21st Century Research Articles

تحولات الحيز في الخطاب الروائي الإماراتي النسوي في القرن الواحد والعشرين: رواية رائحة الزنجبيل لصالحة عبيد غابش أنموذجًا

This study aims to shed light on one of the aspects of Emirati novels, particularly the transformations that have emerged due to the changes undergone by the Emirati society in the 21st century. The study focuses on the element of space to highlight, critique, and analyze these transformations, since space is a crucial element in the narrative discourse. Through space, the reader can unveil the hidden meanings within the text, and a critical analysis of space allows the reader to comprehend the narrative content and its intricacies. Additionally, space often reflects the influence of the environment on the writer's psyche and emotions, which is what we aimed to address in this study. We were able to achieve this through the examination of one of the most prominent novels in the Emirati literary scene, namely: Rā’iḥa Al-Janzabīl [The Scent of Ginger] by the novelist Ṣalḥa ‘Ubayd Ġābish.

The digital evolution in toxicology: pioneering computational education for emerging challenges

The educational landscape of toxicology is increasingly integrating computational methodologies due to ethical concerns about animal testing and advancements in biotechnological and data analysis tools. This paper examines the evolution and significance of the Toxicology in the 21st century (Tox21) initiative and its impact on computational toxicology education. It contrasts computational toxicology with traditional methods, highlighting the limitations of conventional approaches and the new perspectives offered by computational techniques. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating computational toxicology into curricula, including case studies that demonstrate how this integration enhances students’ problem-solving abilities, real-time data analysis skills, and innovation capabilities. Furthermore, it outlines effective teaching content and methods, including software tools, online resources, and academic literature. The paper also addresses the challenges and limitations faced in this educational shift and explores prospects for advancing computational toxicology education. By documenting these developments, the study aims to clarify the current advancements in toxicology education and the preparedness of students to address global chemical safety challenges with innovative solutions.

Projected population exposure to precipitation extremes in China by the end of the twenty-first century: trends, change points, and spatial variability

Projected population exposure to precipitation extremes in China by the end of the twenty-first century: trends, change points, and spatial variability

The bigger the problem the littler: When the scope of a problem makes it seem less dangerous.

Across 15 studies (N = 2,636), people who considered the prevalence of a problem (e.g., 4.2 million people drive drunk each month) inferred it caused less harm, a phenomenon we dub the big problem paradox. People believed dire problems-ranging from poverty to drunk driving-were less problematic upon learning the number of people they affect (Studies 1-2). Prevalence information caused medical experts to infer medication nonadherence was less dangerous, just as it led women to underestimate their true risk of contracting cancer. The big problem paradox results from an optimistic view of the world. When people believe the world is good, they assume widespread problems have been addressed and, thus, cause less harm (Studies 3-4). The big problem paradox has key implications for motivation and helping behavior (Studies 5-6). Learning the prevalence of medical conditions (i.e., chest pain, suicidal ideation) led people to think a symptomatic individual was less sick and, as a result, to help less-in violation of clinical guidelines. The finding that scale warps judgments and de-motivates action is of particular relevance in the globalized 21st century. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

GREENCOOL-Case Study of an International MOOC Course’s Green and Communication Content Development

Sustainability and green matters are emerging issues among youth in the 21st century. The European Union (EU) emphasises youth discourse on greener thinking and lifestyle, which aims to build an open-minded, green, and digital future. Therefore it is crucial to provide appropriate education and shape attitudes towards green issues. Regarding this scope, four universities of the European Capitals of Cultures (ECoC), the University of Pannonia (Veszprém, Hungary), University of Tartu (Estonia) Vytautas Magnus University (Kaunas, Lithuania), and West University of Timisoara (Romania), allied to develop a MOOC course interconnecting green related topics and communication skills and methods. The case study summarizes the main findings of the questionnaire (with 701 youth between 18-25 age), the desktop and focus group interviews research that gave the bases of developing the MOOC course material of GreenCool Erasmus projects. First the primary data, reflecting aspects of the involvement of young people in fighting climate crisis was analysed. The ultimate goal was to come up with a well-documented profile of students in tertiary education, reflecting their 'green' and 'communication' profiles as agents in fighting climate change. Second, taking the outcomes into consideration, the 4 universities carried out focus group interviews with 27 participants: influencers, green and communication experts and university students. As a result the green and communication topics were identified. This led to those methodological tools that were appropriate and effective in developing the GreenCool MOOC material and the corresponding blended Greenfluencer course with the provisional title: ‘Attitudes shaping communication techniques and green related topics in the 21st Century’. The case study describes the process and the results.

Teachers’ Views on the Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Early Childhood Education in Tanzania

In the 21st century, critical thinking skills are essential for children in early childhood education, to help them in their learning and life in general. To cultivate and promote these skills in early childhood education, children need the support and guidance of their teachers. It is therefore imperitive to understand teachers’ views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education. The aim of this study is to address this question and explore teachers’ views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in Dodoma, Tanzania. Methodology. This study employed a qualitative research approach with a phenomenography research design. The total sample of the study was five informants, selected through purposive sampling technique. The study used in-depth interviews with pre-primary schoolteachers to elicit data on their views towards the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in the Kongwa District of the Dodoma region. After the data collection process, the analysis was done using the Miles and Huberman Model (2014). The findings demonstrate that critical thinking skills are important in early childhood education: they enhance children’s’ problem-solving abilities, their creativity and the foundations of learning; they foster intellectual development among children and they enhance their socialisation and language development. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding teachers' views on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education in Tanzania, and in other areas around the world. Conclusion. Based on the importance of critical thinking skills in early childhood education, this study recommends the need to incorporate critical thinking skills into the core curriculum, across several subject areas in early childhood education by including activities that encourage and motivate children to think critically.

Impact of Solar Radiation Management on Andean glacier-wide surface mass balance

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is a climate intervention strategy aimed at mitigating global warming by reducing incoming solar radiation. We investigate the potential influence of SRM on Andean glacier-wide surface mass balance, as glaciers are crucial for downstream ecological functions along the west coast of South America. We numerically simulate the surface mass balance response of thousands of glaciers to SRM and other climate change scenarios throughout the 21st century. Results indicate Pan-Andean negative mass balance, irrespective of the scenario or glacier-climate regimes. However, SRM tends to modify interannual variability and temperature sensitivity in several regions. Our findings also suggest that if SRM had been implemented in the late 1980’s, it would have been effective in avoiding the negative trajectory seen today. The Andes feature nearly all mountain hydroclimatic regimes, representing a globally relevant example of SRM impacts. These findings emphasize the urgency of drastic emissions reduction.

The Heralds of the Gospel: Catholic anti-modernity as new right utopia in Brazil

ABSTRACT The ‘Heralds of the Gospel’ are a Brazilian ultra-Catholic group with a long history of far-right lobbying and activism. Recognized in 2001 by the Vatican as ‘International Private Association of Christ’s Faithfull’, they are also ‘of Pontifical right’ and since 2005 allowed to ordinate their own priests. As ”soldiers of Christ” they are inspired by the Templars and pursue a utopian mission to subvert, transform and ultimately overturn the modern, secular state through their apostolate. The Heralds have also created an international education network and media imperium, underpinned by a robust business model, and are starting to reach out to the US and Europe. The article argues that this kind of exotic, Catholic far-right utopianism matters if we are to understand the diversity of the global new right today, in particular because the Brazilian tradition, which the Heralds refer to, anticipated some of the by now recurrent elements of this strand of the right such as metapolitics and antimodernism. The article explores the century long (neo)integrist tradition that the Heralds grow out of and through their own publications, PR and leaked evidence, show how this tradition is brought to life in the 21st century as communitarian practices and material artifacts.

Empowering Student Transition and Engaging Students Using Actionbound: A Gamified Collaborative Community Learning Platform

Transition to University is a significant milestone for students who are embracing new experiences and challenges. It is particularly vital for international students who have to adapt to a new and different learning environment in the UK. Successful transition and sense of belonging in a new institution lay foundation for students’ academic success. However, transition is a process rather than an event. Accordingly, fostering a collaborative community learning environment and facilitate peer networks and community support becomes critical. It enables social interactions and active learning by engaging students in collaborative group activities, which would in turn support students’ transition to and belonging in a new learning environment. With the advancement of technology, computer-assisted and computer-supported collaborative learning flourished in 21st century. The emergence of mobile digital technology leads to the design of gamification in learning, known as game-based learning or gamified collaborative community learning in order to engage students in fun and interactive activities. ‘Actionbound’ is one of the versatile gamification platforms and mobile apps which can engage students in collaborative community learning with gamified activities. It enables users to create, share and participate in interactive scavenger hunts, tours, games and quizzes. It allows users to design custom challenges, incorporate multimedia content and track players’ progress in real-time. It engages participants to work collaboratively to solve challenges and complete tasks. At UHBS, we have used Actionbound to support the student transition into the University’ learning journey at the start of term. We used scavenger hunt game and quiz functions within Actionbound to direct students to collaborate in teams to solve the challenges and tasks. In this action research, students found Actionbound fun and loved the competitive nature with points and leaderboards. It helped them build network and form friendship. Together, they solved puzzles and tackled challenges which supported their transition and got them prepared for learning in a new environment. Moving forward, as an ongoing action research, we would like to extend the use of Actionbound to term time and in module delivery so to track students’ engagement with the collaborative learning platform and investigate the impact on their academic performance.

The Godina Principle in the 21st Century: Free Flap Timing after Isolated Lower Extremity Trauma in a Retrospective National Cohort.

The timing of free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma has been a controversial debate since Marko Godina's original 72-hour recommendation. Recent advances in microsurgery warrant an evaluation of the optimal time to reconstruction. The Nationwide Readmission Database (2014-2019) was used to identify patients undergoing free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma. Risk-adjusted statistical methods were used to identify optimal time where risk of infectious and microsurgical complications increase and to quantify the risk associated with time delays. A total of 1,030 patients undergoing reconstruction were identified. The mean time to flap coverage was 24.3 days. Thirty-three percent were performed within 72 hours, 24% from 72 hours to 10 days, 18% from 10 to 30 days, and 24% after 30 days. Flaps performed after 10 days were associated with increased risk of surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, and other wound complications, compared with those performed within 72 hours. There was no increased risk in the period of 72 hours to 10 days. Revision amputation and microsurgical complications were not increased after 10 days. The predicted optimal cutoff was 9.5 days for microsurgical complications and 14.5 days for infectious complications. Advances in microsurgery may be responsible for extending the time in which definitive soft tissue coverage is required for wounds resulting from lower extremity trauma. Although it appears the original 72-hour time window can be safely extended, efforts should be made to refer patients to specialty limb salvage centers in a timely fashion.

The Hidden Metaphysics of J. M. E. McTaggart’s Paradox: Influence on The Analytic Philosophy of Time

This paper discusses the various interpretations of McTaggart’s paradox that have been proposed throughout the 20th and the 21st centuries. It is argued that the traditional interpretation of McTaggart’s paradox, one which states that no metaphysical assumptions are required, is unfounded, but is nevertheless vital to the development of the analytic philosophy of time. To support such a position, various works of McTaggart and R. Ingthorsson are cited, aiming to show the intention of the creator of the paradox. It is argued that if McTaggart’s metaphysical premises are accepted, the potential number of interpretations gets narrowed down; however, it is also shown that many of the critiques and discussions arising from the analytic philosophy of time’s discourse can be relatively easily resolved. It is thus concluded that an interpretation of McTaggart’s paradox that includes his metaphysical premises not only makes the paradox itself less ambiguous, but it also shows the importance of metaphysics to the analytic philosophy of time.

Global warming level indicators of climate change and hotspots of exposure

Abstract In the 21st century, a growing population will be exposed to various hazards caused by a warming climate. Here we present a new database of 12 climate change indicators with a total of 42 variants at different global warming levels (GWLs) (1.2 °C–3.5 °C), which is based on global climate and hydrological model data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project round 6 and the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project round 3b at 0.5° spatial resolution. It comprises of indicators relating to temperature and precipitation extremes, heatwave events, and hydrological variability. To facilitate the comparison of hazards from different indicators, including for an audience without a scientific background, we have developed a bivariate hazard score which is applied on the grid cell level and incorporates statistics on both the absolute hazard (e.g. low or high precipitation) and the relative change under global warming compared to the reference period (e.g. a large change from low to high precipitation). Additionally, we calculate exposed land area and population through the 21st century for a large set of countries and regions by combining this score with gridded projections of population from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The datasets are intended for use by the wider research community and analysts seeking digestible climate hazard and exposure data summarized by GWLs. To illustrate potential uses of the data, in a preliminary analysis we find that even at 1.5 °C large parts of the land area and population face substantial unavoidable risks from multiple indicators, with 86% of the world’s population exposed to at least three indicators with at least medium hazard using the population projections for SSP2 in the year 2050. This picture only worsens with increasing warming, as the land areas facing the highest number of impacts coincide with some of the most densely populated parts of the world.

Jordan’s Regime Security Under the COVID-19 Pandemic: Securitisation Against Visible and Invisible Threats

The Jordanian authoritarian regime, headed by the Hashemite royal family, has developed a robust regime security system. Having defeated the Arab Nationalists and Palestinian militias, the most significant threats in the Kingdom’s history, and achieved peace with Israel, the monarchy appears to have legitimised its sovereignty and domestic rule. Meanwhile, nonterritorial threats represented by jihadists have continued intermittently despite a surveillance network and continuous securitisation by authorities. Worryingly, decades-long employment problems and inflationary risks are chronic security risks in Jordan in the 21st century. This study examines how Jordan’s regime is functioning against new and old internal security risks during an unprecedented emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic. Under several lockdowns, the government could securitise prominent social forces including Islamists and professional associations for regulation violations. However, it needed to be more effective against the grassroots movement that continued to criticise the government while using cyberspace as its main battleground. Most critical cases, such as the 2021 uproar over former Crown Prince Hamza, primarily became virtual movements. The battle without winners and losers, fought using information and communication technologies from the perspective of digital authoritarianism by the government and liberation technology by resistance forces, posed a new challenge for Jordan’s regime security.

Seven Decades of Surface Temperature Changes in Central European Lakes: What Is Next?

Lakes are vital components of the hydrosphere, holding both environmental and economic significance. In recent times, they have undergone transformations in one of their key characteristics—water temperature. Assessing the scale and pace of these changes depends on the length and accuracy of the available data. This study focuses on the two lakes in Poland (Białe Augustowskie and Studzieniczne) with the longest continuous water temperature records, ranging from 1954 to 2023. The results reveal a relatively stable thermal regime until the late 1980s (with changes that were statistically insignificant) and a significant shift over the past three decades, during which the water temperature increased at a rate of 0.5 °C per decade. Importantly, simulations indicate further warming of the water by the end of the 21st century. Depending on the chosen climate change scenario, the warming of both lakes is expected to continue, with the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP585) scenario projecting a steady increase of 0.5 °C per decade. Given the fundamental importance of water temperature in determining factors such as water quality, these future changes present a significant challenge for water management authorities in terms of maintaining and managing these ecosystems.

Комментарий очерка Сергея Слонимского «Скандалист поневоле: хроника хронического стресса – 1972-1991» из книги «Заметки на полях нотной тетради»

The article continues the publication and commentary of S. M. Slonimsky’s 2002 essay “An Unwilling Scandalmonger: A Chronicle of Chronic Stress – 1972-1991” from the book “Notes in the Margin of a Music Score”. Due to space limitations, the entire material of the essay is divided into three parts: the first article is dedicated to the post-war period of the author’s life until the beginning of the 1970s. The second (this) article explores events from the composer’s life and work in 1972-1991. The following, third article will cover the last decade of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, 1992-2002. The focal points of the author’s reflections in the second essay of the “chronicle of chronic stress – 1972-1991” are also themes of moral and ethical issues within the composer’s society. These themes are explored in a different light – in direct connection with S. M. Slonimsky’s life in chronological order. The essay covers the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. The writing of this commentary is driven by the intensifying crisis of moral values in contemporary society. The author concludes: one should “focus on only one painful moment, quite typical of my creative and life path. Perhaps scandalous storms are my cross, the fateful predetermination of my destiny. Perhaps it is a fatal necessity for an independent person walking their own path, not wanting to prudently submit to those in power, to what promises peace, recognition, success, prosperity, and happy success. That is how I am, and that is how I will remain until the end <…> In my work, my philosophical worldview, personal traits of my emotional temperament, and my attitude towards many people inhabiting Russia, Europe, Asia, our entire earth are absolutely obvious.” As a result of the study, Slonimsky’s unwavering commitment to the established moral and ethical order and his uncompromising stance against manifestations of evil, envy, and betrayal in the composers’ milieu and music teaching have been identified and confirmed.

Cultivating Digital Skills: Assessing Trainee Digital Skills and Individual Needs

It is widely recognised that having applicable digital skills is crucial to a lot of professions and is highly relevant to economic growth and digital transformation. Additionally, a lot of digital training does not consider, the specific needs of the individual. As such, this paper presents an adaption for means of digital skills assessment and training readiness, and practical skills appraisals, which allows training to be modified to individual needs. This paper focuses on a skills' assessments (appraisals) for working professionals that are not in traditionally IT specialist roles such as physio therapists and food technicians, specifically in how working professionals can be assessed and better prepared for digital upskilling. An adapted framework is motivated by using concepts of digital skills' assessment by Van Laar et al. (2018), which includes adapting their established set of measures for 21st century Digital skills. The results and findings, to date, are based upon twelve skills appraisals and six short training sessions, across six participants. Resulting in qualitative data in the form of researcher observations and participant narrations over skill-based activities with non-IT based professionals. Participants were recruited primarily from a regional skills support scheme focused upon digital skills' development, for people in employment. The aims of this paper are to report the findings of active research and to provide initial insights regarding strategies for digital trainers. The suggested approaches are intended to highlight areas of interest and focus for trainees. These approaches should benefit skills development and delivery for a large population of non-IT based professionals.

Трансформация подходов к исследованию идентичности и культурной идентичности в конце ХХ – начале ХХI столетий: тенденции и перспективы

This article examines the role of cultural identity policy as a tool for institutionalizing established values, beliefs, and means of sustenance in the structure of cultural identity. It is emphasized that the works of classical scholars of the 20th century address the issue of cultural identity in the context of fundamental theories of personality, motivation, needs, determinisms, and more. In contrast, research conducted in the first quarter of the 21st century exhibits a continuity of these foundational themes. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that the transformation of theoretical and methodological approaches is manifested in the reception of the issue of cultural identity-as a conceptual, social, and historical product that is created by individuals and society through processes of joint activity, and that is continually negotiated and modified under the influence of cultural policies and means of their institutionalization. Using research findings as a case study, the article illustrates how the government forms the cultural identity of populations: it instills norms, defines parameters of consciousness, and influences living practices and traditional forms of behavior. However, the intensity of such influence varies significantly. Based on a description of different types of cultural hybridity, the article identifies and represents corresponding types of identity-strong and weak-that manifest in conditions of intercultural communication.

Tapping into Gen Z Ways to Enhance E-learning and Meaningful Connections

Generation-Z born 2000-2009 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2024) are comfortable with digital technology and connecting with one another using social media platforms. Regardless of this proficiency they may still experience challenges engaging with online learning especially around social cohesion, wellbeing and learning success. Other challenges they may encounter are communicating and interacting face-to-face in the workplace, which is a vital 21st Century graduate attribute. A growing societal concern is staff shortages and unfilled vacancies within the health sector. There are many factors influencing health care workforce shortages, but Generation-Z may be a good fit due to their growing awareness of societal concerns and willingness to upskill. This study seeks to investigate the enablers and barriers impacting Generation-Z nursing students’ ability to successfully engage with e-learning and to communicate effectively in face-to-face interactions within the workplace environment. Furthermore, this study seeks to explore the ways Generation- Z nursing students communicate and interact with each other on social media. The study will use a qualitative, social constructionism (making meaning in a social context) methodology. Methods include three focus group discussions with students aged 18-24 years, enrolled external/online in an undergraduate nursing program, with a minimum of one clinical placement completed or attempted. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis process proposed by Braun and Clarke (2022). Findings will inform e-learning design strategies that address the identified barriers and use the enablers to help Generation-Z successfully transfer their social media communication knowledge and skills to better engage with online learning, leading to higher satisfaction and completion rates. These strategies include supporting the transference of their fluent online social media communication skills to build and use meaningful connections relevant to the healthcare workplace that further supports the enablement of the graduate attribute, effective communicator.

Epidemiological profile of patients hospitalized with Crohn’s disease due to severe acute respiratory infection during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2-year report from Brazil

Background and aimsThe novel coronavirus-induced severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) led to one of the most significant global pandemics of the 21st century, causing substantial challenges for healthcare systems worldwide, including those in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical profiles of hospitalized patients in Brazil who had both COVID-19 and Crohn’s disease (CD) over a 2-year period.MethodsAn epidemiological analysis was conducted using data from Open-Data-SUS. The study focused on describing the demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and hospitalization details of patients afflicted with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 and CD, with the aim of predicting mortality risk.ResultsThe states of São Paulo, Paraná, and Minas Gerais accounted for 50% of the reported COVID-19 cases. The most affected racial group consisted of individuals who self-declared as mixed race. Common comorbidities included heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. The age group most affected was 25 to 60 years old, particularly among hospitalized patients with both CD and COVID-19 who ultimately succumbed to the illness. A multivariable analysis was conducted to identify the following significant risk factors for death: (a) the presence of neurological disorder (OR = 6.716; 95% CI = 1.954–23.078), (b) the need for intensive care (OR = 3.348; 95% CI = 1.770–6.335), and (c) the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 59.017; 95% CI = 19.796–175.944).ConclusionThere was no discernible gender-based prevalence among hospitalized patients with CD and COVID-19; however, individuals of mixed race were disproportionately affected. The 25 to 60 age group emerged as the most vulnerable demographic group, with high risks of hospitalization and mortality. Moreover, the study highlights the potential for COVID-19 to induce systemic pathologies that may result in long-term degenerative effects and sequelae.

Hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis over cobalt-modified niobium oxide catalysts

The increasing concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, primarily driven by fossil fuel combustion, is a major contributor to global warming and one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. In response, the development of sustainable energy technologies, such as hydrogen (H₂) production, has become crucial in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. In this study, we explored the catalytic activity of cobalt-modified niobium-based catalysts for hydrogen generation through the hydrolysis of NaBH₄. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDX, and N₂ adsorption-desorption. XRD analysis revealed that the synthesized Nb₂O₅ (Nb₂O₅ Synt.) and Nb₂O₅/Co (Nb₂O₅/Co Synt.) exhibited amorphous structures, while the commercial Nb₂O₅ (Nb₂O₅ Com.) and its Co-modified composite displayed orthorhombic phases. The Nb₂O₅/Co Synt. catalyst achieved a surface area of 33.1 m2/g, significantly surpassing that of the commercial Nb₂O₅. The Nb₂O₅/Co Synt. catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity, yielding 250 mL of hydrogen in 60 min, in contrast to other catalysts that showed no activity under identical conditions. This enhanced activity was attributed to the presence of surface hydroxyl groups and metallic Co nanoparticles, following the Langmuir-Hinshelwood bimolecular mechanism. Temperature was identified as a critical factor in the H₂ production rate, with a calculated activation energy of 11.37 kJ/mol. Moreover, the Nb₂O₅/Co Synt. catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining stable performance after multiple reaction cycles, highlighting its potential for sustainable hydrogen production.