21st Century Research Articles

Triple-Target Inhibition of Cholinesterase, Amyloid Aggregation, and GSK3β to Ameliorate Cognitive Deficits and Neuropathology in the Triple-Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses one of the most urgent medical challenges in the 21st century as it affects millions of people. Unfortunately, the etiopathogenesis of AD is not yet fully understood and the current pharmacotherapy options are somewhat limited. Here, we report a novel inhibitor, Compound 44, for targeting cholinesterases, amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) simultaneously with the aim of achieving symptomatic relief and disease modification in AD therapy. We found that Compound 44 had good inhibitory effects on all intended targets with IC50s of submicromolar or better, significant neuroprotective effects in cell models, and beneficial improvement of cognitive deficits in the triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg AD) mouse model. Moreover, we showed that Compound 44 acts as an autophagy regulator by inducing nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB through GSK-3β inhibition, enhancing the biogenesis of lysosomes and elevating autophagic flux, thus ameliorating the amyloid burden and tauopathy, as well as mitigating the disease phenotype. Our results suggest that triple-target inhibition via Compound 44 could be a promising strategy that may lead to the development of effective therapeutic approaches for AD.

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Kincir Misteri Berbasis Local Wisdom Sumatera Selatan Pada Mata Pelajaran IPAS Kelas IV di SD Negeri 223 Palembang

This study reviews the application of various innovative learning models in the context of 21st century education in Indonesia, with a focus on the application of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and other cooperative learning methods. This study refers to the latest research (2020-2024) which examines the effectiveness of implementing TPACK in the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program, Classroom Action Research (PTK) training oriented towards 21st century learning, as well as the use of creative digital learning media. like a webtoon comic. The method used in this research is a literature review study, by collecting and analyzing scientific articles related to the implementation of PTK in elementary schools. The data collection technique used is analysis, which will later function to collect relevant data and sources in this research. The type of data used is qualitative, chosen because the method applied is a literature study. The results of this study show that the application of TPACK and other innovative learning methods has a positive impact in increasing teacher competence, student interest and involvement, as well as student learning outcomes. Technology-based learning models such as TPACK and Problem Based Learning (PBL) strategies combined with the Talking Stick method, have been proven to be able to improve students' critical thinking skills and activity in learning. This study concludes that collaboration between technology and pedagogy in learning has an important role in building an education system that is responsive to the demands and challenges of the digital era.

Implementasi Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) dalam Penelitian Tindakan Kelas: Sebuah Studi Review

This study reviews the application of various innovative learning models in the context of 21st century education in Indonesia, with a focus on the application of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and other cooperative learning methods. This study refers to the latest research (2020-2024) which examines the effectiveness of implementing TPACK in the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program, Classroom Action Research (PTK) training oriented towards 21st century learning, as well as the use of creative digital learning media. like a webtoon comic. The method used in this research is a literature review study, by collecting and analyzing scientific articles related to the implementation of PTK in elementary schools. The data collection technique used is analysis, which will later function to collect relevant data and sources in this research. The type of data used is qualitative, chosen because the method applied is a literature study. The results of this study show that the application of TPACK and other innovative learning methods has a positive impact in increasing teacher competence, student interest and involvement, as well as student learning outcomes. Technology-based learning models such as TPACK and Problem Based Learning (PBL) strategies combined with the Talking Stick method, have been proven to be able to improve students' critical thinking skills and activity in learning. This study concludes that collaboration between technology and pedagogy in learning has an important role in building an education system that is responsive to the demands and challenges of the digital era.

Computer Ability Anxiety, Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Statistical Studies, Student Attitudes towards Course Statistics: An Empirical Study of Undergraduate Students in the Mathematics Study Program

In the 21st century, the learning process continues to develop and undergo a paradigm shift. One of the characteristics of the 21st century is the presence of aspects of information, computing, automation, and communication that influence the learning paradigm. In learning statistics, it is not only cognitive skills that support student learning success but also non-cognitive skills. This study aims to determine the effect of student computer ability anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs on student attitudes toward statistical courses. The sample of this study was 203 students of the Mathematics Study Program of Pamulang University who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data collection techniques in this study used instruments with a Likert scale. The effect on the research variables was analyzed using structural equation modeling to determine the effect. From the results of the analysis, it is obtained that there is a direct influence of computer ability anxiety on self-efficacy beliefs in learning statistics, there is a direct influence of computer ability anxiety on attitudes towards statistics courses, there is a direct influence of self-efficacy beliefs in learning statistics on attitudes towards statistics courses, and there is an influence of computer ability anxiety in learning statistics on attitudes towards statistics courses through self-efficacy beliefs.

PENGEMBANGAN MODUL AJAR MENULIS CERITA PANJI DENGAN STRATEGI METAKOGNITIF SMP KELAS VII

This study aims to develop a teaching module for writing Panji stories based on metacognitive strategies for junior high school students in grade VII. This module is designed to improve students' creative writing skills while introducing local cultural values through Panji stories. The research used the Research and Development (R&D) method with four stages of development, namely define, design, develop and disseminate. The data collection technique in this study involved three steps, namely observation, interview, and validation questionnaire. While the data analysis technique in this research is quantitative descriptive. The results showed that the developed module was valid and relevant to the curriculum. Feedback from teachers and students indicated that the module helped students in understanding the story structure, developing characters, and conveying moral messages. The metacognitive strategy approach applied enabled students to plan, monitor, and evaluate the writing process. In addition, this module supports the development of 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, as well as utilizing information technology in learning.

A Systematic Review of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair: Management of Inguinal Hernias in the 21st Century

Background: In the 21st century, the management of groin hernias (GHs) has evolved from watchful waiting (WW) to robotic hernia repair (RHR). The present study interrogates the status of robotics in the context of current repairs and provides one author’s perspectives. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for studies comparing open (OHR) to robotic hernia repair (RHR); RHR to laparoscopic hernia repair (LHR); or OHR vs. LHR vs. RHR. The historical context was extracted from previous reviews. Results: Fifty-four studies were included in the analysis. Three techniques have withstood the test of time: OHR (tissue and mesh repairs), laparo-endoscopic (TEP and TAPP), and RHR. The literature indicates that RHR is safe and effective for the management of groin hernias. Operative times and costs remain a concern when using this technique. While the number of overall complications with RHR is similar to OHR, in a minority of cases, complications are more consequential with the robotic platform. Conclusions: RHR has emerged as an unequivocally powerful technique for the management of GHs. OHR remains the technique of choice for local/regional anesthesia, posterior recurrences, and in centers that lack other platforms. In low- and middle-income countries, OHR is the most utilized technique. Centers of excellence should offer all techniques of repair including WW.

Transformations in livestock systems: beyond ranching and pastoralism

Abstract Livestock systems across the world are transformed by capitalist forces. Understanding these social, economic, and cultural transformations is important because it has major implications for rural populations across the world. Traditionally, the study of livestock systems has been organized along the conceptual classification of ranching in North America and Australia and pastoralism in Africa and Asia, but this intellectual division has limited our understanding because of a priori assumptions about the extent to which these systems have been shaped by capitalism. The goal of our paper is to outline a conceptual framework to come to a better understanding of the different ways that livestock systems across the globe have become more and less capitalist. We use a comparative approach that considers a wide range of livestock systems in different parts of the world, ranging from pastoralism in open access and communally held grasslands to ranching in privately owned and fenced rangelands, and industrial agriculture, to examine the diversity, complexity, and dynamics of these systems at the intersection with capitalism. We describe how livestock keepers across the world adopt, adapt to, and challenge capitalist logics and offer new ways to raise livestock in the twenty-first century. One of the emergent themes of our review is the persistence of pastoral values and identities across livestock systems.

ISMIP6-based Antarctic projections to 2100: simulations with the BISICLES ice sheet model

Abstract. The contribution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the most uncertain components of sea level rise to 2100. Ice sheet models are the primary tool for projecting future sea level contribution from continental ice sheets. The Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison for the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (ISMIP6) provided projections of the ice sheet contribution to sea level over the 21st century, quantifying uncertainty due to ice sheet model, climate model, emission scenario, and uncertain parameters. We present simulations following the ISMIP6 framework with the BISICLES ice sheet model and new experiments extending the ISMIP6 protocol to more comprehensively sample uncertainties in future climate, ice shelf sensitivity to ocean melting, and their interactions. These results contributed to the land ice projections of Edwards et al. (2021), which formed the basis of sea level projections for the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (AR6). Our experiments show the important interplay between surface mass balance processes and ocean-driven melt in determining Antarctic sea level contribution. Under higher-warming scenarios, high accumulation offsets more ocean-driven mass loss when sensitivity to ocean-driven melt is low. Conversely, we show that when sensitivity to ocean warming is high, ocean melting drives increased mass loss despite high accumulation. Overall, we simulate a sea level contribution range across our experiments from 2 to 178 mm. Finally, we show that collapse of ice shelves due to surface warming increases sea level contribution by 25 mm relative to the no-collapse experiments, for both moderate and high sensitivity of ice shelf melting to ocean forcing.

The birth of the brazilian technoconservative ecosystem and the convergence of the attention economy with the culture war

ABSTRACTThe article proposes an analysis of the forms of organization as well as the techno-political strategies used by individuals, groups and companies that identify themselves as conservatives and that actively operate through their profiles in WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube, not only monetizing their content, but also conforming what we are calling the Brazilian techno-conservative ecosystem. The text is based on an ethnographic research carried out on the mentioned platforms using the passive observer (lurker) technique, and is structured in two sections. The first section examines the transformations of the last two decades, highlighting the relationship between the growth of the extreme right in the 21st century, with speeches that revolve around a cultural war, intellectually and politically led in Brazil by Olavo de Carvalho and Jair Bolsonaro, respectively. The second section presents a diagram of this Brazilian techno-conservative ecosystem, linking its agenda with some of the main authors and books used to legitimize the speeches of digital influencers who have millions of followers on their social networks.

On the time lag between sea-level rise and basin infilling at tidal inlets.

Tidal inlets are a common feature along the world's coastline. Inlet-adjacent coastlines have for millennia supported communities and livelihoods, and therefore, projected climate change driven variations in catchment-estuary-coast (CEC) system drivers (e.g., sea-level rise (SLR)) are likely to lead to substantial socio-economic impacts. One important SLR-driven process that affects inlet-adjacent shoreline change is basin-infilling (i.e., sediment import to the estuary from the coast to satisfy the SLR-driven increase of estuarine accommodation space). Due to the slow morphological response to hydrodynamic forcing, however, there is a time lag between basin infilling and SLR, which, in numerical models that simulate century-scale evolution of CEC systems, is represented by a basin infilling lag factor (M). To date, an indicative M value has only been derived for small tidal inlet systems (M ~0.5), and due to the lack of M estimates for larger systems, studies have been using M ~0.5 indiscriminately. Here, for the first time, we derive indicative M values for small, medium, and large tidal inlet systems (M ~0.5, ~0.25 and ~0.15 respectively) via analytical considerations. Subsequently, to investigate the consequences of using sub-optimal M values on twenty-first century projections of inlet-adjacent shoreline change, we apply a probabilistic, reduced complexity model (G-SMIC), under four IPCC AR6 climate scenarios, to three CEC systems representing small, medium and large systems. Results show that, in general, shoreline change projections are substantially lower(higher) when M values smaller(larger) than the indicative M for a given system are used. When smaller-than-optimal M values (0.25 and 0.15) are used for the small tidal inlet, both mid- and end-century shoreline retreats are under-estimated by 50-75% (across the four climate scenarios), relative to projections obtained with the optimal M value. For the medium-sized inlet, shoreline retreats for both future periods are over-estimated by ~100% with the larger-than-optimal M value of 0.5, while they are under-estimated by ~40-75% (across climate scenarios) with the smaller-than-optimal M value of 0.15. When the two higher-than-optimal M values (0.25 and 0.5) are used for the large tidal inlet system, shoreline retreat is over-estimated by ~ 65-240% (across climate scenarios) for both future periods. In terms of absolute values, these under/over-estimations increase in time and with the severity of emission scenario.

Developing a conceptual model for students’ scientific civic engagement self-concept

ABSTRACT To prepare students to meet challenges of the twenty-first century, science educators must equip students with science literacy skills and the means to apply those skills to benefit their communities, i.e. science civic engagement (SCE) with dimensions of civic knowledge, civic confidence, civic action and civic value. In a college-level science literacy course we investigated students’ SCE self-concept (SCE-SC) or how they envision their ability to use their science knowledge and skills to impact their communities using a pre and post-instruction Likert-scale self-report instrument along with one open-response question. We found in students’ written response describing their SCE-SC that while students may not consistently identify mechanisms for using science to help their communities, they do believe that science skills will benefit their communities. We also observed positive relationships between SCE-SC and both science identity and perceived cohesion to a community, suggesting these are important aspects of SCE-SC development. While overall SCE-SC did not increase after the completion of the science literacy course, we did observe a significant increase in scientific civic knowledge. We suggest that classroom experiences aimed at supporting civic engagement teach science skills through examples grounded in salient community contexts.

РULMONARY-RENAL INTERACTIONS IN CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES — CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM

Resume: The first quarter of the 21st century is nearly complete, and the medical community increasingly faces the challenges of global population aging and the steady rise in chronic disease prevalence. It is evident that the complete or partial loss of function in one organ affects the status of others. The kidneys and lungs jointly regulate fluid homeostasis, acidbase balance, immune response, and the production of biologically active molecules. For instance, renal insufficiency leads to fluid overload and hypertension, thereby exacerbating disease severity and increasing mortality in patients with chronic lung diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases and COPD. At the same time, chronic lung diseases significantly affect kidney health, both through hypoxia and nephrotoxic effects of treatments. Rheumatic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, should be specifically highlighted, as fibrosis develops in both organs. Understanding inter-organ interactions is crucial for preventing complications and improving survival. These factors underscore the necessity of recognizing these interrelations when selecting treatment strategies. Ideally, a multidisciplinary approach should be employed, involving specialists in pulmonology, nephrology, and rheumatology. Collaborative efforts will enable proper treatment, timely detection, and prevention of complications. Applying knowledge of inter-organ relationships will not only improve the quality of medical care but also reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system. This review attempts to describe the mechanisms linking kidney damage and pulmonary dysfunction, with a focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its impact on lung health. It emphasizes the importance of early detection of CKD and outlines potential biomarkers for assessing damage to both organs, as well as therapeutic targets. The search was conducted in electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using relevant keywords: «COPD and CKD,» «ILD and CKD», «Kidney function and lung function,» «Renal dysfunction and respiratory failure.» The search span was 15 years, from 2009 to 2024, and included only open-access articles in English, encompassing all types of studies, focusing solely on adults and animal studies. Pediatric studies were excluded from consideration.

Integrated STEM conceptualizations among teachers following a professional development program

AbstractBecause teachers are now more often expected to develop integrated STEM lessons, it is essential to understand their conceptualizations to be able to support them effectively. This qualitative study explored teachers' integrated STEM conceptualizations upon participation in an engineering‐focused professional development program of 4 days. Data sources included written accounts to open‐ended questions collected from the 33 participating in‐service teachers and the STEM lesson plans the teacher teams developed during the program. The main emerging STEM characteristics were a focus on real‐world problems, engagement in engineering design, content integration, data practices, and STEM careers. Comparisons with the lesson plans and the further study of the conceptions through their distributions showed a limited attention for the broader local and social context, identifying and improving design solutions, engaging in reflection on STEM knowledge and skills, content integration with technology and mathematics knowledge and skills as opposed to assigning supportive roles, exposure to STEM careers and non‐STEM disciplines, and ways to foster a wide array of complex 21st century skills. Teachers can also be supported on the use of student‐centered pedagogies and problem solving.

Amplified summer wind stilling and land warming compound energy risks in Northern Midlatitudes

Abstract Wind energy plays a critical role in mitigating climate change and meeting growing energy demands. However, the long-term impacts of anthropogenic warming on wind resources, particularly their seasonal variations and potential compounding risks, remain understudied. Here we analyze large-ensemble climate simulations in high-emission scenarios to assess the projected changes in near-surface wind speed and their broader implications. Our analyses show robust wind changes including a decrease of wind speed (i.e., stilling) up to ~15% during the summer months in Northern Midlatitudes. This stilling is linked to amplified warming of the midlatitude land and the overlying troposphere. Despite regional and model uncertainties, robust signals of warming-induced wind stilling will likely emerge from natural climate variations in the late 21st century under the high-emission scenarios. Importantly, the summertime wind stilling coincides with a projected surge in cooling demand, and their compounding may disrupt the energy supply-demand balance earlier. These findings highlight the importance of considering the seasonal responses of wind resources and the associated climate-energy risks in a warming climate. By integrating these insights into future energy planning decisions, we can better adapt to a changing climate and ensure a reliable and resilient energy future.

Content Analysis of Augmented Reality in STEM Education

<p dir="ltr"><span>This study aims to comprehensively examine academic studies conducted on the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in STEM education in the last five years (2020-2024). A total of 23 studies were analysed in different dimensions such as publication type, year, location, number of authors, discipline and country. The main purpose of the research is to compile current literature on the use of AR in STEM education, determine trends in this field and guide future studies. In this way, educators, researchers and policy makers will have a more in-depth understanding of the use of AR technology in education and will be able to contribute to developments in this field. Augmented reality is a technology that revolutionises education by enriching learning experiences. Especially in fields where abstract concepts are intense such as STEM, AR enables students to better understand and apply these concepts. It also plays an important role in the development of 21st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. In this study, the data obtained from the Google Scholar database was examined using the content analysis method. The analysis results show that the use of AR in STEM education has attracted increasing interest, especially increasing students' motivation and positively affecting their academic success. In addition, applications and comparative analyses of AR in different STEM disciplines are also presented.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

21st Century Teaching, Digital Readiness, and Motivation: Insights from Filipino High School Teachers

21st Century Teaching, Digital Readiness, and Motivation: Insights from Filipino High School Teachers

A wolf at the door: the ecology, epidemiology, and emergence of community- and urban-level Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the Americas.

RMSF, a tickborne infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, produces severe and fatal disease in humans and dogs. Since the beginning of the 21st century, cases have risen dramatically, most notably in Mexico and Brazil, where outbreaks occur in urban centers including cities with populations of > 1,000,000 persons. Reported case fatality rates can exceed 50%. Factors consistent with high case fatality include lack of awareness of disease ecology, limited capacity for diagnosis, and delay in appropriate antimicrobial treatment. The emergence of urban hyperendemic foci has been leveraged by 2 distinct but similar anthropogenic events that create disproportionately high numbers of vertebrate amplifiers of R rickettsii, as well as the tick species that transmit this pathogen in proximity with dense human populations. This often occurs in neighborhoods with a highly marginalized at-risk population that includes persons in poverty and particularly children, and health management systems that are under-resourced. We discuss strategies to reduce host dog populations, particularly in Mexico, and capybaras in Brazil. We review challenges to the control of tick populations in these settings. Robust systems are required to enhance awareness of RMSF among medical practitioners and people at risk of RMSF. Public health campaigns should incorporate innovative behavioral science (eg, diverse learning models, motivational interviews, and gamification) to increase prevention and understanding within communities. While anti-Rickettsia or anti-tick vaccines will be necessary to resolve this One Health crisis, impactful implementation will require data-driven and multiple-target innovations to address challenges with hosts, ticks, medical systems, and public welfare. The companion Currents in One Health by Foley, Backus, and López-Pérez, JAVMA, March 2025, addresses helpful information for the practicing veterinarian.

A global open-source dataset of monthly irrigated and rainfed cropped areas (MIRCA-OS) for the 21st century.

Crop production is among the most extensive human activities on the planet - with critical importance for global food security, land use, environmental burden, and climate. Yet despite the key role that croplands play in global land use and Earth systems, there remains little understanding of how spatial patterns of global crop cultivation have recently evolved and which crops have contributed most to these changes. Here we construct a new data library of subnational crop-specific irrigated and rainfed harvested area statistics and combine it with global gridded land cover products to develop a global gridded (5-arcminute) irrigated and rainfed cropped area (MIRCA-OS) dataset for the years 2000 to 2015 for 23 crop classes. These global data products support critical insights into the spatially detailed patterns of irrigated and rainfed cropland change since the start of the century and provide an improved foundation for a wide array of global assessments spanning agriculture, water resource management, land use change, climate impact, and sustainable development.

Role of Technology Integration in the Development of 21st-Century Skills STEM University in Zimbabwe

Technology use is crucial and fundamentally alters how universities teach and learn in the twenty-first century. The influx of various technologies supports the development of three key 21st-century skills: life and career skills, learning and innovation skills, and information, media, and technology skills. Social constructivism theory serves as the study’s theoretical foundation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative learning environments where students construct knowledge through social interaction. A case study design and a qualitative methodology were employed in the investigation to gain deep insights into the experiences of participants. Those involved in the study included STEM lecturers, faculty technicians, and both first- and final-year undergraduate students; they were chosen using a purposeful sampling procedure to ensure a rich variety of perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, which provided valuable qualitative insights. The paper explores the 21st-century skills essential for STEM learning, focusing on the implications, competencies, and perceptions of various stakeholders. The study established a pressing need for training in technology integration among faculty. Additionally, there was minimal support from administration and technicians, as well as a lack of adequate resources. Participants expressed the need for ample time to prepare for lessons, highlighting the challenges educators face. Consequently, it is recommended that the implementation of technologies should begin with strong support from administrators and technicians in sourcing necessary resources. Lecturers play a crucial role in preparing students for the modern workplace, and they require continuous training and support from technicians. Furthermore, administrators should foster collaboration with other STEM-offering universities to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to education in the digital age. This collaboration can significantly enhance the educational quality and effectiveness of STEM programs.

Attitudes towards artificial intelligence in professional and personal life

Introduction. Digital competence is seen as key to employment, education, and social domains in the 21st century. At the same time, there is no universal framework for studying attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in professional and personal life. Aim. The aim of the present research is to outline respondents’ attitudes towards the benefits and threats of AI that may facilitate or hinder the process of intelligent AI integration into different aspects of life. Methodology and research methods. This article outlines results from a pilot study of attitudes towards AI, conducted with a sample of 125 Bulgarian students and professionals. The research design is mixed (quantitative and qualitative) and includes questionnaire, focus groups and interviews. Results and scientific novelty. The results reveal that both young people and adults base their opinions on their assessment of AI performance and find positive implications in terms of facilitating task performance, but have strong reservations concerning job security and the use of AI in the social sphere. They also suggest that AI skills need to become integrated into education. Future research directions highlighted include differentiating between educational, professional, and personal domains and self-assessing digital literacy from an evidence-based vs. state of the art perspective. Practical significance. Insights from this study focus on mindful mindset, educational settings and the redesign of educational content, particularly forms of critical engagement and use of AI.