Online Material Research Articles

Implementing Flipped Learning Pedagogy in Algerian Higher Education: From a recommendation to a necessity

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant transformation in teaching methodologies. Flipped Learning (FL) emerged as a strategy to enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction by emphasizing student- centered learning, autonomy, and active participation. This approach generally involves students engaging with pre-recorded lectures or online materials before class, thereby allowing in-class time to be dedicated to interactive activities, discussions, and deeper commitment with the subject matter. Although FL has gained popularity in various educational settings, its adoption and effectiveness in Algerian higher education have not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigates the experiences of EFL teachers at the Ecole Normale Supérieure "Assia Djebar" in Constantine, Algeria, focusing on their perspectives on incorporating FL into their post-pandemic teaching. Using a descriptive research design, an online questionnaire was employed to assess teachers' familiarity with FL principles, their experiences with its implementation (including challenges faced during the transition), and their views on its impact on the teaching and learning environment. The study also explored teachers' attitudes toward the necessity and potential benefits of FL in Algerian higher education. The research involved administering an online questionnaire to 20 EFL teachers during the 2021-2022 academic year. Although the sample is limited to this particular institution, it offers valuable insights into the early stages of FL adoption. The findings indicated a shift towards positive attitudes and an acknowledgment of FL's advantages, such as improved development of critical thinking skills. This suggests a growing acceptance of FL as a valuable pedagogical approach for enhancing EFL learning outcomes in Algerian higher education. By embracing the opportunities that FL presents, the higher education system in Algeria can adapt to the challenges and demands of the digital age, better preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving world.

Diversity and dominance in bird assemblages across habitats in the Ñeembucú wetlands complex

AbstractUnderstanding how diversity responds to habitat heterogeneity in a landscape is a central issue for implementing effective conservation plans. In this study, we analyzed how the composition and abundance of neotropical bird assemblages vary among habitats in the Ñeembucú Wetlands Complex, the largest wetland system in Paraguay. Bird surveys were conducted during 1 year within dominant habitats in the landscape: riparian forests, natural grasslands, savannas, and anthropized sites. The Ñeembucú Wetlands Complex showed a high bird richness (209 species) that contrasted with a pattern of dominance by a small set of 16 species that comprised half of the abundance. This set of oligarchic species consists of generalist species that exploited a wide variety of habitats and were well adapted to human disturbance, contributing to an important overlap in the composition of assemblages. However, despite this overall similarity, there is still significant differentiation in bird assemblages, especially between habitats with the most contrasting vegetation physiognomy. Riparian forests and savannas showed higher diversity values than the more structurally homogeneous grasslands. Also, all natural habitats showed, in general, higher diversity values than anthropized sites. Oligarchic species had higher importance in anthropized environments, which also had the most uneven distribution of abundance between species, indicating the dominance by a smaller number of species and the loss of ecological diversity as farmland and urban development increase.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Enhancing mental well-being for parents through competence based curriculum implementation strategies in public day primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

The Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) focuses on developing learners' skills and competencies, ensuring a holistic approach to education. Active parental engagement in their children's education is essential, as it not only enhances the academic success of learners but also significantly contributes to the mental well-being of parents. This study aims to explore strategies that may enhance the mental well-being of parents during CBC implementation in public day schools primary in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a qualitative design and was grounded in the theory of the Epstein model and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The target population comprised parents of children enrolled in public day primary schools in Nairobi County. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select a sample size of 12 participants, ensuring a representative distribution across different demographic profiles. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that enhancing parental support during CBC implementation requires a multifaceted approach involving workshops, accessible resources, effective communication, and collaboration from schools. Schools should provide training sessions and online materials to guide parents through the CBC framework while maintaining regular updates on curriculum changes. Additionally, parents' associations may foster community support groups and offer mental health resources, which can alleviate stress for parents. The study also emphasized the role of learners in supporting their parents through effective communication and encouraging independence, promoting a collaborative learning environment essential for the success of CBC.

Floral therapy and its use in dentistry: A bibliographic research

Objective: Search for articles, books and other studies on flower therapy from its functioning, origin and benefits in dentistry. Methodology: Searches were made for online materials, aiming to obtain information, studies, articles and other research through the following databases: The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Research, society and development journal, DeCs, Science Direct, VHL /BIREME, PUBMED Central, Scielo and Google Academy. Results: Our search resulted in 37 articles. Conclusion: Floral Therapy, in addition to being used in various health settings, has benefits in post and pre dental care, such as its function against fear and anxiety.

Effective online material development: A micro-model taxonomy for designing simulations to maximise tertiary students’ learning

Effective online material development: A micro-model taxonomy for designing simulations to maximise tertiary students’ learning

Profiles of physical education teachers: an analysis on social networks

The present study aimed to observe, analyze and correlate online materials, from profiles on the social network Instagram, which showed different patterns of Physical Education teachers and their influences. For this, the investigated of this study were two users who have profiles focused on the practice of Physical Education, and had their profiles observed, with investigation of the netnographic type, and later separated into post-determined categories. With the result we observed how the two distinct profiles attribute distinct meaning to health. From this analysis, one can observe and conclude that social networks have great influence on the body pattern that is stipulated by society, since Instagram is a great ally in the spread of information.

Readability of Online Spanish Materials for Breast Reconstruction Using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps.

Background The internet has become an increasingly popular tool for patients to find information pertaining to medical procedures. Although the information is easily accessible, data shows that many online educational materials pertaining to surgical subspecialties are far above the average reading level in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the English and Spanish online materials for the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction procedure. Methods The first eight institutional or organizational websites that provided information on the DIEP procedure in English and Spanish were included. Each website was evaluated using the Patient Education and Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (CSAT), and either Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) for English websites or Spanish Orthographic Length (SOL) for Spanish websites. Results The English websites had a statistically lower CSAT score compared to the Spanish websites (p=0.006). However, Spanish websites had a statistically higher percentage of complex words compared to English sources (p<0.001). An analysis of reading grade levels through SMOG and SOL scores revealed that Spanish websites had statistically lower scores (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the understandability or actionability scores between the English and Spanish websites. Conclusions Online educational materials on the DIEP flap reconstruction procedure should be readable, understandable, actionable, and culturally sensitive. Our analysis revealed that improvements can be made in understandability and actionability on these websites.Plastic surgeons should be aware of what constitutes a great online educational resource and what online educational materials their patients will have access to.

Potential misinformation in websites on carpal tunnel syndrome

ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the potential reinforcement of misconceptions in websites discussing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MethodsAfter removing all cookies to limit personalization, we entered “carpal tunnel syndrome” into five search engines and collected the first 50 results displayed for each search. For each of the 105 unique websites, we recorded publication date, author background, and number of views. The prevalence of potential reinforcement and/or reorientation of misconceptions for each website was then scored using a rubric based on our interpretation of the best current evidence regarding CTS. The informational quality of websites was graded with the DISCERN instrument, a validated tool for assessing online health information. ResultsEvery website contained at least one potentially misleading statement in our opinion. The most common misconceptions reference “excessive motion” and “inflammation.” Greater potential reinforcement of misinformation about CTS was associated with fewer page views and lower informational quality scores. ConclusionsKeeping in mind that this analysis is based on our interpretation of current best evidence, potential misinformation on websites addressing CTS is common and has the potential to increase symptom intensity and magnitude of incapability via reinforcement of unhelpful thoughts regarding symptoms. InnovationThe prevalence of patient-directed health information that can increase discomfort and incapability by reinforcing common unhelpful thoughts supports the need for innovations in how we develop, oversee, and evolve healthy online material.

The use of digital platforms by citizen aid actors during the Ukraine humanitarian crisis

Following the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, which was a result of the war in Ukraine, ordinary citizens stepped up to spontaneously coordinate various humanitarian responses to support affected populations. In this article such individuals who founded or coordinated this form of spontaneous humanitarian aid are referred to as citizen aid actors (CAA). This paper explores the work of citizen aid actors in Poland, a country which received many of the people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The study applies the concept of digital affordances to illustrate and argue that citizen aid actors relied on the features available on digital platforms to attain their goals. It is an outcome of a qualitative research approach where interviews, participant observation, and analysis of relevant online material about the studied citizen aid actors were used as methods of collecting data. The findings indicate that these actors used diverse digital platforms at different stages of the humanitarian aid projects, from establishment, organization and sustenance. While this study demonstrates how specific digital platforms contributed to the accomplishment of the work done by CAAs, it also highlights how problematic it can be when the actors largely rely on digital platforms. As such, potential risks associated with overreliance on digital platforms as a way of implementing projects are factored in. Ensuing concerns include the presence of online trolls, the spreading of fake news, and internet disruptions as potential obstacles for the success of the aid projects.

Still little evidence of poleward range shifts in the tropics, but lowland biotic attrition may be underway

AbstractSixteen years ago, Colwell et al. (2008: Global warming, elevational range shifts, and lowland biotic attrition in the wet tropics. Science, 322, 258) affirmed predictions that climate change and rising global temperatures would lead to widespread upslope range shifts of tropical species but predicted that poleward range shifts would be unlikely within the terrestrial wet tropics, because of the shallow latitudinal temperature gradient. They also predicted “biotic attrition” (a net loss of species) in equatorial lowlands, where no warmer regions exist as a source of more‐thermophilic species to replace species shifting upslope. Based on three recently published literature reviews of range shifts, covering more than 450 studies and thousands of species worldwide, we document more than 20 cases of elevational range shifts within the tropics, but we find no unambiguous examples of a latitudinal range shift for any fully tropical terrestrial species. In contrast, outside the tropics, the majority of documented range shifts are latitudinal. We summarize the state of knowledge about climate‐driven species range shifts in the terrestrial tropics and highlight the potential for climate change to cause extensive and widespread declines in lowland alpha diversity.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Implementation of an EHR-integrated web-based depression assessment in primary care: PORTAL-Depression.

To integrate a computerized adaptive test for depression into the electronic health record (EHR) and establish systems for administering assessments in-clinic and via a patient portal to improve depression care. This article reports the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a health information technology (IT) quality improvement (QI) project, Patient Outcomes Reporting for Timely Assessment of Life with Depression (PORTAL-Depression). The project was conducted in a hospital-based primary care clinic that serves a medically underserved metropolitan community. A 30-month (July 2017-March 2021) QI project was designed to create an EHR-embedded system to administer adaptive depression assessments in-clinic and via a patient portal. A multi-disciplinary team integrated 5 major health IT innovations into the EHR: (1) use of a computerized adaptive test for depression assessment, (2) 2-way secure communication between cloud-based software and the EHR, (3) improved accessibility of depression assessment results, (4) enhanced awareness and documentation of positive depression results, and (5) sending assessments via the portal. Throughout the 30-month observational period, we collected administrative, survey, and outcome data. Attending and resident physicians who participated in the project were trained in depression assessment workflows through presentations at clinic meetings, self-guided online materials, and individual support. Developing stakeholder relationships, using an evaluative and iterative process, and ongoing training were key implementation strategies. The PORTAL-Depression project was a complex and labor-intensive intervention. Despite quick adoption by the clinic, only certain aspects of the intervention were sustained in the long term due to financial and personnel constraints.

Comparing the educational quality of YouTube and Facebook videos on tympanostomy tubes

PurposePatients often refer to online materials when researching surgical procedures. This study compares the educational quality of online videos about tympanostomy tubes on two popular video platforms: YouTube and Facebook. This study provides clinicians with context about the content and quality of information patients may possess after watching online videos on tympanostomy tubes. Materials and methodsYouTube and Facebook were searched using key terms related to tympanostomy tubes. Videos were screened and scored in triplicate. DISCERN quality, content, production, and alternative medicine scores were assigned. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism. Results76 YouTube and 86 Facebook videos were analyzed. DISCERN quality scores (mean = 1.8 vs. 1.4, P < .0001), content scores (mean = 1.7 vs. 1.0, P < .0001), and production scores (mean = 4.8 vs. 4.6, P = .0327) were significantly higher on YouTube compared to Facebook. 33 % of Facebook videos referenced alternative medicine, as compared with 0 % of YouTube videos (P < .0001). Physician/hospital-generated videos had significantly higher DISCERN and content scores than parent-, product-, and chiropractor-generated videos. Views did not correlate with DISCERN or content scores. ConclusionYouTube is a better platform than Facebook for educational videos about tympanostomy tubes. YouTube videos had higher educational quality, more comprehensive content, and less alternative medicine. One third of Facebook videos advocated for alternative treatments. Importantly, videos on both platforms were of limited educational quality as demonstrated through low DISCERN reliability scores and coverage of few important content areas.

Quality and readability of online information and materials on post-surgery breast seroma.

Aims/Background Seroma formation is the most common complication following breast surgery. However, there is little evidence on the readability of online patient education materials on this issue. This study aimed to assess the accessibility and readability of the relevant online information. Methods This systematic review of the literature identified 37 relevant websites for further analysis. The readability of each online article was assessed through using a range of readability formulae. Results The average Flesch-Reading Ease score for all patient education materials was 53.9 (± 21.9) and the average Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level was 7.32 (± 3.1), suggesting they were 'fairly difficult' to read and is higher than the recommended reading level. Conclusion Online patient education materials regarding post-surgery breast seroma are at a higher-than-recommended reading grade level for the public. Improvement would allow all patients, regardless of literacy level, to access such resources to aid decision-making around undergoing breast surgery.

&lt;p&gt;Young Farmers' Utilization of Internet for Agricultural Purposes: Evidence from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand&lt;/p&gt;

Despite Thailand ranking high among Asia-Pacific countries in The Network Readiness Index 2022 and the increasing Internet access, rural communities in Thailand still face significant barriers to fully utilizing the Internet for agriculture-related activities. This gap in effective digital connection hinders the transfer of crucial information and communication necessary to support and enhance agricultural practices. Hence, this paper’s objective aims to explore utilization of the Internet by young farmers and the factors affecting this utilization. To achieve this, 369 young farmers in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, were surveyed. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency and percentage) and relationships were analyzed using Ordered logistic regression analysis. Research results show that all farmers had Internet access and used it on their smartphones (100%). The participants used smartphone applications related to agriculture, with most utilizing LINE and Facebook to contact their fellow farmers (90.0% and 89.2%, respectively). Most participants search for agricultural information through YouTube (86.2%) and search engines (e.g., Google) (61.3%) to find information on plant and animal varieties and methods for crop planting and raising animals. Seven factors were found to influence Internet utilization for agricultural purposes: age, education, contact with agricultural extension officers, agricultural organization membership, use of home or cable Internet, and use of government-provided Internet were statistically significant in affecting Internet use (p &lt; 0.01). Based on these results following policy recommendations are provided to encourage farmers to use the Internet for agricultural purposes: Relevant government agencies should set directional policies to create more contact channels for farmers, develop and disseminate educational materials online via social media platforms such as Facebook, LINE, and YouTube, and improve the Internet network and services.

Evaluation of a flipped classroom model base on students’ perceptions: An undergraduate engineering module case study

Flipped classroom approach has become popular due to the potential for creating deep learning experiences using active learning and the use of technology that facilitates the implementation of the approach (Abeysekera and Dawson, 2014). The aim of this research is to assess whether the Flipped Classroom model designed and implemented by the authors is perceived as effective by engineering students on the mandatory second year management module. The supplemental blended learning model (Twigg, 2003) was used to create a delivery model consisting of lectures, out-of-class activities and ending with flipped classroom seminars. The fortnightly lectures and online learning material underpinned the in-class activity-led seminars which in turn aligned to the assessment. Given the requirements for students to manage their engagement with learning outside of the classroom, self-regulated learning has been considered within the study. The authors collected the data using two online pre-validated questionnaires (Shih, Liang and Tsai, 2019) via Qualtrics and applied descriptive statistical analysis tools and the Pearson correlation analysis, using SPSS software. Results indicated that students perceived the activity led learning part of the flipped classroom (seminars) as a positive experience and are satisfied with how the experience enhanced their learning. Survey analysis revealed students reported a lack of critical engagement with the online material, inconsistently allocating time to learning nor systematically preparing for the face-to-face activity led learning seminars. There was general agreement the flipped classroom approach required more self-regulated learning skills.

Impact of Blockchain on FinTech and Payment Systems

Purpose: FinTech, which is all about using technology in finance, has been changing a lot lately because of something called blockchain. Blockchain was first used for Bitcoin but has become important in finance and other areas. This paper argues that block chain technology addresses these concerns by enhancing the safety and speed of transactions. Through blockchain and tokenization, financial services are becoming more efficient and user-friendly. Methodology: This paper talks about theories and uses different kinds of sources like books, articles, and online materials. It focuses on Blockchain Technology, looking at its features, functions, and types. Different websites of different companies working on blockchain have been checked to see the impact of blockchain in today’s world. Findings: Blockchain technology is changing financial technology (FinTech) by making payments and transactions more secure and transparent. Its decentralized design improves security and benefits both consumers and financial institutions. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy(recommendations): The potential of blockchain interoperability protocols to securely transfer data and value between legacy systems and a myriad of blockchains, driving innovation and efficiency in the financial industry. The partnership between Swift, major financial institutions, and Chain link highlights the importance of making different blockchain networks work together smoothly. This is crucial for the next stage of digital asset adoption in the global financial system. It shows that even the largest banks and financial infrastructures can achieve interoperability between various blockchains with minimal resources.

Impact of Blockchain on FinTech and Payment Systems

Purpose: FinTech, which is all about using technology in finance, has been changing a lot lately because of something called blockchain. Blockchain was first used for Bitcoin but has become important in finance and other areas. This paper argues that block chain technology addresses these concerns by enhancing the safety and speed of transactions. Through blockchain and tokenization, financial services are becoming more efficient and user-friendly. Methodology: This paper talks about theories and uses different kinds of sources like books, articles, and online materials. It focuses on Blockchain Technology, looking at its features, functions, and types. Different websites of different companies working on blockchain have been checked to see the impact of blockchain in today’s world. Findings: Blockchain technology is changing financial technology (FinTech) by making payments and transactions more secure and transparent. Its decentralized design improves security and benefits both consumers and financial institutions. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy(recommendations): The potential of blockchain interoperability protocols to securely transfer data and value between legacy systems and a myriad of blockchains, driving innovation and efficiency in the financial industry. The partnership between Swift, major financial institutions, and Chain link highlights the importance of making different blockchain networks work together smoothly. This is crucial for the next stage of digital asset adoption in the global financial system. It shows that even the largest banks and financial infrastructures can achieve interoperability between various blockchains with minimal resources.

From the front door to the basement: Invertebrate communities' structure as a proxy for determining cave zonation in Neotropics

AbstractIn caves, the absence of natural light in deeper regions starkly contrasts with the entrance areas, which still exhibit a light gradient extending into the cave interior. This interplay with the structural gradient of the environment potentially exerts distinct influences on invertebrate communities residing in different cave light zones. To investigate this, we formulated a hypothesis positing that communities within distinct cave light zones respond differently to habitat structure and microclimatic conditions. Our approach involved a spatial multi‐scale sampling of invertebrates and the application of statistical analyses to contrast the responses of communities inhabiting photic and aphotic zones. Photic zone richness is influenced by factors such as air moisture, resource availability, root presence, and shelter diversity. In contrast, the richness of communities in aphotic zones is shaped by resource availability, the presence of roots, branches, and distance from the cave entrance. As expected, the richness in the photic zone surpasses that of the deeper regions, highlighting the challenges faced by invertebrates attempting to establish themselves in the aphotic zone. The species composition of faunal communities varied predictably from the entrance to the aphotic zone, and the three most important factors driving this variation were geographic distance, humidity, and distance from the entrance. The composition between these cave zones differs significantly, primarily due to the high number of obligate cave species predominantly inhabiting the aphotic region. Indeed, communities associated with different cave zones exhibit distinct responses to resource, microclimatic, and structural variables.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

What Questions Do Patients Ask About Biologic Therapies for Chronic Sinusitis With Nasal Polyps?

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the questions commonly asked online about biologic therapies for use in treatment of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and the quality of the available content. Methods: Most common search terms were identified via Google Trends. People Also Ask (PAA) questions were identified and extracted with their associated website using an online data-scraping program [Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Minion, Keywords Everywhere]. Sources were evaluated using Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE, higher number = better) score for readability; Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark criteria for quality assessment (0-4, 4 = all criteria met). Results: A total of 143 unique PAA questions and unique websites were identified. Questions were organized into 3 categories: questions about biologic therapies overall (38.46%), about CRSwNP (37.76%), and about treatment options for CRSwNP (23.78%). Websites answering PAA questions were from commercial (60.14%), medical practice (13.99%), academic (13.29%), and government (12.59%) sources. FKGL scores found the average reading level to be at approximately a 12th grade level (SD = 3.297) alongside a low reading ease FRE score of 37.6 (SD = 16.77). Mean JAMA criteria scores were 0.9895 (SD = 0.848), indicating largely low-quality materials. Conclusion: Biologic therapies are a novel treatment option for CRSwNP, and participants are seeking more information about these treatments and disease state. Online resources regarding biologics should be presented at a lower reading level. Sources with evidence-based information are needed. Physicians should be aware of these limitations in online material and counsel accordingly by curating and directing patients to good sources.Level of Evidence: Step 4.

Комментарий в блогосфере как религиоведческий источник (по материалам православного сегмента Интернета)

Online materials on religious topics are actively commented on by users, resulting in the formation of a textual space of religious Internet comments. As a form of rapid response to the news, comments in the blogosphere are an important source that allows us, taking into account representativeness criteria, to analyse trends in the dynamics of the religious situation in near-real time. The authors of such comments primarily adopt the following roles: a strict adherent of religious rules; a fanatic prone to radicalism (extremism); a modernist advocating a “comfortable church”; a prayerful peacemaker calling for peace and harmony; an exposer of various (real or imaginary) vices of “church life”; a cleric making a pretence to be an expert. The communicative strategies depend on the role assumed; however, sufficient competence or even simple awareness is oftentimes not expected from a commenter. In fact, the genre of commenting does not require competence: in most cases anyone can comment on anything. The analysis of comments allows us to identify the specifics of value-based evaluative activity, including users’ religious preferences and their attempts to form public opinion. This is achieved through the use of special methods of presenting information as well as throgh the specifics and ability of a text to establish the necessary associations and images. Particular attention is paid to the strategy of creating a negative image. From the point of view of content and pragmatics, the following types of comments can be distinguished: informative, evaluative, destructive, apologetic (polemical), and manipulative. This typology of comments can be used when conducting content and intent studies of the religious blogosphere as well as analysing the dynamics of the religious situation and various processes of the religious semiosphere.