Academic Interest Research Articles

Characterization of (Zr,Ti)B2-SiC composites obtained by hot press sintering of ZrB2-SiC-TiO2 powder mixtures

The ability to enhance mechanical and oxidation properties for severe environmental applications has led to substantial academic interest in multiphase ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC). The purpose of this work is to study the in-situ solid solution formation of (Zr,Ti)B2 from ZrB2 and TiO2 in a ZrB2-SiC composite using hot pressing reaction sintering. For this, a mixture of 10, 20, and 30 % vol% SiC with ZrB2 was mixed with 2.0 wt% TiO2. Hot pressing sintering was performed with a load of 20 MPa at a final temperature of 1850 °C/30 min in an argon atmosphere. The microstructures, crystalline phases, densities, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance of the composites were examined and compared with ZrB2-SiC samples lacking TiO2. In samples where TiO2 was added, the matrix grain size slightly decreased, the fracture mode was mainly intergranular, and the SiC grain morphology changed the aspect ratio to be more equiaxed. The solid solution (Zr,Ti)B2 was produced, and it was demonstrated by EDS elemental map images and the XRD analysis that Ti atoms incorporate into the ZrB2 crystalline structure. The development of solid solutions showed no impact on relative densities or Vickers hardness. However, the solid solution formation favored an improvement in fracture toughness, probably owing to the smaller matrix grain size and intergranular fracture mode. Samples exhibiting (Zr,Ti)B2 formation presented lower oxidation resistance than undoped samples in the same oxidizing condition.

Education Failure Education Failure: Untold Tales of Bangladeshi Transgender’s Unquenchable Educational Aspirations

This study examines the undocumented narratives around the persistent desire for education among transgender individuals in Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges they have encountered in their academic pursuits. Through an analysis of the stories provided by eight adult transgender participants, this research identifies noteworthy factors that have led to the disparity observed in the educational aspirations of transgender individuals. In conjunction with in-depth interviews and interpretive phenomenological analysis, a narrative inquiry approach was utilized to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the participants' viewpoints regarding educational aspirations. The results of the study indicate several significant factors that contribute to the diminished educational aspirations of transgender students. The results of the study indicate several significant factors that contribute to the diminished educational aspirations of transgender students, such as falsified sex identity, social stigmas, bullying, abuse and harassment, teachers' ignorance and unhelpful behavior, economic hardship and poverty, and unfavorable learning environments. The findings have highlighted the need for more open and accepting environments for transgender children and young adults, particularly in family and educational settings. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Res arch, 50(1): 7-20

Digital transformation of reading behaviors among allied health students: insights from medical libraries in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the digital transformation of students' reading preferences and behaviors, considering the significant impact of digital resources accessible through the internet among allied health students. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a structured questionnaire to collect data. The study focused on undergraduate allied health students from medical universities in Pakistan. The researchers used a convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using statistical software packages R and SPSS. Findings The results indicate that allied health students frequently use databases, e-books and e-journals to fulfil their academics and research needs, aiding in the acquisition of up-to-date information and supporting various academic research pursuits. The study emphasizes the positive effects on the reading habits of allied health students, attributing these improvements to factors such as enhanced online databases, a broader array of materials and the integration of digital tools. However, challenges arise from the limited availability of relevant e-resources and the dispersion of information across various library sources. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the availability and utilization of e-resources among allied health students in Pakistan. It highlights the crucial role that digital resources play in shaping reading behaviors within the educational landscape. This study holds significance as it contributes to educational enhancement, proves beneficial for the improvement of university library resources and services and aids in the development of policies in health-care education.

Basic income, post-precarious outcome? How creative workers perceive participating in an experiment with basic income

ABSTRACT Precarity has long been a defining feature of the creative industries. Recently, the concept of a (universal) basic income (UBI) has received increased academic and policy interest as a way to mitigate the cultural and creative labour market’s precarious conditions. However, little is known about how artists experience receiving a basic income, and how this affects their work practices. Therefore, we explored such self-perceived effects of a basic income on artists’ professional and personal lives. We interviewed the recipients and the organisers of No Strings Attached – a 6-month experiment offering seven creative workers a basic income – at the beginning, middle, and end of this initiative (n = 22). Contrary to expectations of decreased productivity, our findings reveal three main ways in which respondents allocated their basic income: (1) “buying” time to improve their quality of work, (2) “buying” time to improve their quality of life, and (3) direct career investments.

Determination of surface acidity of mixed oxide of silicon and titanium by calorimetric titration

Silica-titania mixed oxide with catalytic and adsorption properties has been of great academic and industrial interest. Metal oxides supported on silica have been used as a matrix for immobilizing electron transfer mediators, generating materials with diverse properties. The characterization of the surface acidity of these materials is essential and has been carried out using various techniques, including IR spectroscopy and calorimetry. However, no single technique completely analyses the present acidic sites. This study used calorimetric titration to investigate a mixed oxide containing titanium and silica, prepared by the sol-gel method, and its interaction with pyridine. The results showed that thermal treatment increased the enthalpy values (ΔH), indicating water removal from the matrix surface. The presence of pyridine resulted in a decrease in ΔH values, suggesting a preferential occupation of the stronger acidic sites. After thermal treatments between 473 and 573 K, the solids exhibited similar ΔH values, indicating a homogenization of the surface acidic sites. Calorimetric analysis revealed that the acidic sites were occupied in descending order of strength, with the strongest sites being filled initially. The increase in temperature did not result in new acidic sites but rather in greater occupation of the existing ones. Correlation between calorimetric and infrared data is suggested as the next investigation step. Thus, the results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the physicochemical properties, especially regarding their surface acidity, with the potential for more effective and controlled practical applications of this silica-titania mixed oxide in catalysis and adsorption.

DIGITIZATION AND INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Innovation and digital technologies have caused major changes in most fields today, including health services. Thus, access to telemedicine, investigations with modern equipment and online scheduling improved the time spent by patients in receiving the services they needed. In this context, in the last two decades, the interest of academics and specialists in studying the complex relationship between digitization and innovation in the medical field has increased. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to highlight the conceptual links between "healthcare", "innovation" and "digitalization" in order to highlight the current concerns of this sector. Using a bibliometric analysis and the Web of Science database, the paper manages to analyze 650 scientific documents in which these concepts were found. The results of the survey highlight the fact that there was a high interest in research on the relationship between these concepts during the pandemic period. Also, the thematic map created identified specific clusters related to digitization and health. From a theoretical point of view, the research complements academic studies in this field and in particular extends bibliometric theories. From a practical point of view, this study provides valuable information to practitioners and decision-makers in the medical field, and especially to those who are in full development and digitalization process. As an element of originality, the paper identifies thematic groups that provide readers with information on emerging topics in this field.

Cu34S6(PFBT)22(PPh3)6: A Cu12S6 Core‐Based Nanocluster with Long‐Lived Phosphorescent Crystallization‐Induced Emission Enhancement for Selectively Acetonitrile Sensing

AbstractAtomically precise copper nanoclusters with crystallization‐induced emission enhancement (CIEE) have garnered significant academic interests‐ but the rational design of high‐nuclearity Cu nanoaggregates with precise atomic structures and the CIEE effect remains a long‐standing challenge. Herein, a new atomically precise copper nanocluster co‐protected by thiolate, phosphine, and S2− ligands, formulated as Cu34S6(PFBT)22(PPh3)6 (Cu34, PFBT = pentafluorobenzenethiol, PPh3 = triphenylphosphine), is reported, which possesses a typical Cu12S6 core and a Cu22S22P6 shell. Under photoexcitation at 505 nm, Cu34 exhibits strong red‐light emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 4.1%. DFT calculations confirm that the emission stems from the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition. This nanoaggregate shows a strong CIEE effect, with the crystalline form exhibiting an 800‐fold enhancement in emission intensity compared to its solution form. An in‐depth structural investigation of the ligand shell reveals that the extensive C−H···F, C−H···π, and π···π interactions significantly restrict the intra‐ and inter‐molecular rotations and vibrations, accounting for the CIEE phenomena. The red emission of Cu34 can be selectively quenched by CH3CN, with a lower detection limit of 9.36 µM (0.38 ppm). This study advances the development of high‐nuclearity copper nanocluster with the CIEE effect and holds significant potential for applications in selectively sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

A rare combined variation of left renal vasculature in a human cadaver: embryological basis and clinical significance.

Classically, a single renal artery supplies, and a single renal vein drains each kidney. The morphology and variations in the renal vascular structures are of great importance when performing any type of renal surgery. The present case describes a rare combination of renal vasculature variation in a formalin-fixed, Chinese male cadaver. In this case, the left kidney is drained by a main renal vein (MRV) and an inferior renal vein (IRV), the latter might be the remnant of the left dorsal renal vein during the embryonic period. Two sets of renal arteries are present in this case, possibly due to persistent mesonephric arteries during embryonic development. Describing such anatomical variations is not only of academic interest but also important to help radiologists with the correct interpretation of image examinations and for surgeons to be prepared in advance.

Money Laundering: A Review of Literature and Future Research

Money laundering is one of the financial crimes that has become a major concern in most countries worldwide. The rising number of reported instances of money laundering could be driven by several reasons. With this growth, there is a growing academic interest in money laundering research; therefore, opportunities should be created for interested academics to evaluate the evolution of research in this field. This study was intended to evaluate published studies in this field from the origin of the idea of money laundering to the present to identify major trends or issues in money laundering research and to propose a research agenda for the future. A qualitative research design was adopted using a content analysis approach. It was found that most of the research focuses more on the relationship of money laundering with other offenses and the detection methods but lacking in the understanding of money laundering and the rules and regulations related to money laundering. This study is intended to be useful to current and future scholars in the field of financial crimes who are interested in the evolution of the literature and in identifying areas for future research

Investigation on the electro-magneto-thermoviscoelastic response of multilayer rotating hollow cylinder based on two-temperature theory and fractional-order viscoelastic systems

Hollow cylinder structures play a crucial role in scientific experiment and industrial production, and are widely used in various fields, including pipeline transportation of gases and liquids, high-speed engines, porous combustors, and other engineering equipments. As a result, they have garnered considerable academic interest over the years. However, as science and technology progress, studying hollow cylinders under a single physical field is no longer sufficient for real-world applications. Additionally, the classical viscoelastic model has become inadequate in accurately describing complex materials with properties that fall between elasticity and viscosity. Therefore, this article investigates the electro-magneto-thermoviscoelastic coupling behavior of an infinitely long rotating multilayer homogeneous hollow cylindrical conductor. In this study, based on the fractional-order three-phase lag thermoelasticity theory, the fractional-order viscoelastic system and the two-temperature theory are introduced to further increase the accuracy of the model. To solve the corresponding equations, the Laplace transform technique is employed, resulting in solutions with dimensionless physical quantities. Graphs and tables are used to make relevant comparisons and assess the effects of time, material layering properties, different thermoelastic theoretical models, fractional-order parameters and angular velocity on the considered physical quantities. Finally, the numerical results are discussed to reveal the dynamic response of a homogeneous multilayered hollow cylinder under the complex coupling of multiple physical fields.

Advancing Neurosurgery Through Translational Medicine: The Modern Surgeon's Role

In the dynamic field of neurosurgery, the concept of translational medicine plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical applications. This editorial delves into the evolving landscape of neurosurgery, highlighting the integral role of modern neurosurgeons in research, learning, and patient care. Translational Medicine: Connecting Bench to Bedside Translational medicine refers to the process of applying findings from basic science research to enhance human health and well-being. In neurosurgery, this often involves integrating insights from disciplines like neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical engineering into clinical practice. For example, discoveries in neuroimaging techniques or molecular biology can lead to novel treatments for neurological disorders. The Modern Neurosurgeon: A Scientist and Clinician Today’s neurosurgeon is not merely a technician but a scientist at heart. Engaging in research is not just an academic pursuit but a fundamental aspect of enhancing patient care. By actively participating in or leading research initiatives, neurosurgeons contribute to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and improving treatment outcomes. They collaborate with basic scientists, engineers, and other medical specialists to innovate and develop new therapies. Learning and Innovation Continuous learning is ingrained in the ethos of neurosurgery. Advances in technology and surgical techniques require neurosurgeons to stay abreast of the latest developments through conferences, workshops, and lifelong learning. Moreover, the feedback loop between research and clinical practice fosters an environment of continuous improvement. Lessons learned from patient outcomes inform future research directions, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation. Patient-Centric Care At its core, neurosurgery is about alleviating suffering and restoring function. Translational research allows neurosurgeons to offer more personalized treatments based on genetic, molecular, and imaging data. Tailoring therapies to individual patient profiles enhances efficacy and minimizes risks. Furthermore, participation in clinical trials enables neurosurgeons to offer cutting-edge treatments to patients who may have exhausted conventional options. Challenges and Opportunities While the integration of translational medicine into neurosurgery holds immense promise, it also presents challenges. Research endeavors require substantial resources, collaboration across disciplines, and rigorous ethical considerations. Moreover, translating laboratory findings into clinical applications demands patience and persistence. Conclusion The modern neurosurgeon’s role in translational medicine is multifaceted and indispensable. By embracing research, continuous learning, and patient-centered care, neurosurgeons not only advance the field but also improve the lives of their patients. As technology and knowledge continue to evolve, the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians will be pivotal in shaping the future of neurosurgery, ultimately leading to better outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide.

Student’s Perceptions About Parental Disputes and Its Effect on Educational Performance

This descriptive study investigated the influence of parental disputes on the educational accomplishment of their offspring, with a specific emphasis on three primary dimensions: academic performance, study motivation, and attitudes toward education. The data obtained from Ghazi University DG Khan (N= 391) students indicates a significant degree of variability in the views held by these individuals. The data reveals that a substantial proportion of participants agree that disputes between parents have a negative impact on their scholastic accomplishments, as shown by an average rating of 2.52 on a five-point Likert scale Moreover, students have reported that they experience a decrease in motivation (mean= 2.59) and develop a negative attitude towards their academic pursuits (mean= 2.82) due to disputes within their parental relationships. The statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) provides further evidence to support the existence of these variations, demonstrating that there are highly significant differences between groups about all features (p<0.005). The results above underscore the need to provide assistance and implement interventions to effectively mitigate the repercussions of family disagreements on adolescents' educational outcomes and facilitate academic achievement. The study concluded that students' perceptions of parental disputes are closely related to their emotional and psychological well-being, which directly impacts their academic performance. These perceptions, combined with the frequency and intensity of parental conflict, create an environment that can either deter or encourage resilience in children.

The Impact Of Consumer Environmental Consciousness On Hotel Consumption Intention: A Case Study Of Democratic Republic Of Congo Consumers

The rising interest in "green" hotels is indicative of a broader trend toward eco-consciousness in the hospitality sector. Environmental concerns are currently capturing the interest of Congo's academics, businesses, and governments. Sustainable development is seen to necessitate this. The study looked at how buyers' beliefs, realistic objectives, money, and the hotel's responsibility affected their propensity to spend more for eco-friendly hotels. The purpose of this research was to identify the factors (such as consumer awareness, environmental control policies, and consumer behavior and preferences) that affect the amount that guests are prepared to pay for environmentally friendly hotel rooms. The investigation, which took place in the DRC, used a quantitative approach by analyzing data obtained from 700 hotel visitors using regression analysis. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable tourism by shedding light on the variables that influence financial backing for environmentally conscious hotel projects. It also lays the groundwork for further research, especially in understudied areas like the DRC. There was a strong correlation between environmental consciousness and the results showing that consumers' perceptions of their own efficacy significantly impacted their norms and intentions to do positively. There was a negative moderating effect of perceived price, an external cost, on the link between consumers' behavioral intentions and their personal norms

Gentrification of tourism: a bibliometric study in the Scopus database

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how gentrification and tourism intertwine and affect urban environments. Using a bibliometric methodology to review publications between 2018 and 2023, the study identifies the main trends and dynamics in the literature on this topic. The results reveal a growing academic interest in the interaction between gentrification and tourism, with a geographic concentration of studies in Europe and North America, although research is also emerging in Asia and Latin America. Key words highlighted in the literature include sustainability and social impact, highlighting concerns about equity and access to tourism benefits for local residents. This bibliometric analysis offers valuable insights into the consequences of tourism gentrification and suggests the need for more inclusive policies that balance economic development and social justice in urban contexts transformed by tourism

Navigating Digital Era Challenges: Resilience Among Educators in Sindh (Pakistan)

This research aimed at establishing the coping techniques that teachers in Sindh, Pakistan have adopted to deal with impacts of digital age. Qualitative case study research design was used in this study. Ten teachers from various teaching backgrounds in Sindh was selected to collect the data. The purposeful recruitment of these participants was with the intention of capturing possible diversity in the participant’s experiences and Precarious Academic Interests, such as teaching in rural and urban areas and in the public as well as the private schools as well as in terms of their readiness with digital learning resources. The results of the research show that educators’ resilience not only involves the technological perspective of how they accommodate themselves to learning, but also is a combination of cognitions and emotions, professionalism, collaboration, and individual flexibility. Teachers managed challenges of digital education on teaching by creating anticipatory measures and asking for help from other teachers as an illustration of strength of interpersonal connections. The work provides the educational leaders and policymakers with the insights of how to ensure the teacher flourishing and their professional development in the context of the continuous digitalization of education.

Knowledge mapping of research on sustainable utilization of landscape resources: a case study of Guilin National Innovation Demonstration Zone for sustainable development in China

Worldwide interest has increasingly focused on the sustainable utilization of landscape as a resource in urban areas, emphasizing its ecological, cultural and social significance. This study examines Guilin City, China, as a representative case study due to its rich landscape resources and status as a national innovation demonstration zone for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study uses bibliometric visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze research trends from 1980 to 2021 in the Chinese Academic Journal Network Publishing Database (CNKI). The results show increasing academic interest over three stages: initiation (1982–1997), exploration (1998–2004), and diversified development (2005–2021). Contributions are predominantly from local academic and tourism sectors, indicating a strong regional influence; however, relatively weak interinstitutional collaboration occurs, suggesting potential for more integrated research efforts. Primary research is also concentrated within economic disciplines, particularly tourism-related ones. The evolution of research frontiers reveals three main paths: urban development strategies, industrial economic theories and empirical validation, and ecosystem analysis and evaluation. A multidisciplinary approach and stronger collaborative efforts are crucial to enhance research on ecological values and empirical models while supporting evidence-based urban development strategies in Guilin City and comparable cities globally.

Content Automation in Marketing Research: A Bibliometric Analysis using VOSviewer

Objectives: This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of content automation in marketing research using bibliometric analysis spanning 20 years from 2004 to 2024. The primary influential factors, topics, and areas of research were analyzed to determine future research paths. Methods/Analysis: Sample selection and data collection were conducted using the Scopus database. The initial dataset was adjusted by applying certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final dataset consisting of 149 articles in the RIS format was loaded into the VOSviewer program to perform a bibliometric analysis. Findings: The results revealed key findings, including the highest citation-counting papers, the most common research format, the research field, the year of publication, collaboration countries, the journal, prominent authors, popular themes, areas for further investigation, and the intellectual framework of current research on the topic. Novelty/ Improvement:Four areas were identified for future research: marketing automation as digital commerce content marketing, artificial intelligence for digital marketing transformation, automation and optimization for personalized advertising content, and automatic knowledge discovery. The temporal development of these issues was also examined to offer valuable insights into the changing focus of academic interest over time and establish a foundation for future investigations. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-03-019 Full Text: PDF

Examining the effectiveness of interventions to reduce discriminatory behavior at work: An attitude dimension consistency perspective.

Academic interest in reducing discrimination has produced substantial research testing interventions to mitigate biased outcomes. However, disparate findings and a scarcity of studies examining work-related behavioral measures make it challenging to determine which interventions are better suited to reduce workplace discrimination. Derived from the tripartite theory of attitudes and the principle of compatibility, I develop a conceptual model mapping the attitude focus of interventions and code studies in this literature from the past two decades for these common properties. Based on a meta-analysis of 70 articles totaling 208 effect sizes, I test this conceptual model, finding that it helps explain why some interventions to reduce discrimination yield superior outcomes relative to others. In particular, results indicate that passive interventions, such as short-term education or reminders of bias processes, are largely ineffective in shifting behavior. Conversely, the class of interventions that targets behavior directly by attempting to inhibit the manifestation of bias (e.g., making individuals accountable for their decisions or changing social norms) emerged as the most helpful category of interventions in this area. Overall, results support a key prediction of the attitude dimension consistency perspective, demonstrating that aligning the attitude dimension primarily targeted by an intervention and the outcome measured could lead to improved results in this area. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Balancing Academic and Personal Life: Challenges for Medical StudentsPersonal Life in Medical Students

Medical students are found to experience stress with a considerable impact because of the academic studies they are undertaking. High demands compared to non-medical students can interfere with other life domains, such as personal life. This interference can manifest in several ways, such as diminished time for social interactions and leisure activities. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the potential impact on the relationship between academic life and personal life. The research was conducted with a sample of 7 medical student participants from Universitas Padjadjaran. Participants completed a questionnaire with 5 open-ended questions designed to capture their experiences and perspectives in detail. The findings revealed that a significant number of participants struggle with time management, feeling that their academic commitments leave them with minimal time for free activities and social engagements. This imbalance contributes to a sense of inadequacy in maintaining a fulfilling personal life. The study highlighted that a well-rounded personal life is crucial for sustaining optimal academic performance. A good personal life can provide good academic conditions, but the lack of free time for personal life makes participants do other alternatives such as postponing, procrastinating, and causing stress. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that not only alleviates academic burdens but also promotes a healthy balance between professional and personal domains. It’s essential for ensuring the well-being and success of medical students in both their academic pursuits and personal life.

How to Find a Fragment: Methods for Screening and Validation in Fragment-Based Drug Dscovery.

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a crucial strategy for developing new drugs that have been applied to diverse targets, from neglected infectious diseases to cancer. With at least seven drugs already launched to the market, this approach has gained interest in both academics and industry in the last 20 years. FBDD relies on screening small libraries with about 1000-2000 compounds of low molecular weight (about 300 Da) using several biophysical methods. Because of the reduced size of the compounds, the chemical space and diversity can be better explored than large libraries used in high throughput screenings. This review summarises the most common biophysical techniques used in fragment screening and orthogonal validation. We also explore the advantages and drawbacks of the different biophysical techniques and examples of applications and strategies.