Programming Skills Research Articles

Feasibility of a Mobile App-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Perinatal Skills Program: Protocol for Nonrandomized Pilot Trial.

Mental illness is one of the top causes of preventable pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. There are many barriers that interfere with the ability of perinatal individuals to access traditional mental health care. Digital health interventions, including app-based programs, have the potential to increase access to useful tools for these individuals. Although numerous mental health apps exist, there is little research on developing programs to address the unique needs of perinatal individuals. In an effort to fill this gap, a multidisciplinary team of experts in psychology, psychiatry, obstetrics, and pediatric primary care collaborated to develop the novel Perinatal Skills Program within Maya, a flexible and customizable cognitive-behavioral skills app. Maya-Perinatal Skills Program (M-PSP) uses evidence-based strategies to help individuals manage their mood and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and post partum. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of M-PSP and explore links between program use and symptoms of anxiety and low mood. This single-arm trial will recruit 50 pregnant or postpartum individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety or mood symptoms. Participants will be recruited from a variety of public and private insurance-based psychiatry, obstetrics, and primary care clinics at a large academic medical center located in New York City. Participants will complete all sessions of M-PSP and provide feedback. Outcome measures will include qualitative and quantitative assessments of feasibility, acceptability, and usability, passively collected program usage data, and symptom measures assessing mood, anxiety, and trauma. Planned data analysis includes the use of the grounded theory approach to identify common themes in qualitative feedback, as well as an exploration of possible associations between quantitative data regarding program use and symptoms. The recruitment began on August 2023. As of October 2024, a total of 32 participants have been enrolled. The recruitment will continue until 50 participants have been enrolled. Digital health interventions, like M-PSP, have the potential to create new pathways to reach individuals struggling with their mental health. The results of this study will be the groundwork for future iterations of M-PSP in the hopes of providing an accessible and helpful tool for pregnant and postpartum individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05897619; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05897619. PRR1-10.2196/59461.

Patients' Experiences With Opioid Tapering in Noncancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-synthesis.

Tapering opioids is an effective strategy to reduce the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy. However, patients' experience with tapering can influence the success of this treatment. Understanding patients' experiences with opioid tapering will allow for patient-centered approaches to be adopted to tailor interventions to achieve safe and successful taper outcomes. This paper aims to synthesize qualitative data capturing patients' experiences with opioid tapering for noncancer pain. Qualitative studies in English that explored patients' experiences with opioid tapering in noncancer pain were included. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to March 2023. Two authors independently selected the studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. A meta-synthesis allowed for overarching themes to be identified to form a new interpretation of the data in the context of past literature. From 5714 articles identified, 10 studies were included that met the inclusion criteria after title/abstract screening and full-text review. These studies involved 218 patients with experience tapering opioids. Three key themes guiding the new meta-synthesis were identified: (1) patient-provider interactions, (2) individualized care, and (3) tactics to manage the opioid tapering process. This review demonstrated the role that patient-provider interactions, tailored care, and effective tapering strategies play in facilitating a favorable patient experience during the opioid tapering process. Future research should incorporate the themes identified in this review to optimize the patient's taper experience.

MsiFlow: automated workflows for reproducible and scalable multimodal mass spectrometry imaging and microscopy data analysis

Multimodal imaging by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) and microscopy holds potential for understanding pathological mechanisms by mapping molecular signatures from the tissue microenvironment to specific cell populations. However, existing software solutions for MALDI MSI data analysis are incomplete, require programming skills and contain laborious manual steps, hindering broadly applicable, reproducible, and high-throughput analysis to generate impactful biological discoveries. Here, we present msiFlow, an accessible open-source, platform-independent and vendor-neutral software for end-to-end, high-throughput, transparent and reproducible analysis of multimodal imaging data. msiFlow integrates all necessary steps from raw data import to analytical visualisation along with state-of-the-art and self-developed algorithms into automated workflows. Using msiFlow, we unravel the molecular heterogeneity of leukocytes in infected tissues by spatial regulation of ether-linked phospholipids containing arachidonic acid. We anticipate that msiFlow will facilitate the broad applicability of MSI in multimodal imaging to uncover context-dependent cellular regulations in disease states.

Resonances of Feeling Alone: A Systematic Review Unveiling Older Persons' Loneliness and Its Mechanisms in Residential Care Facilities.

To review older persons' lived experiences and perceptions of loneliness in residential care facilities and characterise mechanisms underlying their experiences through a comprehensive loneliness model. A systematic review synthesising qualitative research on the experiences of loneliness among older people living in residential care facilities. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines with quality appraisal conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Articles published in English (2014-2024) from CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria, representing 357 participants across 10 countries and regions. Three core themes of loneliness were identified: relational and individualised loneliness experiences, perception and emotional distress and the influence of context and cognitive processes in modulating loneliness. A conceptual model delineating the mechanisms of older residents' loneliness in residential settings was developed. This review highlights the influence of older persons' residential context and cognitive processes, particularly their perceptions, in triggering loneliness. The perceptions of reduced social control and insufficient social connections in residential settings exacerbate older persons' loneliness, precipitating distressing emotional responses and diminished quality of life. Residential care facilities have a crucial responsibility in establishing a supportive atmosphere conducive to positive social engagement for older residents. Future research must explore strategic transformations of older persons' perceptions through mechanistic targets and tailored care plans to reshape their social expectations within the context of residential care facilities, potentially mitigating loneliness. This review addresses the problem of understanding the mechanisms and experiences of loneliness among older persons in residential care facilities. The findings highlight the critical need for supportive social environments and targeted interventions in residential care settings to improve residents' well-being and quality of life globally. Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. No patient or public contribution.

Development of Serious Games as A Programming Learning Platform for Informatics Students

This study aims to develop DolananCoding, a programming learning platform based on serious games designed for informatics students. The research employed the waterfall software development methodology, encompassing requirements analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and dissemination. The study participants consisted of second- and fourth-semester students from the Department of Informatics at Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, totaling 264 students. The research instrument used is the end-user computing satisfaction (EUCS) questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate user satisfaction with the platform. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to assess user satisfaction across five dimensions: accuracy, ease of use, content, timeliness and format. The results indicated that the DolananCoding platform was validated and has received positive responses from students, achieving a user satisfaction score of 4.3 out of 5.0. This platform is expected to enhance students' motivation and engagement in programming learning while equipping them with the programming skills required to compete in the professional job market.

What are the perceptions and experiences of adults using mobile applications for self-management in diabetes? A systematic review

ObjectivesDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that entails significant burdens to patients, caregivers and society at large. While self-management behaviours like healthy eating and monitoring of blood glucose help to...

Understanding barriers to young people’s utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services in Asia-Pacific countries: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

IntroductionBased on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services should be attained by 2030. Yet, large inequalities in adolescent SRH knowledge and...

Using artificial intelligence tools for automating the assessment of future computer science teachers' work

This paper examines the problem of automated testing of modified programming tasks for future computer science teachers. It is recommended that GitHub Copilot be used to generate tests based on the code. This approach makes it possible to solve the following tasks: reducing the time and effort required for manual checking of programming tasks completed by students; promoting better assimilation of the material of the relevant disciplines by students; promoting the development and improvement of students' skills in algorithmisation and programming; compliance by students with academic integrity; effective use of GitHub Copilot to generate baseline tests to test modified programming assignments completed by students; ensuring the flexibility and scalability of the approach to the development of various training courses in programming; development of students' software product testing skills. In the process of research, we found the following disadvantages of using the GitHub Copilot system for generating basic tests: GitHub Copilot does not always generate perfect code or tests; for complex tasks, GitHub Copilot may require additional correction of the generated code. Therefore, it is important to check and refine the generated tests carefully, if necessary. Therefore, at the moment, we recommend using GitHub Copilot as a template generator for writing tests. The proposed approach is a promising solution for facilitating the verification of modified programming tasks and increasing the effectiveness of the education process of future informatics teachers. The conducted research opens up new prospects for effective improvement of the verification of modified tasks performed by students and the generation of tests for verification. In particular, the integration of the proposed system based on GitHub Copilot with learning management systems (LMS) and automated task verification systems. Another area of research could be exploring the possibilities of using other tools for generating tests instead of GitHub Copilot or combining them in order to obtain better results.

LGS-KT: Integrating logical and grammatical skills for effective programming knowledge tracing.

Knowledge tracing (KT) estimates students' mastery of knowledge concepts or skills by analyzing their historical interactions. Although general KT methods have effectively assessed students' knowledge states, specific measurements of students' programming skills remain insufficient. Existing studies mainly rely on exercise outcomes and do not fully utilize behavioral data during the programming process. Therefore, we integrate a Logical and Grammar Skills Knowledge Tracing (LGS-KT) model to enhance programming education. This model integrates static analysis and dynamic monitoring (such as CPU and memory consumption) to evaluate code elements, providing a thorough assessment of code quality. By analyzing students' multiple iterations on the same programming problem, we constructed a reweighted logical skill evolution graph to assess the development of students' logical skills. Additionally, to enhance the interactions among representations with similar grammatical skills, we developed a grammatical skills interaction graph based on the similarity of knowledge concepts. This approach significantly improves the accuracy of inferring students' programming grammatical skill states. The LGS-KT model has demonstrated superior performance in predicting student outcomes. Our research highlights the potential application of a KT model that integrates logical and grammatical skills in programming exercises. To support reproducible research, we have published the data and code at https://github.com/xinjiesun-ustc/LGS-KT, encouraging further innovation in this field.

Curriculum Design based on Outcome-Based Education Concept: A Case Study of the C Programming Course

This study, grounded in the principles of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), presents the design and implementation of a practical course syllabus for the C Programming Language within an industry-university collaboration framework. The syllabus development emphasizes the core tenets of "student-centered learning, outcome orientation, and continuous improvement." By aligning curriculum design with market demands, adopting effective teaching methodologies, and establishing a robust evaluation system, the syllabus addresses students' practical needs and professional aspirations, ensuring the comprehensive achievement of course objectives. The study incorporates process evaluation via the PTA platform and summative evaluation through system development projects, employing Rubric scoring criteria to holistically assess students' programming knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The findings reveal that the syllabus design and pedagogical approach significantly enhance students' competencies in programming, providing valuable insights and a reference model for talent cultivation in software engineering education.

Implementasi Pendidikan Kecakapan Hidup Multimedia Di Pkbm Bakti Indonesia

Changes in the world of work from time to time must always be followed by the development of education. The development of education can essentially meet the expectations of the world of work as a provider of labor that has good knowledge, skills and personality. Meanwhile, education graduates are expected to be able to fill available job opportunities with their abilities. This condition is very different from what exists in the field. PKBM Bakti Indonesia is present to develop the potential of learning citizens by providing knowledge and skills of life skills education as well as developing attitudes and skills that they can apply in future life with mastery of multimedia technology. This research design uses descriptive qualitative which means to describe events or events that are happening. The problems in this study were formulated more specifically in order to focus on the research objectives. The results of the study when viewed with the CIPOO (Context, Input, Process, Output, Outcome) approach show that it has been running well, this is indicated by an increase in program graduates who are directly employed. PKBM Bakti Indonesia succeeded in developing the potential of graduates by providing knowledge and skills of life skills education and attitude development. PKBM Bakti Indonesia is a non-formal education institution that has a multimedia life skills program that directly graduates quality graduates who are independent and competitive.

A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria

BackgroundUmbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the impact of cultural beliefs, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors.MethodsA comprehensive search for literature was performed across PubMED, MEDLINE and Google scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2023. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed for the execution of this study. Eligibility criteria included only English studies investigating umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with outcomes connected to cultural, healthcare, or socioeconomic factors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and rigor of selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the studies in a textual format for comprehensive understanding.ResultsA total of 11 included studies were found out of 1532 studies. The findings reveal a range of cord care practices, emphasizing the use of various methods such as methylated spirit, hot compresses, and indigenous substances. Cultural beliefs, a lack of healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic circumstances all have a big impact on cord care decisions. Disparities in knowledge and adherence to evidence-based procedures are noticeable, particularly in the use of chlorhexidine gel. Infections continue to be a problem, highlighting the significance of appropriate therapies.ConclusionThis systematic review offers a comprehensive perspective of Nigerian umbilical cord care practices, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive educational interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted legislative measures. Despite its limitations, the study is an important resource for guiding future research, policy creation, and interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nigeria.

Syntalos: a software for precise synchronization of simultaneous multi-modal data acquisition and closed-loop interventions

Complex experimental protocols often require multi-modal data acquisition with precisely aligned timing, as well as state- and behavior-dependent interventions. Tailored solutions are mostly restricted to individual experimental setups and lack flexibility and interoperability. We present an open-source, Linux-based integrated software solution, called ‘Syntalos’, for simultaneous acquisition and synchronization of data from an arbitrary number of sources, including multi-channel electrophysiological recordings and different live imaging devices, as well as closed-loop, real-time interventions with different actuators. Precisely matching timestamps for all inputs are ensured by continuous statistical analysis and correction of individual devices’ timestamps. New data sources can be integrated with minimal programming skills. Data is stored in a comprehensively structured format to facilitate pooling or sharing data between different laboratories. Syntalos enables precisely synchronized multi-modal recordings as well as closed-loop interventions for multiple experimental approaches. Preliminary neuroscientific experiments on mice with different research questions show the successful performance and easy-to-learn structure of the software suite.

Whatever happened to F International?

F International was a pioneering company set up by Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley in the 1960s specifically to provide flexible, free-lance opportunities for highly skilled women who needed to juggle childcare and other domestic or caring responsibilities with a desire to continue using and developing their programming and other computer-related skills and expertise. From the 1980s onwards it was lauded by many, with coverage in the media and in top management journals. Yet by the early years of this century, it had all but disappeared, having lost its distinctive features along the way. Was this an unavoidable outcome of its growth and strategy of mergers and acquisitions? Were opportunities lost or did key decisions unwittingly lead to this result? Or was there an inevitability to such a project?

Knowledge, Attitudes, Motivations, Expectations, and Systemic Factors Regarding Antimicrobial Use Amongst Community Members Seeking Care at the Primary Healthcare Level: A Scoping Review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and expectations of community members regarding antimicrobial use is essential for effective stewardship interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify key themes relating to the critical areas regarding antimicrobial use among community members in primary healthcare (PHC), with a particular focus on LMICs. OVID Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched using Boolean operators and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms relevant to antimicrobial use and community behaviors. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) framework guided study selection, which focused on community members seeking care in PHC in LMICs. Data management and extraction were facilitated using the Covidence platform, with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist applied for qualitative studies. A narrative synthesis identified and grouped key themes and sub-themes. The search identified 497 sources, of which 59 met the inclusion criteria, with 75% of the studies conducted in outpatient primary care settings. Four key themes were identified: (1) the 'patient' theme, highlighting beliefs, knowledge, and expectations, which was the most prominent (40.5%); (2) the 'provider' theme, emphasizing challenges related to clinical decision-making, knowledge gaps, and adherence to guidelines; (3) the 'healthcare systems' theme, highlighting resource limitations, lack of infrastructure, and policy constraints; and (4) the 'intervention/uptake' theme, emphasizing strategies to improve future antibiotic use and enhance access to and quality of healthcare. Stewardship programs in PHC settings in LMICs should be designed to be context-specific, community-engaged, and accessible to individuals with varying levels of understanding, involving the use of information and health literacy to effectively reduce AMR.

Perbandingan Algoritma Decision Tree, ID3, dan Random Forest dalam Klasifikasi Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Karier Mahasiswa Ilmu Komputer

This study aims to compare the performance of three classification algorithms, namely Decision Tree, ID3, and Random Forest, in identifying factors that influence the careers of computer Science students. These algorithms are applied to a dataset that includes various student attributes, such as GPA, programming skills, and completed projects. The results show that Random Forest provides more accurate and stable prediction results than Decision Tree and ID3, especially in reducing the risk of overfitting. Students with high skills in Python and SQL and who focus on software development tend to choose a career in Software Engineering. While those involved in AI/ML-based projects tend to choose Data Science. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for educational institutions to design more effective career development strategies for students.

Does Creatine Supplementation Enhance Performance in Active Females? A Systematic Review.

The use of creatine as a dietary supplement is widespread. However, its reported performance benefit has been largely demonstrated in male populations. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving exercise performance in active females. A secondary aim was to appraise the quality of research in this area. Five databases were searched from the earliest record to July 2024. Eligible studies used supplemental creatine as an intervention with physically active female participants and reported an exercise performance-related outcome. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program randomised controlled trials checklist with four additional items related to methodological considerations for research with active females. Performance outcomes were categorised as strength/power, anaerobic, or aerobic. Of the 10,563 records identified, 27 studies were included. Participant calibre ranged from recreationally active to elite. Creatine interventions ranged from five days to 12 weeks and included a range of dosage strategies. Compared to placebo, 3/11 studies showed an improvement in strength/power outcomes, 4/17 showed an improvement in anaerobic outcomes, and 1/5 showed an improvement in aerobic outcomes. Study quality varied, but methodological considerations for research with female athletes were poorly addressed by most studies. Although some benefits were reported, most studies showed no improvement in performance compared to placebo. The heterogeneity in participant characteristics, performance tests, creatine intervention, insufficient consideration of the unique physiological characteristics of females, and an overall small evidence base limits our understanding of how creatine supplementation influences physical performance in active females.

Penerapan Simple Additive Weighting dalam Merekomendasikan Karyawan untuk Pekerjaan Pengembangan Perangkat Lunak

The rapid growth of the software industry has directly increased the demand for reliable and skilled programming employees (programmers). The success of this industry heavily relies on the technical expertise of the development team, particularly in mastering programming languages and the latest technologies. Therefore, an efficient and effective system is essential for selecting the right programmer based on project requirements. This selection process can optimize resource allocation and enhance the chances of project success. This research proposes the development of an employee recommendation system based on the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. The case study is applied at CV Garuda Infinity Kreasindo, a software development company located in Bandung. This system is designed to assist project managers in identifying the programmer who best fits the project's technical needs. By utilizing four criteria—specifically, the employee's programming role, the programming languages they have mastered, and their experience with databases and frameworks—decisions can be made objectively regarding the employees needed for a specific project at CV Garuda Infinity Kreasindo.

Design and Research on Evaluation System of Computer Pro-gramming Code Quality

With the ongoing development of software engineering and programming education, the demand for evaluating programming code quality is increasing. High-quality code not only en-hances software maintainability and performance but also helps developers and learners optimize their coding skills. This paper focuses on the design and implementation of an evaluation system for computer programming code quality, proposing a multi-dimensional evaluation method that includes readability, complexity, efficiency, and security. The system combines static analysis with machine learning to automate code analysis and optimization recommendations, providing users with objective feedback on code quality. Additionally, this paper explores application cases of the system in programming education and software development, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving code quality and enhancing users' programming skills. Finally, the research contribu-tions are summarized, and directions for future improvements are proposed to further enhance the system’s intelligence and applicability.

Effect of Visual Programming Instruction on Students' Flow Experience, Programming Self‐Efficacy, and Sustained Willingness to Learn

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany studies have highlighted the positive effects of visual programming instruction (VPI) on students' learning experiences, programming self‐efficacy and flow experience. However, there is a notable gap in the research on how these factors specifically impact programming achievement and learning intentions. Our study addresses this gap by focusing on flowchart‐based programming—a relatively underexplored area in educational research. To ensure relevance to the educational context, AbilixChart and Ability Storm SK902 were specifically selected for their alignment with the curriculum of the target school, where these tools are widely utilised in both teaching and extracurricular activities. This alignment allowed for a seamless integration of these tools into regular classroom practices after the study's conclusion, ensuring continued application and maximising the study's practical impact. Furthermore, integrating educational robots enhanced student engagement and provided a practical means to evaluate the accuracy of their programming skills. By doing so, our study not only contributes to filling a gap in the literature but also has the potential to influence educational practices by demonstrating the value of incorporating flowchart‐based programming and robotics into the curriculum.ObjectivesThe present study aims to conduct an instructional experiment utilising VPI with flowchart‐based programming tools. The main objective is to investigate how these tools influence 219 high school students' flow experience, programming self‐efficacy, and sustained learning willingness.MethodsThis study employed a pre‐ and post‐test design with a single group and conducted an 11‐week instructional experiment. The students used the Abilix Chart software and the Ability Storm SK902 kit to build an intelligent car and learn about visual programming. They were tasked with independently designing programs to solve practical problems in different scenarios. Research tools included Scales of Flow Experience, Computer Programming Self‐Efficacy, Sustained Learning Willingness and Program Achievement.ResultsThe findings revealed that VPI effectively improved students' programming achievement, flow experience and programming self‐efficacy. Students with programming learning experience surpassed their inexperienced peers in willingness to engage in sustained learning. Conversely, 4.57% of the group with lower pre‐test scores and no learning experience showed more positive emotional experience than those with learning experience.ConclusionsThe results indicated that VPI positively affected programming achievement, self‐efficacy and flow experience. Regardless of prior programming experience, all students benefited from VPI. Additionally, self‐efficacy and flow experience were key factors influencing sustained learning motivation and achievement.