tomography had a slight tendency to overestimate ventricular and false cord involvement (two out of seven patients) with T1 glottic cancer. When mobility was impaired (four cases) or absent (15 cases), CT added data which changed staging and/or treatment plan in six cases. In seven others it was suggestive of a more advanced stage.