Negative Consequences Research Articles

Deep Learning for Enhanced Brain Tumor Detection and Classification

The purpose of this research is to build an automated, robust, intelligent and hybrid system for the early diagnosis and classifying of brain tumor. To serve this purpose, the authors propose the Auto Contrast Enhancer, Tumor Detector and Classifier to efficiently provide on-demand contrast improvement of poor contrast MRI images for the early diagnosis and classification of brain tumors. The classifier accomplishes its task through a two-phase approach. During the initial phase, ODTWCHE is employed to enhance image contrast, facilitating accurate diagnosis of brain tumours. In the subsequent phase, the classifier leverages the power of deep transfer learning, utilizing the pre-trained Inception V3 model to refine the diagnostic process further. tumor classification. Compared to state-of-the-art models, including AlexNet, VGG-16, DenseNet-201, VGG-19, GoogLeNet, and ResNet-50, the proposed system showcased its outstanding performance by achieving the highest accuracy of 98.89% on a public dataset that consists of MRI images with varying contrast and brightness levels. The precise detection and classification achieved on this multicolored dataset prove the system's robustness. The authors of the article address the usage of metrics in a variety of contexts, including academia, as well as the possible problems that may result from their improper application. They emphasize how crucial it is to create measurements that align with the system's objectives and to reduce any negative consequences that can skew the data or allow people to manipulate the system's incentives. The authors provide a thorough process for creating metrics that takes into account design considerations, countermeasures for unfavorable effects, and crucial requirements. The paper provides answers for the creation of metrics and gives examples of metrics' failures in many fields. The authors emphasize the significance of understanding how the goal and the data at hand relate to one another, as well as the necessity of compromise and clarity when goals are contradictory or incoherent.A comparative analysis with existing models further confirms that the proposed system consistently outperforms the competition.

Modern successful global solutions in environmentally friendly urban delivery and their application in Ukraine

Nowadays the issue of reducing environmental pollution is on the agenda of all countries. Among the areas that have huge negative consequences for nature, logistics and supply chains take their place. Today, there are many concepts and scientific currents that recognize the need to account for the environmental component in urban logistics. Environmental aspects are used when evaluating the efficiency of investment projects, developing new models of vehicles, calculating taxes and insurance payments, and when searching for the best delivery schemes. The goal of the work. Taking into account the world experience in research on the chosen topic, the purpose of this study is to consolidate the world's successful experience in environmentally friendly urban delivery and assess their applicability in Ukraine. Technologies and methods that allow reducing the negative impact of motor vehicles on the environment include: The technology of off-peak delivery, which allows you to improve the speed mode of the car. With off-peak delivery, the probability of traffic jams is minimized, which makes the speed of movement the maximum permissible in the city (and, accordingly, the most environmentally friendly). Although night delivery is currently not possible in Ukraine due to the curfew, late and early delivery is still available, allowing you to successfully bypass traffic jams. Use of consolidation centers. The economic idea of consolidation of freight transportation is to use the effect of scale - the greater the carrying capacity of the vehicle, the lower the specific costs for transportation of a unit of production. Currently, the construction of the consolidation center is being evaluated from the point of view of the impact of the supply chain on the environment. At the same time, the existence of a consolidation center near or within the city allows to organize delivery by vehicles with zero or low level of environmental pollution. Use of Parcel Delivery Lockers. Delivery lockers are usually installed in places where the maximum flow of residents is concentrated, which makes it possible to create additional comfort for users due to the possibility of choosing the point closest to their own home or place of work. This method eliminates up to two thirds of harmful emissions into the air. The number of post machines and the area covered by them increases year by year, which allows us to talk about the success of this technology. According to the results of 2022, such major players of express delivery as "Nova Poshta" (now “Nova”), "Ukrposhta" and "Meest" will continue to work with post delivery lockers in Ukraine. Use of more environmentally friendly types of transport. The use of hybrid, electric or non-motorized vehicles is increasingly used in last-mile logistics. Electric vehicles, mopeds, two- or three-wheeled bicycles with a large trunk or cargo body can be considered environmentally friendly types of urban logistics. Such vehicles have practically zero emissions of harmful substances, they are much more maneuverable and do not require a lot of space for unloading, loading and parking. Implementation of zones with low (zero) air pollution. Zones with zero or low emissions have long been used in developed countries. There are no generally accepted technologies for calculating the territory that requires restrictions on the movement of transport, as well as for calculating the cost of such movement. Usually it depends on the will of the local authorities, the wishes of the residents and the well-being of the region. Prohibition on the use of motor vehicles. Some local authorities introduce a complete ban on the use of motor vehicles within certain parts of the city. Usually these are historical centers with dense buildings and a large number of tourists. Sometimes such drastic measures are combined with night delivery technology. If this is not possible, the only alternative is delivery by small, usually two- or three-wheeled, zero-emission vehicles. Improvement of traffic management. Competently designed organization of road traffic can reduce the pressure on the environment. The use of an intelligent transport system in smart cities allows you to perform important tasks like detection of transport accidents; automated control of the ramp, traffic lights and parking, etc. Improvement of road conditions. This refers to the quality of the road surface, markings, cleanliness of the road surface, etc. Improvement of road conditions indirectly affects the improvement of environment of the region. Summing up the results of the research, successful global practices in environmental friendly urban logistics are highlighted, which are applied and have prospects for application in Ukraine. It was concluded that there is a huge potential of using world experience in urban logistics of Ukraine. This will bring Ukrainian logistics and urban supply chains to a new level, increasing the level of health and general satisfaction of the citizens.

Use of analytical hierarchy process for selecting and prioritizing islanding detection methods in power grids

One of the problems that are associated to power systems is islanding condition, which must be rapidly and properly detected to prevent any negative consequences on the system's protection, stability, and security. This paper offers a thorough overview of several islanding detection strategies, which are divided into two categories: classic approaches, including local and remote approaches, and modern techniques, including techniques based on signal processing and computational intelligence. Additionally, each approach is compared and assessed based on several factors, including implementation costs, non-detected zones, declining power quality, and response times using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The multi-criteria decision-making analysis shows that the overall weight of passive methods (24.7%), active methods (7.8%), hybrid methods (5.6%), remote methods (14.5%), signal processing-based methods (26.6%), and computational intelligent-based methods (20.8%) based on the comparison of all criteria together. Thus, it can be seen from the total weight that hybrid approaches are the least suitable to be chosen, while signal processing-based methods are the most appropriate islanding detection method to be selected and implemented in power system with respect to the aforementioned factors. Using Expert Choice software, the proposed hierarchy model is studied and examined.

IOT Based- Smart Metering and Charging System for EV

Abstract: Electric vehicles often face concerns regarding overcharging, leading to detrimental outcomes like pollution, reduced hardware lifespan, and safety hazards. Unlike conventional fuels, electric vehicles lack standardized systems to regulate charging parameters and costs. This absence of fail-safe mechanisms can lead to overcharging, causing negative consequences without intervention. To tackle this issue, the project proposes an Arduino-based solution coupled with a relay sensor and dedicated application. This system aims to prevent overcharging, minimizing both financial and electrical wastage. The project serves as a compact prototype, offering a viable resolution to the problem of unregulated charging in electric vehicles.

Стендовые испытания нового уплотнения деталей цилиндропоршневой группы судового ДВС

The engine consists of a large number of parts, each of which is responsible for a specific function of its efficient operation. The reliability of a marine diesel engine is largely determined by the resource of its individual components and parts. Therefore, in order to increase the engine life, it is necessary to allocate the most responsible parts in it, which are subject to greater wear and find solutions to increase their durability. Such details include piston rings, which affect not only the technical and economic performance of the engine, but also its reliability and environmental performance. Of the entire set of sealing parts of the cylinder-piston group, the upper piston compression ring should be distinguished as the most loaded. The main function of piston rings is noted – the creation of tightness of the combustion chamber. The passage of exhaust gases is inevitable due to the presence of a “lock” in the structure, and during operation, the wear of the piston rings leads to an increase in it, which affects fuel consumption, oil, and a decrease in engine power. One of the most negative consequences of piston ring wear is the appearance of “flutter” type vibration, which leads to the destruction of not only the ring, but also the edges of the piston grooves, especially on aluminum pistons. Worn grooves are not repaired by resorting to replacing pistons. A method for extending the service life is proposed, which consists in the use of a new sealing unit for cylinder piston group parts. The new sealing unit allows you to extend the piston's operability by boring the upper piston groove of the piston until all chips are eliminated. The operability of this node and the effectiveness of the seal was confirmed by an experiment that was conducted on the stand in conditions close to real ones. A technology for restoring the operability of pistons made of aluminum alloys is proposed.

Intraspecific variation in responses to extreme and moderate temperature stress in the wild species, Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae)

Abstract Adaptation or acclimation to local temperature regimes has often been used as a proxy for predicting how plant populations will respond to impending novel conditions driven by human-caused climate change. To understand how plants may successfully respond to increasing air temperatures (extreme and moderate) in the future, we explored how temperature tolerance traits differ in populations of Solanum carolinense from northern (MN) and southern (TX) regions of the continental United States in a two-experiment study. In the first experiment, we compared the heat and cold tolerance in vegetative (sporophyte) and reproductive (male gametophyte) traits. In the second experiment, we studied if long-term heat influences plant development by examining how development in moderate heat affected reproductive structures and reproductive success. We found that temperature-sensitivity differed between southern populations, which regularly experience extreme heat, and northern populations that do not. In contrast to our expectations, northern populations appeared more heat-tolerant than southern populations for vegetative traits such as chlorophyll stability and reproductive traits such as pollen germination. Our results are consistent with a heat-avoidance, rather than tolerance mechanism to mitigate extreme heat during pollen germination. In the second experiment, plants developing under the moderate heat treatment had significantly smaller reproductive structures and reduced seed production (27% fewer seeds on average than in the control treatment). Reproductive structures that developed in moderate heat were also reduced in size, particularly in the northern populations relative to populations from the south. We conclude that rising temperatures have the potential to incur substantial negative consequences for the reproductive success of individuals in this species and that some populations already mitigate stressful temperature conditions through phenotypic plasticity.

Frotteurism and exhibitionism: an updated examination of their prevalence, impact on victims, and frequency of reporting

ABSTRACT Public awareness campaigns and the #MeToo movement aimed to change the incidence and reporting of sexual violence, although their impact on behaviours such as frotteurism and exhibitionism is unknown. Following up on the findings of a previous study, this study used a self-report survey of college students (N = 580) in a major city to examine whether rates of frotteuristic and exhibitionistic acts had changed following these recent events. The results showed that the prevalence of these acts as reported by victims remains high – 38% of the current sample reported at least one incident compared to 44% of the sample in the original study. Women continue to be victimised at higher rates than men and report more long-term negative consequences associated with victimisation. Reporting to others, including the police, has not increased. These findings suggest that public awareness campaigns and survivor-led social movements may have had some impact on the incidence of sexual violence but may not have influenced the reporting of frotteuristic or exhibitionistic acts. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Findings from this study suggest that prevalence of frotteuristic and exhibitionistic behaviour remains high and that these behaviours are impactful, particularly for female victims, but are under-reported to authorities. Increasing reporting is a priority; however, this needs to be paired with training for first respondents so that those who report behaviours receive appropriate support.

Vulnerability, Digital Technologies and International Law: Reflections on Contemporary Migration Flows

Migration, considered a ‘total social fact’, remains one of the most debated topics in contemporary society. Unfortunately, migration is not always a positive experience for everyone. Certain categories of people, such as women, children, persecuted ethnic minorities, and those fleeing conflict zones, widespread violence and natural disasters, are undoubtedly more exposed to its adverse effects. The socially disadvantaged conditions of migrants can also overlap with the risk of exclusion from digital literacy. ‘Digital availability’ is an essential asset for networking through the entire period of migration, which varies according to the departure and destination contexts and skills of use. Vulnerability can be a key concept when it comes to exploring the connection between migration processes and increasing digitisation, with both positive and negative consequences. Despite the frequent use of the term ‘vulnerability’ in political and legal discourse, its normative content is neither always clear nor universally accepted. Often treated as a self-explanatory condition, it is habitually used to distinguish migrants according to specific groups based on precise characteristics – especially refugees or asylum seekers – without specifying how the notion is conceptually understood or defined. The aim of our work is to provide some suggestions about three different concepts of vulnerability (subjective, situational and structural), the impact of the legal concept of vulnerability on migration processes and how situations of vulnerability are sometimes accentuated by the spread of media and social media.

Case for supporting astrocyte energetics in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome.

In glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS), glucose transport into brain is reduced due to impaired Glut1 function in endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier. This can lead to shortages of glucose in brain and is thought to contribute to seizures. Ketogenic diets are the first-line treatment and, among many beneficial effects, provide auxiliary fuel in the form of ketone bodies that are largely metabolized by neurons. However, Glut1 is also the main glucose transporter in astrocytes. Here, we review data indicating that glucose shortage may also impact astrocytes in addition to neurons and discuss the expected negative biochemical consequences of compromised astrocytic glucose transport for neurons. Based on these effects, auxiliary fuels are needed for both cell types and adding medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) to ketogenic diets is a biochemically superior treatment for Glut1DS compared to classical ketogenic diets. MCTs provide medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are largely metabolized by astrocytes and not neurons. MCFAs supply energy and contribute carbons for glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid synthesis, and decanoic acid can also block α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid glutamate receptors. MCTs do not compete with metabolism of ketone bodies mostly occurring in neurons. Triheptanoin, an anaplerotic but also gluconeogenic uneven MCT, may be another potential addition to ketogenic diets, although maintenance of "ketosis" can be difficult. Gene therapy has also targeted both endothelial cells and astrocytes. Other approaches to increase fuel delivery to the brain currently investigated include exchange of Glut1DS erythrocytes with healthy cells, infusion of lactate, and pharmacological improvement of glucose transport. In conclusion, although it remains difficult to assess impaired astrocytic energy metabolism invivo, astrocytic energy needs are most likely not met by ketogenic diets in Glut1DS. Thus, we propose prospective studies including monitoring of blood MCFA levels to find optimal doses for add-on MCT to ketogenic diets and assessing of short- and long-term outcomes.

Job content plateau and career commitment: the mediating role of developmental i-deals and the moderating role of proactive personality

PurposeGiven the detrimental effects of job content plateau, the paper aims to study the impact of job content plateau on employees’ career commitment. In doing so, the authors examine whether the lapses in job content plateau can be addressed through developmental i-deals. A final purpose is to examine whether proactive employees are better positioned to obtain work arrangements that help them develop and remain committed to their careers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from full-time working executives employed in different organizations. These executives enrolled in a part-time MBA program. Data was collected at different time points and analyzed using the process macro (Preacher and Hayes, 2004).FindingsThe results suggest that developmental i-deals mediated the relationship between job content plateau and career commitment. In addition, proactive employees were better disposed to seal the deal and develop themselves – helping them to stay committed to their careers.Originality/valuePrior studies highlight the negative consequences of job content plateau because it does not provide avenues to learn and develop. This paper addresses the gap in locating opportunities to learn and develop (an aspect that was missing in the job content plateau) through developmental i-deals. First, the study helps answer how to address learning gaps in jobs. Second, who can capitalize on their efforts once the organization sponsors learning opportunities.

An Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Reduce Weight Stigma Among Exercise Professionals

Weight stigma is the negative social judgment of people based on their weight. Despite the negative consequences of weight stigma, its prevalence is well-documented including within the physical activity (PA) landscape. Research shows that a wide range of PA-related professionals hold negative attitudes toward fat people, including physical education teachers, kinesiology students, and fitness trainers. This article describes a collaboration across disciplines and fields to develop a weight stigma reduction intervention for exercise professionals. Weight Inclusive Thinking for Fitness Spaces (WIT FITS) is a two-hour, self-paced, interactive online course grounded in the Health at Every Size® paradigm and research-informed strategies for improving exercise professionals’ attitudes toward fatness and fostering weight inclusivity in fitness settings. WIT FITS was the result of a three-year interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars from pedagogy, public health, sport and exercise psychology, and nutrition. Community partners involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of WIT FITS included body liberation activists, web and instructional designers, and campus recreation leaders.

Deep Learning Approaches for Hate Speech Detection

The main goals of this project are to develop reliable hate speech identification models that can recognize derogatory terminology, prejudiced attitudes, and damaging stereotypes on a variety of internet platforms. To help the models train and generalize efficiently, the study focuses on using big datasets with a variety of content types, including both hate speech and non-hate speech. The findings of this study suggest that machine learning has the potential to mitigate the negative consequences of hate speech by using automated filtering and flagging tools. The study also highlights the need for continued research and development to improve the accuracy, uniformity, and transparency of hate speech detection systems, and ultimately to foster a safer online environment to encourage all people.

The effects of war on the quality of higher education in Yemen: Scholars’ perspectives

Yemen witnesses a heinous war and continual conflict that devastates its fragile infrastructure. The country’s development indicators devolve significantly, and, among other sectors, higher education and its quality have been imperiled. The objective of this paper is to explore the effects of war on the quality of higher education in Yemen from the standpoint of Yemeni scholars. This qualitative study is based on grounded theory design and used semi-structured in-depth interview methods to collect data from Yemeni scholars within and outside Yemen. The core questions focused on the impact of war, the actions taken by scholars, and the prospects of higher education quality. Seventeen diverse scholars were included in the study. The analysis of data outlined six war-related factors that affect the quality of higher education: attacks on scholars, financial constraints, corruption, human capacity shortage, poor research performance, and lack of physical capacity. Realities are reconstructed through descriptions of the trajectory of the war and its negative consequences on scholars and their endeavors. Quality as a sign of the good functioning of higher education institutions is not an exclusively sectorial issue. Actions and prospects need to fit within frameworks of national reconciliation, regional peace, and frameworks of international cooperation. Further research tackling other dimensions of education quality and including other stakeholders is needed. Rethinking and reforming Yemen’s higher education system in its different aspects and challenges, are paths to peacebuilding and the recovery of the country. A roadmap prioritizing this reform is urgently needed.

Do No Harm in Global Health Engagement.

This manuscript examines the principle of "Do No Harm" in DoD Global Health Engagement (GHE) efforts. It highlights the potential positive and negative consequences of health investments and explores how unintentional harm is addressed in a global health context. The manuscript also discusses the involvement of the U.S. military in global health and the concept of dual loyalty faced by military GHE practitioners. The goal is to understand the challenges of doing no harm and identify methods to mitigate or avoid unintended negative consequences in DoD GHE activities.

Some Environmental Factors Causing First Calving Difficulties in Holstein Friesian Cattle

Calving efficiency, an important target in cattle breeding, has been negatively affected by some environmental factors. Therefore, calving difficulty creates negative economic consequences. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the first calving difficulty in Holstein Friesian (HF) cows in terms of management and origin factors. The material of the research consists of 1475 calving difficulty records from 5 different enterprises engaged in HF breeding, located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, covering the years from 2013 to 2019. The scoring system used to determine calving difficulty: normal without intervention (ND), normal with intervention (MND), difficult/intervention with equipment (ZD), and abnormal birth (AD). Chi-square tests were performed. In the calving difficulty analysis, the management factor is classified as 1-2-3-4-5 and the origin of the cow is classified as 1 (foreign origin) and 2 (native origin). No findings were observed for MND scores. Total ND, ZD, and AD scores were 1250 (84.74%), 192 (13.01), and 33 (2.25%), respectively. Chi-square test was performed to test the differences among farms. Among the enterprises, the highest ND rate was observed in the 5th enterprise with 90.07%, the minimum ZD rate was observed in the 5th enterprise with 8.45%, and the AD rate was at least 0.66% in the 1st enterprise. The difference between farms was significant for calving difficulty (P

Consent of a Person to a Criminal Case (Criminal Prosecution) Dismissal for Reasons other than Exoneration: Definition and Content

A criminal case (prosecution) dismissal for reasons other than exoneration is associated with the onset of various negative consequences for a person. These may include confiscation of property belonging to them and recognized as material evidence; filing a civil claim against them for compensation for damage caused by a person subjected to criminal prosecution; recovery of procedural costs. The need to clarify consent to a criminal case (prosecution) dismissal is a guarantee of the rights to judicial protection and access to justice, and it is attributable to the need to inform the person about the negative consequences accompanying the criminal case (prosecution) dismissal. The obligation to clarify the consequences of the termination of the case should be reflected in the law. At the same time, in pre-trial proceedings, effective judicial control should act as a reliable guarantee of the property right of the person against whom the criminal case is terminated, assuming the court’s authority to independently make decisions on issues related to the termination of the criminal case (including those related to reimbursement of procedural costs and resolution of the fate of material evidence). The thesis of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on the equivalence of disagreement with the seizure of property following the termination of a criminal case with disagreement with such termination in general is critically evaluated. The optimal approach seems to be in which the consent of a person to a criminal case (prosecution) dismissal is clarified after a certified written explanation of the negative legal consequences of a non-rehabilitating decision. This, however, does not exclude the possibility of appealing the decision in its part, which does not relate to the cancellation of a criminal case (prosecution) dismissal as a whole.

The Effects of Antioxidants and Hyperbaric Oxygenation at Severe Thermal Injury: a Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION. Severe thermal injury (STI) characterized, among others, by hypoxia and oxidative stress (OS). The possibility of maintaining the antioxidant system through the antioxidants usage is proposed, but their effectiveness and duration are debatable issues. On the other hand, correction of OS at STI is theoretically possible by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) sessions, but there is a need to assess the benefit-risk ratio. AIM. Investigate the effect of antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygenation sessions on the course of oxidative stress at severe thermal injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study involved conditionally healthy individuals (n = 25), and patients with STI (n = 31), randomized into 3 groups: standard methods (n = 11), supplemented with antioxidants (daily injecting of 250 g vitamin C, 1.494 g “Cernevit” and 10 ml “Addamel N” during 14 days, n = 11) or HBO sessions (50–60 minutes in pressure chambers BLKS-30, BLKS-307/1 in the “low dose” at 1.3 Ata, n = 9). Plasma and erythrocytes were evaluated for free radical oxidation (FPO) and total antioxidant activity, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. At the antioxidant usage was found SOD activity increase by 11 % (p 0.01) on the second day, a decrease in FROer by 13 % (p = 0.012) on the 9th day, and MDAer by 13 % (p = 0.036) on the 6th day. In the HBO group, there was 9 % increase in SOD activity (p = 0.038) after the first session, an increase in glutathione reductase activity by 15 % (p = 0.028) by the 9th day. Thus, it is possible to pre-limit the period of potentially favorable use of antioxidants and HBO, which contributes to the maximum therapeutic effect. The negative consequences caused by the use of antioxidants or HBO have not been identified in this work. CONCLUSION. The antioxidant usage at STI contributes to the growth of the antioxidant protection of erythrocytes. The HBO usage leads to an improvement in cellular respiration and antioxidant enzymes activity and does not cause a deepening of OS. The optimal duration of prescribing antioxidants is the first 6–8 days, HBO — 9–11 days from the beginning of therapy.

Environmental Efficiency of Monsoon Rice (Oryza sativa) Production between Transplanting and Broadcasting Sowing Methods in Myanmar

Introduction Myanmar relies on rice for its food security and economic significance, ranking seventh in the world for rice exports as of 2021. The most significant concern in rice production is exceeding the recommended nitrogen (N) fertilizer usage rate. Nitrogen is a crucial fertilizer for rice production, but it poses negative environmental consequences, such as nitrous oxide emissions. Therefore, this study intended to assess the technical (TE) and environmental efficiency (EE) of monsoon rice production in Myanmar and compare the efficiencies of broadcasting (BC) and transplanting (TP) sowing methods. Methods A translog stochastic frontier production function approach estimated the output-oriented technical efficiency and environmental efficiency of monsoon rice production. The study conducted face-to-face interviews with 317 farmers in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar. Results The overall mean TE and EE were 81% and 23%, respectively. The average TE and EE for N fertilizer were 84% and 35% using the TP method and 80% and 20% using the BC method, respectively. Conclusion Our findings confirmed that the TP method was technically and environmentally superior to the BC method. The adoption of the TP method should be promoted by highlighting its positive impacts on achieving sustainable monsoon rice production in Myanmar.

Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Prolonged periods of stress may lead to negative health consequences. AlphaWave® L-Theanine was safe and efficacious during an acute stress challenge. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the longer term effects of L-theanine supplementation on stress are warranted. Thirty healthy adults (18-65years) with moderate stress were randomized to AlphaWave® L-Theanine (400mg L-theanine/day) or placebo (n = 15/group) for 28days. Stress was assessed by salivary cortisol, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21; sleep was assessed by the Healthy People Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy device; cognition was assessed by Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System; mood was assessed by Profile of Mood States. All outcomes were measured at baseline, Days 14 and 28. Safety included vital signs, clinical chemistry, haematology and adverse events (AEs). All AEs were resolved by the end of the study period or upon subsequent follow up, and out of range laboratory values and changes in vital signs were deemed not clinically relevant following AlphaWave® L-Theanine supplementation. Participants supplemented with AlphaWave® L-Theanine had decreases of 12.92% (p = 0.051) and 17.98% (p = 0.04) in PSS scores after 14 and 28days, respectively, while those on placebo had respective decreases of 9.74% (p = 0.061) and 17.88% (p = 0.009). There were no significant differences between groups for change in salivary cortisol. The AlphaWave® L-Theanine group demonstrated decreased time asleep after 28days and significantly reduced light sleep after 14 and 28days compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.040). The AlphaWave® L-Theanine group significantly improved by 21.79% and 21.33% in Stroop test correct reaction time after 14 and 28days, respectively, while those on placebo improved after 28days only (p = 0.005). AlphaWave® L-Theanine supplementation for 28days was safe and significantly decreased perceived stress significantly decreased perceived stress and light sleep, improved sleep quality and enhanced cognitive attention in the studied population. Larger, randomized controlled trials with longer duration of AlphaWave® L-Theanine supplementation are warranted to reduce inter-individual variability and the potential placebo effect. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05808595.

Do you have AI dependency? The roles of academic self-efficacy, academic stress, and performance expectations on problematic AI usage behavior

Although previous studies have highlighted the problematic artificial intelligence (AI) usage behaviors in educational contexts, such as overreliance on AI, no study has explored the antecedents and potential consequences that contribute to this problem. Therefore, this study investigates the causes and consequences of AI dependency using ChatGPT as an example. Using the Interaction of the Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this study explores the internal associations between academic self-efficacy, academic stress, performance expectations, and AI dependency. It also identifies the negative consequences of AI dependency. Analysis of data from 300 university students revealed that the relationship between academic self-efficacy and AI dependency was mediated by academic stress and performance expectations. The top five negative effects of AI dependency include increased laziness, the spread of misinformation, a lower level of creativity, and reduced critical and independent thinking. The findings provide explanations and solutions to mitigate the negative effects of AI dependency.