Area Of Study Research Articles

Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention

Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention

Perspectives on cultivation and harvesting technologies of microalgae, towards environmental sustainability and life cycle analysis

The development of algae is seen as a potential and ecologically sound approach to address the increasing demands in multiple sectors. However, successful implementation of processes is highly dependent on effective growing and harvesting methods. The present study provides a complete examination of contemporary techniques employed in the production and harvesting of algae, with a particular emphasis on their sustainability. The review begins by examining several culture strategies, encompassing open ponds, closed photobioreactors, and raceway ponds. The analysis of each method is conducted in a systematic manner, with a particular focus on highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential for expansion. This approach ensures that the conversation is in line with the objectives of sustainability. Moreover, this study explores essential elements of algae harvesting, including the processes of cell separation, dewatering, and biomass extraction. Traditional methods such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation are examined in conjunction with novel, environmentally concerned strategies including flocculation, electro-coagulation, and membrane filtration. It evaluates the impacts on the environment that are caused by the cultivation process, including the usage of water and land, the use of energy, the production of carbon dioxide, and the runoff of nutrients. Furthermore, this study presents a thorough examination of the current body of research pertaining to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies, presenting a perspective that emphasizes sustainability in the context of algae harvesting systems. In conclusion, the analysis ends up with an examination ahead at potential areas for future study in the cultivation and harvesting of algae. This review is an essential guide for scientists, policymakers, and industry experts associated with the advancement and implementation of algae-based technologies.

Coastal lagoons of West Africa: a scoping study of environmental status and management challenges

Lagoons are a major coastal environment in West Africa. They provide a plethora of resources, ecosystem services and economic benefits yet a diverse set of inter-connected stressors are a challenge to their sustainability. A scoping study of the published literature pertaining to lagoons within the region was undertaken to reveal the nature of these stressors and identify gaps in knowledge, providing a resource to inform coastal management practices and reveal areas for future study. Thirty-one lagoons were identified from the scoping exercise covering Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia and Senegal. The DAPSI(W)R(M) framework was used to structure analysis of the literature and surface key environmental themes. Key drivers and activities established are the use of lagoon resources and expansion of lagoon settlements. The resultant identified pressures are waste, overuse of resources, and urban growth as well as climate change. Resultant stage changes are the degradation of water quality and ecosystems with impacts for the health of lagoon organisms and humans. Responses to changes were identified as a combination of punitive legislation, participatory management approaches and solutions focused on ecosystem restoration and engineering of the physical environment. Gaps identified include research on waste and aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Also notable is a lack of multi- and interdisciplinary studies that address the inter-connecting stressors experienced at lagoons and studies of multiple lagoons. Studies also tend to be problem-focused with solutions rarely presented, limiting their applicability to inform management practices.

A mixed-method non-randomized pilot evaluation of a mentalization-informed motivational interviewing group intervention for concerned significant others of adolescents with excessive gaming behaviors

Existing interventions to address gaming disorder or excessive gaming primarily focus on individuals with the disorder. Little research has been undertaken regarding the development and evaluation of interventions tailored for concerned significant others (CSOs), who often feel distressed due to their loved ones’ excessive gaming. This pilot study adopts a mixed-method design to evaluate the impacts of four sessions of a mentalization-informed motivational interviewing group intervention for CSOs. For the quantitative evaluation, a non-randomized controlled design is used. The study involves 38 parents of adolescents who are experiencing excessive gaming in Hong Kong. The intervention group (n = 23) received the CSO intervention; the control group (n = 15) did not. A total of 12 qualitative interviews with the intervention group participants were also conducted to collect their views on the usefulness of the intervention. The quantitative findings show that the intervention group experienced significant improvements in mental health, emotion regulation, and gaming-related parent–child conflict from pre-test to post-test, compared with the control group. The qualitative data corroborates the quantitative findings and provides insights into potential reasons for these improvements. The findings contribute to the knowledge base regarding CSO interventions in the context of gaming disorder—an underexplored area of study.

Granular estimation of user cognitive workload using multi-modal physiological sensors.

Mental workload (MWL) is a crucial area of study due to its significant influence on task performance and potential for significant operator error. However, measuring MWL presents challenges, as it is a multi-dimensional construct. Previous research on MWL models has focused on differentiating between two to three levels. Nonetheless, tasks can vary widely in their complexity, and little is known about how subtle variations in task difficulty influence workload indicators. To address this, we conducted an experiment inducing MWL in up to 5 levels, hypothesizing that our multi-modal metrics would be able to distinguish between each MWL stage. We measured the induced workload using task performance, subjective assessment, and physiological metrics. Our simulated task was designed to induce diverse MWL degrees, including five different math and three different verbal tiers. Our findings indicate that all investigated metrics successfully differentiated between various MWL levels induced by different tiers of math problems. Notably, performance metrics emerged as the most effective assessment, being the only metric capable of distinguishing all the levels. Some limitations were observed in the granularity of subjective and physiological metrics. Specifically, the subjective overall mental workload couldn't distinguish lower levels of workload, while all physiological metrics could detect a shift from lower to higher levels, but did not distinguish between workload tiers at the higher or lower ends of the scale (e.g., between the easy and the easy-medium tiers). Despite these limitations, each pair of levels was effectively differentiated by one or more metrics. This suggests a promising avenue for future research, exploring the integration or combination of multiple metrics. The findings suggest that subtle differences in workload levels may be distinguishable using combinations of subjective and physiological metrics.

The latent net effectiveness of institutional complexes: a heuristic model.

International institutions strive to achieve their own objectives while operating within a complex network of interdependencies. These interdependencies create an extensive web of relationships that serve as potential pathways for broader institutional impacts. The actions taken by individual institutions, their mutual influences, and the pattern of connectivity collectively shape the overall performance of institutional complexes. Understanding the performance of these complexes is crucial, yet we currently lack a methodology to assess it. To address this gap, we have developed a conceptual framework that integrates three distinct areas of study on three different scales: institutional effectiveness, institutional interlinkages, and institutional networks. This framework enables us to consider what we call the latent net effectiveness, or collective problem-solving potential, of a group of interconnected institutions. To put this framework into practice, we have devised a heuristic model, drawing from the extensive literature on international environmental institutions. As an illustrative example, we have applied this model to a network of 378 multilateral environmental agreements with 810 known issue linkages. Our work underscores the relevance of considering the system-level properties of institutional complexes and emphasizes the need for timely network-based governance and policy interventions to enhance the overall effectiveness of institutional complexes. This article is part of the theme issue 'A complexity science approach to law and governance'.

Regulation, Automated Technologies, and Competitiveness in the Hospitality Industry

This conceptual paper examines the interplay between Porter’s Diamond, the role of government, and varying political ideologies on automated technology regulation in the global hospitality industry. The way in which these factors influence a global organization’s ability to achieve competitive advantage through the use of technology are examined. Specifically, mercantilist, liberal, social democratic, and communist ideologies are explored in relation to how they support or dissuade regulation, and their respective and collective impacts on competition. Additionally, the sources of government regulation, including global, bloc, country-level, and sub-country levels are discussed in relation to automated technology regulations. Ultimately, this study offers suggestions for competition as a result of existing and potential automated technology regulations for the hospitality industry, and suggests areas of study and questions for further consideration.

Text‐based sentiment analysis in finance: Synthesising the existing literature and exploring future directions

SummaryAdvances in Deep Learning have drastically improved the abilities of Natural Language Processing (NLP) research, creating new state‐of‐the‐art benchmarks. Two research streams at the forefront of NLP analysis are transformer architecture and multimodal analysis. This paper critically evaluates the extant literature applying sentiment analysis techniques to the financial domain. We classify the financial sentiment analysis literature according to the most used techniques in the area, with a focus on methods used to detect sentiment within corporate earnings conference calls, because of their dual modality (text‐audio) nature. We find that the financial literature follows a similar path to NLP sentiment literature, in that more advanced techniques to define sentiment are being used as the field progresses. However, techniques used to determine financial sentiment currently fall behind state‐of‐the‐art techniques used within NLP. Two future directions stem from this paper. Firstly, we propose that the adoption of transformer architecture to create robust representations of textual data could enhance sentiment analysis in academic finance. Secondly, the adoption of multimodal classifiers in finance represents a new, currently underexplored area of study that offers opportunities for finance research.

Optimizing Multichannel Path Scheduling in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks using Differential Evolution

One important area of study in cognitive radio ad hoc networks is multi-channel path scheduling. Cognitive radio networks have trouble communicating and using the spectrum effectively because of weather and dispersion. Optimizing multichannel path scheduling enhances network performance and reliability in a cognitive radio ad hoc net. The Optimizing Multichannel Path Scheduling (OMPS) model methodically tackles various scheduling problems. For the OMPS model, this domain is new. It effectively resolves multichannel path scheduling. The computer method used in the study is called Differential Evolution. During optimization, several factors are carefully considered, including Channel Fade Margin, Cross-Correlation and Coherence Time, Spectral Efficiency, Interference Level, Power Consumption, Retransmission Rate, Access Probability, and Propagation Delay. To increase the scheduling efficiency of the DE algorithm, many steps are meticulously planned: initialization, mutation, crossover, fitness evaluation, selection for iteration evolution, and termination. Latency, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Spectrum Utilization, Interference Level, Energy Efficiency, and Established Path Success Rate are all assessed by the OMPS model. These indicators assess the effectiveness and dependability of the network. OMPS performs better in crucial simulations than the existing model. The demonstration demonstrates decreased latency for real-time applications, greater packet delivery ratios (PDRs), improved spectrum efficiency, channel interference, energy efficiency, and connection formation odds, as well as increased throughput that enhances network resource utilization. To do this, a variety of multichannel path scheduling situations are simulated.

Ecocriticism and Children's Literature: Dr. Seuss's The Lorax as an Example

Ecocriticism gained a growing interest from researchers and writers on different levels to examine the significance of this newly added area of literary studies. It enabled the readers to understand their society's environmental issues in a better way and encouraged them to deal with them positively. It also drew attention to the different negative behaviors and attitudes towards nature to the limit that may damage natural resources and affect future generations. Furthermore, ecocriticism played a vital role in restructuring a more balanced and harmonious relationship between human and non-human beings within society by building a peaceful coexistence among all members of society. This paper offers the necessary theoretical framework for ecocriticism and examines its mechanisms to analyze literary texts. The paper also testifies the relationship between ecocriticism and children's literature to show the best ways of using these children's books to build a robust background for those young generations and to form their attitudes toward natural resources for the betterment of all in a more sustainable society. Finally, the paper examines Dr. Seuss's The Lorax as an example of a children's book with many environmental references and educational lessons. The Lorax's story revolves around the Once-ler, who destroys the balance between nature and other factors through his insistence on mass-producing useless and environmentally harmful goods. Ecocritics used this story to expose different messages about environmental responsibility and the consequences of reckless attitudes toward natural resources. In this way, the paper encourages the importance of further studies on ecocriticism and the further enhancement of using children's books to increase environmental awareness.

A single institution, cross-sectional study on medical student preferences for collaborators in interprofessional education

BackgroundWhile the importance of interprofessional education in medical training has been well-established, no specific framework has been used uniformly or shown to be most effective in the creation of interprofessional education (IPE) sessions. Further, prior studies have demonstrated that students have preferences for the design of these experiences. In this study, we sought to understand medical student preference for interprofessional teammates and motivations for this choice.MethodsIn this single-institution, cross-sectional analysis of the Duke IPE Clinic, participating students from September 2019–March 2020 completed a voluntary electronic survey that queried preferences for which health professions students (Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Pharmacy, and Physician’s Associate (PA)) they would want to work with, and the motivating reason. Preferences and reasons were compared between first-year medical students (MS1s) and third- and fourth-year medical students (MS3s/MS4s).ResultsIn total, 132 students participated. We found that MS1s most preferred interprofessional teammates with a more similar area of study (PA, NP), whereas MS3s/MS4s most preferred classmates with a less similar area of study (pharmacy, DPT, ABSN). MS1 students frequently selected their first-choice preference because the profession seemed most similar, while MS3/MS4 students often selected their first-choice preference because the profession seemed most different.ConclusionsMedical students earlier in training have more interest in working with professions they view as similar whereas senior students prefer to work with professions they view as more different. This information is important for designing educational IPE opportunities.

Phase Shift APOD and POD Control Technique in Multi-Level Inverters to Mitigate Total Harmonic Distortion

Multi-level inverters are widely employed to generate new energy because of their huge capacity and benefits in sound control performance. One of the critical areas of study for multi-level inverters is control strategy research. In this study, the control strategy for a multi-level inverter—which is frequently employed in HVDC and FACTS systems—is designed. An asymmetrical D.C. voltage source is supplied to create the appropriate output voltage waveform with fewer total harmonic distortions (THDs) at the output voltage and current waveforms. In this work, the pulse width modulation techniques of POD (phase opposition disposition) and APOD (alternative phase opposition disposition) MC PWM are applied to a multi-level inverter to generate the seven-level output voltage waveform. This study presents an enhanced variable carrier frequency APOD control approach that can successfully lower the overall harmonic distortion rate. The design and completion of the phase-shifting POD and APOD control strategies are followed by an analysis and comparison of the THD situation under various switching frequencies and a simulation and verification of the control strategy using MATLAB simulation. The TI DSP-based control approach has been programmed. The APOD technique increases the output voltage’s THD to 18.27%, while the output current waveform’s THD is reduced to 15.67% by utilizing the APOD PWM technique. Using the POD PWM approach increases the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the voltage waveform by 18.06% and the output current waveform’s THD by 15.45%.

Selected Filipino Faculty Members' Online Shopping Experience in Manila's Online Marketplace


 This study is current and applicable to the new norm of comprehending the experiences of online consumers on online marketplace pages. This study concentrated on the online shopping experiences and reactions of selected faculty members by identifying key observations, and consumer experiences on the web that emphasize browsing, purchasing, and online flow. The researchers used phenomenology as a qualitative research method to collect responses from twenty buyers who varied in consumer experience, gender, and age. The interview was tailored to each participant based on online information and a guide question. Results of the interviews revealed that some faculty members at a local university in Manila find online businesses to be both popular and convenient, while they can readily access online marketplaces. In addition, they purchase frequently using this platform due to the low prices, which is advantageous for them as consumers, although they are wary of con artists and fake buyers/sellers. Meanwhile, the challenges encountered by buyers include product complexities and meet-up changes, as well as the central issues of online trust and social connection. Despite the fact that some product acquisitions are difficult, the study found that appropriateness, price setting, and seller connections kept customers purchasing on the online market. Despite offering valuable insights into the faculty members’ online purchasing experience, this research has a number of limitations. The study is predicated on a twenty-participant qualitative investigation that was conducted primarily in Manila. Consequently, future research should involve populations from different regions. Numerous opportunities exist for future research to build on these findings. The development of a typology of online encounters and circumstances is one of the suggested areas for future study. 

Genetic variation of FcγRIIa induces higher uptake of Leishmania infantum and modulates cytokine production by adherent mononuclear cells in vitro.

Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) are specific genetic variations that commonly occur in a population and often do not manifest phenotypically. However, depending on their location and the type of nucleotide exchanged, an SNV can alter or inhibit the function of the gene in which it occurs. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) receptor genes have exhibited several polymorphisms, including rs1801274, which is found in the FcgRIIa gene. The replacement of A with T results in a Histidine (H) to Arginine (R) substitution, altering the affinity of the IgG receptor for IgG subtypes and C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we analyzed rs1801274 and its functional implications concerning L. Infantum uptake and cytokine production. We genotyped 201 individuals from an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis to assess the presence of rs1801274 using Taqman probes for a candidate gene study. Additionally, we included seventy individuals from a non-endemic area for a functional study. Subsequently, we isolated and cultivated one-week adherent mononuclear cells (AMCs) derived from the peripheral blood of participants residing in the non-endemic region in the presence of L. infantum promastigotes, with and without antigen-specific IgG and/or CRP. We analyzed the rate of phagocytosis and the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 p70, IL-1b, IL- 6, and IL-8 in the culture supernatants. In participants from the endemic region, the A/G (H/R isoform) heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with susceptibility to the disease. Furthermore, SNVs induced a change in the phagocytosis rate in an opsonin-dependent manner. Opsonization with IgG increased the production of IL-10, TNF-a, and IL-6 in AMCs with the H/R isoform, followed by a decrease in NO production. The results presented here suggest that the rs1801274 polymorphism is linked to a higher susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis.

Review of Experimental Activities and Recent Developments of Spouted Bed Reactors at Different Operational Scales

Recent research advances and technological developments of spouted bed reactors (SBRs) have been discussed in this work. SBR has aroused increasing interest since their invention in 1955 due to its flexibility in processing different feedstocks and the high process yields that can be achieved due to its characteristic fluid dynamics. However, even though highly satisfactory results have been obtained at the laboratory scale for different applications (i.e., drying or thermochemical reactions, among others), their full implementation at an industrial level is still scarce, mainly due to the challenges encountered for their scale-up. In this work, an initial short description of SBR and configurations is followed by a review of the main experimental activities that have been conducted at different scales in the period 2013–2023. Advanced solutions such as multi-unit reactors and the use of rectangular geometries instead of the classical cylindrical ones have arisen as potential areas for further study and development to achieve a reliable implementation of the spouted bed technology at an industrial scale.

Histopathological Features and Role of Allograft Kidney Biopsy Among Recipients With Prolonged Delayed Graft Function: A Review.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is an early posttransplant complication predictive of adverse outcomes. This "acute kidney injury of transplantation" is often defined as allograft dysfunction requiring renal replacement within 7 d posttransplantation. DGF is an important area of study because it is emerging with efforts to expand the donor pool and address the supply-demand gap in kidney transplantation. DGF is often caused by severe kidney injury mechanisms because of multiple donors, recipients, and immunologic factors. The role of kidney biopsy, particularly in prolonged DGF, is an ongoing area of research and inquiry for clinicians and researchers alike to better define, manage, and predict outcomes of this early posttransplant event. This review aims to provide an in-depth, comprehensive summary of the literature to date on the histopathology of DGF and the role of kidney transplant biopsies in prolonged DGF.

Effect of environmental conditions and feed forms on the performance and feeding behavior of group-housed growing-finishing pigs

Aim of study: To investigate the influence of environmental conditions and feed forms on productivity and feeding behavior of growing-finishing pigs. Area of study: Farm located in the North-East of Spain (42°03'11.0"N 2°06'59.5"E). Material and methods: Two trials were conducted (n = 72 pigs each). In the Hot-Temperate/Pelleted trial (HT-P), pigs were half the time under hot conditions (average temperature Ta=28.1℃) and half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=25.5℃) and were fed in pellet. In the Temperate-Hot/Mash trial (TH-M), pigs were half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=23.5℃) and half the time under hot conditions (Ta=27.3℃) and were fed in mash. Productivity and feeding behavior were registered. Main results: Hot conditions during the finishing period in TH-M trial reduced by 118 g/d growth rate and increased feed conversion ratio (2.28 vs. 2.07 kg/kg) compared to HT-P trial (p < 0.001) due to feed intake reduction. Growing pigs under hot conditions and fed in pellet increased total feeder visits (12.8 vs. 7.9 visits/d) and reduced visit size (147 vs. 230 g/visit, p < 0.001); whereas finishing pigs under hot conditions and fed in mash only tended to reduce visit size (308 vs. 332 g/visit, p = 0.08). Pigs fed with mash ate slower (22.8 vs. 34.8 g/min) than pelleted-fed pigs (p < 0.001), independently of environmental conditions. Research highlights: Feed form and environmental conditions affect both feeding behavior and performance of growing-finishing pigs. Unfortunately, due to a design weakness, it was not possible to obtain the sharp effect of both factors.

Is social sustainability relevant for food consumers? Evidence from Chile

Aim of study: To examine consumer preferences in Chile, an emerging market, for cheese that emphasizes social sustainability features. Area of study: Chilean consumers. Material and methods: Three characteristics were included in the choice experiment: price, social sustainability (adherence to labor laws), and cheese type (Gouda, Chanco, and Artisanal cheese), each with three levels. A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of Chilean customers in order to collect data. To evaluate the effect, relevance, and main determinants of choice, a conditional logit model was employed. Main results: The more attributes are at their most desirable levels, the more likely the cheese will be chosen. Therefore, the most sought-after cheese is that which is inexpensive, conforms to all labor laws, and is of the Chanco variety. When one or more of these three attributes are not at their most desirable level, then price (the lowest) is the attribute that governs the choice, followed by the social sustainability attribute (higher levels of compliance with labor legislation) and, finally, the type of cheese. In terms of socioeconomic variables, older consumers and those with higher education explain a greater preference for the social sustainability attribute over the type of cheese. Research highlights: These results highlight the importance that social sustainability can have on companies to make their products preferred by consumers. This is the first study to examine the Chilean food industry's social sustainability attribute.

Self-Regulation in Academic Success: Exploring the Impact of Volitional Control Strategies, Time Management Planning, and Procrastination

Theoretical foundations in recent years emphasize that a significant number of students globally continue to exhibit a lack of commitment and motivation in school activities, leading to diminished proficiency levels in specific areas of study. The magnitude of this phenomenon, coupled with its evident social implications, suggests that we are facing restlessness and a growing demand for urgent answers and results. In the educational context, the sociocognitive perspective conceives the construct of self-regulation for learning as the management and mastery of a set of factors that emerge as crucial elements for high-quality learning and, predictably, academic success. To achieve this successful learning, it is crucial to manage and control variables such as volitional control strategies, planning of academic time management, and procrastination. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate, through the technique of structural equation modelling, that these variables impact students' self-regulation and predict academic performance. A sample of 565 students (Mage=12.97) from the 3rd cycle of basic education (7th, 8th, and 9th grades) participated, responding to a set of validated scales for the Portuguese context. The results indicated that students who employ more volitional control strategies and plan academic time management more effectively demonstrate higher levels of self-regulation for learning. However, those exhibiting higher levels of procrastination in school activities show a lower propensity to self-regulate their learning. Deepening the understanding of the elements that influence the learning process is crucial to promoting the quality of education and the development of autonomous, self-regulated, and competent students. A student who values school tasks, adopts self-regulatory strategies in their learning process, and manages their time dedicated to school activities appropriately and insightfully will undoubtedly be moving towards academic excellence.

Recent Advances in Self-healing Polymer Materials: Routes and Strategies

Abstract:: The most intriguing area of scientific study and engineering applications is to synthetize materials that can autonomously heal damage similar to biological tissues. Since the concept of self-healing materials was established, several variations of self-healing polymer materials have been developed based on distinct healing techniques. This review outlines the most recent breakthroughs in self-healing polymers and utilizes the opportunity to categories the descriptions of self-healing technologies in the literatures according to extrinsic and intrinsic routes (noncovalent bonds, physical interaction, and covalent bonds). The major focus is on the routes and strategies used to generate self-healing polymer materials. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of polymer materials with different self-healing routes and strategies in terms of mechanical and self-healing properties were summarized. Furthermore, we also reviewed the progress of the development from a single selfhealing mechanism to multiple self-healing mechanisms to achieve balanced comprehensive performance. Finally, the future trajectory of self-healing polymers is envisioned.