Diversified Disciplines Research Articles

Unraveling the landscape of large language models: a systematic review and future perspectives

PurposeThe rapid rise of large language models (LLMs) has propelled them to the forefront of applications in natural language processing (NLP). This paper aims to present a comprehensive examination of the research landscape in LLMs, providing an overview of the prevailing themes and topics within this dynamic domain.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from an extensive corpus of 198 records published between 1996 to 2023 from the relevant academic database encompassing journal articles, books, book chapters, conference papers and selected working papers, this study delves deep into the multifaceted world of LLM research. In this study, the authors employed the BERTopic algorithm, a recent advancement in topic modeling, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the data after it had been meticulously cleaned and preprocessed. BERTopic leverages the power of transformer-based language models like bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) to generate more meaningful and coherent topics. This approach facilitates the identification of hidden patterns within the data, enabling authors to uncover valuable insights that might otherwise have remained obscure. The analysis revealed four distinct clusters of topics in LLM research: “language and NLP”, “education and teaching”, “clinical and medical applications” and “speech and recognition techniques”. Each cluster embodies a unique aspect of LLM application and showcases the breadth of possibilities that LLM technology has to offer. In addition to presenting the research findings, this paper identifies key challenges and opportunities in the realm of LLMs. It underscores the necessity for further investigation in specific areas, including the paramount importance of addressing potential biases, transparency and explainability, data privacy and security, and responsible deployment of LLM technology.FindingsThe analysis revealed four distinct clusters of topics in LLM research: “language and NLP”, “education and teaching”, “clinical and medical applications” and “speech and recognition techniques”. Each cluster embodies a unique aspect of LLM application and showcases the breadth of possibilities that LLM technology has to offer. In addition to presenting the research findings, this paper identifies key challenges and opportunities in the realm of LLMs. It underscores the necessity for further investigation in specific areas, including the paramount importance of addressing potential biases, transparency and explainability, data privacy and security, and responsible deployment of LLM technology.Practical implicationsThis classification offers practical guidance for researchers, developers, educators, and policymakers to focus efforts and resources. The study underscores the importance of addressing challenges in LLMs, including potential biases, transparency, data privacy, and responsible deployment. Policymakers can utilize this information to shape regulations, while developers can tailor technology development based on the diverse applications identified. The findings also emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and highlight ethical considerations, providing a roadmap for navigating the complex landscape of LLM research and applications.Originality/valueThis study stands out as the first to examine the evolution of LLMs across such a long time frame and across such diversified disciplines. It provides a unique perspective on the key areas of LLM research, highlighting the breadth and depth of LLM’s evolution.

Non-cytotoxic, highly functionalized cellulose nanocrystals with high crystallinity and thermal stability derived from a novel agromass of Elettaria cardamomum, using a soft and benign mild oxalic acid hydrolysis

Non-cytotoxic, highly crystalline, and functionalized, thermally stable cellulose nanocrystals are extracted from the stems of Elettaria cardamom, a novel underutilised agromass, by employing a neat green, mild oxalic acid hydrolysis. The protocol involves a chemo-mechanical strategy of coupling hydrolysis with steam explosion and homogenization. The obtained CNC showed a crystallinity index of 81.51 %, an aspect ratio of 17.80 ± 1.03 and a high degradation temperature of about 339.07 °C. The extraction procedure imparted a high negative surface functionalization with a zeta potential value of −34.244 ± 0.496 mV and a polydispersity of 16.5 %. The CNC had no antibacterial activity, according to non-cytotoxic experiments conducted on four bacterial strains. This supports the notion of “One Health” in the context of AMR by demonstrating the safety of antibiotic resistance due to consistent exposure upon environmental disposal. The as-extracted nanocellulose crystals can be a potential candidate for commercial application in wide and diversified disciplines like food packaging, anti-infective surfaces for medical devices, biosensors, bioelectronics etc.

Roadmap to inclusive curriculum: a step towards Multidisciplinary Engineering Education for holistic development

Abstract : One of the key aspects to measure the prosperity of any nation in this global economy can be its leadership in technology & innovation. Engineering is applied everywhere; from the design and development of novel products and processes to providing solutions to complex challenges. Engineering education is therefore of key significance to a growing economy. With a prime focus on improving qual i ty and providing hol i sti c development of learners, developments are taking place worldwide in Engineering education & research. The term 'learners' indicate students and has been used interchangeably in the entire script. Purpose: National Education Policy 2020 of the Government of India proposed reforms to the existing education framework of the country and emphasized on introducing multidisciplinary undergraduate programmes with multiple exit options. This study proposes an inclusive curriculum with different course types from multiple disciplines for anundergraduate engineering programme and articulates the relevance of the framework to foster holistic development. Research Methodology: The study incorporates a structured design approach where inputs from senior leaders of 60 Universities offering undergraduate programmes formed the basis of the preliminary work. The academic framework was designed under the regulations and guidelines of the statutory body for t echni ca l programmes. On succ essful implementation, a research instrument was administered to a cohort of learners of an undergraduate engineering programme, and the data collected was then analysed. Findings: From the findings, we infer that a multidisciplinary engineering programme would enhance research skills and enable the learners to selfmanage to a great extent along with developing their critical thinking skills. The results are statistically significant with p<0.05. Implications of the Study: This study would help Universities and Higher Education Institutions to explore the possibilities of provisioning courses from diversified disciplines in an Engineering curriculum to promote multi-disciplinarity. The findings from the study would be beneficial to the learners to realize the potential of multidisciplinary education and accordingly pursue their career aspirations. The studyprovides an insight into competencies to be developed through the framework of a four-year undergraduate engineering programme thereby enabling Industry practitioners to reorient the job roles that thrive in the future. Keywords: Multidisciplinary Education; academic curriculum; holistic education; Engineering Framework; Learners.

Novel higher order iterative schemes based on the $ q- $Calculus for solving nonlinear equations

<abstract><p>The conventional infinitesimal calculus that concentrates on the idea of navigating the $ q- $symmetrical outcomes free from the limits is known as Quantum calculus (or $ q- $calculus). It focuses on the logical rationalization of differentiation and integration operations. Quantum calculus arouses interest in the modern era due to its broad range of applications in diversified disciplines of the mathematical sciences. In this paper, we instigate the analysis of Quantum calculus on the iterative methods for solving one-variable nonlinear equations. We introduce the new iterative methods called $ q- $iterative methods by employing the $ q- $analogue of Taylor's series together with the inclusion of an auxiliary function. We also investigate the convergence order of our newly suggested methods. Multiple numerical examples are utilized to demonstrate the performance of new methods with an acceptable accuracy. In addition, approximate solutions obtained are comparable to the analogous solutions in the classical calculus when the quantum parameter $ q $ tends to one. Furthermore, a potential correlation is established by uniting the $ q- $iterative methods and traditional iterative methods.</p></abstract>

Fostering Interdisciplinary Research Culture, Challenges and Way Forward: The Universiti Malaya Experience

Interdisciplinary research (IDR) exploring beyond the purview of a single discipline is critical for providing the requisite solutions to real-world issues. Furthermore, the process of translating research that could have a positive impact on and benefit the government, industry and society, typically requires a multipronged approach with inputs and solutions integrated from various disciplines. Therefore, IDR is vital in pushing the different disciplines forward and accelerating scientific discovery in innovative ways. Nonetheless, the move towards encouraging researchers to break away from working in silos to working together has been an extremely challenging task. Doubtlessly, interdisciplinary programmes demand much more involvement and exhaustive effort from researchers per se as they require not only academic scholarship but also soft skills to communicate, network and engage with other researchers from diversified disciplines, various stakeholders and beneficiaries. In addition to that, good leadership and all-rounded teamwork support are required in navigating and ensuring the success of the research programme to deliver its intended outcome and impact. In light of this, this opinion paper discusses some of the challenges confronted in fostering IDR at the Universiti Malaya and suggestions on approaches that could be adopted to garner the interest and move it forward.

“Organs on a Chip”: Revolutionization in personalized treatment

“Organs-on-a-chip” (OOAC), involves microfluidics based biomaterial sciences, bio-engineering and cell biology majorly cell isolation and cell culturing aspects. This technology claims to develop 3-dimensional tissues structurally and physiologically in simulation to in vivo providing relevant results in terms of physiological and genetic aspects with virtue of its origin from human systems. In recent times, experts from diversified disciplines have developed and established many OOAC systems with an assertion of being perfect for drug research replacing convectional cell cultures and animal testing due to the technical limitations in the applicability of the same in vivo for systemic complexities and genetic variances. “Organs-on-a-chip” has attracted substantial interest for its wide range of applications in fields of drug research, regenerative medicine and personalized medicine. Successful development and establishments of different OOACs will contribute towards newer avenues in the path of precised personalized medicine. 
 Keywords: Organs on a chip, personalized medicine, OOAC, 3D cell culture

Realization of a micro composite based pressure sensor: Its performance study for linearity, hysteresis and sensitivity

The relevance of pressure sensors in daily life applications has been phenomenal in diversified disciplines such as engineering, bio-medical, automobile, aerospace etc. Making right choice of pressure sensors is crucial in any of these disciplines. Of late, the pursuit of making the pressure sensors applicable to various domains has spurred a variety of innovative activities. They are being fabricated using novel materials and unconventional fabrication methodology. Also, the advent of microelectromechanical systems has provided new horizons for a variety of realizations that led to the development of efficient and robust pressure sensors. The electromechanical characteristics of the sensing materials and the fabrication methodologies employed to realize the sensor have significant influence on performance of the sensor. This paper reports the micro composite based piezoresistive gauge pressure sensor performance study which was realized by screen printing technique. Graphite-PVC resin based dispersions are screen printed on flat, circular shaped, 1.98 mm thick stainless-steel diaphragm. The transducing layers are directly printed on the deforming polymer coated diaphragm so that the coupling factor is high, resulting in an efficient transfer of strain. Pressure cyclic study and its effect on linearity, hysteresis, sensitivity, stability etc. are investigated. The sensitivity is found to be 0.357 mV/bar. The maximum hysteresis and non-linearity are found to be less than 0.8% FSO. A fairly satisfactory sensitivity, linearity, hysteresis and stability are accomplished at a low cost. By observing the performance characteristics of the realized pressure sensor it can be used in commercial, industrial, automotive, aerospace and strategic fields. Some of the applications could be in tire pressure sensing, air filling in petrol bunks, petrol/diesel/oil/water tankers, water supply pipelines, oil/gas explorations, hydraulic jacks and mines etc.

Women and Time: Ongoing Debates in Contemporary Society.

This paper captures an overall picture of the concept of time. Time has become a hermeneutic subject opened to debates and discussions at different levels in diversified disciplines since the beginning of the 20th century. Time sociologists have formed their own pathway to ground up a comprehensive theory of time. Social time and clock time have been a battlefield for humans, who struggle to balance between qualitative time and quantitative time, a demand from their social and economic life. The linear time or clock time has transformed human society so quickly since the Industrial Revolution, reducing time into a commodity, having money as the exchange value, and money can be used to buy time. The debates on time, unavoidably, also intersect with the gender matters, particularly, when they discuss about women’s time, which is so much different from clock time, marginalizing women’s time that is spent on reproductive work. The political implication of women’s time is evident in terms of valuing more women’s invisible and unnamed works. On the other hand, researching and analyzing women’s time are needed for further discussions on methodologies.

The Research of the Physical Education and Training System Based on Network Information Technology

As one of the major scientific Technology, the network information technology has important influences on the development of society. The physical education is one diversified disciplines including knowledge transfer, skills development and physical exercise. The Network Information Technology is an essential and indispensable tool for Physical Education and training. In this paper, mainly research the overview of the development of network information technology and The significance of researching the Physical Education and Training System based on Network Information Technology, and then put forward that How to use new scientific and technological means to creatively improve the current level of sports education and training.

Biological Response Modifiers in Human Oncology and Immunology, vol 166, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

This volume is based on the proceedings of an international symposium on this subject, held in July 1982, in Tampa, Fla. The authors, including some of the noted investigators in this field, come from diversified disciplines in both academe and industries from several countries. The symposium covered a broad range of topics dealing with the effects of biologic products and synthetic compounds on the host immune system and the products' use in cancer treatment. These topics are organized in the book into three major groups: studies on the biological products (interferons, interferon hybrids, monoclonal antibodies and their conjugates, thymosin and other thymic hormones, and interleukins), effects of microbial and plant products (components of bacterial and fungal cell walls and their synthetic congeners as well as lentinan, a compound purified from an edible mushroom), and trials using synthetic organic compounds (purine derivatives, retinoids, and diethyldithiocarbamate sodium). The keynote speech, which briefly

RURAL WATER SUPPLY IN THE BASEMENT COMPLEX OF WESTERN STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This report attempts to synthesize all available surface and subsurface geological and hydrological information in the crystalline Basement Complex of Western State, Nigeria. The Basement Complex is exposed over more than 50 per cent of Western State and because of the uncertainty of available groundwater resources within it, surface water is the main source of domestic water supply. A reliable assessment of groundwater resources requires the cooperation among diversified disciplines—hydrogeology, geology, geophysics, chemistry, hydraulics and engineering. When dealing with crystalline rocks as potential sources of water supply, a knowledge of the distribution of structural and geomorphic features of such rocks is important in determining well sites to ensure a high success ratio. A low success ratio attending previous borehole programmes has led to the conclusion among practising water engineers that the Basement Complex is not a suitable source of groundwater supplies. This conclusion is here shown to be unfounded, and attributed to the practice of locating well sites by intuition. Scientific exploration is the only means of determining potential water zones in crystalline rocks. With the high rainfall and low surface runoff that is typical of the study area, a high rate of recharge into the overburden of the crystalline rocks is expected. The high incidence of water-borne diseases is traceable to the utilization of highly polluted stagnant or slow-moving surface waters. This problem can be very significantly minimized by a programme of rural water supply using hand-dug wells. Well location should be made by hydrogeologists and the digging could thereafter be accomplished through communal efforts.

Relating Soil Science Teaching to Land Use Planning

ABSTRACTIntroducing soil science into the diversified disciplines concerned with land use and land management planning requires both modification of traditional introductory soil science courses and development of new courses, workshops, and seminars. A shift from a disciplinary to a problem‐oriented focus appears desirable in some cases. Because of the limited opportunities for planners to become familiar with soil science during their degree programs, a strong program of continuing education in soil science is essential for optimum long‐term interaction between soil scientists and planners.

Government-sponsored Research on Africa

There is an increasing need of the government to know more about Africa. Trying to look ahead, many of us can see, for example, continued instability on the continent, with weak, fragile states grappling with the problems of achieving national cohesion. As we confront the problems arising from this instability, the gaps in our knowledge and understanding are vast and our need to know will probably continue to be much greater than our capacity to find the answers. The African Studies Association's forthcoming book The African World: A Survey of Social Research has symbolic as well as substantive value for FAR insofar as it demonstrates how a group with widely diversified disciplines, interests, and missions can devise effective channels of communication to share a clearer understanding of each participant's special problems and objectives. The ASA asked the specialists in each of the 18 disciplines represented in this book to discuss, in relatively simple language and for the benefit of those in other disciplines, the problems they study in Africa, their methods, successes, and major failures.