Advances In Study Research Articles

AI in the Learning Environment: Examination of Pedagogical, Psychological, and Ethical Implications

This paper provides an overview of how AI tools and capabilities are being integrated in teaching and learning. It also addresses ethical aspects of integrating AI and other advanced technologies in these processes as well as the resulting implications. These issues include algorithmic fairness, privacy and surveillance, intellectual property rights, misinformation and violence, health concerns, and social implications. In addition, how access to such tools will impact the cognitive functions of their users, particularly learners, has become a relevant question. Much more information is now becoming easily accessible to a wider population, making it important to understand and mitigate AI ramifications to human learning, reasoning, and perception, especially for young learners whose brains are still in the early developmental stages. To that end, this paper also reviews the current literature regarding the impact of AI integration in education, focusing on the potential effects this can have on the cognitive abilities and functions of learners. Thus, with AI making its way into the educational realm, from pre-college to advanced studies levels, understanding the resulting pedagogical, psychological, and ethical ramifications can guide thoughtful development and appropriate integration of AI tools in support of the learning environment.

The well-being of software engineers: a systematic literature review and a theory

For decades, software engineering research and practice has focused primarily on technological and process-related factors. Today, there is a growing interest in organizational, social, and psychological factors, including well-being. Organizational studies show that well-being contributes to work outcomes, including creativity, performance, and productivity. But despite its importance, the predictors and outcomes of software engineers’ well-being as a multidimensional construct to date are under-researched. This paper reports on the multidimensional well-being of professional software engineers and generates insights for the future research in this area. 44 quantitative survey studies published between 2000 and 2023 were selected and synthesized both quantitatively and qualitatively through a systematic literature review. The results of the review were further analyzed to construct a quantitatively-testable theory, detailing the predictors and outcomes of well-being in software engineering organizations. The total number of research participants included in the selected studies is 16,086 software engineering professionals from at least 42 countries. The literature review identified various measures, constructs, and indicators of well-being, as well as its predictors and outcomes. The theory, based on cumulative results of carefully selected quantitative studies, is an attempt to “correct the record” by establishing well-being in software engineering as a meta-construct of hedonic, eudaimonic, and integrated or hedaimonic qualities predicted by different individual, team and organizational factors and impacting the functioning of software engineers and their organizations. The review highlighted the under-researched aspects of well-being in software engineering and confirmed the need for more advanced quantitative studies. We hope that the theory will benefit researchers in conducting future studies and practitioners in developing nuanced and science-based interventions for improving software engineers’ well-being.

Expression of Concern: “Laccase producing bacteria influenced the high decolorization of textile azo dyes with advanced study” [Environmental Research, 207 (2022) 112211]

Expression of Concern: “Laccase producing bacteria influenced the high decolorization of textile azo dyes with advanced study” [Environmental Research, 207 (2022) 112211]

A comprehensive study of recent advances, challenges and factors of nanofiltration membrane in various industrial applications

A comprehensive study of recent advances, challenges and factors of nanofiltration membrane in various industrial applications

한국 H 서예 동아리에서의 문화 간 교류와 문화 적응 : 중국 유학생의 관찰과 체험

This study uses ethnography to explore the cross-cultural exchange experiences of a Chinese student in the Korean H Calligraphy Club, emphasizing the unique role of calligraphy in cross-cultural interaction. Researcher A, with a background in Chinese calligraphy, came to Korea for advanced studies in applied art education. Through active participation in the H Calligraphy Club, he experienced cultural shock and gradually adapted to the new environment. The study’s findings are organized into three themes: Cultural Shock and Decapsulation, Localization of Calligraphy, and Conscious and Unconscious Cross-Cultural Interaction. Initially, Researcher A saw Korean Chinese-character calligraphy as an extension of Chinese calligraphy. However, through interviews and observations, he recognized the originality and localization of Korean calligraphy and its role in cultural exchange. This study reveals how the H Calligraphy Club serves as a platform for cultural interaction, highlighting the dynamics of contemporary cultural exchange and providing insights for future cross-cultural research.

UN SDG 3 and Context-specific effects of stakeholder engagement on health care service delivery and policy implementation: A local government health sector case study in Pakistan’s Complex Governing Structure

In this study effects of context-specific stakeholder involvement in implementing the health care related policies as well as providing health care services in the Gujrat, Pakistan local government's health sector is empirically explored. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative dataset from government bureaucrats, healthcare providers and civic representatives. The study found enhanced operational efficiency, better health outcomes are outcomes of successful stakeholder engagement achieved through collaborative partnerships and participatory methods. Conversely, these improvements face major complications due to resistance from some stakeholders who are motivated by entrenched malpractices and political agendas. This study highlights importance of inclusive and transparent governance system by classifying strategies for incorporating stakeholder interest/s, concerns into policy-making. Current paper advances study of stakeholder theory by highlighting significance of addressing power dynamics and consequences of stakeholder involvement in health sector.

Powering a molecular delivery system by harvesting energy from the leaf motion in wind.

Smart agriculture tools as well as advanced studies on agrochemicals and plant biostimulants aim to improve crop productivity and more efficient use of resources without sacrificing sustainability. Recently, multiple advanced sensors for agricultural applications have been developed, however much less advancement is reported in the field of precise delivery of agriculture chemicals. The organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) enables electrophoretically-controlled delivery of ionic molecules in the plant tissue, however it needs external power-supplies complicating its application in the field. Here, we demonstrate that an OEIP can be powered by wind-driven leaf motion through contact electrification between a natural leaf and an artificial leaf. This plant-hybrid triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) directly charges the OEIP, enabling proton delivery into a pH indicator solution, which triggers visible color changes as a proof-of-concept. The successful delivery of up to 44 nmol of protons was revealed by pH measurements after 17 h autonomous operation in air flow moving the plant and artificial leaves. Several control tests indicated that the proton delivery was powered uniquely by the charges generated during leaf fluttering. The OEIP-TENG combination opens the potential for targeted and self-powered long-term delivery of relevant chemicals in plants, with the possibility of enhancing growth and resistance to abiotic stressors. &#xD.

Advancements in Indoor Precision Positioning: A Comprehensive Survey of UWB and Wi-Fi RTT Positioning Technologies

High-precision indoor positioning is essential for various applications, such as the Internet of Things, robotics, and smart manufacturing, requiring accuracy better than 1 m. Conventional indoor positioning methods, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth fingerprinting, typically provide low accuracy within a range of several meters, while techniques such as laser or visual odometry often require fusion with absolute positioning methods. Ultra-wideband (UWB) and Wi-Fi Round-Trip Time (RTT) are emerging radio positioning technologies supported by industry leaders like Apple and Google, respectively, both capable of achieving high-precision indoor positioning. This paper offers a comprehensive survey of UWB and Wi-Fi positioning, beginning with an overview of UWB and Wi-Fi RTT ranging, followed by an explanation of the fundamental principles of UWB and Wi-Fi RTT-based geometric positioning. Additionally, it compares the strengths and limitations of UWB and Wi-Fi RTT technologies and reviews advanced studies that address practical challenges in UWB and Wi-Fi RTT positioning, such as accuracy, reliability, continuity, and base station coordinate calibration issues. These challenges are primarily addressed through a multi-sensor fusion approach that integrates relative and absolute positioning. Finally, this paper highlights future directions for the development of UWB- and Wi-Fi RTT-based indoor positioning technologies.

New cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with advanced cancer-A prospective study comparing MR-proADM, MR-proANP, copeptin, high-sensitivity troponin T and NT-proBNP.

Traditional cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers (high-sensitivity troponinT [hsTnT] and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) are important to monitor cancer patients' cardiac function and to assess prognosis. Newer CV biomarkers (mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin [MR-proADM], C-terminal pro-arginine vasopressin [copeptin], and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide [MR-proANP]) might outperform traditional biomarkers. Overall, 442 hospitalized cancer patients without significant CV disease or current infection were enrolled (61 ± 15 years, 52% male, advanced cancer stage: 85%) and concentrations of CV biomarkers were analysed. Differences in echocardiographic, clinical, laboratory parameters were assessed. Patients were followed for up to 69 months for all-cause mortality. In univariable analyses, MR-proADM, hsTnT, copeptin, MR-proANP, and NT-proBNP predicted all-cause mortality. In multivariable analyses (adjusted for sex, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], C-reactive protein, anti-cancer therapy, reason for hospitalization, cancer stage and type), only MR-proADM remained an independent predictor of mortality (MR-proADM per 1 ln: hazard ratio [HR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-3.50], p < 0.001). MR-proADM had the highest area under the curve (AUC) using receiver operating characteristic analysis (AUC [95% CI] 0.74 [0.69-0.79]; hsTnT: AUC 0.69; copeptin: AUC 0.66; MR-proANP: AUC 0.63; NT-proBNP: AUC 0.62). Optimal cut-point for mortality prediction with MR-proADM was 0.94 nmol/L (HR 2.43 [95% CI 1.92-3.06], p < 0.001). Patients with MR-proADM >0.94 nmol/L were older, more often had cancer stage IV, showed reduced performance status, eGFR, haemoglobin, diastolic left ventricular function, and elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure. MR-proADM is an independent predictor of mortality in advanced stage, hospitalized cancer patients without significant CV disease or current infection. The optimal MR-proADM cut-point for mortality prediction was 0.94 nmol/L with hazards for mortality being approximately 2.5 times higher. There was a continuous increase in mortality risk with stepwise increase of MR-proADM concentrations. Elevated concentrations of MR-proADM were also associated with reduced performance status and mildly reduced left ventricular diastolic function as well as higher age and more often cancer stage IV.

Developing a learners' attitude scale for the 'Diploma in Agri Inputs (DAI)' program in open and distance learning (ODL)

Attitude is a relatively enduring and general evaluation of an object, person, group, issue, or concept on a dimension ranging from negative to positive. It plays a vital role in the persuasion of one's behaviour concerning a particular psychological object. The present study aims to measure the attitude of learners towards the "Diploma in Agri Inputs (DAI)" programme offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). To accomplish this, a standardized attitude scale was developed using Likert's summated raring approach, which followed the steps of item collection, relevancy test, item analysis, reliability test, and validity test. A total of 45 statements were collected, of which 25 were retained after editing. The statements were sent to Judges to judge its proper relevancy with a 5-point continuum. Finally, 14 statements were selected equal to or greater than the "t" value of 1.75. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.82, which showed the scale's reliability. The developed attitude scale will be useful for researchers and extension functionaries in similar studies. Moreover, results revealed that most (70.86 percent) ODL learners had highly favourable attitudes towards the DAI programme. The reason might be the various attracting factors of the DAI programme, such as the teaching-learning process, Knowledge generation through Personal Contact Programme (PCP) classes, Affordable fees, Course duration, Practical exposure to diagnosing pests and diseases, Advanced study material, Student-centred learning, Success stories of agripreneurs and 'Fertilizer dealership license'.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Special Focus on Mavacamten and Its Future in Cardiology

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous group of heart muscle disorders that affects millions, with an incidence from 1 in 500 to 1 in 200. Factors such as genetics, age, gender, comorbidities, and environmental factors may contribute to the course of this disease. Diagnosis of HCM has improved significantly in the past few decades from simple echocardiographic evaluations to a more complex, multimodal approach embracing advanced imaging, genetic, and biomarker studies. This review focuses on Mavacamten, a selective allosteric inhibitor of cardiac myosin, as a pharmacological treatment for HCM. Patients with HCM experience pathological actomyosin interactions, leading to impaired relaxation and increased energy expenditure. Mavacamten decreases available myosin heads, reducing actomyosin cross-bridges during systole and diastole. By reducing the number of bridges left ventricular outflow tract pressure is normalized and cardiac cavities are filled. This mechanism enhances patient performance and alleviates symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea. The results suggest the potential for Mavacamten to transform the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Studies to date have shown significant improvement in exercise capacity, symptom relief, and a reduction in the need for invasive procedures such as septal myectomy. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical results.

Built environment and chronic kidney disease: current state and future directions.

Despite emerging studies on neighborhood-level risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), our understanding of the causal links between neighborhood characteristics and CKD is limited. In particular, there is a gap in identifying modifiable neighborhood factors, such as the built environment, in preventing CKD, that could be targets for feasible place-based interventions. Most published studies on neighborhood factors and CKD have focused on a single social attribute, such as neighborhood disadvantage, while research on the role of the built environment is more nascent. Early studies on this topic have yielded inconsistent results, particularly regarding whether food deserts are an environmental risk factor for CKD onset. International studies have shown that walkable neighborhoods - characterized by features such as urban design, park access, and green spaces - can be protective against both the onset and progression of CKD. However, these findings are inconclusive and understudied in the context of United States, where neighborhood environments differ from those in other countries. Future research on modifiable neighborhood factors and CKD using advanced study designs and population-representative datasets can yield stronger evidence on potential causal associations and suggest feasible place-based interventions as strategies for preventing CKD. As an example, we demonstrated the potential of electronic health record-based studies to advance research in this area.

O FENÓTIPO ESTENDIDO: A FACE E A MAQUIAGEM, A VANTAGEM FEMININA

O FENÓTIPO ESTENDIDO: A FACE E A MAQUIAGEM, A VANTAGEM FEMININA

Self-screening practice of breast cancer and associated factors among female students in Ethiopian universities using the theory of planned behavior: a cross sectional study

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer among females. Assessing self-screening practices for breast cancer patients is vital for developing targeted interventions. The current study aimed to assess self-screening practices for breast cancer and associated factors via the theory of planned behavior constructs among female students in Ethiopian universities.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted using the theory of planned behavior constructs. The data were collected from January 30, 2022, to February 30, 2022, in Ethiopia. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used. The validity and reliability tests were checked to use the questionnaire in the main study through a pilot test. The data were collected through online Google Forms by distributing them to university students via Telegram groups, Imo, emails, and Facebook. The collected data were exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the candidate variables for multiple logistic regression (P value < 0.02). Those variables with a P value less than 0.05 were considered significant predictors of breast cancer screening practices.ResultsA total of 418 female students participated in the study. The respondents were aged between 18 and 37 years. In the current study, 318 (76.1%; 95% CI: 72.0, 80.4) university students had good screening practices for breast cancer. Nonhealth-related departments (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.44), having training in breast cancer self-examination (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.35), having a good attitude (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.47), having good behavioral control (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.18, 7.71), and having good behavioral intentions (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.24) were associated with self-screening practices for breast cancer patients.ConclusionDesigning a theory of planned behavior-based educational interventions improve self-screening practices for breast cancer among university female students. These insights could guide the development of future breast cancer awareness and prevention programs in university settings, with the goal of increasing early detection rates and lowering the risk of breast cancer. The study also serves as foundational information for designing future research using more advanced study design methods.

Alternative control and assessment of auditory competence in students of humanities: motivational aspect

Importance. The rapidly changing labor market makes new demands on university graduates, including their ability to perceive and understand foreign language speech for successful interaction in international teams. The aim of the research is to analyze the influence of alternative ways of control and assessment of listening competence of students of humanities and their motivation for advanced study of English.Materials and methods. Such scientific methods as observation, formalized questionnaire survey with open and closed questions, comparative analysis, expert evaluation are used.Results and Discussion. It is proven that updating approaches to control of listening competence not only promotes its development, but also increases students' motivation to listen. Thus, after the experiment, the number of students with a high level of listening competence increased from 5.3 to 16 %, and the number of students with its low level decreased from 73.4 to 25.3 %. A statistically significant increase in the level of motivation to listening among the students who participated in the study was revealed (EG χ̅ = 4.32. Mo = 4, CG χ̅ = 3.17. Mo = 2). (EG χ̅ = 4.32. Mo = 4, CG χ̅ = 3.17. Mo = 2).Conclusion. It is concluded that the principles of monitoring and assessment of auditory competence tested in this experiment are universal. They can be recommended for application in the foreign language training of students of both humanitarian, technical, and natural science majors.

Air-Stable Thin Films of Tin Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals by Polymers and Al2O3 Encapsulation.

Tin halide perovskites are promising for optoelectronics, although their sensitivity to ambient conditions due to Sn(II) oxidation presents a challenge. Encapsulation techniques can mitigate degradation and facilitate advanced studies of the intrinsic properties. To study and improve the ambient stability of CsSnBr3 and CsSnI3 nanocrystal (NC) thin films, we explored various encapsulation methods: organic, inorganic, and hybrid. We employed three methods for organic encapsulation: co-deposition with NCs, co-deposition with an additional top layer, and in situ polymerization with NCs. We synthesized thin layers of alumina by using atomic layer deposition for inorganic encapsulation. While individual methods offered marginal improvements, the hybrid approach provided the best results. By employing a hybrid heterostructured thin-film strategy, with the NC layer covered by a thin layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) followed by a 40 nm alumina layer, the stability in air was improved from a few seconds to a record period of 15 days, a crucial advancement for the further exploration of tin halide perovskites.

Advanced Studies on the Quality Control and Metabolism of Bioactive Compounds in Postharvest Horticultural Crops

Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients such as vitamins C and A, minerals, electrolytes, and dietary fiber [...]

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA AND RISK FACTORS FOR PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

The diagnosis of pulmonary fi brosis represents a signifi cant and urgent concern, particularly within the context of pediatric practice. A review of the scientifi c literature reveals that pulmonary fi brosis can be a complication of bronchial asthma in pediatric patients. Among pediatric patients, there is currently a trend towards a steady increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases, in particular bronchial asthma. An additional crucial area of investigation is the advanced study of asthma predictors, which include children with a history of extreme prematurity. Concurrently, prematurity and low birth weight represent risk factors for the onset of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A substantial body of evidence from clinical trials of uncontrolled asthmasubstantiates the necessity for further investigation into the infl uence of additional adverse environmental factors, including electronic smoking. Despite the growing importance of diagnosing pulmonary fi brosis in adult patients in recent years, many questions remain regarding the relevance of this issue in pediatric patients.

Synthesis of arylated tetrahydrobenzo[H]quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives as potential hits for treatment of diabetes.

Aim: Quinoline scaffolds are serving as the core structure for numerous antifungal, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory drugs as well as have also been investigated for their potential antidiabetic properties. Though further exploration is required in this area as the current antidiabetic agents, such as acarbose, miglitoland voglibose, are associated with several adverse side effects. In this context, arylated tetrahydrobenzo[H]quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives were designed and evaluated as potential antidiabetic agents.Materials & methods: A one-pot multicomponent reaction of 6-methoxy-1-tetralone with ethyl cyanoacetate, ammonium acetateand varying aldehydes yielded a range of new arylated tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile molecules 1-36.Results: Compounds 2-5, 12, 13, 19 and 32-34 showed excellent inhibition against α-amylase (IC50=3.42-15.14μM) and α-glucosidase (IC50=0.65-9.23μM) enzymes in comparison to the standard acarbose (IC50=14.35μM). In addition, all compounds revealed significant to moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity (SC50=21.30-138.30μM) compared with BHT (SC50=64.40μM). Kinetic studies confirmed competitive inhibition mode, while molecular docking studies comprehend ligands'interaction with enzyme's active sitesand absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion analysis confirms that all synthetic derivatives are nontoxic.Conclusion: This research offers a range of lead candidates to become antidiabetic agents after further advanced study.

Optimization of global gravitational potential models with detailed gravity anomalies in Southern VietnamOptimization of global gravitational potential models with detailed gravity anomalies in Southern Vietnam

This study evaluates the accuracy of several global gravity field models, specifically EGM 2008, EICGEN-6C4, SGG-UGM-1, SGG-UGM-2, and GECO, using detailed gravity anomaly data from 1968 points in the southern plains of Vietnam. The evaluation process followed a rigorous methodology to ensure precision. Results indicate that these models exhibit similar accuracy levels in the experimental area, with a mean error of approximately 6.2 mGal. Among them, The SGG-UGM-2 model, demonstrated the highest precision, with a fluctuation range of -29.2425 to +74.9010 mGal. These newer generation models, which incorporate additional satellite data, offer enhanced reliability compared to the EGM2008 model. The fluctuation ranges for other models also varied: EGM 2008 from -29.8662 to +82.2140 mGal, EIGEN-6C4 from -28.3626 to +74.2292 mGal, SGG-UGM-1 from -28.9500 to +75.5315 mGal, and GECO from -30.5641 to +73.6775 mGal. This research highlights the critical importance of accurate gravity field models for various applications, including geodesy, geophysics, natural disaster management, resource exploration, and military operations. The methodologies employed for accuracy assessment are adaptable to other regions with similar datasets, underscoring the significance of precise geophysical measurements in Vietnam's diverse geographic landscape. The findings support the essential role of gravity anomaly data in understanding Earth's physical properties and emphasize the need for continued evaluation across different regions in Vietnam to establish comprehensive applicability. This research paves the way for advanced studies and practical applications, contributing to a deeper understanding of Earth's physical properties.