21st Century Research Articles

Pedagogy in the 21st century literature classroom: Teachers’ teaching mechanisms, challenges, and coping mechanisms

Pedagogy in the 21st century literature classroom: Teachers’ teaching mechanisms, challenges, and coping mechanisms

Regional Sea Level Response to External Forcings from the Twentieth to the Twenty-First Century

Abstract Using a range of Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP) simulations from phase 6 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), we study the response of dynamic sea level (DSL) to external anthropogenic climate forcing [greenhouse gases (GHGs), aerosols, and stratospheric ozone] with a focus on the differences over the twentieth and twenty-first century. In the second half of the twentieth century, the DSL nonuniformity in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) was relatively small due to a cancellation between the effects of increasing GHGs and aerosols. In contrast, the DSL signal in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) over this period was large because stratospheric ozone depletion reinforced the effects of increasing GHGs. In the twenty-first century, the DSL response has been intensified in the NH because the warming effects of diminishing aerosols have acted to reinforce the effects of increasing GHGs. Meanwhile, the distribution of SH DSL has also become uneven although stratospheric ozone recovery has partially offset the effects of rising GHGs. Using a global ocean circulation model, we decompose the changes in the twenty-first century DSL into distinct responses to surface forcings including sea surface temperature, salinity, and wind stress. Our results show that the dipole-like pattern of DSL in the North Pacific can be attributed largely to sea surface warming, while the dipole-like pattern in the North Atlantic is attributed to subpolar surface salinity freshening. The belted pattern of DSL changes in the Southern Ocean is induced by both surface warming and intensifying/poleward-shifting westerly winds.

Howdy Comrade

Abstract American and Western audiences have long come to understand Soviet and Russian womanhood, and thus US womanhood, from representations in popular televisual texts. While there is a long history of popular culture presenting the “othered” women of Eastern Europe, for example as temptress “Bond girls” during the Cold War, these narratives have continued onscreen into the twenty-first century. We examine the myriad representations from both the Cold War and post-Cold War period, noting the typical narrative constructions that focus on femme fatales, psychological and sexual trauma, and economic precarity, and how these have continued in contemporary popular culture to shore up notions of Western cultural and political superiority. The characters and the situations in which they find themselves, as spies, assassins, and double agents, continue to send messages about danger and dominance regarding both gender and geopolitics.

Investigation on implementing the swarm nano grid system for effective utilization of solar-powered agro-industries

The agro-industry is the backbone of the global economy, even in the twenty-first century. The agro-industry would not be what it is now without irrigation. The production and use of renewable energy in this sector of the agricultural economy have also expanded rapidly in recent years. Base-load power production and conversions dominate the literature. This research examines user concerns. The swarm nano grid system fixes this. The pulse width modulation (PWM) sinusoidal inverter converted stable DC power from the bidirectional DC-DC converter into sinusoidal AC voltage for the irrigation pump induction motor. Solar panels, batteries, and converters are costly, but they pay off. The nano grid distributes excess power generated during low demand to local loads. This technique works well when the load can be disconnected from the power grid. MATLAB is used to keep an eye on the reliability and efficiency of the induction motor. In the first simulation, solar power generation is modeled using the MATLAB Simulink software in two distinct modes. A PWM sinusoidal inverter that is driven by solar energy is what provides power to the 5.67 kW induction submersible motor. The simulation result provides a conceptual model of how induction motors powered by renewable energy sources function in practice.

Application of Nanotechnology for Herbal Medicine Development: A Review

Background: Herbal medicines have been extensively used to treat diseases since the prehistoric era, but written records date back more than 5,000 years only. All civilizations developed their knowledge of herbal medicines in a well-ordered system, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc. The interest in traditional medicine declined after the discovery of modern medicine. However, in the 21st century, herbal medicines are staging a comeback as the dangers and limitations of modern medicine have become more apparent and herbal medicines are viewed as a balanced and moderate approach to healing. Methods: This review includes the nanoformulations of phytoconstituents and extract. Advancements in analysis and clinical research prove the efficacy of nano-herbal medicines in preventing and treating diseases. This review is mostly about how nanotechnology can be used to help herbal medicines work better. Result: The major problems with herbal medicines are their poor solubility and stability. New technological advancements are capable of removing the problems associated with herbal medicine. Novel drug delivery systems such as microemulsion, liposome, niosome, and nano-drug delivery systems are used to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. Conclusion: Nanotechnology has significant merit for herbal medicines, such as improving solubility, bioavailability, pharmacological activity enhancement, and stability enhancement.

The Cultural Work of Animal Narrators in the Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Novel

ABSTRACT: Over the early decades of the twenty-first century there has been a marked rise of works of African fiction recounted by first-person animal narrators—prompted by such historical vectors as the accelerating onrush of climate change (with the mass extinctions it promises to bring), the instrumentalization of animals and their reduction to the status of commodities under neoliberal capitalism, the rise of animal studies as an academic field with its promotion of an awareness of speciesism, and the continuing effort to culturally decolonize residual imperialist discourses that suppressed indigenous African modes of knowledge. This essay argues these animalnarrated works of fiction explore a wide range of thematic focuses but share a number of distinct commonalities as well: attention to the natural world or breakdown of the conceptual dichotomy between man-made and natural worlds, a desire to provide alternative perspectives on human society, a calling into question of humanity's age-old idealization of itself, and a revaluation of nonhuman animals.

A sense of seaweed: Consumer liking of bread and spreads with the addition of four different species of northern European seaweeds. A pilot study among Swedish consumers.

Current food systems pose one of the greatest health and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Expanded utilization of seaweed for food in Western societies seems like one promising measure in the transition toward sustainable food systems. However, introducing and expanding seaweed to new markets brings certain challenges, such as limited food acceptance and availability. In this pilot consumer study, four common northern European seaweed species (Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta, Palmaria palmata, and Ulva sp.) were introduced into two complementary plant-based products (bread and spread), which were presented to consumers (n=49 (bread), n=52 (spread)) in a Swedish setting. The consumers’ liking of the products was evaluated based on a 9-point hedonic scale, and the product characteristics were determined by texture, pH, and color analysis. Whereas the different spreads’ pH was similar, the texture and color overall varied more between the different samples. Overall, the consumers slightly liked the two seaweed-containing products, with taste/flavor and texture being main contributing factors to the consumers’ liking. For the bread, S. latissima was liked best as a supplement. S. latissima and A. esculenta were liked best for the spread, whereas P. palmata received the lowest scores. The preference for brown seaweeds may relate to their relatively more neutral taste/flavors and finer structure, whereas the lower scores for P. palmata may be explained by its marine-associate flavors and coarser structure. The studied consumer liking of seaweed-based products can become valuable for developing and improving future seaweed products and increasing their availability in Western food cultures.

Visible Light-promoted Preparation of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans and Coumaranones

Abstract: 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran and coumaranone are readily available in numerous naturally occurring compounds. They mostly exist in plenty of food plants and medicinal plants. Such compounds constitute a series of flavor components and bioactive molecules. Their preparation has been an attractive field of research. In the past few decades, great efforts have been made in the preparation of the 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran structure through both metal-catalyzed and organocatalyzed ways. Visible light-promoted reactions sprang up in the early 21st century and represent a green manner of transformations. Under the irradiation of visible light, radicals could be generated under milder conditions. Thus, visible lightpromoted reactions spread widely in the field of chemical synthesis. In recent years, visible light-promoted preparation of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and coumaranone has been developed by different groups, including both intramolecular and intermolecular reactions. The benign reaction conditions allow better functional group-tolerance and lead to diverse structures. Several reviews on the synthesis of 2,3- dihydrobenzofuran have been reported. However, visible light-promoted approaches to such structures have not been well reviewed. Our review will cover the literature that has been reported on the discovery of 2,3- dihydrobenzofuran in food and visible light-promoted preparation of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, attempting to summarize the existing methods and provide guidance to the chemists on the present challenges.

Review on Diabetes Mellitus: An Insight into the Current Scenarios, the Challenges of Therapy, and Application of Traditional Drugs

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus, an epidemic of the 21st century, is listed as one of the top ten causes of death around the world by the World Health Organization and is a complicated disease to deal with. Medically, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and altered metabolism of biological macromolecules, mainly carbohydrates. Diabetes mellitus has a worldwide prevalence, and populations of all high, middle, as well as low-income countries, are affected by it. More than 400 million persons are currently living with diabetes. Many risk factors, such as lack of exercise, irregular diet, drinking, and smoking habits, as well as genetic factors, also contribute to the increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in the modern era. The conventional therapies for diabetes are based on insulin, insulin analogues, peptides, and oral hypoglycemics. The primary objective is to lower the elevated blood glucose levels and manage the distress to enhance the quality of life of the patient. The management of diabetes is very crucial to avoid complications having serious consequences such as the extra economic burden due to these complications. Conventional drug therapy has its own adverse effects, and its timely availability and cost are still an issue in many low and middle-income countries. Diabetes mellitus has been reported in various ancient kinds of literature along with various natural remedies (plants/herbals) useful in it. These plant-based remedies offer the benefits of lesser or no adverse effects, easy availability due to natural abundance, and low cost. Therefore, extensive research work is carried out in the past few decades to identify and understand the underlying principles of plant-based/herbal medicines to develop new potential lead molecules and a relatively safer, easily available and more economical alternative treatment therapy for diabetes mellitus.

When Parents Request Nondisclosure: Rights of Adolescents to Access Their Health Information and Implications of the 21st Century Cures Act Final Rule.

AbstractDespite broad ethical consensus supporting developmentally appropriate disclosure of health information to older children and adolescents, cases in which parents and caregivers request nondisclosure continue to pose moral dilemmas for clinicians. State laws vary considerably regarding adolescents' rights to autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, with many states not specifically addressing adolescents' right to their own healthcare information. The requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act have raised important ethical concerns for pediatricians and adolescent healthcare professionals regarding the protection of adolescent privacy and confidentiality, given requirements that chart notes and results be made readily available to patients via electronic portals. Less addressed have been the implications of the act for adolescents' access to their health information, since many healthcare systems' electronic portals are available to patients beginning at age 12, sometimes requiring that the patients themselves authorize their parents' access to the same information. In this article, we present a challenging case of protracted disagreement about an adolescent's right to honest information regarding his devastating prognosis. We then review the legal framework governing adolescents' rights to their own healthcare information, the limitations of ethics consultation to resolve such disputes, and the potential for the Cures Act's impact on electronic medical record systems to provide one form of resolution. We conclude that although parents in cases like the one presented here have the legal right to consent to medical treatment on their children's behalf, they do not have a corresponding right to direct the withholding of medical information from the patient.

Curing Stage IV Melanoma: Where Have We Been and Where Are We?

Little more than 10 years ago, metastatic melanoma was considered to have one of the poorest cancer outcomes, associated with a median overall survival of 6-8 months. Cytotoxic chemotherapy offered modest response rates of 20%-30%, but no clear survival benefit. Patients were routinely enrolled in clinical trials as their first-line therapy in the search for effective novel therapeutics. Remarkable developments in molecular biology, cancer genomics, immunology, and drug discovery have dominated the early part of the 21st century, and nowhere have the benefits been better realized than in the transformation of outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma: since 2011, 14 new agents have been approved that significantly increase survival, with long-term remissions and, possibly now, potential for cure. Even so, there is still much work to be done, given that most treated patients still die of their disease. Although most survival gains have so far been realized for cutaneous melanoma, improving treatment options for those 10% of patients with rarer, noncutaneous melanomas is a high priority. Key novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving outcomes with potential for curing patients with melanoma are considered.

Challenges and tasks of the philosophy of physical culture and sports, sports science in modern socio-political conditions

The scientific problem lies in the discrepancy between the self-reflective Western and Eastern traditions of the philosophy of sport and the very real sports process and sports science, and, by and large, the classical understanding of the scope and content of the concept of philosophy as such. The relevance of the study lies in the need to eliminate or «remove» this discrepancy, which at three levels openly complicates the development of the philosophy of sport: firstly, as a philosophy in the classical sense of the word; secondly, as a scientific philosophy; and thirdly, as a scientific philosophy of sports and sports science, and not existential, irrational, hermeneutic and other ideas and experiences about philosophizing thoughts about something vaguely reminiscent of them. The purpose of the study is to construct and briefly justify a classification of the scientific philosophy of sports and sports science from the standpoint of classical philosophy and a dialectical-materialistic worldview, as well as to indicate a short list of its main tasks in the current situation of aggravated military-political confrontation between Russia, East and West. The methodology and organization of the study are based on a comprehensive historical, philosophical and scientific theoretical and comparative analysis, including general scientific operations of grouping, systematization, abstraction, idealization and logical operations of defining and dividing concepts, induction, deduction, analogy, determining truth, proof and refutation, constructing a hypothesis. Research results and conclusions. Gradually but steadily growing since the beginning of the 21st century, global changes in the modern socio-political picture of the world are increasingly clearly and rapidly entailing equally significant changes in education and science (including specialized ones). This article presents a system for constructing the philosophy of sport and sports science, which provides a solution to the full range of modern problems of philosophical analysis and scientific research of sport as: • social phenomenon and institution; • cultural and civilizational mechanism of social evolution of humanity; • a mechanism for preserving and improving a person in his inherent parameters of a social and psychophysiological being; • an outpost for preventing the processes of human deanthropolization. It is easy to notice that this system of constructing the philosophy of sport and sports science in many aspects and in terms of system-forming factors differs significantly from its predecessors, at the same time serving as the basis for their scientific and philosophical criticism — criticism that substantiates the urgent need for a radical restructuring of the entire edifice of the philosophy of physical culture and sports, based on from the modern socio-political challenges addressed to her.

The 21st-century skills scales: many facet Rasch measurements

This study aims to develop a 21st century skills scale for prospective school counselor. The method used is the research and development. The data were analyzed using content analysis/expert judgment with many-facet Rasch model (MFRM). Three facets were employed: scale, item, and measurement criteria. The initial version of the scale comprises 129 items measuring four aspects: way of thinking, way of working, tools for working, and living in the world. However, 78 items were deemed valid following the expert judgment analysis result. The inter-rater agreement opportunity shows raters’ similarity score of 10,836, implying that experts in this study tend to give similar assessments. This research results in a 21st century skills scale for prospective school counselors with a total of 78 valid items. The purpose of this study was to develop a 21st century skills scale for prospective school counselors that had been fulfilled, the instrument had been tested for validity and reliability based on expert judgment. The current research recommends that further research be carried out to develop a 21st century skills scale instrument for prospective educators in other scientific fields.

The Influence Of The Project-Based Learning Model On The Scientific Creativity Of Physics Education Undergraduate Students At Madura Islamic University

Scientific creativity is a skill needed in the 21st century. 21st-century skills are known as 4C skills, one of which is being creative to produce innovative work to answer the challenges of the Industrial Revolution era 5.0. The Project-based learning model is a learning model that can guide students to increase students' scientific creativity through a series of questions that direct and explore students' scientific knowledge and creativity. This research used a quasi-experimental research design with 36 students divided into control classes and experimental classes. This research aims to see how much influence the PjBL learning model has in increasing the scientific creativity of students in physics subjects in terms of the implementation of the model and the influence of the PjBL model. The instruments used to obtain data were essay test questions for pretest and posttest, and observation sheets to observe the implementation of learning in class. All test questions have been validated by experts and tried out to test the reliability of the questions, level of difficulty, and distinguishing power of the questions using the ANATES Essay Questions application. Concept mastery data (posttest) was analyzed by hypothesis testing (t-test) using the SPSS application. The results of the research show that: (1) There is a significant influence of using the Project-based learning model on students' mastery of physics concepts. A significance value of 0.031 (Sig < 0.05) was obtained at the 95% confidence level. (2) The implementation of the project-based learning model accompanied by probing prompting techniques is included in the good category Keywords: Scientific Creativity, Project Based Learning

Emergent constraints on the future East Asian winter surface air temperature changes

In East Asia, the climate variability in boreal winter is dominated by the East Asian winter monsoon, one of the most energetic monsoon systems that can lead to disasters. The key variable, the East Asian winter surface air temperature (SAT), has significantly changed over the past century and has substantially impacted agriculture, ecosystems, economics, and public health. However, its projections are limited by considerable uncertainties. Here, we identify the first leading mode that explains almost 29.6% of the inter-model spread in future SAT change. Our research delves into the evolution of present-day biases under future scenarios and their consequential impact on the SAT. Models with stronger western currents’ heat transport in the North Pacific exhibit a warmer North Pacific at mid-latitudes during historical periods. Additionally, these models consistently demonstrate stronger western currents in the future, contributing to the amplified warming of the western North Pacific, thereby warming Eurasia via the weakened trough and subtropical jet through barotropic responses to the warm North Pacific. Incorporating observational sea surface temperature constraints reduces uncertainties by 9.40%, revealing a more reliable SAT change pattern by the end of the 21st century.

Development, Validation, and Effectiveness of Android-Based Learning Material in Statistics

In this 21st century, students are more compelled towards the use of a mobile phone for every purpose. This study aimed to develop, validate, and test the effectiveness of an android-based learning material in Statistics. The technological profile, technology acceptance in terms of perceived use and perceived ease of use, relationship between the technological profile and technological acceptance, performance of respondents with or without the use, effectiveness, and validity of the android-based learning material were investigated in this study. The study utilized descriptive, developmental, and quasi-experimental research design. Two sections of Grade 10 were considered in the study; one section used the learning material, while the other section did not. Pre-test and post-test were conducted on the two groups. Data gathered were analyzed, tabulated, and presented using frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired sample t-test, and simple correlational analysis. It was found out that all respondents have available gadgets; they “often” use technology and “advanced” in terms of technological skills; they strongly agree that the learning material is useful and easy to use; there is a positive relationship between the technology profile and the technology acceptance of the respondents; and the learning material was found to be effective and has very high validity. Hence, it is highly recommended to use the learning material in Statistics. Developing android-based learning material is recommended for other topics in mathematics, and students may be provided with other supplementary materials for greater retention.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital, Southwest Iran

Background: The 21st century has seen the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: Given the elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, our objective was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital in 2021. Methods: A total of 276 participants were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The study assessed the participants' medical history, including autoimmune diseases, corticosteroid administration, and underlying conditions. Additionally, the history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure to COVID-19 patients was recorded. Results: The results showed that 32.6% of the participants had a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. No significant associations were found between the previous infection history and variables such as sex, age, corticosteroid administration, autoimmune disease, or exposure to COVID-19 patients. However, a significant association was observed between the participants' history of COVID-19 and underlying conditions. Serum analysis revealed that 10.1% of the participants tested positive for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, while 1.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies. A significant relationship was found between the presence of IgG antibodies and a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarly, all participants with IgM antibodies had a history of previous infection. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that a significant proportion of asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These results can inform infection control measures and help protect both healthcare workers and patients in the hospital setting.

Civic administrative centres in the northern and southern cities of Ghana: Assessing their state and locational distribution and the implications for urban growth and land demand

Land remains a vital resource for the growth of infrastructure and human populations; however, it is increasingly becoming a matter of necessity to manage the earth's limited land and natural resources sustainably. Employing a mixed-methods research approach and case-studying Cape Coast and Wa, this study assessed the state and locational distribution of civic administrative land uses in the northern and southern cities of Ghana and clinched its implications for urban growth and land demand. Following this, the study found that the Cape Coast is 48% developed land-use-wise, and land dedicated to civic and administrative purposes is 0.019 km2. Wa is 69% built-up, with 0.015 km2 allocated for civic purposes as of 2023. Also, the study found that the built environment and planning strategies pertaining to land optimisation relied heavily on governments’ policies, commitments, and support from the required agencies to formulate a comprehensive land use regime and land tenure system for fast-growing cities in Ghana. Therefore, the researchers suggest a proposed design of a model administrative centre that meets 21st century design requirements and standards for public offices should be envisioned, with strategies to initiate a new sustainable building regime for administrative centres in Ghana and similar geographies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Potential decoupling of CO2 and Hg uptake process by global vegetation in the 21st century

Mercury (Hg), a potent neurotoxin posing risks to human health, is cycled through vegetation uptake, which is susceptible to climate change impacts. However, the extent and pattern of these impacts are largely unknown, obstructing predictions of Hg’s fate in terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the effects of climate change on vegetation elemental Hg [Hg(0)] uptake using a state-of-the-art global terrestrial Hg model (CLM5-Hg) that incorporates plant physiology. In a business-as-usual scenario, the terrestrial Hg(0) sink is predicted to decrease by 1870 Mg yr−1 in 2100, that is ~60% lower than the present-day condition. We find a potential decoupling between the trends of CO2 assimilation and Hg(0) uptake process by vegetation in the 21st century, caused by the decreased stomatal conductance with increasing CO2. This implies a substantial influx of Hg into aquatic ecosystems, posing an elevated threat that warrants consideration during the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.

Infrastructure Development in Ethiopia and Its Impact on Economic Diplomacy With China

Economic Diplomacy between Ethiopia and China: A Focus on Infrastructure Development" explores the intricate dynamics of the economic partnership between Ethiopia and China, specifically emphasizing infrastructure development. This comprehensive analysis examines the alignment of Chinese government policies with Ethiopia's development goals, evaluates key infrastructure agreements and projects supported by China, and assesses the impact of Chinese government involvement on bilateral relations and economic diplomacy.Evidence of strategic alignment between Chinese government policies and Ethiopia's development objectives is observed across sectors such as infrastructure, industrialization, and poverty alleviation. Notable projects like the Eastern Industry Zone, Hawassa Industrial Park, and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway illustrate coordinated efforts to advance Ethiopia's industrialization agenda and bolster connectivity and regional trade.Moreover, the article delves into broader implications of the partnership, extending beyond individual projects to encompass comprehensive collaboration in transportation, energy, and industrial zones. It underscores China's significant influence and expertise in these sectors, facilitating Ethiopia's emergence as a regional trade hub and alignment with its geopolitical and economic aspirations.Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative approach involving purposive sampling and thematic analysis of primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources include interviews and discussions with key stakeholders, while secondary sources encompass policy documents, agreements, and scholarly literature. Thematic analysis is utilized to identify recurring themes and patterns, providing insights into the motivations and implications of Chinese involvement in Ethiopian infrastructure development.In conclusion, the study highlights the transformative potential of infrastructure development in enhancing diplomatic relations and projecting economic influence. China's contributions exemplify the evolving landscape of international economic diplomacy, shaping collaborative narratives in the 21st century. The rigorous qualitative methodology employed strengthens the credibility and reliability of the findings, offering deeper insights into the nuances of economic diplomacy between Ethiopia and China.