Development Of Practices Research Articles

Playful Citizens: How Children Develop and Integrate News-Related Practices in Their Daily Lives

ABSTRACT This paper studies children’s (aged 8–12) news-related practices and subsequent acts of lived citizenship in formal and informal social contexts. While children in this age group are increasingly exposed to various types of news that shape their understanding of the world, little is understood about their interactions with news. We employ the concept of “news-related practices’ to analyze how news is integrated into or excluded from their daily routines. Based on longitudinal participant observations of children (N = 256) at four afterschool care locations and five primary schools in the Netherlands in combination with semi-structured interviews with teachers (N = 9), we find that children employ a wide range of playful news-related practices that allow for light-hearted explorations of news and create opportunities for acts of lived citizenship. Play allows children to explore societal issues with peers and form moral opinions. However, conceptualizations of news as serious’ hindered primary school teachers” recognition of playful news-related practices. Following these findings, we argue that the acknowledgement of such practices as an effective tool for civic education, may support children in their development of news practices and foster their first steps into becoming informed citizens.

Applied Learning for Developing Knowledge on Artificial Intelligence Among Students

As technology advances in the twenty-first century, innovative approach has been identified for developing skills on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among students. Hence, to continuously improve the knowledge acquisition process, it is important that university lecturers embrace applied learning for developing hands-on competencies of students. Through applied learning, educators can disseminate knowledge on AI by engaging in the direct application of their expertise and theories, resulting in in-depth understanding by the students. A narrative review technique supported with a theoretical interpretation from ADDIE was applied. Findings revealed that applied learning is suitable for educators to develop and sustain hands-on skills and competencies on AI among students. The five steps of the theory lead to practical change and development, while being able to strengthen the change achieved. Through analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluation of teaching and training contents, the final goal of transforming students' knowledge on AI is achieved.

Gender dynamics in nursing profession: impact on professional practice and development in Tanzania

BackgroundGender disparity has long been noted in nursing, a predominantly female-dominated profession. However, recently the increase in the number of male nurses disproves the existing belief that nursing is exclusively a female profession. Even though the studies have reported changing gender trends in nursing, the information is not sufficient and the effects of the changing trend on professional practice and professional development have not been explored. Therefore this study aims to assess the influence of gender in nursing on professional practice and development in Tanzania.MethodsThis was an analytical Hospital-Based Cross-sectional Study Design, conducted at four hospitals in Dar es Salaam, with 580 nurses between 20th May and 20th June 2024. Proportionate sampling was used to determine the required number of participants from each of the four facilities. Moreover, systematic random sampling was used to recruit participants from each facility. The validated questionnaire was used to obtain data, which were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsAmong seventy items that measured professional practices, sixty three items indicated good professional practices among female nurses compared with their male counterparts male. On the association of gender in nursing to professional practice and development, the findings revealed no significant association between gender in nursing and professional practice (χ2 = 1.384; P = 0.239). Moreover, the item analysis revealed that male nurses have professional development in three items similar to female nurse who had shown professional development on other three items. Through binary logistic regression, male nurses were 0.528 (OR) times less likely to have good professional development than their female counterpart (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.379, 0.737). Several social demographic factors were found to be associated with professional practice and development.ConclusionIt was found that professional practice does not depend on gender in nursing, because the practice was optimal across both genders. Nurse’s self-image of nursing, facility factors, and professional development influence their professional practice. Moreover, gender in nursing is associated with professional development, indicating the existence of gender stereotypes in the distribution of opportunities between male and female nurses. The study recommends extending this cross-sectional study to nonclinical settings such as training institutions.

An effective picking point localization method for multi-posture lotus pods based on three-view depth vision observation

Different lotus pod individuals have different growth postures, and conventional single-view observation makes it difficult to ensure the visibility of the stalk’s picking segment of all lotus pods, thus affecting the efficiency and quality of automatic picking. To solve this problem, this study proposes a picking point localization method for multi-posture lotus pods based on three-view depth vision observation. It includes three steps: first, the RGB-D (red–green–blue–depth) images of lotus pods are collected from three viewing directions based on the designed three-view depth vision observation scheme. Second, instance segmentation on the lotus pods and stalks in the collected images is performed to obtain mask data. Third, the final lotus pod picking point coordinates and picking vector data are obtained using the proposed lotus pod picking information calculation algorithm. The algorithm comprises the two-dimensional image feature point calculation, single-view picking information calculation, and three-view picking information data synthesis. The three-view observation test of lotus pods in a planting environment shows that the proposed three-view observation scheme can meet the picking segment observation needs of lotus pods in any posture. In addition, lotus pod localization tests were conducted based on a specifically designed localization test bench. The proposed localization method achieved a localization success rate of 98.00 % and 90.86 % for single and multiple lotus pods, respectively. The results verify the feasibility of the proposed localization method for calculating the picking information of arbitrary lotus pods, which can provide essential support for the practical development of automatic lotus pod harvesting technology.

The Effect of Information Sharing, Supply Chain Collaboration and Supply Chain Agility on Supply Chain Performance in Food and Beverage SME in the Bogor Region

This study analyzes the influence of information sharing, supply chain collaboration, and supply chain agility on supply chain performance in the food and beverage industry in the Greater Jakarta area. The main focus of this study is to evaluate the extent to which information sharing practices and collaboration between supply chain partners, as well as the ability of the supply chain to respond to change, affect overall supply chain performance. The method used was a survey with SME respondents in the food and beverage sector. The results showed that information sharing has a significant positive influence on supply chain collaboration and supply chain agility, which in turn improves supply chain performance. This research makes an important contribution to the development of supply chain management theory and practice, particularly in the context of SME in the food and beverage sector.

Toward effective protection of victims of human trafficking in mixed migration flows: referral mechanisms shaped on individual need. The Italian experience and the European perspective

An overview of emerging trends on trafficking of human beings in Italy shows not only an extremely heterogeneous phenomenon but also a complex overlapping of experiences and need of protection of every single victim. In the context of mixed migration flows, persons reaching Italy through the Central Mediterranean and the Balkan routes have often experienced or are at risk of trafficking, and they also apply for international protection upon arrival. Legal categories such as “victims,” “asylum seekers,” and “refugees” are increasingly interconnected and not exhaustive in describing individual experiences and multifaceted vulnerabilities. Against this background, ensuring early identification and assistance for victims of trafficking among asylum seekers is extremely relevant. In Italy, this has led to the development of good practices aimed at implementing the coordination between the asylum and the anti-trafficking systems. In particular, specific Guidelines for Asylum authorities have been adopted to preliminarily identify potential victims of trafficking within the asylum procedure and enable their effective access to protection measures. To comply with specific provisions of the European Trafficking Directive and its transposition into the Italian legal framework, the Guidelines have created a referral mechanism among the asylum authorities and the anti-trafficking system that is unique in the European context. For this reason, the present contribution aims at describing this good practice, its implementation and effects—also at the juridical level—and its limits. Indeed, after the adoption of the instrument, a higher recognition rate of international protection for victims of trafficking has been registered in Italy, both at the administrative and judicial levels; asylum seekers and refugees have also increased their access to the specific protection program for trafficking survivors. In general, the system has strengthened its capacity to fulfill the legal obligation of identifying victims through a multi-agency approach. On the other hand, the ability to conduct screening and preliminary identification of victims of trafficking among asylum seekers is still limited to the “victim model” in terms of gender (women) and form of exploitation (sexual), and to certain stages of the asylum procedure (the first instance before the asylum authorities). With reference to this latter, a comprehensive protection response at the borders is missing despite the political debate on sea and land arrivals to Italy and the recent introduction of border procedures for the assessment of asylum applications. Given the geographical and political centrality of the south-Mediterranean situation in the current migration agenda, the goal of this paper is to analyze the Italian experience on referral mechanisms among trafficking and asylum as an experience that would help to shape future European prospects. The ongoing evolution of mixed migration flows—with particular reference to secondary movement across European countries—and the revised European Directive on trafficking in persons impose the promotion of a reflection on referral mechanisms with a transnational perspective enabling effective protection and the meeting of specific human rights.

The itinerary of children in search of healthcare: A scoping review and proposal of an explanatory model.

This scoping review mapped the academic literature focused on the therapeutic itinerary of children who seek care in health services and proposed an explanatory model to expand the concept and classification of these health itineraries. A total of 789 articles were reviewed, of which 28 were eligible for inclusion. In these 28 it was possible to observe that the child's therapeutic itinerary is more than a physical path, but also encompasses all choices within a specific social and cultural environment in which the child is inserted. Our proposal is to expand the concept beyond the therapeutic, classifying the itinerary also according to the objective, the decision-making agent, respect for the presence of company, the health subsystem used, according to the physical continuity of the itinerary, the perception of efficacy of the patient, the nature of the illness, the administration of healthcare, the means of transport used, the person providing information about the itinerary, the planning of the itinerary and its completeness. Knowing the child's itineraries toward healthcare allows the development of innovative discourses and practices for future public policies, through which the principles of comprehensiveness and resoluteness in children's health would be strengthened. There is still a need to deepen knowledge about the meanings and feelings regarding their interpretations of the events suffered in childhood.

Penerapan Metode Proyek Dalam Kurikulum Merdeka Pada Mata Pelajaran Al-Quran Hadits

This study examines the application of the project method in learning Al-Quran Hadith class X at MAN 4 Jombang in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a qualitative approach with observation, interview, and documentation analysis methods, this study aims to understand the implementation, impact, and challenges of applying the project method. The results show that the implementation of the project method has brought significant changes in the learning process, creating a more interactive and learner-centered learning environment. The main characteristics of learning include independent completion of tasks, full responsibility of learners, and involvement of various parties. Positive impacts are seen in increased motivation, understanding of the material, and development of 21st-century skills. However, challenges such as time constraints, variations in learners‘ abilities, and educators’ professional development needs are still faced. This research provides insights into the potential integration of contemporary learning approaches in Islamic education and highlights the importance of systemic support in the implementation of educational innovations. The findings can serve as a reference for the development of educational policies and practices that are responsive to the needs of learners in the modern era while maintaining the core values of Islamic education.

Understanding supervisory practice and development in the pre-HDR space: an ethogenic approach

ABSTRACT This article addresses the lack of support for new supervisors in the pre-Higher Degree Research space, including undergraduate honours and postgraduate capstone projects. The research provides an inter-faculty perspective on the needs of pre-HDR students and supervisors, informing an online professional learning resource to address the problem. Concepts from ethogenic social psychology were used to theorise supervision as a complex practice involving two analytically distinct domains of human behaviour: the expressive and practical domains. Semi-structured focus group interviews with alumni and supervisors from Education, Arts-Humanities, and Health Sciences provided data for a needs analysis and to stimulate deliberation amongst the research team, which included course coordinators and supervisors across the different faculties and a representative from the university’s teaching and learning centre. The findings illustrate expressive and practical aspects of supervision and elaborate salient themes for the development of pre-HDR supervisory practice through inquiry. The article advances theory by supporting a view of supervision as a process of supervisor, student, and supervisory practice co-development. The results will be of interest to supervisors, honours and masters course coordinators and providers of professional development for academics.

Development and Implementation of an Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP) Educational Program for a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Department.

Describe the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) training program for occupational and physical therapists in a large pediatric hospital. EBP is valued, but a known knowledge-to-practice gap between academic training and clinical practice limits routine use. This gap was addressed through an academic-clinical partnership to develop an EBP training program. Sixty-one therapists completed the program. Therapists demonstrated improved EBP skills, knowledge, and confidence following training and a positive trend in change score for clinical outcomes and decision-making scores was noted. Academic-clinical partnerships have a unique and valuable role to support professional EBP knowledge and skill development. Stakeholder support and engagement supported program development, execution, and meaningful outcomes. The knowledge-to-practice gap for EBP is a challenge to regular EBP use. The described program addressed this challenge and improved therapists' knowledge, skills, and confidence. It provides a model for professional development.

Sustainable Development of Agro-Based Industries and Agricultural Practices: An Analytical Study of Rajasthan

Background: Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Rajasthan's economy, supporting a significant portion of the population. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate change impacts. This study investigates the sustainable development of agro-based industries and agricultural practices in Rajasthan, analyzing current practices, challenges, and potential solutions. Materials and Methods: The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with a quantitative survey of 500 participants across various districts of Rajasthan. Data were collected on agricultural practices, challenges faced by farmers, and perspectives on sustainable development. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed a blend of traditional (68% using rainwater harvesting) and modern (42% adopting precision farming) agricultural practices. Water scarcity emerged as the most critical challenge, reported by 85% of farmers. Sustainable strategies showed promising results, with organic farming increasing income by 20% and water-efficient irrigation reducing water usage by 40%. Agro-based industries, particularly food processing and textiles, contributed significantly to the state's economy. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches to address water scarcity, promote sustainable farming practices, strengthen agro-based industries, and enhance farmers' access to markets and credit facilities. Policy recommendations include prioritizing water management, climate change adaptation, and farmer education to ensure a sustainable and resilient agricultural future for Rajasthan

Development and evaluation of a novel margarine using starch hydrogel combined edible wax oleogel bigels

With heightened health awareness and regulatory guidelines, consumer preferences have shifted towards low/no saturated fat food products. Bigel has emerged as a viable solution for replacing saturated fat. In this study, a system based on bigel was developed using a potato starch-based hydrogel and a walnut oil/candelilla wax-based oleogel, and its quality characteristics including sensory properties, texture, rheology, crystal structure, solid fat content (SFC), and distribution uniformity of bigel were evaluated. The results indicated that the optimum ratio of oleogel (oil/wax=25) to hydrogel (distilled water/starch=30) for the prepared bigel-based margarine was 2:1 (w/w). The melting point of the bigel-based margarine ranged from 36.23±1.966 °C to 44.53±0.503 °C, with good plasticity, hardness, good thixotropy recovery and viscosity properties. The content of SFC was lower than 4%, the major crystal types were β and β' polycrystalline and possessed a good homogeneity. Generally, the preparation of nutritious and healthy margarine based on bigel is practicable. This research may provide a theoretical basis and also focus on the practical development and application of novel lower-temperature spreadable margarines.

Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller. II. Simulation for the full-scale propeller with defects

Paper II of this two-part paper investigated the effects of leading-edge (LE) manufacturing defects on the open-water cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller based on the geometry of David Taylor Model Basin propeller by using the three-dimensional (3D) steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes solver. Various simulation parameters, including domain size, grid size, stretch ratio, first-grid spacing, y+, and turbulence model, were carefully examined for their effects on the solutions, leading to the development of the best modeling practices for the full-scale propeller with LE defects. Employing these recommended best-practice settings, simulations were conducted on the full-scale propellers with 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mm LE defects. Compared to the predictions from Paper I [Jin et al., “Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller—Paper I: Simulation for the model- and full-scale propellers without defect,” Phys. Fluids 36, 105179 (2024).], which did not account for LE defects, the results showed that the LE defects within International Standards Organization (ISO) 484 Class S tolerances narrow the cavitation buckets. As a consequence, such LE defects can result in more than 40% reduction in cavitation inception speed, which is similar to the conclusions drawn from earlier two-dimensional (2D) studies [Jin et al., “2D CFD studies on effects of leading-edge propeller manufacturing defects on cavitation performance,” in SNAME Maritime Convention (The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 2020).]. Note that Paper I [Jin et al., “Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller—Paper I: Simulation for the model- and full-scale propellers without defect,” Phys. Fluids 36, 105179 (2024).] presents the simulations for the model- and full-scale propellers without LE defects.

Developing flaw sizing methodology in Total Focusing Method (TFM) by EDM calibration blocks

The Total Focusing Method (TFM) represents a significant advancement in ultrasonic inspection, delivering high-resolution imaging by leveraging phased array technology combined with sophisticated data processing algorithms. This synergy enables detailed visualization of flaws in various materials, thereby improving flaw detection and characterization. Despite TFM's capabilities, the lack of a standardized methodology for flaw sizing limits its potential for flaw evaluation. This paper seeks to establish a new paradigm in flaw sizing by introducing a custom methodology specifically designed for TFM, using electrical discharge machined (EDM) calibration blocks that reflect a range of flaw shapes. The research highlights the limitations of conventional side-drilled holes (SDH) for capturing realistic flaw nuances and emphasizes the superior ability of EDM notches to simulate the complex geometries inherent in typical flaws. By investigating the influence of different TFM modes, the study provides insight into their effectiveness in improving the accuracy of flaw characterization. Our approach addresses the challenges of existing TFM practices, with EDM notches serving as an essential tool in methodological advancement. This work contributes to the continued development of best practices in TFM application, paving the way for more accurate, reliable, and versatile nondestructive testing.

“It's Enriched My Life.” Agency in the Digital World: Stories of Empowerment and Well‐Being

ABSTRACTDigital inclusion interventions are designed to address challenges related to digital technology access and use. The complex relationships between digital technologies and people's general well‐being are important when considering the development of digital services, practices, policies, and interventions. This research explores the impact of digital inclusion on individual agency and provides evidence of how agency emerges from the use of digital technologies to contribute to well‐being. We present a framework of Digital Inclusion for Well‐being drawing on evidence from interviews with participants of three digital inclusion interventions in Aotearoa New Zealand. While recognizing that digital inclusion is a continuum and that some of our research participants were more digitally engaged that others, we propose a preliminary framework of digital inclusion connecting our participants' digital engagement with outcomes impacting their agency, and thus their well‐being.

The Vedic Foundations of Secular Mindfulness: A Study of Upaniṣad and Yoga Influences

This paper explores the Vedic foundations of secular mindfulness, particularly examining the influences of Advaita Vedānta, Patañjali Yoga, and Haṭha Yoga systems on the development of contemporary mindfulness practices, specifically as popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn through his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. While mindfulness is often recognized for its Buddhist origins, this research highlights the underexplored connections to Vedic contemplative traditions, demonstrating that secular mindfulness may owe a significant debt to these ancient systems. The study delves into key Vedic concepts such as intrinsic wholeness, perpetual availability, and non-duality, and compares them with the philosophical underpinnings of Kabat-Zinn's mindfulness approach. Through an analysis of primary Vedic texts and Kabat-Zinn's own writings, the paper argues that his secularization of mindfulness is not only an innovative adaptation but also deeply influenced by Vedic philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedānta. The findings suggest that secular mindfulness, as practiced today, may be more closely aligned with Vedic traditions than previously acknowledged, offering a new perspective on the historical and philosophical roots of this widely adopted practice.

Nonlinear associations and threshold effects between agricultural industrial development and carbon emissions: insights from China

Abstract With the inevitability of global climate change, it has become increasingly important to understand the relationship between Agro-industrial Development (AID) and Agricultural Carbon Emissions (ACE) to promote the development of low carbon production in agriculture. Using a panel of datasets, as based on the ‘element-structure-function’ framework of 30 Chinese provinces over the period from 2011–2021, the entropy weight method was used to calculate the level of AID in each province. With this approach, it was possible to assess correlations and mechanisms between AID and ACE. Here, with use of fixed-effect, regulatory and threshold models, we determined some of the critical factors contributing to the effects of AID and ACE. Our findings revealed: (1) AID displays an inverse U-shape relationship with ACE, as verified through endogeneity and robustness assessment, (2) A review of the mechanisms suggests that the crossing of the turning point of the inverted u-curve can be accelerated by the moderating effect of agricultural finance. and (3) As based on the threshold effect analysis, a two-tier effect of the digital economy, rural human capital and farmers’ net income on AID, with facilitating effects on carbon emission reductions was obtained after the threshold crossing. The significance of this effect increases as a function of the post-threshold interval. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the long-standing interplay between AID and ACE. Thus, additional insights and empirical evidence that can inform the ongoing development of sustainable agricultural practices can be realized.

Corrosion-induced thickness diminution of an ageing bulk carrier

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development introduced 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has endorsed connections between the maritime sector and SDGs, emphasising sustainable production in the marine environment. Consequently, technical considerations, such as ship structure sustainability, are crucial for marine safety. The impact of corrosion influences the structural degradation of vessels and the risk of structural failure and fuel oil spills significantly. The formulation of predictive corrosion models, grounded in historical data accumulated during vessel operations, emerges as an optimal strategy for designing structural elements and guaranteeing their structural integrity. This paper analyses non-linear deterministic and stochastic corrosion models, focusing on an ageing bulk carrier, to provide design-phase information for sustainable structures. Utilising data on measured steel plate thickness over a 20-year operational period, non-linear models are employed to calculate the millimetres of thickness diminution. Assuming corrosion onset at 7, 8, and 9 years, corresponding coefficients are computed, based on the developed model. A model is also considered, in which there were no assumptions about the beginning of corrosion initiation. The corresponding annual corrosion rate was observed separately in each of the models, as a deterministic variable and as a probabilistic random variable. This approach aims to enhance the understanding of the causal relationship between corrosion processes and structural performance, contributing to the development of sustainable design practices in the maritime industry.

How labor induction methods have evolved throughout history, from the Egyptian era to the present day: evolution, effectiveness, and safety

Induction of labor (IOL) is currently used for one in 10 pregnancies globally. Methods used for induction have shown major changes over time. Medical interventions trace their origins back to ancient civilizations, with evidence suggesting that they began over 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. During this era, the Egyptians employed natural remedies such as castor oil and date fruits for the IOL. These early practices highlight the rich history and long-standing tradition of using natural substances in medical treatments, laying the foundation for the development of modern obstetric practices. After that, Hippocrates practiced mammary stimulation and mechanical cervical dilatation about 2500 years ago in Greece. Since then, there has been a marked change, especially over the last century, with the development of safer and more effective methods. Mechanical methods were the main method until the early 20th century, which were then substituted by pharmacological methods with more experiments in the mid to late 20th century. Nowadays, effectiveness, safety, cost, and client satisfaction are the main determinants of the methods used. This review summarizes how labor induction practices have evolved from the Egyptian era to the present-day randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis evidence, paying attention to their effectiveness, safety, and future directions.

Teaching practice: Contributions to Spanish prospective mathematics teachers

Prospective primary education (PE) teachers of mathematics are trained on university programs which include core subjects in the field of the didactics of mathematics. However, these subjects have no general practical component. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the contribution of practical courses to the development of good practice in mathematics education. For this purpose, an ethnographic study was carried out with the participation of 23 prospective teachers who completed a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. The closed responses were analyzed by frequency and percentage, and the open-ended responses were analyzed using the ATLAS.ti software (v. 22) (ATLAS.ti, 2022). The results show that most of the prospective teachers identified principles of good practice in mathematics classes, and most of them found a relationship between their initial training and what they experienced in these classrooms. In the light of the results, contributions are made to improve the initial training of mathematics teachers in PE.