Academic Interest Research Articles

Environmental Factors, Undergraduate Science Education Students’ Achievement, and Interest in Nigeria Universities: Implications for Funding

This study investigated the effects of environmental factors on the academic performance and interest of undergraduate scientific education students in Nigerian universities, as well as the funding implications. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The study included 270 final-year undergraduate students from the Department of Science Education at two Nigerian universities: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Both universities are located in the sixth state of Anambra. The study used a sample of 161 students, 56 of whom were male and 105 of whom were female, that was drawn by chance sampling methods. Three experts verified the questionnaire, which was used as the data gathering tool. Using the Cronbach Alpha formula, the dependability of 0.90 was determined. The hypothesis was examined using t-test statistics at the 0.05 level of significance, and the research topic was addressed using mean and standard deviation. The study's conclusions showed that, while gender had no discernible impact on how science education students responded to the aforementioned environmental factors, socioeconomic background, good school infrastructure, extracurricular activities, class size, accommodations, attitudes of teachers and parents, appropriate teaching methods, and poor lighting in school buildings and hostels could all affect students' interest and achievement in science education at universities. Further strategies for enhancing the environmental elements that affect academic achievement and interest of science education students in universities include the government's and alumni's funding of science labs and infrastructure, fostering university competition, using appropriate teaching methods, and properly citing of schools.

Exploring the ring-opening metathesis polymerization process by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation

Investigating the kinetics of polymerization reactions is a powerful tool to obtain information for the engineering design of such processes. It provides insights into how the relative rates of elementary reactions which influence both the kinetics of the reactions and thus characteristics of the products as well, particularly when the reaction parameters of these reactions are unknown. Among polymerization processes, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) has gained broad academic and industrial interest, due to its mild conditions to obtain a wide range of polymer products. In this study, kinetic Monte Carlo simulation was applied to reveal the effect of the elementary reactions of ROMP on the kinetics and product distribution. Both the propagation and the cross-metathesis reactions were considered, with the latter leading to the formation of various types of macrospecies whose population levels were also monitored. Relevant tendencies were observed regarding how the variations in the reaction parameters of the elementary reactions of this polymerization process, such as reaction probabilities, monomer addition method, catalyst-to-monomer ratio, and reaction time, affect the kinetics of the polymerization process and the product distributions. These variations also influence the key macromolecular parameters of the resulting polymeric materials, including chain length distribution (CLD), population levels, and polymer functionalities. The results of this study indicate that this simulation technique is a valuable tool for mapping the tailoring possibilities of modifying the reaction parameters of ROMP to achieve desired properties. These properties include number average molecular weight, polydispersity, chain end functionality, and macrocycle-free products.

Broadening project studies to address sustainability transitions: Conceptual suggestions and crossovers with socio-technical transitions research

Academic and socio-political interest in sustainability transitions, which are decades-long change processes in socio-technical systems, is rapidly increasing. To further engage with this topic, this essay suggests that project studies should continue its trend of conceptual broadening that has characterised the field in the past decade. Using the Multi-Level Perspective on socio-technical transitions as a meta-framework, this essay identifies and discusses the important roles of incremental improvement projects, exploratory projects, deployment projects, reorientation projects, and decommissioning projects in sustainability transitions. The essay also discusses crossovers with socio-technical transitions research and makes specific conceptual suggestions for broadening research on the different kinds of projects, programmes and portfolios.

Stochastic modeling of periodic beams under uncertain boundary conditions and environmental fluctuations

Periodic structures have been attracting a great deal of academic and industrial interest lately, due to their distinctive vibration and wave propagation behavior, which can be explored for the development of innovative solutions to structural dynamics and vibroacoustic problems. Although such a potential has been demonstrated in a large number of studies, the investigation of detrimental effects, which can be present in practical applications, is still necessary. This paper reports investigations on the combined influence of uncertainties affecting ambient temperature — which alters material properties and induces stress-stiffening due to constrained thermal dilatation — and boundary conditions (BCs) on the bandgap characteristics of periodic beams. The space-dependent temperature fluctuations are represented as a one-dimensional stationary Gaussian random field, discretized using the Karhunen-Loève expansion, while non-ideal BCs, represented as springs, are modeled as discrete random variables. Sampling-based stochastic analyses of the central frequency and bandwidth of the beam’s attenuation bands are performed using Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate that the variability in the attenuation band features is influenced not only by the coefficients of variation (CVs) of the input random quantities, but also by the correlation length of the random temperature fluctuations. Numerical simulations reveal that the bandgap central frequency is primarily affected by the temperature random field, while the BCs govern the bandwidth. Although low CV and standard deviation values are obtained for the dispersion of the bandgap features, reliability analyses indicate that some designs exhibit low reliability. Increased variability in both the bandgap central frequency and bandwidth is observed for greater temperature correlation lengths and CVs. The contributions of the study include the proposal of a comprehensive stochastic modeling procedure duly accounting for relevant random influences, and evidencing that those influences can be significant, requiring consideration in the design of robust periodic structures.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Banking Industry: A Review of Service Areas and Customer Service Journeys in Emerging Economies

The banking industry's shift towards digitalization, particularly Web 2.0 banking, signifies a profound change in the bank-client relationship. This transformation integrates digital elements into consumers' lives, digitising everyday activities and highlighting the importance of online social platforms and digital business operations. AI's growing interest in academia and commerce underscores its significant role in customer service. The study examines AI strategies in the banking industry, focusing on service areas and adaptation to the evolving technological landscape, particularly in customer service in developing economies. By adopting an interpretivist philosophy emphasising practicality, a qualitative approach was employed through a systematic literature review of 90 articles using thematic analysis. The research highlights AI's growing use in process automation, customer experience, stock market trend prediction, credit risk management, online banking, marketing management, and auditing. It concludes AI's positive impact on banking operational efficiency and customer service by recommending ethical AI usage, stakeholder collaboration, trust in data handling, and robust internal control systems. Additionally, it suggests exploring the association between organisational culture, leadership, and AI integration in developing economies. The research contributes to the theoretical and empirical frameworks that explain how AI is optimally integrated into banking operations, guiding policymakers and practitioners in leveraging AI to foster financial inclusion and economic growth. Future researchers should include non-profit institutions and non-financial performance metrics to gain insights into AI’s sustainability implications in banks beyond financial metrics.

Path Analysis of Factors Influencing Multiple Intelligences of Malaysian Medical Students: A Multi-institutional Study

The Multiple Intelligences (MI) Theory by Howard Gardner emphasises that individuals have a unique blend of “capabilities” (“intelligences”), differing significantly from the traditional concept of intelligence measured by conventional intelligence quotient (IQ) tests. This cross-sectional, multiinstitutional study aimed to compare the MI of medical students from three Malaysian medical schools, investigate the effects of demographic factors on the MI of students with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and examine the effects of MI on academic performance. The MI Inventory was used to assess the MI of medical students. Path analysis was carried out using the SmartPLS software version 2.0. Inter-institutional differences in MI were observed among the students. University A students (53.51 ± 21.99) scored significantly higher than University B students (46.70 ± 20.34) in the naturalist domain (p = 0.05). University A students also scored significantly higher (58.35 ± 21.30) than University B (50.26 ± 19.49; p = 0.014) and University C students (46.90 ± 21.58; p = 0.008) in the musical/rhythmic domain. In the verbal/linguistic domain, University A students (47.94 ± 21.06) scored significantly higher than University C students (39.05 ± 19.23; p = 0.05). Path analysis highlighted a statistically significant effect of family income on the musical intelligence (β = 0.220, t = 2.005, p < 0.05), a domain closely related to verbal/linguistic intelligence. Students from all three medical schools consistently achieved the lowest score in the verbal/linguistic domain and the highest score in the intrapersonal intelligence domain. These findings suggest the need for interventions to enhance language proficiency among medical students. Emphasising MI would make medical education more comprehensive, ultimately enhancing learning in their academic pursuit.

Challenges, Requirements and Strategies in Digital Business for MSMEs: A Systematic Literature Review

The current digital age is ushering in significant changes in how Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operate, particularly in competition and collaboration. This systematic literature review aims to examine the significance of Digital Business Entrepreneurs (DBEs) as drivers of collaborative value networks within Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This paper synthesizes a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, requirements, and strategies associated with DBEs in the context of MSMEs by analyzing 150 research journal articles. The research demonstrates that DBEs have emerged as a subject of considerable academic interest, eliciting various viewpoints regarding their consequences on MSMEs. The investigation encompasses various settings within MSMEs, introducing prospects and obstacles resulting from the incorporation of digital business entrepreneurs. The paper makes a valuable contribution to the literature by addressing this research gap regarding the transformative capacity of DBEs in the MSMEs sector. The literature review identifies eight strategies, nine challenges, and eight requirements for digital business entrepreneurs. These findings provide entrepreneurs and managers with actionable insights as they navigate the digital landscape. Furthermore, delineating five prospective research trends provides scholars with a strategic guide, ensuring sustained relevance in this ever-evolving domain. Practical challenges faced by administrators of MSMEs involved in digital business entrepreneurship are also emphasized, offering practical advice for making sound decisions. This extensive evaluation functions as a valuable asset for individuals involved in digital business entrepreneurship, scholars, and practitioners in the field. It promotes a nuanced understanding of digital business entrepreneurs' obstacles and prospects when operating within micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Effect of Kinesthetic Learning on Students’ Interest and Achievement in Mathematics

One of the pertinent reasons for poor academic achievement in Mathematics is fundamentally linked to the application of ineffective teaching methods by teachers to impact knowledge to learners. This study adopts a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design to examine the efficacy of kinesthetic learning on interest and achievement in Mathematics. Four research questions were raised to guide the study and four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample comprises 101 Junior Secondary School students drawn from two secondary schools in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two intact classes were randomly selected from each school and assigned to experimental and control group. Data for the study were sourced using a modified Mathematics Interest Inventory (MII) and mathematics achievement test designed by the researchers tagged Students’ Mathematics Achievement Test (SMAT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed a high post-test interest cluster mean of 3.10 (above the decision benchmark of 2.50) and also a higher post-test mean achievement score with (Mean = 20.82; Standard Deviation = 3.63) for students in the experimental group compared to the control group. The result also indicated that both male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning in the experimental group had positive interest and achievement after exposure to the treatment. The test of the hypotheses indicated that there is significant difference in interest and achievement between students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning and conventional method, whereas there is no significant difference on the interest and achievement of male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning. The study concluded that kinesthetic learning has a positive effect on interest and achievement in mathematics; and that gender is not a sole determinant of good academic performance or interest in mathematics but teaching method. The study recommended that mathematics teachers should adopt kinesthetic learning or play way method in teaching because of its relevance in improving learners’ interest and achievement.

Visual Representations of Abandoned Industrial Spaces in Tourist Photos

A few decades ago, an enthusiastic researcher would have found relatively few data to analyze, looking for such information about the ruins of modernity as the structural consequences caused by rapid cycles of industrialization and desolation, development and depopulation, conflict and reconciliation. However, conducting the same search today reveals an extraordinary increase in academic and public interest in the ruins of the recent past and the associated abandoned places. The authors of this article join in the discussion and explore the images of deindustrialization posted and distributed in the online communities among abandoned sites enthusiasts. The aim of the research is to form an idea of “everyday life policy” about the abandoned industrial facilities popularized by amateur photographers. “Everyday life policy” is expressed through the signifying and conceptualizing the abandoned and ruined places when putting them in a close-up. The authors rely on the ideas of the architect and historian I. de Sola-Morales, who calls the places left by people “terrain vague”. Photographic images of the terrain vague spaces play an important role in conceptualizing them. In order to understand what meanings exactly shaped the public policy, the authors use the ethnographic method of immersion in the online VKontakte/Telegram communities of abandoned sites enthusiasts to discover the recurring iconographic elements of the derelict places. Deindustrialization in photographs is reflected through 1) loss of human; 2) violence of vegetation or nature agency; 3) artifacts and texts of the past or material objects agency. The authors discuss the similarities of the images taken by amateur photographers and those media clichés found in popular movies and video games. Photographs are a way of explaining space and spatial experience. Furthermore, like any other work of art, a photo conveys not only and not so much the actual characteristics of the depicted objects, thanks to which we can form an idea about them (in this case, about space), but also effects and experiences. Thus, a photograph becomes a tool that helps us form value judgments about the places we have seen.

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION AMONG CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship and mechanisms influencing the positive psychological capital, social support and sociocultural adaptation of Chinese international students pursuing higher education in Malaysian universities. Through quantitative research methods, the mechanisms that facilitate or hinder the successful sociocultural adaptation of Chinese international students to a new sociocultural environment are revealed. Given the increasing popularity of cross-border international student mobility, this study is highly relevant and provides important insights into the potential opportunities and challenges posed by such mobility. The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between psychological resources (positive psychological capital) and sociocultural adaptation among Chinese overseas students. Meanwhile, social support played a partial mediating role, facilitating the transformation of internal strengths (psychological capital) to external outcomes (sociocultural adaptation). The findings of this study have important implications for university assistance programmes that aim to improve the success and well-being of Chinese overseas students by enhancing psychological resources. Furthermore, this investigation contributes fresh insights to the wider discourse on intercultural education, clarifying how psychological elements impact international student adjustment within such contexts. It serves as a foundation for crafting more impactful interventions targeted at mitigating acculturative stress encountered by international students during their overseas academic pursuits.

Dialog Hukum Adat dan Islam: Kritik Syeikh Ahmad Khatib Al-Minangkabawi Terhadap Sistem Waris di Minangkabau

This research discusses the two main forces influencing Minangkabau society, namely custom and religion. The matrilineal system practiced in Minangkabau has significant differences compared to the Islamic kinship system, particularly in terms of inheritance distribution. These differences often become a source of conflict and academic interest, especially among scholars of Islamic law. One figure who firmly opposes the customary inheritance system in Minangkabau is Sheikh Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi, a prominent scholar who served as Imam, Khatib, and teacher in Mecca. This study employs a library research approach with a descriptive analytical method to explore Sheikh Ahmad Khatib's critiques of the prevailing inheritance system. Sheikh Ahmad Khatib argues that customary practices that divert inheritance to nephews rather than biological children contradict Islamic principles. He even equates this action with consuming the wealth of orphans, a deed prohibited in Islam. During his time, there was ambiguity regarding the ownership status of property in Minangkabau society whether it belonged to a father or was property of the clan managed by the niniak mamak. When a father passed away, the inheritance that should rightfully go to biological children often ended up with nephews, leading to injustice. Sheikh Ahmad Khatib's sharp criticism emphasizes the need for reform in the customary inheritance system to align it with Islamic law and protect the rights of children, thereby reducing conflict and injustice in Minangkabau society in the future.

Effect of Computer Graphics Instructional Mode on SS2 Secondary School Students’: A Study of Agbani Education Zone of Enugu State

There is a perceived trend of poor academic achievement and interest of students in Computer Studies in Secondary schools in Agbani Education Zone of Enugu State. This situation has been attributed to many factors one of which is poor method of teaching. The research design was quasi – experimental. Two groups (one experimental and one control) made up of 135 senior secondary one (SS two) students were drawn from a population of 2,608 SS two students. Two instruments were used for data collection namely Computer Graphics Interest Scale (CGIS) andComputer Graphics Achievement Test (CGAT).Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings revealed that computer graphics instructional mode had significant effect on the mean interest and achievement scores of students in computer Studies. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Computer Scienceteachers should adopt computer graphics in the teaching of Computer Studies in order to enhance the interest and performance of students in Computer Studies. Enugu State Government and Agbani Education Zone.

Studies on language teachers' beliefs and emotions: Current status and future directions

This paper provides a historical overview of research on language teachers' beliefs and emotions, examining how studies on teacher emotions have influenced research on beliefs and classroom practices. Using bibliometric analysis, we mapped trends and paradigms in the literature, focusing on significant developments in this field. Our findings reveal a notable increase in publications on language teacher beliefs, particularly since 2018, indicating growing academic interest. Highly cited studies predominantly emphasize the emotional aspects of teaching, signaling a broader shift in research focus from cognitive to emotional dimensions, commonly referred to as the “emotional turn.” The analysis also identifies influential authors and institutions, with the USA, China, and the UK leading in contributions. Research themes have evolved over time, moving from foundational beliefs and teaching practices to more complex areas like teacher psychology, with particular attention to emotional regulation, identity, and agency in language teaching. Finally, we offer insights for future research, aiming to further explore the intricate relationship between teachers' beliefs and emotions.

Thriving, not just surviving: Using positive psychology to build psychological wellbeing in pre-tertiary students

The significance of psychological wellbeing for student success is under-investigated, particularly for pre-tertiary Enabling students (those traditionally under-represented in higher education). Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) have proven effective in enhancing wellbeing but are rarely integrated into university courses. This study explored a PPI, Be Positive, a 12-week program, designed to teach students strategies and techniques to help them re-frame their thinking about themselves and their academic pursuits. The program was evaluated with 37 Enabling students who completed weekly wellbeing questionnaires alongside self-reports about their study-related wellbeing. Results indicated fluctuating but generally positive levels of wellbeing throughout the program, with the highest levels recorded in the final weeks. A significant number of participants (79%) reported positive wellbeing by the program end, contrasting typical declines in student wellbeing during university terms. Thematic analysis of student reflections on how the program supported their wellbeing identified four key areas: affective balance, adaptive psychological resources, self-regulation, and positive implications for both academic and personal life. The findings suggest that PPIs like Be Positive can offer a proactive approach to mental health, equipping students with tools for resilience and emotional regulation, thereby enhancing wellbeing and potentially subsequent academic performance.

TabMoE: A General Framework for Diverse Table-Based Reasoning with Mixture-of-Experts

Tables serve as a widely adopted data format, attracting considerable academic interest concerning semantic understanding and logical inference of tables. In recent years, the prevailing paradigm of pre-training and fine-tuning on tabular data has become increasingly prominent in research on table understanding. However, existing table-based pre-training methods frequently exhibit constraints, supporting only single tasks while requiring substantial computational resources, which hinders their efficiency and applicability. In this paper, we introduce the TabMoE, a novel framework based on mixture-of-experts, designed to handle a wide range of tasks involving logical reasoning over tabular data. Each expert within the model specializes in a distinct logical function and is trained through the utilization of a hard Expectation–Maximization algorithm. Remarkably, this framework eliminates the necessity of dependency on tabular pre-training, instead exclusively employing limited task-specific data to significantly enhance models’ inferential capabilities. We conduct empirical experiments across three typical tasks related to tabular data: table-based question answering, table-based fact verification, and table-to-text generation. The experimental results underscore the innovation and feasibility of our framework.

The co-benefits of a low-carbon future for PM2.5 and O3 air pollution in Europe

Abstract. There is considerable academic interest in the potential for air quality improvement as a co-benefit of climate change mitigation. Few studies use regional air quality models for simulating future co-benefits, but many use global chemistry–climate model output. Using regional atmospheric chemistry could provide a better representation of air quality changes than global chemistry–climate models, especially by improving the representation of elevated urban concentrations. We use a detailed regional atmospheric-chemistry model (WRF-Chem v4.2) to model European air quality in 2050 compared to 2014 following three climate change mitigation scenarios. We represent different climate futures by using air pollutant emissions and chemical boundary conditions (from CESM2-WACCM output) for three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0: high-, medium- and low-mitigation pathways respectively). We find that in 2050, following SSP1-2.6, mean population-weighted PM2.5 concentrations across European countries are reduced by 52 % compared to 2014. Under SSP2-4.5, this average reduction is 34%. The smallest average reduction is 18 %, achieved following SSP3-7.0. Maximum 6-monthly-mean daily-maximum 8 h (6mDM8h) ozone (O3) is reduced across Europe by 15 % following SSP1-2.6 and by 3 % following SSP2-4.5, but it increases by 13 % following SSP3-7.0. This demonstrates clear co-benefits of climate mitigation. The additional resolution allows us to analyse regional differences and identify key sectors. We find that the mitigation of agricultural emissions will be key for attaining meaningful co-benefits of mitigation policies, as evidenced by the importance of changes in NO3 aerosol mass to future PM2.5 air quality and changes in CH4 emissions to future O3 air quality.

Farming Mountains and Herding Sheep: A Study of the Peasant Economy in the Northern Section of the Lüliang Mountains in Modern Times

Abstract The peasant economy has been a focal point of academic interest, with existing research primarily concentrated on the plains, leaving mountainous areas less explored. Different ecological environments have shaped distinct forms of peasant economies. The Lüliang Mountains, as a typical agrarian-pastoral mixed zone, has typological significance among peasant economic formations in that it is characterized by extensive cultivation with meager yields and an integration of agriculture and animal husbandry. In modern times, peasants have cultivated vast mountainous lands, planted a variety of cash crops, and established close ties with the market. Reliance on pastoral activities has supplemented the family economy, leading to a rational and efficient division of labor within households. This division manifests horizontally and vertically with younger members herding and older members either tending the fields or working in sidelines, thereby achieving a balanced distribution of labor and resilient family survival. Behind the seeming uniformity of the peasant economy, regional specificity remains hidden and awaits exploration. The particularities of regional ecological environments and the production factors of the peasant economy are crucial areas for research.

Navigating transitions: Vietnamese students’ experiences and challenges in the first year of higher education

ABSTRACT This qualitative research delves into the intricate transitional experiences of Vietnamese students during their first year in higher education (HE). Grounded in the dynamically shifting socio-cultural landscape of Vietnam, the study captures the narratives of 15 students, emphasising the unique challenges faced by those from the Mekong Delta region. Utilising a robust analytical blend of sociocultural theory, transition theory, and constructivist grounded theory, the research surfaces seven poignant themes. These are: (1) ‘Cultural Dislocation’, capturing the tension between traditional values and modern, global influences; (2) the ‘Struggle with Academic Independence’ highlighting the challenges of autonomous learning; (3) the intricacies of navigating ‘Interpersonal Dynamics in Diversity’ in a multicultural academic environment; (4) the evident ‘Digital Divide’ accentuating the disparities in technological access and proficiency; (5) the delicate act of ‘Balancing Commitments’ between academic pursuits and deeply rooted familial responsibilities; and (6) the profound ‘Quest for Autonomy and Identity Formation’, signifying the transformative nature of HE as a space for profound self-discovery and personal growth. While offering specific insights into the Vietnamese context, the study resonates with global academic transitions, underscoring the urgent need for holistic educational approaches that address the diverse challenges and aspirations of contemporary students.

Unlocking the Potential of Silver Nanoparticles: From Synthesis to Versatile Bio-Applications.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are leading the way in nanotechnological innovation, combining the captivating properties of silver with the accuracy of nanoscale engineering, thus revolutionizing material science. Three main techniques arise within the alchemical domains of AgNP genesis: chemical, physical, and biological synthesis. Each possesses its distinct form of magic for controlling size, shape, and scalability-key factors necessary for achieving expertise in the practical application of nanoparticles. The story unravels, describing the careful coordination of chemical reduction, the environmentally sensitive charm of green synthesis utilizing plant extracts, and the precise accuracy of physical techniques. AgNPs are highly praised in the field of healthcare for their powerful antibacterial characteristics. These little warriors display a wide-ranging attack against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Their critical significance in combating hospital-acquired and surgical site infections is highly praised, serving as a beacon of hope in the fight against the challenging problem of antibiotic resistance. In addition to their ability to kill bacteria, AgNPs are also known to promote tissue regeneration and facilitate wound healing. The field of cancer has also observed the adaptability of AgNPs. The review documents their role as innovative carriers of drugs, specifically designed to target cancer cells with accuracy, minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Additionally, it explores their potential as cancer therapy or anticancer agents capable of disrupting the growth of tumors. In the food business, AgNPs are utilized to enhance the durability of packing materials and coatings by infusing them with their bactericidal properties. This results in improved food safety measures and a significant increase in the duration that products can be stored, thereby tackling the crucial issue of food preservation. This academic analysis recognizes the many difficulties that come with the creation and incorporation of AgNPs. This statement pertains to the evaluation of environmental factors and the effort to enhance synthetic processes. The review predicts future academic pursuits, envisioning progress that will enhance the usefulness of AgNPs and increase their importance from being new to becoming essential within the realms of science and industry. Besides, AgNPs are not only a subject of scholarly interest but also a crucial component in the continuous effort to tackle some of the most urgent health and conservation concerns of contemporary society. This review aims to explore the complex process of AgNP synthesis and highlight their numerous uses, with a special focus on their growing importance in the healthcare and food business sectors. This review invites the scientific community to explore the extensive possibilities of AgNPs in order to fully understand and utilize their potential.

Digital literacy competencies among students in higher learning institutions in Kazakhstan

Purpose This study aims to assess the digital literacy competencies among students in higher learning institutions in Kazakhstan. Design/methodology/approach A survey design was used. Simple random sampling was used to draw sample. Primary data were collected using Web/online questionnaires (Google Form). A total of 370 online questionnaires were disseminated to the respondents to their email addresses. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using MS Excel 2010. Thus, descriptive statistics were computed and the results were further presented in tables, charts and figures. Findings Results reveal that students are very competent in using digital technologies to communicate and share their educational digital contents, whereas they indicate moderate competence and incompetence in other essential digital literacy skills crucial for their academic pursuits. Furthermore, this study revealed that students frequently use digital technologies for educational purposes, with statistical analysis [t(381) = 4.562, p < 0.00001, two-tailed] indicating a significant difference between the extent and purpose of their digital usage. Moreover, findings identified health issues, technical issues and the constantly changing of hardware and software as primary challenges faced students when engaging with digital technologies. Originality/value This study is new in the context of Kazakhstan analyzing the digital literacy competencies among students, with a particular focus on elucidating the five fundamental facets of such competencies. This study therefore, recommends the implementation of comprehensive and consistent training programs aimed at imparting necessary digital literacy skills to students.