Active Pattern Research Articles

Hemoglobin mediates the link between the ‘weekend warrior’ physical activity pattern and diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the leading cause of vision loss in elderly individuals, coupled with limited treatment options, has prompted efforts to identify modifiable risk factors associated with DR. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between the “weekend warrior” (WW) physical activity (PA) pattern and DR risk in U.S. adults and to examine how Hb levels mediate this relationship. Cross-sectional study data were obtained from nationally representative NHANES data from 2007 to 2018. The PA pattern was categorized as inactive, insufficiently active, WW, or regularly active (RA). The study ultimately included 6145 U.S. adults, including 1043 participants with DR and 5102 participants with DM but not DR. Multivariate logistic regression modelling indicated that both the WW (OR = 0.631, 95% CI = 0.487–0.818, P < 0.001) and RA (OR = 0.738, 95% CI = 0.574–0.959, P = 0.018) PA patterns were significant protective factors against DR compared with the inactive PA pattern. Moreover, compared to the RA and insufficiently active PA patterns, WW did not show a significant association with DR, whereas the inactive PA pattern (OR = 1.355, 95% CI = 1.054–1.742, P = 0.018) was a risk factor. Mediation analysis revealed a significant partial mediation effect of Hb level on the association between PA pattern and DR risk, with a mediation ratio of 5.95%. Our study revealed that the WW and RA PA patterns are protective factors against DR and that Hb levels mediate this association. In comparison, the WW PA pattern is the most cost effective for DR prevention.

Policing and mental health: A rapid evidence assessment of the patterning of police activity

Existing evidence suggests exposure to police activity negatively impacts the mental health of the policed. But research on whether, and why, police activity is correlated with the prevalence of mental health challenges among individuals and in specific areas remains piecemeal. We conducted a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of the literature examining the association between policing and mental health, with a focus on investigating whether people in poor mental health are more likely to interact with police, whether police activity is higher in areas where people face more mental health challenges, and the reasons for these interactions. A total of 31 studies exploring the scale and reach of police encounters involving individuals dealing with mental health issues were included. The evidence suggests a pattern of heightened policing activity in specific geographic areas where individuals contend with elevated mental health challenges, and police spend more time dealing with individuals with mental health issues compared to the general population. These interactions occur for a wide variety of reasons, and people with mental health conditions encounter the police as victims, offenders, people in need and in other roles. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Does seasonal variation in the corticosterone response affect the nutritional ecology of a free-ranging lizard?

Challenging events in the environment that are both predictable (e.g. seasonal patterns in breeding activities) and unpredictable (e.g. predator encounter) are known to induce a glucocorticoid response that facilitates metabolic requirements during the challenge. Given its role in mobilizing energy, glucocorticoid levels can influence the nutritional ecology of an individual by shifting dietary intake or retention patterns, but this relationship has not been tested in free-ranging vertebrates. Using a tropical lizard species (Psammophilus dorsalis) as a model system, we tested whether the elemental composition of dietary intake and excretion (faecal samples) varies with stress-induced corticosterone levels in males and females across different seasons. From free-ranging lizards in the wild, we measured levels of stress-induced corticosterone and glucose in blood and determined diet composition from gut-flushing. Elemental composition of the diet was determined by analysing the carbon and nitrogen content of identified prey Orders caught from the wild. We also collected faecal samples and estimated their elemental composition. We found that stress-induced corticosterone levels varied across seasons, with the lowest levels during the breeding season for both males and females. Despite high variation in corticosterone responsiveness, lizards did not shift the elemental composition of their diets and maintained an intake carbon:nitrogen ratio of 4.56. We did, however, find a negative correlation between stress-induced corticosterone levels and faecal elemental composition, suggesting selective retention of both carbon and nitrogen in individuals that have higher corticosterone responsiveness. This study highlights the interplay between corticosterone responsiveness and nutritional ecology, challenging the existing links in literature and illustrating how free-ranging animals, such as lizards, adjust the elemental composition of excretion and not dietary intakes as a potential strategy to modulate natural physiological and ecological challenges.

P1279 Associations of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with bowel resection risk and mortality among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background There is limited consensus on physical activity recommendations for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients due to insufficient high-quality evidence. We investigated the associations of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with bowel resection risk and mortality among affected individuals. Methods We collected data from 1,303 UK Biobank participants with IBD diagnosis and device-measured physical activity. MVPA was classified based on data measured by wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period. MVPA patterns were defined as inactive, active weekend warrior, and regularly active. Associations were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models. Results During a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 56 incident bowel resection cases and 86 deaths were documented. Compared to those with the lowest tertile, participants with the highest tertile of MVPA duration had lower risks of bowel resection (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.86) and mortality (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.89). MVPA duration is linearly associated with bowel resection (P non-linear = 0.13) while its dose-response relationship with mortality plateaus at approximately 58 min/day (P non-linear = 0.02). The active weekend warrior pattern was inversely associated with bowel resection (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.65), the regularly active pattern was inversely associated with both bowel resection (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69) and mortality (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.91) compared to the inactive. Conclusion Longer accelerometer-measured MVPA was associated with reduced bowel resection risk and mortality. The regularly active pattern may be the optimal choice for individuals with IBD, while the active weekend warrior pattern still provides health benefits compared to being inactive.

Natural Compounds from Alhagi maurorum as Potential HCC and HepG2 Inhibitors: An Integrated Study using Pharmacophore Development, Molecular Docking, MD Simulation, and DFT Approaches.

The rise in the frequency of liver cancer all over the world makes it a prominent area of research in the discovery of new drugs or repurposing of existing drugs. This article describes the pharmacophore-based structure-activity relationship (3DQSAR) on the secondary metabolites of Alhagi maurorum to inhibit human liver cancer cell lines Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoma G2 (HepG2) which represents the molecular level understanding for isolated phytochemicals of Alhagi maurorum. The definite features, such as hydrophobic regions, average shape, and active compounds' electrostatic patterns, were mapped to screen phytochemicals. The 3D-QSAR model generates pharmacophore-based descriptors and alignment of active compounds. Further, docking studies were performed on the active compounds to check out their binding affinity with the active site of the target proteins. It was further validated by applying molecular simulations, and the results were found to be accurate. The geometrical optimization and energy gap of the hit compound were calculated by the density functional theory (DFT). Then, ADMET was performed on this hit compound for drug-like features and toxicity. Out of 59 compounds, eight ligands were found active after the 3D-QSAR study. After that, molecular docking was performed on the active compounds F72, F52, F54, F29, F37, F38, F25, and F29, which were recognized as potential targets, and the docking results showed that compound F52 (also an FDA-approved drug) was the best hit. F52 was found to be the best hit against liver cancer cell lines HCC and HepG2. This study would be helpful for early drug discovery optimization and lead identification.

Biomechanics of flail chest injuries: tidal volume and respiratory work changes in multiple segmental rib fractures

BackgroundFlail chest (FC) injuries are segmental osseous injuries of the thorax that typically result from high-energy blunt trauma and regularly occur in multiple trauma (MT) patients. FC injuries are associated with paradoxical chest wall movements and, thus, have a high risk of respiratory insufficiency or even death. An increasing number of studies recommend an early surgical stabilization of FC injuries, but a definite trigger that would indicate surgery has, thus far, not been identified.MethodsBased on real-world injury computed tomography (CT) data, this study aimed to establish a finite elements (FE) model of a thorax simulating spontaneous breathing. The model is based on a 0.625 mm slice thickness CT data set. In this FE model, various FC injury patterns were implemented to examine the impact of an increasingly large flail segment on tidal volume and respiratory work. The impact of the segmental defect sizes on the outcome measures mentioned above was examined using correlation analyses.ResultsThe FE model in this study reliably simulated the spontaneous breathing patterns of an actively breathing patient in an uninjured setting as a reference and showed clinically realistic movements of the flail segments for various injury settings. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the FC size and tidal volume (R2 = 0.852, p = 0.003), while absolute (R2 = 0.845, p = 0.0096) and relative loss (R2 = 0.844, p = 0.0096) of tidal volume concerning the intact model and the compensatory respiratory work required (R2 = 0.816, p = 0.0136) were positively correlated with FC size.ConclusionThis study presents an FE model of the thorax of a patient who presented to our clinic as an MT patient with an FC injury. The FE model fulfills physiologic active breathing patterns and simulates an FC injury’s paradoxical movement, realistically depicting clinical observations. The FE model showed that the number of consecutive ribs involved in the flail segment and the length of the flail segment significantly impacted active breathing concerning tidal volumes and respiratory work. With this, we have made the first step to define a trigger for surgery.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: association with microcirculatory changes detected by nailfold capillaroscopy in scleroderma patients and its relation to disease severity

BackgroundMicrovascular alteration in scleroderma patients is well documented. Microcirculatory changes can be visualized by nailfold capillary microscopy (NFC) examination which is a safe and noninvasive technique. This study aims to identify possible association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and microvascular changes detected by nailfold capillaroscopic examination in scleroderma patients.ResultsThe study was conducted on 25 patients with systemic sclerosis. On studying the correlation of NLR with laboratory parameters, we found significant positive correlations with erythrocyte sedimentation rate “ESR” and C-reactive protein “CRP” values (p = 0.000). Regarding the clinical manifestations, higher NLR was significantly related to the presence of digital ulcer (p = 0.023) and Raynaud’s phenomenon (p = 0.015). There was significantly negative relation between NLR with cyclophosphamide treatment. Regarding NFC examination’s results, there was significant negative correlation of NLR with capillary number/mm (p = 0.000) and significant positive correlation of NLR with capillary width (p = 0.005), and a significant relation of NLR with the presence of capillary hemorrhage and presence of active scleroderma pattern (p = 0.010) was also reported.ConclusionHigh N/L ratio as a marker of inflammation was found to reflect severity of systemic sclerosis and is associated with larger capillary diameter and lower capillary number in nailfold capillaroscopy. Active scleroderma pattern was associated with high N/L ratio. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the frequency of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and N/L ratio.

From Collusion to Autonomy: Patterns of Hybrid Repression and Human Rights Activism

Abstract This article elaborates the notion of hybrid repression, understanding by this modalities of dissidence suppression that involve state and non-state actors interacting in various ways, from fully autonomous to close cooperation. It does so by proposing a framework to scrutinize repressive configurations on the basis of three analytical dimensions – the perpetrator of repression, the tactics used and the threats perpetrators respond to – and using this framework to perform a systematic qualitative analysis of 160 in-depth interviews with human rights activists in four different countries (Colombia, Egypt, Mexico and Kenya). On this basis, the article analytically distinguishes and empirically elaborates four different patterns of hybrid repression, namely: state rogue, corporate, communitarian and non-state armed repression. Our argument challenges the state-centric approach to political repression that still dominates much of the literature on contentious politics and comparative regime analysis, and it invites further research on how hybrid forms of repression manifest and operate in different types of social and political contexts, and in relation to different areas of activism.

Linking heartbeats with the cortical network dynamics involved in self-social touch distinction

Research on interoception has revealed the role of heartbeats in shaping our perceptual awareness and embodying a first-person perspective. These heartbeat dynamics exhibit distinct responses to various types of touch. We advanced that those dynamics are directly associated to the brain activity that allows self-other distinction. In our study encompassing self and social touch, we employed a method to quantify the distinct couplings of temporal patterns in cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activities with brain connectivity. Our findings revealed that social touch led to an increase in the coupling between frontoparietal networks and parasympathetic/vagal activity, particularly in alpha and gamma bands. Conversely, as social touch progressed, we observed a decrease in the coupling between brain networks and sympathetic dynamics across a broad frequency range. These results show how heartbeat dynamics are intertwined with brain organization and provide fresh evidence on the neurophysiological mechanisms of self-social touch distinction.

Hormonal and Glycemic Responses During and After Constant- and Alternating-Intensity Exercise.

Background/Objectives: Glucose metabolism and hormonal responses are largely affected by exercise intensity, which exhibits an alternating pattern in many sports activities. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare glycemic and hormonal responses during and after exercise of constant (CON) and alternating (ALT) intensity with the same duration and total work. Methods: Ten healthy male volunteers performed two, 60 min cycling exercise bouts in random order: the ALT bout, where exercise intensity alternated between 46.5 ± 1.9% of VO2max for 40 s and 120% of VO2max for 20 s, so the mean intensity was at 105% of the lactate threshold (LT), and the CON exercise bout, where the intensity was constant at 105% of LT (70 ± 4.7% of VO2max). Results: No significant differences were observed in blood glucose concentrations between the two exercise protocols (p = 0.22) or over time at any time point measured, i.e., before, at 30 and 60 min of each exercise bout, and 60 min post-exercise (p > 0.05). Circulating insulin levels decreased significantly over time in both protocols (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 in ALT and CON, respectively); nevertheless, they did not differ between the exercise protocols (p = 0.45). Similarly, there were no significant differences in serum leptin and prolactin levels between the two protocols (p = 0.77 and p = 0.80 in ALT and CON, respectively); however, circulating levels of leptin decreased at 30 and 60 min of exercise only in CON (p < 0.05) and those of prolactin at 60 min of exercise only in ALT (p < 0.05) compared to pre-exercise values. Conclusions: Cycling exercise of constant or alternating moderate intensity (~70% of VO2max) with the same duration induces similar glycemic but differential over time hormonal responses in healthy males.

Gendered Time-Use Patterns in Academic Activities Among Researchers in Germany and Norway

Gendered Time-Use Patterns in Academic Activities Among Researchers in Germany and Norway

A role for qualitative methods in researching Twitter data on a popular science article's communication.

Big Data communication researchers have highlighted the need for qualitative analysis of online science conversations to better understand their meaning. However, a scholarly gap exists in exploring how qualitative methods can be applied to small data regarding micro-bloggers' communications about science articles. While social media attention assists with article dissemination, qualitative research into the associated microblogging practices remains limited. To address these gaps, this study explores how qualitative analysis can enhance science communication studies on microblogging articles. Calls for such qualitative approaches are supported by a practical example: an interdisciplinary team applied mixed methods to better understand the promotion of an unorthodox but popular science article on Twitter over a 2-year period. While Big Data studies typically identify patterns in microbloggers' activities from large data sets, this study demonstrates the value of integrating qualitative analysis to deepen understanding of these interactions. In this study, a small data set was analyzed using NVivo™ by a pragmatist and MAXQDA™ by a statistician. The pragmatist's multimodal content analysis found that health professionals shared links to the article, with its popularity tied to its role as a communication event within a longstanding debate in the health sciences. Dissident professionals used this article to support an emergent paradigm. The analysis also uncovered practices, such as language localization, where a title was translated from English to Spanish to reach broader audiences. A semantic network analysis confirmed that terms used by the article's tweeters strongly aligned with its content, and the discussion was notably pro-social. Meta-inferences were then drawn by integrating the findings from the two methods. These flagged the significance of contextualizing the sharing of a health science article in relation to tweeters' professional identities and their stances on health-related issues. In addition, meta-critiques highlighted challenges in preparing accurate tweet data and analyzing them using qualitative data analysis software. These findings highlight the valuable contributions that qualitative research can make to research involving microblogging data in science communication. Future research could critique this approach or further explore the microblogging of key articles within important scientific debates.

Longitudinal association between nailfold capillaroscopy and incident interstitial lung disease: A EUSTAR database analysis.

To evaluate (1) the association between nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and 5-year risk for incident interstitial lung disease and (2) the association between transition in nailfold capillaroscopy pattern and risk of incident interstitial lung disease. Data of adult patients from the EUSTAR database fulfilling the ACR-EULAR criteria with a disease duration ⩽5 years, having a scleroderma pattern at nailfold capillaroscopy with high-resolution computed tomography confirmed absence of interstitial lung disease (i.e. baseline) was used. Interstitial lung disease-free survival was assessed for up to 5 years of follow-up with a Cox proportional hazards model stratified on nailfold capillaroscopy pattern at baseline. The association of annual transition in nailfold capillaroscopy pattern on the risk to develop interstitial lung disease was assessed with a mixed logistic regression analysis. Out of 771 eligible patients, 283 (37%) had an early pattern, 377 (49%) had an active pattern, and 111 (14%) had a late pattern. The Cox proportional hazard model including the identified confounders did not show an association between severity of nailfold capillaroscopy pattern at baseline and increased risk for interstitial lung disease during 5-year follow-up (hazard ratio (95 confidence interval; p value): 1.09 (0.86-1.39; 0.47)). The mixed logistic regression analysis revealed an increased annual risk for incident interstitial lung disease with increasing severity of capillaroscopic pattern (odds ratio (95% confidence interval); p value 3.76 (1.99-7.11; <0.01)). Our study shows that worsening of nailfold capillaroscopy has a strong association with an increased annual risk to develop interstitial lung disease. Of note, a worse scleroderma pattern at nailfold capillaroscopy is not associated with the long-term risk to develop interstitial lung disease.

Toward sustainable desalination: a patent analysis of technology-development trajectories

Research and development (R&D) in desalination has enabled innovations and expanded global water-supply capacity to enhance water security. Despite increased desalination capacity, significant sustainability concerns persist. While sustainable desalination efforts have primarily focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, less attention has been paid to other environmental impacts. Moreover, questions remain about which sustainable technologies have been developed and which stakeholders’ R&D priorities. To address these gaps, we analyze patent data to trace desalination technology-development paths while examining environmental impacts and the roles of government and industry. Using bibliographical analysis, text mining, and technology life-cycle analysis, we map the evolution of the global desalination sector over the past 20 years. Our analysis reveals geographical patterns in patenting activities, including developments in core technologies such as Multiple Effect Distillation (MED), Multi-Stage Flash Distillation (MSF), and Reverse Osmosis (RO). We identify a significant misalignment between R&D pathways and broader sustainability concerns, with implications for the long-term sustainability of desalination and regional water-security policies.

Seasonal activity patterns of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in the United States.

Knowledge of seasonal activity patterns of human-biting life stages of tick species serving as vectors of human disease agents provides basic information on when during the year humans are most at risk for tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Although there is a wealth of published information on seasonal activity patterns of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in the United States, a critical review of the literature for these important tick vectors is lacking. The aims of this paper were to: (i) review what is known about the seasonal activity patterns of I. scapularis and I. pacificus in different parts of their geographic ranges in the US, (ii) provide a synthesis of the main findings, and (iii) outline key knowledge gaps and methodological pitfalls that limit our understanding of variability in seasonal activity patterns. Based on ticks collected while questing or from wild animals, the seasonal activity patterns were found to be similar for I. pacificus in the Far West and I. scapularis in the Southeast, with synchronous activity of larvae and nymphs, peaking in spring (April to June) in the Far West and from spring to early summer (April to July) in the Southeast, and continuous activity of adults from fall through winter and spring with peak activity from fall through winter (November/December to March). In the colder climates of the Upper Midwest and Northeast, I. scapularis adults have a bimodal seasonal pattern, with activity peaks in fall (October to November) and spring (April to May). The seasonal activity patterns for immatures differ between the Upper Midwest, synchronous for larvae and nymphs with peak activity in spring and summer (May to August), and the Northeast, where the peak activity of nymphs in spring and early summer (May to July) precedes that of larvae in summer (July to September). Seasonality of human tick encounters also is influenced by changes over the year in the level of outdoor activities in tick habitat. Studies on the seasonality of ticks infesting humans have primarily focused on the coastal Northeast and the Pacific Coast states, with fewer studies in the Southeast, inland parts of the Northeast, and the Upper Midwest. Discrepancies between seasonal patterns for peak tick questing activity and peak human infestation appear to occur primarily for the adult stages of I. scapularis and I. pacificus. Study design and data presentation limitations of the published literature are discussed. Scarcity of data for seasonal activity patterns of I. pacificus outside of California and for I. scapularis from parts of the Southeast, Northeast, and Upper Midwest is a key knowledge gap. In addition to informing the public of when during the year the risk for tick bites is greatest, high-quality studies describing current seasonal activity patterns also will generate the data needed for robust model-based projections of future climate-driven change in the seasonal activity patterns and provide the baseline needed to empirically determine in the future if the projections were accurate.

Microbial community and functional shifts across agricultural and urban landscapes within a Lake Erie watershed.

The role of sediment microbial communities in regulating the loss and retention of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems has been increasingly recognised. However, in the Great Lakes, where nutrient mitigation focuses on harmful algal blooms, there are limited studies examining the fundamental role of water/sediment microbes in nutrient biogeochemical cycling. Little is understood in this regard considering the increase in anthropogenic pressure on in-stream biological processes impacting nutrient flux to lakes. In this study, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches were used to investigate the microbial community and gene regulation. The study focused on nitrogen (N) metabolism in a nutrient-polluted watershed of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Nutrients and microbial analyses of water and sediments were collected in 2020 and 2021 from Sturgeon Creek headwaters to the nearshore of Lake Erie. Results showed no significant shifts in community structure with nutrient concentrations or land use. Metabolically, active genes involved in denitrification (consisting of 32-53% of N metabolic transcripts) showed the highest expression within agricultural and wetland dominant locations. Based on active gene expression patterns, the urbanised location coinciding with peak nitrate (NO3-) concentrations showed the greatest potential for nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and nitrogen loss along this transect. In contrast to denitrification, direct nitrification (5-21% of N metabolic transcripts) increased two-fold approaching downstream and nearshore lake locations. Across this river-lake corridor, expression of key functional genes associated with N transformation showed strong correlation with the change in concentrations of aqueous NO3- and nitrite (NO2-) and the ratio of NO2-/NO3-. Our findings demonstrated a clear link between sediment microbial metabolism and overlying water chemistry in this lotic system. We suggest that future studies assessing nutrient mitigation consider sediment biogeochemical processes and N-metabolising bacteria, and their fundamental role and cooperative relationship with nutrient and hydrological dynamics of overlying waters.

CO-PRODUCED IDEAS FOR SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT ENGAGEMENT IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES

Abstract While research in the field of technology is surging, research on older adults playing an active role in designing and developing smart home technology (SHT) to enhance usability and adoption is lacking. It is important to co-develop products with potential users to better match their needs and desires. This study aims to generate ideas about SHT that can enhance the use and adoption of SHT that can support engagement in meaningful activities while ageing. The research circle methodology was utilized to elicit co-produced ideas for SHT and their functions with participants from different generations (30-39, 50-59 and 70-79 years old; n=9), together with two professionals with expertise in SHT and four researchers. The strength of research circle methodology is knowledge translation through the collaborative effort of participants. The findings revealed that the participants preferred SHT which can support independence, engagement in social experiences, and participation in meaningful activities while ageing, rather than smart home appliances or full home automation. Moreover, SHT which can create a stimulating environment to positively impact physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors were highlighted. Some ideas generated were multi-purpose functions and a system that can analyze patterns for monitoring activities and prevention of disability or its progression. Non-technology support such as informal carers and neighborhood and community support were also prioritized. Our study highlights the benefits of collaboration among diverse stakeholders (older adults, informal carers, technology professionals and researchers) to generate ideas about preferences for SHT that can better support the needs and desires of older adults.

Innovation in learning akidah and akhlak for Gen Z at MA Hamzanwadi NW Pancor

Akidah Akhlak learning in Madrasah Aliyah has an important role in shaping student character according to Islamic values. However, challenges arise when the millennial generation who are familiar with technology and active learning patterns show disinterest in conventional learning methods. This study aims to identify the characteristics of the millennial generation at Hamzanwadi Madrasah Aliyah, develop relevant Akidah Akhlak learning innovations, and analyse their effectiveness in improving students' understanding and practice of Islamic values. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. The results show that technology-based approaches, such as the use of interactive media and project-based learning, are able to increase students' interest in learning. Contextualised learning that is relevant to students' daily lives also proved effective in instilling Akidah Akhlak values. The study recommends continuous development in technology-based learning innovations and active collaboration between teachers, students and parents to strengthen learning outcomes.

Occupants’ Thermal Adaptive Behavior Pattern in Indonesian Residential Buildings

Occupants’ adaptive behaviors (OABs) can boost thermal acceptability. This study aims to identify the OAB pattern in the hot-humid region of Indonesia and compare the thermal acceptability percentage of the groups with the identified patterns. Data from an online questionnaire with 3000 respondents were adopted for the analysis of air conditioning (AC), fan, and portable fan usage intensities, along with AC set-point temperature, clo-value, clothing adjustment, and window opening intensity. Hierarchical cluster analysis and logistic regressions were used to distinguish and evaluate OAB patterns. Five groups with various patterns for each AC and naturally ventilated (NV) residence were identified, and similar pattern groups with high clo-values and low thermal acceptability percentages appeared in both residences. The highest window opening intensity for the most active patterns in both AC and NV residences was perceived to be 87% and 91% as time intensity averages. These findings imply a great influence of NV lifestyles with active behavior patterns on improving thermal acceptability for both residences. This study suggests an appropriate OAB strategy to promote a better trade-off between energy consumption and thermal acceptability, such as patterns with a ±25 °C set-point temperature and various OABs in AC residences. Additionally, further investigation into the socio-cultural effect of OABs is necessary.

Human Activity Recognition Using Graph Structures and Deep Neural Networks

Human activity recognition (HAR) systems are essential in healthcare, surveillance, and sports analytics, enabling automated movement analysis. This research presents a novel HAR system combining graph structures with deep neural networks to capture both spatial and temporal patterns in activities. While CNN-based models excel at spatial feature extraction, they struggle with temporal dynamics, limiting their ability to classify complex actions. To address this, we applied the Firefly Optimization Algorithm to fine-tune the hyperparameters of both the graph-based model and a CNN baseline for comparison. The optimized graph-based system, evaluated on the UCF101 and Kinetics-400 datasets, achieved 88.9% accuracy with balanced precision, recall, and F1-scores, outperforming the baseline. It demonstrated robustness across diverse activities, including sports, household routines, and musical performances. This study highlights the potential of graph-based HAR systems for real-world applications, with future work focused on multi-modal data integration and improved handling of occlusions to enhance adaptability and performance.