21st Century Research Articles

From the Model to the Glance

Between the late 1960s and the early twenty-first century, the process by which astronomers identified gravitational lenses went from a time-consuming spectroscopic experiment to a two-second glance at a telescope image. This article analyzes discoveries of gravitational lenses over this period to explore the questions: How did astronomers learn to see new objects in the sky, and how did they train their eyes to effortlessly recognize these patterns in nature? Rather than separating procedural and intuitive approaches, I argue that the mathematical modeling and the spectroscopic identifications of the sixties and seventies were necessary scaffolding for the development of expert intuition in the eighties. By developing an intuition for what a lens looked like, astronomers increasingly relied on their own expert judgment rather than spectroscopy or calculations to initially identify lensing candidates. Through this history, I highlight intuition as a skill and explore the methods by which scientists train and retrain their intuition over the course of a career. The gamut of gravitational lens discoveries reveals that scientists used models to not only describe the world as it is but also to teach themselves what it could look like. To retrain their intuition and to learn how to see gravitational lenses, astronomers learned to see their models.

From Third-Generation Nigerian Literature in English to the Twenty-First Century

From Third-Generation Nigerian Literature in English to the Twenty-First Century

Mapping the Way: Teaching Music Information Literacy in the Contemporary Information Landscape

abstract: Information literacy instruction in the twenty-first century stands at a crossroads of multiple socio-cultural trends, recent technological advances (specifically, artificial intelligence applications and large language models), shifting professional standards, and new developments in local educational settings. It is now necessary for instructors to act as explorers of the information environments in which they live and work, observing and staying cognizant of these developments while utilizing the principles of information ethics as a compass for guiding their work. In this article, the author explains how developments in local settings, combined with the above factors, can serve as an impetus for reinventing information literacy instruction. The author presents a variety of strategies for teaching information literacy in music in both credit-bearing courses and "one shot" instructional sessions that incorporate existing information literacy standards and values in information ethics. Curriculum mapping is highlighted as a strategy for planning and codifying pedagogical strategies while keeping lesson planning adaptable and responsive to specific learning needs. Recommendations for other instructors acknowledge that the process of delivering effective information literacy instruction in music is ongoing; success will depend upon how instructors choose to respond to contemporary societal developments and the educational needs of students and colleagues at their respective institutions.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and disrupted sleep: mediating roles of proteins

BackgroundPer-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination may disrupt sleep through disrupted metabolic and immune functions. The study aims to investigate the association and potential mechanism between PFAS and sleep. MethodsWe included 136 young adults recruited between 2014-2018 and 76 were re-assessed between 2020-2022. Additional 8 participants only had complete data between 2020-2022. Plasma PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFPeS, PFNA, PFDA) were measured at both visits using liquid-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Plasma proteins were measured by Olink® Explore 384 Cardiometabolic and Inflammation Panel I. Sleep duration was self-reported at both visits along with follow-up sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment using validated instruments. We utilized multiple linear regression to explore the association between individual PFAS (in tertile) and these sleep outcomes. PFAS associated with sleep outcomes were subjected to computational toxicology analysis using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and Toxicology in the 21st Century database to identify potential genetic links between them. Mediation analysis using proteomic data was then performed to confirm the findings from computational toxicology analysis. ResultsAt baseline, one tertile increase in PFDA was associated with 0.39 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.73) hours of shorter nightly sleep duration, and, at follow-up, PFHxS and PFOA were associated with 0.39 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.72) and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.63) hours shorter sleep duration, respectively. One tertile increase in PFOS exposure was associated with a 2.99-point increase in sleep disturbance scores (95% CI: 0.67, 5.31) and a 3.35-point increase in sleep-related impairment scores (95% CI: 0.51, 6.20). Computational toxicology and mediation analyses identified potential mediating roles for several proteins in the PFAS-sleep associations, including 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 1 (HSD11B1), cathepsin B (CTSB) and several immune system-related proteins. ConclusionFuture large scale epidemiological and mechanistic studies should confirm our findings and test effect measure modification of the associations by age.

On Climate Change and Trade Cumulus Organization

AbstractWe investigate the role of mesoscale organization for the response of trade cumulus (Tc) clouds to climate change. Among four recently identified states of Tc organization, the “Sugar” state has the lowest and the “Flower” state the highest cloud fraction and cloud radiative effect. Using large‐eddy simulations, we find that the Flower Tc state is more sensitive to climate change than the Sugar Tc state. In the considered case, the short‐wave cloud radiative effect weakens by 0.28 W m−2 in the Sugar state and by 1.5 W m−2 in the Flower state over the course of 21st century under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario. This is accompanied by a reduction of the short‐wave cloud radiative effect variance on the mesoscale. The primary mechanism is stabilization of the boundary layer by stronger long‐wave radiative heating at the inversion associated with higher greenhouse gas levels. This weakens the boundary layer mesoscale circulation that is responsible for aggregation of moisture and formation of the Flower Tc state. Thus, in the considered case, organization on the mesoscale amplifies the positive feedback of Tc clouds to climate change. Owing to the widespread occurrence of boundary layer mesoscale circulations in the Tc regime, this mechanism could modulate the Tc response to climate change in general.

328. NORMAN RUPERT BARRETT (1903 – 1979)

Abstract Norman Rupert Barrett (1903 – 1979) was an Adelaide born thoracic surgeon. Barrett is most well-known for his contribution to ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’. He was born into the Barrett Brothers malt producing family. He left Australia at the age of 10 and travelled throughout Europe and arrived in England in the wake of World War I. Following the Great War, Barrett sat his surgical examinations. Ironically, while the 21st century boasts well rounded surgeons and safe working hours, Barrett was at one point chastised for leaving the hospital grounds for a short walk while on call. The origin of the term ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’ may not be quite as you imagine. Barrett initially describes the oesophagus being lined with columnar epithelium but attributes this to a congenitally shortened oesophagus leading to part of the stomach entering the chest. Later on, it was described by Allison and Johnstone that this was, in fact, the oesophagus and proposed ulcers in this region better termed ‘Barrett’s ulcers’. Only several years later was this pathology accepted by Barrett. Now ‘Barret’s Oesophagus’ is well known to us as the term used to describe the adaptive metaplastic change of the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus to columnar epithelium from the stomach; it is the pathological waymark for endoscopists in the development of Oesophageal Cancer.

International trends in prescribing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for daily wear (2000–2023): An update

PurposeIntroduced around the turn of the 21st century, silicone hydrogel contact lenses alleviated hypoxic anterior eye complications due to their high oxygen transmissibility. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting between 2000 and 2023. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023. Data relating to 260,144 daily wear soft contact lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting. ResultsThere has been a dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel daily wear lens fits (p < 0.0001), increasing from 2.8 % of all daily wear soft lens fits in 2000 to 73.7 % in 2023. Of all daily wear soft contact lenses prescribed to males, 44.6 % were silicone hydrogel lenses, compared with 43.5 % for females (p = 0.0146). The mean age of those wearing silicone hydrogel daily wear lenses was 32.0 ± 14.5 years, compared to 30.4 ± 13.6 years for those wearing daily wear hydrogel lenses (p < 0.0001). Between 2019–2023, the average percentage of fits was – (a) material type: silicone hydrogel – 73 %; mid-water content hydrogels – 13 %; high water content hydrogels – 9 %; and low water content hydrogels – 5 %, and (b) lens design: spherical – 44 %, toric – 32 %, multifocal – 17 %, monovision – 4 %, and ‘other’ – 3 %. ConclusionThe dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel contact lens prescribing for daily wear has been commensurate with the introduction of multiple lens brands and an ongoing expansion of lens designs, parameters and replacement frequency options. The balance between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lens prescribing is perhaps starting to approach an equilibrium.

A New Typology of Out-of-School Youth Sports in 21st Century America: The Contrasting Organizational Logics of “Sport-Focused” and “Sport-for-Development” Programming Under Neoliberal Conditions

Out-of-school youth sport in the United States is bigger, more varied, and more impactful than ever before. In dialogue with existing scholarship, this paper uses multisite, collaborative fieldwork to identify core elements of program variation and develop a composite typology of this organizational field. The typology is based on a distinction between “sport-focused” programs and programs oriented toward nonsport social and developmental goals. Our primary insight is that programs within these domains exhibit two different organizational logics, one hierarchical, the other categorical. We also argue that variabilities of funding, social context, and reliance on public facilities are additional factors that impact the operation and effectiveness of these program types including their ability to address the racialized challenges of access, equity, and inclusion. Theorizing these differential configurations and their underlying characteristics can help parents, policymakers, practitioners (including coaches), and sports researchers engage youth sports more effectively under increasingly competitive neoliberal conditions.

Optimal Scheduling of Renewable Sources Based Micro Grid With PV and Battery Storage Using Crayfish Optimization Algorithm

ABSTRACTEnvironmental concerns and energy security are pressing issues of the 21st century, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels causing significant environmental pollution and resource depletion. To mitigate these problems, it is crucial to explore and implement alternative clean energy sources. This manuscript proposes a novel crayfish optimization algorithm (COA) for optimal scheduling in a hybrid power system that incorporates various renewable energy sources, like battery energy storage systems (BESS), fuel cells (FC), wind turbines (WT), micro turbines (MT) and photovoltaic (PV) panels. The importance of the work lies in its ability to optimize the entire operating costs of a grid‐connected microgrid while improving the accuracy and efficiency of energy management. The COA method addresses economic dispatch problems and manages energy within the grid‐connected microgrid, accounting for high levels of uncertainty. The proposed approach, tested using MATLAB Simulink, achieved a cost value of 252, outperforming existing methods such as GTO, PSO, SSA, and ALO. This illustrates the potential of the proposed technique to provide more cost‐effective and efficient energy management solutions in hybrid power systems.

Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning in the English Classes at Military Academies

Abstract As military students navigate the demanding transition to the post-pandemic learning environment, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing social and emotional learning (SEL) needs. Drawing on existing literature as well as on empirical evidence, the present paper focuses on the unique benefits that this type of learning has for cadets and on the potential that foreign language classes can have as a platform for promoting Social and Emotional Learning competencies such as more involvement in the English classes, an increased resilience level, better relationship skills, or increased academic performance. The article also presents some potential challenges for the implementation of SEL in English classes at military academies, including alignment with existing curriculum standards, faculty training and support, and assessment of SEL outcomes. Furthermore, the paper suggests modalities in which SEL can be incorporated in the English classes by means of projects, role-plays, problem solving, etc. and pinpoints the role that educators play in facilitating SEL integration. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the expertise of teachers and military leaders, academies can create inspirational learning environments that promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of their cadets, preparing them for the 21st century.

Climate change and extremes in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus: from historical trends to future projections

Cyprus is a European island state in the eastern Mediterranean climate change hotspot. Despite being a relatively small island, it has diverse climatic zones, ranging from semi-arid to subhumid in the mountains and humid on Mount Olympos. Given the accelerated rate of environmental change in the region, the present study aims to identify, and update observed trends of critical climate parameters, highlighting vulnerable climatic areas within the island. Moreover, since nationwide multi-model assessments of future climate conditions are limited or outdated, we aim to investigate the range of future climate projections using a 21-member EURO-CORDEX ensemble under pathways RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. Besides mean conditions, we analyze various extreme climate indicators relevant to socio-economic activities such as agriculture, biodiversity, tourism, energy and water resources. Our historical analysis revealed a statistically significant increasing temperature trend (0.4 °C–0.6 °C per decade), which is more pronounced during the summer and spring. Concerning precipitation, the observed trends are not as robust, nevertheless, the southeastern coast and the central regions near the capital city of Nicosia are substantially drier and more prone to further changes in precipitation regimes. The projections for the end of the 21st century, according to the high radiative forcing scenario (RCP8.5), indicate that Cyprus is likely to experience an annual temperature increase of over 4 °C and an approximate 20%–30% reduction in annual rainfall, relative to 1981–2000. These projections highlight an alarming trend that requires urgent attention and proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on the island.

Exploring Perceptions of 21st Century Skills among Thai Grade 9 Students: A Focus on the 4Cs st

This study investigated the perceptions of Thai secondary school students regarding the importance of 21st-century skills, specifically focusing on the 4Cs: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The study employed survey research using a 68-item online questionnaire via Google Form, which was distributed to 146 ninth-grade students at a school in Thailand during the 2024 academic year. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings reveal a strong positive perception of all four 4Cs skills, with over 72% of students recognizing their importance. Communication skills emerged as particularly significant, receiving the highest agreement rating among the 4Cs (M=3.62). This emphasis on communication suggests a potential focus on these skills within secondary education, highlighting the need for continuous development throughout a student’s academic journey. Although creativity and critical thinking also received a mean of 3.61, collaboration skills, while still viewed favorably, had a slightly lower agreement mean (M=3.60). This suggests a potential need for further exploration of collaborative learning environments within the school setting. These insights from the findings can inform targeted improvements in educational practices, particularly by developing curricula directed at promoting communication-focused activities and more effective collaborative strategies, to better prepare students for future academic and professional challenges.

‘Not elsewhere specified’: a case study of preservice teachers’ perceptions and practices of outdoor learning

ABSTRACT This case study premised that outdoor learning situates within a unique ontological category of where learning happens, distinct from curricular (what) and pedagogical (who/how) concerns of learning. By shifting preservice teacher learning experiences during mandatory teacher education methods courses outdoors, we conjured a boundary object for where learning occurs. We collected and analysed preservice teacher reflections generated from the outdoor learning experiences. Three overarching outdoor learning dimensions (OLD) were distilled from 90 reflection-outputs: outdoors as 1) experience, 2) concept, and 3) place. Discussion considered purposes of outdoor where in teacher preparation for 21st century learning in relation to the aim of inhabitancy, through the lens of useful learning. Useful learning was scoped as learning concerned with health and wellbeing, pro-environmental actions and beliefs, and experiential/inquiry-based learning.

Analysis of Apple Financial Risk Management

In the dynamic financial environment of the 21st century, Apple Inc. is a model of innovation and market leadership. It is known for its innovative products and groundbreaking business strategies that have solidified its leadership position in consumer electronics, software and online services. In today's fast-paced and diverse financial environment, where technological advancements and regulatory changes are believed to be the norm, corporations like Apple Inc. are facing a growing number of financial threats, explaining the significance of effective financial risk management. This paper aims to investigate the numerous measures Apple Inc. has taken to reduce its financial risks especially market risks such as currency fluctuations, market volatility, and interest rate fluctuations. Particular emphasis is placed on how Apple strategically prevents the mentioned risks through internal controls and a diversified portfolio, highlighting the effectiveness of these measures. The article also analyzes how Apple manages liquidity, complies with regulatory requirements, and uses the latest advanced technology for analyzing and predicting potential financial risks. The results emphasize how crucial Apple's financial risk management is to uphold its financial standing and ensure the company's long-term survival and stability in an uncertain global economy.

Climate‐Driven Projections of Future Global Wetlands Extent

AbstractWetlands are crucial components of the Earth's system, interacting with various processes such as the hydrological cycle, energy exchanges with the atmosphere, and global nitrogen and carbon cycles. The future trajectory of wetlands is anticipated to be influenced not only by direct human activities, but also by climate change. Here we present our assessment of climate‐driven global changes in wetlands extent, focusing on the main wetland complexes. We used an approach based on the Topographic Hydrological model (TOPMODEL) and soil liquid water content projections from 14 models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Our analysis reveals a consistent decrease in wetlands extent in the Mediterranean, Central America, and northern South America, with a substantial loss of 28% in the western Amazon Basin for the end of the 21st century (2081–2100) under the SSP370 scenario. Conversely, Central Africa exhibits an increase in wetlands extent, except in the Congo Basin. Nevertheless, most of the areas studied (80%) present uncertain results, due to conflicting projections of changes between the models. Notably, we show that there is significant uncertainty among CMIP6 models regarding liquid soil water content in high latitudes. By narrowing our focus to 10 models, which seem to better represent the thawing of permafrost, we obtain a better inter‐model agreement. We then find a modest declines in the overall global area (&lt;5%), but an average loss of 13% beyond 50°N. Specific areas like the Hudson Bay Lowlands experiencing a 21% decrease and the Western Siberian Lowlands a 15% decrease.

Development of Mathematics Interactive E-Worksheet

Technology integration has become essential in the rapidly evolving landscape of education of the 21st century. Moreover, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital tools in learning. This article explores the development of interactive e-worksheets in mathematics education using the Wizer.me platform. In Indonesia, the Merdeka Belajar curriculum emphasises digital technology as a fundamental aspect of addressing accessibility, quality, and equality in education. The developed e-worksheets are designed to enhance the traditional worksheet experience by transforming it into an interactive, engaging, and contemporary format. The advantages include cost savings, environmental friendliness, and combining multimedia elements such as videos and animations to boost student motivation. The study investigates the necessity of digitally accessible learning activities, aligning with the demands of future educational needs. Focusing on fractions as a challenging topic for students, this study uses the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) as the Research and Development (R&amp;amp;D) model. The Wizer.me platform is employed for its user-friendly interface, varied question types, and integrated Google Classroom. The validation process involves expert judgment from mathematics educators and practical testing among junior high school students. The findings indicate that the developed interactive e-worksheets are valid and practical, receiving positive student responses during the limited trial. The article reveals the importance of innovative learning materials and suggests that teachers leverage technology to create engaging and accessible content, fostering a more dynamic learning environment. The study recommends the widespread adoption of interactive e-worksheets to enhance students' motivation and comprehension, particularly in challenging mathematical concepts like fractions.

University Principals' and Directors' Perceptions of Faculty Professional Development Needs: A Qualitative Analysis

Effective leadership and management are indispensable for creating high-quality environments in educational institutions. They support and motivate faculty, ensure efficient teaching and learning, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This way, effective management enhances the institution's overall academic performance and reputation. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perception of university directors and principals regarding the need for professional development for faculty members. A total of seven directors and principals from different divisions and campuses of the University of Education, Lahore, were selected as a sample for the study using a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain in-depth information from the directors and principals. The interviews were meticulously transcribed verbatim and subsequently translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data after transcription. Researchers explored that principals and directors perceived professional development needs for the faculty in three significant domains including research-related professional development needs, teaching-related professional development needs, and collaboration-related professional development needs. The fulfillment of these needs can play an essential role in improving the ranking of the university as well as addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The university administration can address these needs by offering relevant PD opportunities and support to the faculty so they can engage themselves in research-related activities and seek collaboration to promote a research-oriented culture within the university.

Enzyme Catalysis Today and the Chemistry of the 21st Century

Enzyme Catalysis Today and the Chemistry of the 21st Century

Social Change in Pakistan: Women Empowerment 21st Century

Social Change in Pakistan: Women Empowerment 21st Century

An Overview of Body Size Preference, Perception and Dissatisfaction in Sub-Saharan Africans Living in the United States.

Body image affects health practices. With acculturation superimposed on globalization, 21st century body size preferences of African immigrants, one of the fasting growing populations in the United States, are unknown. Therefore, in African immigrants living in America we assessed: 1) body size preference; and 2) body size dissatisfaction. Participants chose two silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale: one for body size preference and one for perceived body size. Each silhouette corresponds to a BMI category: (a) Underweight: 1 and 2; (b) Normal weight: 3 and 4; (c) Overweight: 5, 6 and 7; (d) Obesity: 8 and 9. Dissatisfaction was defined as the difference between silhouette numbers for perceived and preferred body size. Characteristics of the 412 participants were: women: 42% (174/412), age 40±11y (mean±SD), range 20-69 y, BMI 27.9±4.6, range 19.5-47.3 kg/m2. As a body size of preference, no one (0/412) chose obese silhouettes. Normal weight silhouettes were chosen as their body size of preference by 75% (131/174) of women and 60% (143/238) of men. Overweight silhouettes were chosen as their preferred body size by 11% (19/174) of women and 26% (62/238) of men. Combining normal and overweight silhouettes into one group, 86% (150/174) of women and 86% (205/238) of men preferred to be either normal or overweight. Underweight silhouettes were preferred by 14% (24/174) of women and 14% (33/238) of men. Dissatisfaction because body size was too large occurred in 78% (135/174) of women and 53% (126/238) of men. Dissatisfaction because body size was too small occurred in 6% (11/174) of women and 16% (38/238) of men. African immigrants prefer body sizes which are normal or overweight. However, and presumably attributable to the combined influence of globalization and acculturation, a worrisome fraction of African immigrants favor an underweight silhouette.