Programming Concepts Research Articles

Peer support in paediatrics: A literature review.

Creating an overview of the existing literature about peer support in paediatrics, with a focus on children with chronic diseases. An online search was conducted in MEDLINE and Web of Science. English, Dutch or French articles published between 1 January 2000 and 10 May 2023 were included, based on title and abstract. In this review, 47 articles were included, identifying following themes: Health-Related Quality of Life (n = 8), peer support for parents/siblings (n = 6), social environment (n = 2), and peer support programme for children (n = 31) subdivided in: general concept (n = 13), online (n = 11), camps (n = 6), and development of a peer support programme (n = 1). Peer support aims to improve disease-related knowledge, coping, and management of the disease, as well as creating a positive mindset and decreasing the disease burden. There is no consensus regarding which peer group design was superior. Peer groups aim to increase knowledge and psychological adaptation, and decrease physical symptoms and side effects. It is desired to start the peer mentor programme within 1 year after diagnosis or during a critical incident. Further investigation needs to determine the optimal age to start these groups and the format (online or in-person). Communication between mentors and their mentees was crucial in the succeeding of the programme, as well as creating a safe environment to share experiences. Even though research is still needed concerning peer-to-peer support for children, there is already a lot known about similar programmes for parents of children with chronic diseases.

Effectiveness of Customer Loyalty Programs on SMEs in Morocco

A worldwide movement is occurring toward relationship marketing, and businesses are putting these techniques into practice in order to build trusting connections with their clients. Most merchants have made a commitment to maintaining customer loyalty and establishing a long-lasting and favourable connection with consumers who are encouraged to often return for more sales due to the growing significance and usefulness that are associated to loyalty programs. This specific research examines the efficacy of consumer loyalty programs in SMEs located in Morocco. An interview and survey were undertaken to gather information from the two samples in order to fulfil the study’s goal. A total of (32) sales and marketing staff members working in a variety of SMEs based in Morocco were interviewed via interviews conducted with the use of an interview guide. A total of (56) questionnaires were delivered at random to consumers who patronize different SMEs located in Morocco. The results unmistakably demonstrate that there is substantial proof of the impact of loyalty programs on sales and client retention. Sales revenue statistics showed a significant rise in income during the loyalty programs, which represents an increase in sales, demonstrating the favourable impact of loyalty programs on the sales of different SMEs. Additionally, loyalty programs had a substantial impact on client retention, as seen by the customer base’s noticeable expansion; some of these new consumers stayed loyal and were subsequently kept. This study’s contribution sheds light on the efficacy of various loyalty program concepts and, more significantly, highlights program design components that may be used to influence consumer choices and develop the best customer loyalty program.

The Good and Bad of AI Tools in Novice Programming Education

As AI coding tools become more prevalent in programming, it is essential to understand how they influence programming education. This study, conducted in a first-semester Introduction to Programming course, aimed to determine the positive and negative effects of these tools on students’ learning experiences and their ability to develop essential programming skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from 73 teams of engineering students over a 12-week period. Students completed surveys and reported on their AI tool usage. We analyzed this data quantitatively to identify trends in tool familiarity, usage, and student satisfaction. Additionally, qualitative analysis of student reports provided insights into the specific ways AI tools were used and their perceived benefits and drawbacks. The findings revealed a significant increase in AI tool familiarity (from 28% to 100%) and usage among students. Students’ satisfaction with AI tools improved over time. The most prevalent tasks for which novice programmers used AI tools included creating comments (91.7%), identifying and correcting bugs (80.2%), and seeking information (68.5%), while other tasks were less common. While these tools offered benefits like assisting in learning and enhancing real-world relevance, they also raised concerns about cheating, over-reliance on AI tools, and a limited understanding of core programming concepts.

Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement in Computer Science Education for Diverse Learners

This study investigates strategies to transform perceptions of computer science, with the primary objective of identifying educational interventions that can effectively reduce barriers faced by underrepresented groups in computer science education. Historically, this field has been perceived as dominated by complex mathematics and programming, which, reinforced by societal stereotypes, deters many from pursuing careers in technology. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys, interviews, and case studies, the research identifies key barriers, such as gender disparities and misconceptions, while evaluating the effectiveness of various pedagogical approaches and outreach initiatives. Findings reveal that students often struggle with foundational courses, particularly in mathematics and programming concepts. Specific challenges include difficulties in grasping abstract concepts and a lack of confidence in technical skills. However, interventions like interactive teaching methods, mentorship programs, and the incorporation of real-world applications significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance. Active learning strategies and gender-sensitive curricula not only foster more inclusive environments but also enable all students to thrive. The research emphasizes practical recommendations for educators and policymakers, highlighting the need for systemic changes to promote inclusivity in computer science education. Ultimately, these findings contribute to fostering a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, underscoring the broader significance of creating equitable opportunities for all learners in the field.

Principles of suspicious activity detection and programs for analyzing suspicious activity using video surveillance cameras

This article delves into the principles of detecting suspicious activity, meticulously examining both logical and psychological facets of human behavior. It places a primary focus on diverse programs for analyzing suspicious activity using video surveillance cameras. A comprehensive overview is provided for key categories of suspicious activity, encompassing crowd clustering, rapid movement, intrusion into secure areas, and unattended items. Within the research framework, the advantages and drawbacks of leading programs for suspicious activity analysis through video surveillance are scrutinized. Furthermore, the article introduces the concept of an innovative program aimed at competing with existing solutions. This software aspires to amalgamate the strengths of competitors while avoiding their shortcomings. The research goal is to identify the potential for creating a highly effective software product capable of successfully competing and meeting the requirements of modern surveillance systems.

Gamificación del modelo TPACK en la enseñanza de programación mediante realidad virtual

In recent years, the combination of pedagogy and technology has revolutionized education, providing teachers with innovative tools to transform their work in the classroom. With the aim of transforming and improving the teaching of subjects related to technical and programming concepts, it was decided to develop a virtual reality (VR) tool to address the challenge of ensuring that students acquire, understand, and can effectively apply knowledge in practice through the TPACK model. The approach applied for this research was quantitative, supported by an applied experimental design and a convenience sample of 49 students from the Faculty of Informatics at the Autonomous University of Querétaro, Mexico. Likert scale surveys were conducted to measure the improvement and transformation of teaching through the virtual tool and the TPACK model. The results demonstrated that the strategy of using VR for teachers to provide students with a platform featuring game mechanics helps transform and improve learning. It was also concluded that one of the greatest strengths of this tool is that it removes the user from the traditional classroom, mitigating pressure or negative predisposition towards unknown or difficult-to-understand concepts.

Legal scientific and research infrastructure in ukraine and the world, its impact on the development of innovations

Problem setting. The absence of a systematic state policy regarding the development of research infrastructures and insufficient funding of scientific institutions and institutions of higher education significantly affects the decrease in the competitiveness of scientific research in Ukraine and negatively affects the development of the national economy. Therefore, one of the priorities of state policy should be the development of scientific and research infrastructure, including the legal one. Analysis of recent research and publications. Ukrainian scientists who studied this issue are: Hlibko S.V., Lyubchych A.M., Kokhan V.P., Rozgon O.V., Golovashchenko O.S. etc. Foreign researchers are Adrian Dusha, Dietrich Nelle, Günter Stock, and Gert G. Wagner and others. Purpose of research is to analyze the state of development of the legal research infrastructure in Ukraine and the world to determine the prospects for its improvement in Ukraine. Article’s main body. The Concept of the State target program for the development of research infrastructures in Ukraine for the period until 2026 states that a significant decrease in the competitiveness of scientific research has a negative impact on the development of the national economy and, accordingly, on the quality of life of its citizens. The reasons for this are lack of a systematic state policy regarding the development of research infrastructures; multi-year underfunding for support and renewal of the material and technical base of scientific institutions and institutions of higher education; low remuneration of scientists; inability of scientists and young lawyers to fully realize their scientific and professional potential in Ukraine; migration of scientists abroad. All the factors listed above make it impossible to build a society based on knowledge and make it impossible to develop the spheres of scientific and innovative activity. Lawyers note the problems of inconsistency of legal education in Ukraine with the modern requirements of the legal market. Thus, in 2021, the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Education, Science and Innovation approved the Concept of the Development of Legal Education, which provides for a comprehensive reform of legal education. Ways to solve the outlined problems are improvement of the regulatory framework for the regulation of this sphere of relations, attraction of various forms of funding for scientific research, modernization of the material and technical base of research infrastructures. Conclusions and prospects for the development. Legal research infrastructures play a significant role in the development of modern legal science and the training of experts in the field of law, on whom the legal order and welfare of society depend. In our opinion, it is necessary to create and develop such elements of the legal research infrastructure that will allow future lawyers to acquire, first, real practical and empirical knowledge. In our opinion, the question of sufficient funding of research infrastructures and decent remuneration of scientists and lawyers is extremely important to create a comfortable and safe environment for conducting research at the highest level.

Epigenetic Pathways Linking Fetal Development to Metabolic Syndrome: Mechanisms and Implications

This review explores the intricate connections between early developmental environments, epigenetic mechanisms, and long-term health outcomes. The concept of fetal programming highlights how maternal stress, nutrition, and other environmental factors during embryonic and fetal development can induce physiological changes with persistent effects extending into adulthood and across generations. Evidence suggests that these early life exposures can lead to complex diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The role of epigenetic modifications—particularly DNA methylation and histone modifications—is emphasized as a crucial mechanism through which environmental factors influence gene expression and disease susceptibility. Additionally, this review discusses the significance of sex-specific epigenetic marks and their impact on disease risk, illustrating how sex chromosomes and fluctuating sex hormones contribute to sexual dimorphism in disease prevalence. The need for further research is underscored, with a focus on understanding the factors that shape fetal growth trajectories, the mechanisms by which nutrients and hormones alter gene expression, and the barriers to healthy eating among women. Addressing these issues is vital for reducing chronic disease prevalence and improving public health across generations.

Representative applications of dynamic-programming in different fields: Analysis on problems of shortest-path, 0/1 knapsack and longest common sub-sequence

This article mainly focuses on exploring the current application status, concrete things implemented by dynamic programming and advantages of dynamic programming in problems (the concept and operation of dynamic programming and the role it plays in programs) in different fields, future development trends and areas for improvement. It also introduces the gaps and problems currently encountered by dynamic programming, then provides corresponding solutions to make it more helpful and efficient in the future. In this regard, by consulting different references and online resources written by previous scientists, it finds out that they all have different points of view on dynamic programming and different solutions to its shortcomings. In the current research, dynamic programming is the most widely used algorithm with few limitations that can achieve the global optimal solution at any time; however, it does not mean that it can achieve the local optimal solution at any time, which also indirectly results in the memory space it requires being larger than other optimization algorithms. After analyzing the literature and researching and testing multiple applications, it is obvious that dynamic programming can make the code run easier and faster than traditional methods, even though it will take up more space.

A Comparative Study of Maze Generation Algorithms in a Game-Based Mobile Learning Application for Learning Basic Programming Concepts

This study evaluates several maze generation algorithms applied to generate mazes in a game-based Android mobile application designed to support children in learning basic programming concepts and computational thinking. Each algorithm is assessed for its ability to generate solvable and educationally effective mazes, varying in complexity and size. Key findings indicate that Wilson’s and Aldous–Broder algorithms were identified as the most time inefficient. In comparison, Sidewinder and Binary Tree algorithms perform best for smaller mazes due to their straightforward traversal methods. The Hunt-and-Kill and Recursive backtracker algorithms maintain higher ratios of longest paths, making them suitable for the more complex maze generation required for advanced game levels. Additionally, the study explores various maze-solving algorithms, highlighting the efficiency of the recursive algorithm for simpler mazes and the reliability of Dijkstra’s algorithm across diverse maze structures. This research underscores the importance of selecting appropriate maze generation and solving algorithms to balance generation speed, path complexity, and navigational characteristics. While the study demonstrates the practical applicability of these algorithms in a mobile educational application, it also identifies limitations and suggests directions for future research.

AKTIVIZACIA KOOPERACIE UCITELLA 1. ROCNIKA ZAKLADNEJ SKOLY S RODICMI ZACINAJUCICH SKOLAKOV PROSTREDNICTVOM AUTORSKEHO PODPORNEHO PROGRAMU

The submitted contribution is a research proposal for a dissertation. The subjects of our research are parents of beginning schoolchildren, teachers and pupils of the 1st year of primary schools. The primary goals of the intended dissertation research are the investigation of the meaning of the teacher's deliberate cooperation with the parents of beginning schoolchildren in the adaptation process, the concept and application of the author's support programme. As part of the design and application of the author's support programme, our goal is to analyze and evaluate impact and effectiveness for the achieved level of adaptation of pupils to the primary school environment, their school success in initial education and increasing the pedagogical readiness of parents. The planned research is focused on the processing and evaluation of research data obtained by the experiment method with parents of beginning schoolchildren, teachers and pupils of the 1st years of primary schools.

Robot para la educación inclusiva

This study focuses on the design, development and evaluation of an educational mobile robot, called Robot-T2, to be used in educational activities within a technical school. The main objective was to create a versatile platform that allows students to explore programming, engineering and science concepts in a practical and collaborative way. The methodology included an iterative design and testing approach, incorporating feedback from students and teachers to continually improve the functionality of the robot. The tests covered autonomous navigation, line following and object manipulation, using the OnBotJava programming software and the Control-Hub as the main interface. The results demonstrated that the Robot-T2 is highly efficient and adaptable in various educational contexts, showing remarkable precision in navigation and manipulation of objects. The design iterations significantly improved the robot's performance, enriching the educational experience and promoting active learning. In conclusion, educational robotics, represented by the Robot-T2, has great potential to enrich the teaching and learning process in technical schools, promoting teamwork, problem solving and the integration of technology in the classroom. It is hoped that this project will inspire future developments in educational robotics.

Formation des étudiants en pharmacie conduisant des entretiens ciblés sur les anticoagulants oraux : élaboration et évaluation d’une formation par la simulation en santé

Pharmaceutical care for patients receiving oral anticoagulants (OACs) should be performed by trained healthcare professionals to prevent adverse effects and improve patient adherence. Before meeting patients, all pharmacy students in our department (in a one-year hospital internship program) experienced a theoretical training for several years. It was decided to add a practical component based on simulation training. The study reports the simulation program conception and the assessment of the simulation-based training for pharmacy students involved in conducting interviews with patients receiving ACOs. Organization and content of the training course were defined by two hospital pharmacists and one pharmacy resident. Skills' assessment was measured in pharmacy students in 3 steps: (1) initial assessment by individual interview, (2) group training by simulation, (3) final assessment by individual interview. Student satisfaction was also assessed at the end of the training. Four scenarios and one assessment form were developed and 16 pharmacy students experienced the training. An improvement in skills after the simulations courses was observed in all parts of the process: the pre-interview (mean +15%), the interview itself (+16%) and the post-interview (+18%). All students felt more comfortable and motivated to conduct interviews and recommended that this training be continued. The study underlines the impact of the simulation training on students' skills and their satisfaction with the overall training program. The simulation training is now fully added to the program. Further studies should explore the skills improvement in real life during the first patient interview.

Implementation of Oriented Programming Concepts Objects in The Parking System Application Using Java Programming Language

Implementation of Oriented Programming Concepts Objects in The Parking System Application Using Java Programming Language

Lógica de programação através da robótica: Uso do Scratch e Arduino para criação de robôs e projetos interativos

This article investigates the teaching of programming logic through robotics, using Scratch and Arduino for the creation of robots and interactive projects. Through a literature review, we examine the advantages and challenges of this approach, highlighting how the integration of visual programming tools and hardware can enrich student learning. The integration of Scratch and Arduino in education emerges as an innovative approach to teaching programming logic. Scratch, a visual programming language, and Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, provide students with a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Through hands-on projects and real-time feedback, students can explore abstract concepts in a tangible way, enhancing their understanding and knowledge retention. Despite the challenges, such as teacher training and the availability of resources, the benefits of using Scratch and Arduino outweigh the difficulties, providing students with engaging and meaningful learning experiences. This article reviews the literature on the use of Scratch and Arduino in education, highlighting their contributions to programming education and project-based learning. The results indicate that the use of Scratch and Arduino promotes a dynamic and engaging learning environment, facilitating the understanding of programming and electronics concepts. Future research should focus on strategies to improve teacher education and expand access to these tools, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop essential digital literacy skills. By empowering students to become creators and innovators, Scratch and Arduino pave the way for a future where technology is not only understood, but is also actively shaped and utilized for positive change.

A philosophy of science approach to the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Disputes about the scientific validity of the amyloid-β hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease have been held since the early 1990s, with little constructive progress made between opposing sides despite recent therapeutic progress. Here, I argue that philosophy of science can improve the chance of constructive debate by giving researchers technical language to describe and assess scientific progress. To do so, I interpret the amyloid hypothesis using a modified version of the research programme concept from philosopher of science Imre Lakatos. I first outline the amyloid-β hypothesis and study critiques of its central place in Alzheimer's research. Then, I draw on the complexity of amyloid-β and Alzheimer's research to discuss the limits of using concepts from popular philosophers of science Karl Popper or Thomas Kuhn, before finally arguing that an adaptation of the research programme concept can foster constructive debates about the science of Alzheimer's and within it. I will argue that the amyloid-β hypothesis has contributed to significant progress in the Alzheimer's field based on what Lakatos called the "positive heuristic" (motivating the programme to test its predictions) and the "negative heuristic" (protecting the programme from refutation). I consider the amyloid research agenda to be progressive despite the fact that its claims about disease aetiology could be wrong.

Teachers' and students' perceptions of AI-generated concept explanations: Implications for integrating generative AI in computer science education

The educational application of Generative AI (GAI) has garnered significant interest, sparking discussions about the pedagogical value of GAI-generated content. This study investigates the perceived effectiveness of concept explanations produced by GAI compared to those created by human teachers, focusing on programming concepts of sequence, selection, and iteration. The research also explores teachers' and students' ability to discern the source of these explanations. Participants included 11 teachers and 70 sixth-grade students who were presented with concept explanations created or generated by teachers and ChatGPT. They were asked to evaluate the helpfulness of the explanations and identify their source. Results indicated that teachers found GAI-generated explanations more helpful for sequence and selection concepts, while preferring teacher-created explanations for iteration (χ2(2, N = 11) = 10.062, p = .007, ω = .595). In contrast, students showed varying abilities to distinguish between AI-generated and teacher-created explanations across concepts, with significant differences observed (χ2(2, N = 70) = 22.127, p < .001, ω = .399). Notably, students demonstrated difficulty in identifying the source of explanations for the iteration concept (χ2(1, N = 70) = 8.45, p = .004, φ = .348). Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed that teachers and students employed similar criteria for evaluating explanations but differed in their ability to discern the source. Teachers focused on pedagogical effectiveness, while students prioritized relatability and clarity. The findings highlight the importance of considering both teachers' and students' perspectives when integrating GAI into computer science education. The study proposes strategies for designing GAI-based explanations that cater to learners' needs and emphasizes the necessity of explicit AI literacy instruction. Limitations and future research directions are discussed, underlining the need for larger-scale studies and experimental designs that assess the impact of GAI on actual learning outcomes.

Peningkatan Literasi Digital Generasi Z di Era Society 5.0 Melalui Pelatihan Patitech Academy Genz Techno Camp

Generation Z is a generation born in 1997-2012. This generation grew up and developed in the digital era, so they are very familiar with technology. However, the digital literacy of generation Z still needs to be improved, especially in terms of technical and creative skills. On December 25-30, 2023, Patitech Academy held a Genz Techno Camp training. This training was attended by 15 participants, consisting of 7 college students, 6 high school/vocational school/Islamic high school students, and 2 junior high school students. The purpose of this activity is to improve the digital literacy of generation Z, especially in terms of technical and creative skills. This activity also aims to prevent generation Z from falling into negative things during the holidays. The training materials provided include: IoT (Internet of Things), Design graphics, Web programming, Content creator, Digital marketing. This training uses a participatory learning method. Training participants are invited to actively discuss and practice. This training is also supported by competent teaching staff in their fields. The results of the training showed that participants showed an increase in technical and creative skills. They can understand the basic concepts of IoT, graphic design, web programming, content creators, and digital marketing. Training participants can also apply these skills in creating digital products, such as applications, websites, graphic designs, and digital content. The Genz Techno Camp training activity has succeeded in increasing the digital literacy of generation Z. This activity can be an example for various parties to improve the digital literacy of generation Z in a sustainable manner.

Transformations of solution semantics of interval linear equations system

A solution x to a system of interval linear equations Ax=b possesses its own semantics, which may involve combinations of tolerance, control, left- and right-localized semantics. In scenarios where the need arises to persist with a solution x despite changes in its semantics, corresponding adjustments in the interval information of the system become necessary. Our focus is on perturbing the original interval matrix A to produce a transformed matrix A′, ensuring that the solution x to A′x=b aligns with the new semantics. We present a series of theorems using quadratic programming concepts to determine A′ in a manner that closely approximates A. Several applications are provided to illustrate the practical utility of our approach.

Development of Standalone Extended-Reality-Supported Interactive Industrial Robot Programming System

Extended reality (XR) is one of the most important technologies in developing a new generation of human–machine interfaces (HMIs). In this study, the design and implementation of a standalone interactive XR-supported industrial robot programming system using the Unity game engine is presented. The presented research aims to achieve a cross-platform solution that enables novel tools for robot programming, trajectory validation, and robot programming debugging within an extended reality environment. From a robotics perspective, key design tasks include modeling in the Unity environment based on robot CAD models and control design, which include inverse kinematics solution, trajectory planner development, and motion controller set-up. Furthermore, the integration of real-time vision, touchscreen interaction, and AR/VR headset interaction are involved within the overall system development. A comprehensive approach to integrating Unity with established industrial robot modeling conventions and control strategies is presented. The proposed modeling, control, and programming concepts, procedures, and algorithms are verified using a 6DoF robot with revolute joints. The benefits and challenges of using a standalone XR-supported interactive industrial robot programming system compared to integrated Unity–robotics development frameworks are discussed.