Paradigm Shift Research Articles

Educational paradigm shift: Long-term ramifications of COVID-19 in the Indian context

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant transformation in the global educational landscape, which has far-reaching implications for learning systems. This study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on India’s education sector, exploring its long-term consequences. The research delves into the enduring effects of COVID-19 and how it has reshaped traditional educational methods. The Indian education system has undergone a dynamic evolution, from the rapid integration of digital technologies to the redefinition of pedagogical approaches. The study employs surveys to comprehensively assess the multifaceted dimensions of adaptation. By synthesizing qualitative insights from 386 respondents, the research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and long-term implications of COVID-19. The hypothesis results show a significant difference among genders for factors 2 (consequences of COVID-19 on teachers, students, and teaching), 3 (impact of COVID-19 on education), and 4 (education system responses to COVID-19). In contrast, factor 3 is significant for education. Likewise, awareness factors 1 and 3 show that factors 1 (policies and strategies on education during COVID-19) and 5 (possible solutions and implementation) are significant for an application. Finally, binary logistic regression demonstrates that for gender factors three, education factors four, and five, online participation is significant for awareness factors one, three, and four. However, all of the factors are insignificant for an application. These findings can guide policy decisions, inform educational practices, and lay a valuable foundation for future research endeavours to shape a resilient, equitable, and innovative educational future.

An urban rivers renaissance? Stream restoration and green–blue infrastructure in Latin America – Insights from urban planning in Colombia

AbstractWhile urban river restoration has become mainstream in the Global North, it remains scarce in Latin America, where most literature focuses on water quality, stream habitats, and watershed assessment, but planning and implementation lag behind. Colombia is undergoing a paradigm shift after pioneering the integration of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) into urban planning in the early 2000s (namely Estructura Ecológica Principal). A surge in river renaturalization initiatives is underway, with large and intermediate cities planning and executing projects. We systematically assessed the integration of rivers and GBI into local policies (Planes de Ordenamiento Territorial) and found widespread and strong recognition of streams, wetlands, and ecosystem services in urban planning, higher than previously reported. Most cities emphasize river multifunctionality, ecological connectivity, public space, and recreation, as well as disaster risk reduction, advancing toward sustainable urban water and drainage systems. However, significant gaps persist regarding climate change resilience, participation, and social justice. In a region marked by high inequality, pre-existing spatial exclusion could be amplified by urban renewal, greening, and tourism due to unfair resettlement conditions and gentrification. Such trade-offs can undermine the ecological and social benefits of restoration. We highlight the crucial role of civil society and grassroots activism in protecting and defending urban commons and conclude by recommending a critical examination of GBI and river restoration efforts in Latin America. Colombia’s case can serve as both a reference and a cautionary tale for other cities in the region to achieve outcomes that promote equity and justice amid pressing social and environmental challenges.

Calcium Hexacyanoferrate (III) Nanocatalyst Enables Redox Homeostasis for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaced neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable heterogeneity, in which over-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce a cascade of pathological changes, including cellular apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Given the complex etiology of ASD, no effective treatment is available for ASD. In this work, a specific catalytic nanoenzyme, calcium hexacyanoferrate (III) nanocatalysts (CaH NCs), is designed and engineered for efficient ASD treatment. CaH NCs can mimic the activities of natural enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which mitigates intracellular excessive ROS and regulates redox equilibrium. These CaH NCs modulate mitochondrial membrane potential, elevate B-cell lymphoma-2 levels, and suppress pro-apoptotic proteins, including Caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X, thus effectively reducing cellular apoptosis. Importantly, CaH NCs alleviate inflammation by upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 and downregulating pro-inflammatory factors, resulting in attenuated activation of microglial and astrocytic and subsequent reduction in neuroinflammation. Subsequently, CaH NCs enhance social abilities, decrease anxiety levels, ameliorate repetitive behaviors, and improve learning and memory in ASD animal models through inflammation regulation and apoptosis inhibition. The CaH NCs in managing and preventing ASD represents a paradigm shift in autism treatment, paving the alternative but efficient way for clinical interventions in neurological conditions.

The Power of Play: Gamified Advertising with AR/VR/AI and its Impact on Consumer Engagement

The advertising landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional advertising methods struggle to capture and retain consumer attention in a world saturated with information. This paper explores the potential of gamified advertising with Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create immersive and playful experiences that drive deeper brand engagement. By leveraging the psychology of play and personalization, gamified advertising can transform passive viewers into active participants. AR/VR technologies bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, while AI tailors the gamified experience for each individual. This paper examines the benefits of gamified advertising with AR/VR/AI for brands, including increased user engagement, positive brand associations, enhanced purchase decisions, and boosted sales. Real-world case studies are presented, along with tangible results and analysis to illustrate the effectiveness of these campaigns. Finally, the paper explores limitations and future considerations, such as ethical concerns regarding data privacy and the need for cost-effective AR/VR development. In conclusion, gamified advertising with AR/VR/AI presents a paradigm shift in how brands connect with consumers. By fostering a sense of play and personalization, brands can create memorable and engaging experiences that build brand loyalty and drive business growth. As these technologies evolve and ethical considerations are addressed, gamified advertising has the potential to redefine the future of brand storytelling and consumer interaction

Overuse injuries among school-going children in Manipur, northeast India: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Background & objectives Overuse injury is an important public health issue among children and adolescents, which may affect their overall performance. Therefore, the objective is to determine the prevalence and compare overuse injuries among school-going children in hill and valley, rural and urban areas of Manipur and identify factors contributing to overuse injuries. Methods After obtaining approval from school authorities, a cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Manipur namely, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Ukhrul, among 3,600 schoolchildren in the age group of 7-15 yr. An interview schedule using a pretested questionnaire and a proforma was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used, such as mean, SD, percentages, etc. Results In this study, 3,600 students participated; the mean age was 13.37 yr. The overall prevalence of overuse injury was 14.39 per cent, which was the highest in Imphal West (50.19%) and among males (53.09%). The commonest overuse injuries were of lower extremities (44.98%) and were observed to be the highest in Bishnupur (49.59%) and among males (45.45%). Back pain was more prevalent in Ukhrul (37.78%) and among females (31.69%). Among lower extremity injuries, the majority had chondromalacia patellae (29.18%) and shin splint (24.03%), and among the upper extremity injuries, 81.25 per cent had neck and arm pain. Interpretation & conclusions The overall prevalence of overuse injuries was 14.39 per cent, and the highest was in Imphal West. We observed a paradigm shift as the students’ back, neck and arm pain increased. These are important public health concerns that need immediate attention, as well as the development of innovative interventions, including health education and appropriate regulations.

A Consensus Statement on the Administration of Systemic Bevacizumab in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.

To provide detailed guidance on the administration of systemic bevacizumab in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) based on a detailed review of the scientific literature and a consensus of experts with real-world clinical experience. A bevacizumab consensus working group (N = 10) was composed of adult and pediatric otolaryngologists, adult and pediatric oncologists, and a representative from the RRP Foundation (RRPF), all with experience administering systemic bevacizumab in patients with RRP. After extensive review of the medical literature, a modified Delphi method-based survey series was utilized to establish consensus on the following key areas: clinical and patient characteristics ideal for treatment candidacy, patient perspective in treatment decisions, treatment access, initial dosing, monitoring, guidelines for tapering and discontinuation, and reintensifying therapy. Seventy-nine statements were identified across nine critical domains, and 45 reached consensus [clinical benefits of bevacizumab (3), patient and disease characteristics for treatment consideration (7), contraindications for treatment (3), shared decision-making (incorporating the patient perspective) (5), treatment access (3), initial dosing and administration (8), monitoring (7), tapering and discontinuation (6), and reintensification (3)]. This consensus statement provides the necessary guidance for clinicians to initiate systemic administration of bevacizumab and represents a potential paradigm shift toward nonsurgical treatment options for patients with RRP. 5 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Viewpoint: The impending pandemic of resistant organisms - a paradigm shift towards source control is needed.

The United States needs a paradigm shift in its approach to control infectious diseases. Current recommendations are often made in a siloed feedback loop. This may be the driver for such actions as the abandonment of contact precautions in some settings, the allowance of nursing home residents who are carriers of known pathogens to mingle with others in their facility, and the determination of an intervention's feasibility based upon budgetary rather than health considerations for patients and staff. Data from both the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and the U.K.'s National Health Service support the importance of carrier identification and source control. Both organizations observed marked decreases in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but not methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections with the implementation of MRSA admission screening measures. Facilities are becoming over-reliant on horizontal prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene and chlorhexidine bathing. Hand hygiene is an essential practice, but the goal should be to minimize the risk of workers' hands becoming contaminated with defined pathogens, and there are conflicting data on the efficacy of chlorhexidine bathing in non-ICU settings. Preemptive identification of dedicated pathogens and effective source control are needed. We propose that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should gather and publicly report the community incidence of dedicated pathogens. This will enable proactive rather than reactive strategies. In the future, determination of a patient's microbiome may become standard, but until then we propose that we should have knowledge of the main pathogens that they are carrying.

Facile Coordination Transitions in AgCrX2 (X = S, Se): Unprecedented Electrostrain, Negative Piezoelectricity and Thermal Expansion.

The coefficients of piezoelectricity and thermal expansion are generally positive due to the bond anharmonicity. For converse piezoelectricity, the electrostrain obtained in prevalent ceramics is only around 1%. Here we propose that the coordination transition of metal cations may make a paradigm shift. Through first-principles calculations, we predict a series of low-energy phases with distinct coordinations for Ag ions in superionic conductor AgCrX2 (X = S, Se), including ferroelectric and nonpolar phases with distinct interlayer distances. The mobile feature of Ag ions, which can be attributed to its complex coordination chemistry, can facilitate transformation between various coordination phases. Such facile transitions with ultralow barriers can be driven by applying either pressure, an electric field, or a change in temperature, giving rise to various exotic effects, including electrostrain, negative piezoelectricity, and negative thermal expansion. All with unprecedented giant constants, those mechanisms stem from the coordination transitions, distinct from the weak linear effects in previous reports.

The etiological profile of chronic organic non-bloody diarrhea in India: Emergence of inflammatory bowel disease as a dominant cause.

Chronic non-bloody diarrhea may be attributed either to functional or organic diseases. The latter category may present with malabsorption syndrome if there is extensive involvement of the small bowel, whereas diseases of the large bowel may only present with diarrhea sans malabsorption. Indian data has predominantly focussed on the etiological spectrum of malabsorption syndrome in adults. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate etiological spectrum of chronic organic non-bloody diarrhea in India. This prospective observational study was done at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Patients ≥ 18years presenting with chronic non-bloody diarrhea of > 4weeks duration were enrolled in the study after exclusion of patients with IBS and anal incontinence. During the study period of 12months, 100 patients with chronic organic non-bloody diarrhea were evaluated. A definite etiological diagnosis was made in 97 patients (97%). The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 16.7years (58% males). The median duration of diarrhea was 5.5months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.5, 11). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) accounted for 45% of the cases making it the predominant cause for organic diarrhea. GI infections and adult-onset celiac disease accounted for 18% and 9% of the cases, respectively. Pancreatic disease, benign or neoplastic, accounted for 6% of the total cases. Notably, gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies manifesting as chronic non-bloody diarrhea were diagnosed in 5% of the patients. Our data suggests a paradigm shift in the etiological spectrum of chronic organic non-bloody diarrhea in India with the emergence of IBD as the predominant cause displacing GI infections.

Speech norms shaping adult-child discourse in Ghana: A critical pedagogy perspective

This study investigates the speech norms shaping adult-child discourse in Ghana, focusing on three tribes: Asante, Dagbani, and Akuapem Kyerepon. The study uncovers pervasive cultural conservatism, where challenging established norms is deemed unacceptable, especially in the context of child-elderly interactions. The study reveals a profound acquiescence effect, wherein children are compelled to accept statements from adults, even if they are aware of inaccuracies. Ageism also plays a significant role, as the culture discriminates against children, restricting their ability to contest and/or oppose the knowledge and opinions of the elderly. The implications of these speech norms on critical pedagogy in schools are explored. It was found that the rare practice of critical pedagogy significantly hindered the development of students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students found it quite challenging in question the validity of knowledge, expressing disagreement with teachers views, and initiating discussions due to deeply ingrained speech norms of the Ghanaian society. These findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift in Ghanaian education to foster critical thinking. This calls for the need for sensitization of teachers and educational policy essential for integrating critical pedagogy effectively.

Paradigm Shift to Higher-Quality Education Base on the SDG: A Framework for Reforms in Teachereducation Programs

Paradigm Shift to Higher-Quality Education Base on the SDG: A Framework for Reforms in Teachereducation Programs

Mandatory due diligence legislation: a paradigm shift for the governance of sustainability in global value chains?

Mandatory due diligence legislation: a paradigm shift for the governance of sustainability in global value chains?

The evolution and practice on design concepts of internal fixation devices for intertrochanteric femur fractures

Surgical treatment has been established as the standard method for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. The design of internal fixation devices has become the key to improving surgical outcomes and reducing postoperative complications. Centered on optimizing biomechanical performance and minimally invasive implantation, coupled with continuous material improvements, the design philosophy of internal fixation devices has also been constantly evolving. There have been several milestone advancements, such as the transition from eccentric fixation to central fixation, the adoption of sliding compression fixation, the replacement of traditional screws with spiral blades, and the shift from single to double (combination) nails. However, the incidence of internal fixation-related complications has remained at a relatively high level of 5% to 10%, without significant breakthroughs. Increasing evidence suggests that in-depth analysis of the anatomy, physiological mechanisms, and mechanical transmission characteristics of the proximal femur can help elucidate the root causes of internal fixation failures. Based on this, the proximal femoral bionic nail (PFBN) has emerged as a new design concept. By fully mimicking the anatomical, mechanical, and biological characteristics of the proximal femur, the PFBN can regulate the local mechanical environment, providing a revolutionary solution and a new approach for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. This innovative design also has the potential to drive the paradigm shift in the treatment strategies of other fractures.

The replication crisis as mere indicator of two fundamental misalignments: Methodological confirmation bias in hypothesis testing and anthropological oversimplification in theory-building

Psychological research is currently in a phase of transition. The replication crisis has led to the introduction of a number of corrective measures such as preregistration, registered reports, open data and methods in order to make scientific knowledge in psychological science more reliable. In this article, we discuss why these tools remain superficial and provide rather a symptom treatment than a deeper treatment of the causes of the replication crisis. To this end, we address two central misalignments of current psychological research: Confirmation bias, in the sense of overweighting significant, hypothesis-confirming findings over negative ones, and the anthropological oversimplification of the human research subject. We conclude by providing indications of how a paradigm shift in psychological science research and publication practices can help to combat the causes of the replication crisis and poor scientific research practices.

Tumors of the central nervous system. Classification of the World Health Organization 2021. Towards a paradigm shift.

The study of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is a subject of great interest and such knowledge is of great importance in medical practice. The classifications of CNS neoplasms began in the mid-19th century, until the World Health Organization (WHO) published, in 1979, the first edition of a useful systematic review for the purpose of establishing a common language for all medical specialties. To date, 5 updated editions of neoplastic taxonomy have been published. The fifth edition, from 2021, consolidates the paradigm shift brought about by molecular advances, although the transition between morphological and molecular biological characterization is still in progress. In this article, the new modifications introduced in the different most frequent families of tumors in pediatrics are analyzed, emphasizing useful information for pediatricians in their daily practice and multidisciplinary consultations.

Patient-Led Research to Develop a Training Programme for Restoring Musical Joy in Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Reflexive Process Evaluation.

The role of patients in healthcare research is slowly evolving, although patient roles in the research process are limited. This paper reports on a patient-led research project aiming to develop a musical hearing training programme for patients with a cochlear implant (CI): the Musi-CI programme. A CI is an inner ear prosthesis that allows people with severe hearing loss to hear. However, while speech can be understood, CI users cannot fully enjoy music or feel aversion to it. The Musi-CI programme aims to reduce this music aversion to ultimately improve music enjoyment and social participation. The development of the Musi-CI programme was supported by a consortium of professionals in CI rehabilitation and research. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate the Musi-CI programme development process and its impact on professional CI rehabilitation and research. Programme development was described using a 3-layered process model of action research, distinguishing the CI user process, the healthcare professional process and the research process. To evaluate perceptions on the programme development process, consortium partners provided written commentsand participated in a reflexive evaluation session that was video-recorded. Reflexive evaluation aims for collective learning and strengthening collaboration among participants. Written comments and video data were analysed using template analysis. The involvement of an expert by experience was perceived as challenging but rewarding for all consortium partners, opening up new perspectives on CI-rehabilitation practice and research. Data analysis revealed two themes on the programme development process, professional space and acknowledgement, and two themes on the outcomes on CI rehabilitation and research: critical reflection and paradigm shift. Experts by experience represent a different knowledge domain that may contribute to change in rehabilitation and research. The development of the programme was initiated by a professional musician and CI user who organized the funding, had a leading role throughout the research process, including the write-up of the results, and co-authored this paper.

Additive Manufacturing: A Paradigm Shift in Revolutionizing Catalysis with 3D Printed Photocatalysts and Electrocatalysts Toward Environmental Sustainability.

Semiconductor-based materials utilized in photocatalysts and electrocatalysts present a sophisticated solution for efficient solar energy utilization and bias control, a field extensively explored for its potential in sustainable energy and environmental management. Recently, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology, offering rapid, cost-efficient, and highly customizable approaches to designing photocatalysts and electrocatalysts with precise structural control and tailored substrates. The adaptability and precision of printing facilitate seamless integration, loading, and blending of diverse photo(electro)catalytic materials during the printing process, significantly reducing material loss compared to traditional methods. Despite the evident advantages of 3D printing, a comprehensive compendium delineating its application in the realm of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis is conspicuously absent. This paper initiates by delving into the fundamental principles and mechanisms underpinning photocatalysts electrocatalysts and 3D printing. Subsequently, an exhaustive overview of the latest 3D printing techniques, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for energy and environmental applications. Furthermore, the paper examines various methodologies for seamlessly incorporating catalysts into 3D printed substrates, elucidating the consequential effects of catalyst deposition on catalytic properties. Finally, the paper thoroughly discusses the challenges that necessitate focused attention and resolution for future advancements in this domain.

A Paradigm Shift: Implications for Social Worker Provision of LGBTQI+ Information and Support in Human Milk Feeding

A Paradigm Shift: Implications for Social Worker Provision of LGBTQI+ Information and Support in Human Milk Feeding

Water transport and corrosion under insulation: experimental investigations of drying in mineral wool

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a major risk factor for the material integrity of insulated equipment that is encountered i.a. in the chemical process industries. Undetected CUI has been the root cause for major accidents, including loss-of-site, loss-of-life, prolonged plant shutdown, and environmental pollution. Reducing CUI risk via labour-intensive inspection routines is associated with billions of dollars of annual maintenance costs worldwide. CUI is caused by water entering through a weather shield, migrating through the insulation and contacting the equipment surface. The resulting corrosion rates are very high and the process is hidden from view. Surprisingly, the fundamental mechanisms that drive water migration through insulation have been largely unexplored. In this work we present novel experimental investigations of the evaporation and drying dynamics for a heated vertical pipe with preformed mineral wool insulation and metal cladding. Relative humidity and temperature sensors provide measurements of how the water evaporates and travels through the system during controlled water ingress experiments. The experimental data shows that the drying time of the insulation material is proportional to the amount of water added. We find that the drying process proceeds in two stages, where the length of the first drying regime is directly related to the diffusion-limited evaporation from the bulk liquid water, while the second drying time is influenced also by other factors such as the adsorption and desorption of water on the insulation material fibres. The findings have implications for how time of wetness, used in CUI risk-based inspection methods, can be obtained from humidity sensor data. The new insights into water transport in insulation enables a paradigm shift towards predictive CUI maintenance using humidity spot sensors.

Decolonizing global AI governance: assessment of the state of decolonized AI governance in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Global artificial intelligence (AI) governance must prioritize equity, embrace a decolonial mindset, and provide the Global South countries the authority to spearhead solution creation. Decolonization is crucial for dismantling Western-centric cognitive frameworks and mitigating biases. Integrating a decolonial approach to AI governance involves recognizing persistent colonial repercussions, leading to biases in AI solutions and disparities in AI access based on gender, race, geography, income and societal factors. This paradigm shift necessitates deliberate efforts to deconstruct imperial structures governing knowledge production, perpetuating global unequal resource access and biases. This research evaluates Sub-Saharan African progress in AI governance decolonization, focusing on indicators like AI governance institutions, national strategies, sovereignty prioritization, data protection regulations, and adherence to local data usage requirements. Results show limited progress, with only Rwanda notably responsive to decolonization among the ten countries evaluated; 80% are 'decolonization-aware', and one is 'decolonization-blind'. The paper provides a detailed analysis of each nation, offering recommendations for fostering decolonization, including stakeholder involvement, addressing inequalities, promoting ethical AI, supporting local innovation, building regional partnerships, capacity building, public awareness, and inclusive governance. This paper contributes to elucidating the challenges and opportunities associated with decolonization in SSA countries, thereby enriching the ongoing discourse on global AI governance.