Research Study Research Articles

Development and Content Analysis of Lubeg (Syzygium lineatum)

The study discusses the development and composition analysis of Lubeg Vinegar. According to the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research, the lubeg fruit was previously an unutilized fruit. Since the fruit is easily accessible and often wasted, the researcher employed it as the primary ingredient in vinegar production. A total of 30 individuals from Isabela State University evaluated the Lubeg Vinegar. The research study utilized Mean (M) and Standard Deviation (SD). The acceptability and marketability scores of two samples of Lubeg (Syzygium lineatum) vinegar (brown sugar and white sugar) were compared using an independent samples t-test. The sizes were calculated using partial eta squared and interpreted according to Cohen's guidelines: 0.01 indicated a small effect, 0.06 a medium effect and 0.14 a large effect. Consequently, it became evident from the research that the method for making Lubeg vinegar from lubeg (Syzygium lineatum) was highly successful and efficient. Furthermore, lubeg (Syzygium lineatum) vinegar influenced consumer acceptability and was generally well-received by tasters. However, concerning color/appearance, aroma/smell, sour/acidity and respondents' willingness to purchase, Lubeg (Syzygium lineatum) vinegar with white sugar was generally more acceptable than Lubeg vinegar with brown sugar. Moreover, the commercialization of Lubeg vinegar has yielded a profitable return on investment.

Validity of automated essay scores for elementary-age English language learners: Evidence of bias?

Given increased prevalence of automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems in classroom settings, more research is needed to explore the potential for bias in automated scores with respect to English language learners (ELLs). Thus, this research study investigated and compared the predictive validity of automated and human scoring methods for elementary-age English ELLs on a writing test designed for ELLs and a state writing test designed for the general population. This study focused on the MI Write AWE system and sampled 2829 students comprising ELLs and non-ELLs in Grades 3–5. Results of multilevel regression analyses and simple slopes estimation indicated that, for ELLs, the automated MI Write score had similar predictive validity to the human score for both writing tests. However, automated and human scores for ELLs were less closely related to the state writing test score than scores for non-ELL students. Findings suggest that MI Write’s automated scoring was not uniquely biased relative to human scoring but does reproduce the same biases evident with human scoring. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Intimate Partner Violence And Its Profound Effects On Maternal Well-Being And Mother-Child Interaction Within The Hazara Community

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread social issue that has significant effects on women's health and wellbeing around the globe. This study examines the complex dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Pakistan and its effect on maternity and mother-child interaction. Utilizing a wide range of variables, including cultural influences, demographics, and the complex effects of intimate partner violence. Quantitative research study explores the intricate connections between intimate partner violence, maternity, and mother child interaction. The methodological approach involves data collection from various institutes of Quetta. A sample of 170 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Utilizing self-report questionnaire, demographic characteristics, the revised conflict Tactics Scale (RCTS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) are employed for analysis. Statistical analysis reveals significant correlation between PBQ and negotiation, physical assault, injury, Sexual Coercion and RCTS, which indicate problems bonding in intimate relationships, are linked to an increase in bargaining, physical assault, sexual coercion, injury, and overall relationship conflict. This association shows a possible link between decreased partner bonding and increased levels of conflict within partnerships. The RCTS shows a significant positive correlation between physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury, suggesting that higher levels of these issues may lead to higher levels of relationship conflict.

Monitoring of the Groundwater Level using GRACE with GLDAS Satellite Data in Ganga Plain, India to Understand the Challenges of Groundwater, Depletion, Problems, and Strategies for Mitigation

A sub-surface hydrogeological investigation conducted in the Gangetic Plain of India would involve studying the groundwater resources, aquifer characteristics, and overall hydrogeological conditions in the region. The Gangetic Plain is a vast alluvial plain formed by the sediments deposited by the Ganges and its tributaries, making it a significant groundwater (GW) bearing region, which is surrounded by a thick stratum of unconsolidated Alluvial deposits and comprises rich aquifer systems. This study describes a procedure for estimation of the subsurface GW levels for pre-monsoon, 2021 which has been determined by JPL, RL05, temporal datasets of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). The water level observed ranged from 2.3 m to 13 m in the Bhabhar and Terai Belt, 14 to 23 m in the Central Alluvial Plain and Khadar Belt, and 24 m to 31 m in the Marginal Alluvial Plain. Two types of variation are seen: local and geological variation. The GW storage justifies the remote sensing perspective and further validates our research study that regional terristrial water storage mapping can be expeditiously and accurately cognizable by the GRACE/GLDAS mission. This method is used to estimate changes in regional GW, it is a very accurate and time-limited method rather than the traditional method of GW estimation. The use of this technology will help in knowing the discharge status of GW in the state and make policies for its over-exploitation. Drinking water can be conserved to a great extent and monitoring of GW can also be done in the time frame. And attention can be given to those districts where water is being exploited more. In view of the increasing impact of climate change on water resources, this modeling will prove vital for understanding future scenarios and planning sustainable management strategies that will aid in the development of adaptation and mitigation measures.

Devitrite (Na2Ca3Si6O16) phase dominated nanostructured 45S5 bioactive glass: exploring its structural and biological properties

This research study is primarily centred around calcination temperature and time influence on phase formation in bioactive glasses (BGs). In the present study, BG with a nominal composition of 45S5 was synthesized through the sol–gel process. The developed BGs then underwent heat treatment for various sintering durations and temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the BGs reveals that the sintering process led to the crystallization of both devitrite (Na2Ca3Si6O16) and combeite (Na2Ca2Si3O9) phases. The field emission scanning electron microscopy study divulges morphological alterations, from sheet-like to rod-like structures to eventually transforming into spherical and sheet-like structures. The surface area and Type-IV mesoporous porosity were validated through Brunauer Emmett Teller analysis, highlighting a notable increase in pore volume and mechanical strength at a lower sintering temperature. In vitro apatite formation was carried out in Hank’s balance salt in order to evaluate the bioactivity of the glass. After 7 d of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), XRD patterns and scanning electron microscopy micrographs results showed that formation of hydroxyapatite layer on the surface of the BGs. The BG compatibility with erythrocytes (red blood cells) was also studied, and the results revealed that there was only a low 2% lysis, showing good hemocompatibility. The drug loading and release behaviour of the BGs was studied in the in vitro analysis. The findings showed a high drug encapsulation effectiveness of up to 90% and continuous drug release from the BGs for 24 h. The materials biocompatibility was unambiguously confirmed by cytocompatibility and proliferation studies. This study provides compelling evidence for the exceptional efficacy and promise of the distinct 45S5 BGs in advancing the field of regenerative medicine.

The Effects of an Ethics Education Program on Artificial Intelligence among Middle School Students: Analysis of Perception and Attitude Changes

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought convenience to human lives, but its pervasive impact extends beyond individuals, affecting society as a whole. Consequently, the necessity for an AI ethics education program has become increasingly apparent. This study aims to investigate the influence of an experimental research study that developed and implemented an AI ethics education program for learners’ ethical awareness and attitude towards AI. The research methodology involved validating a model of the AI ethics education program by applying it to a group of 10 domain experts. Additionally, pre-test and post-test designs were employed with 17 middle school students as the experimental group. The same assessment was administered before and after the implementation of the AI ethics education program, and the data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests. The findings of this study are as follows: Firstly, an AI ethics education program model was developed, incorporating key competencies such as AI literacy, critical thinking skills in AI, and AI problem-solving skills, all within the context of AI ethics. The implementation of this model was effective in the educational setting. Secondly, significant improvements were observed in the ethical awareness of middle school students across all domains after participating in the program. Thirdly, the attitudes of middle school students towards AI exhibited significant enhancements across all domains. These findings contribute to the broader field of AI ethics education by highlighting the importance of ethical awareness in AI and fostering favorable attitudes towards AI. The implications of this study are significant for the field of AI education.

Removal of Copper(Cu) from Wastewater Using Modified Recycle Carbon Black (RCB) Waste Tyre

In this century, sustainability has become an essential element in any project to ensure a safe environment. The conversion of waste materials is an important step towards achieving sustainability. Moreover, converting these materials into adsorbents to treat wastewater shows great potential, especially due to its cost-effectiveness and the reduction of solid waste disposal. This research study aims to investigate the removal of Copper (Cu) from wastewater using waste tyre-recycled carbon black (WT-rCB) and modified waste tyre-recycled carbon black (WT-dAC) to determine their adsorption capability. The removal of Copper using WT-rCB and WT-dAC were investigated with various parameters: pH value, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. The chemical-physical activation process was employed to produce the WT-dAC. First, WT-rCB was impregnated with 1:5 wt% of 1 M KOH solution, then physically activated at 650 °C for 1 hr with flowing Nitrogen gas at 1 L/min. The adsorption study observed a removal efficiency of up to 65% using WT-dAC, while WT-rCB showed a removal efficiency of 22% under the optimum conditions. Eventually, the study demonstrates the employability of WT-dAC in the removal of Copper (Cu) from wastewater.

Exploring quality of life post sudden onset hearing loss: A convergent parallel approach.

Sudden onset hearing loss (SOHL) is rare and presents differently to individuals; hence, it is complex to diagnose. The impact on the quality of life (QoL) varies for individuals and their support structure. However, the exploration of research designs is warranted. This study explored the lived experiences of adults post-SOHL diagnosis and the impact on the QoL. Facilitators of emotional and social aspects of counselling provided by audiologists post-SOHL diagnosis were established. This was a convergent parallel research study. Data were collected from the two primary participants and three secondary participants, face-to-face and telephonically. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) screening tool and the semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The data sets were analysed independently,viz. descriptive analysis and thematic analysis, to confirm the impact on the QoL post-SOHL diagnosis. The HHIA scores obtained were 84% and 50% for P1 and P2, respectively. Key themes that emerged from the interviews revealed that communication difficulties mostly impacted the QoL, which in turn influenced their mental and social well-being. Aural rehabilitation was perceived as ineffective support, thus the inability to reduce the impact on the QoL post-SOHL diagnosis. The integrated findings indicated the impact on the QoL post-SOHL diagnosis. Convergent parallel methods should be considered by researchers to understand rare auditory pathologies and their impact on the QoL.Contribution:Person-centred care (PCC) and family-centred care (FCC) are facilitators of counselling that audiologists can employ as QoL management strategies post-SOHL diagnosis.

Fuzzy machine learning model to detect transition building footprints using multi-sensor multi-temporal images

The research study proposes a fuzzy machine learning based approach for the detection of transitioning building footprints in urban area using temporal high and medium resolution datasets acquired by multi-sensors. Remote sensing dataset from Planetscope, Sentinel-2A/2B and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager were used to generate the multi sensor based temporal indices database. The class-based sensor independent – normalized difference vegetation index (CBSI-NDVI) was used to reduce spectral dimensionality and to generate temporal database, which was given as an input in MPCM classifier with two training approaches, namely, mean training approach and Individual Sample as Mean (ISM) training approach. The training was performed using single and multiple phases of change in urban area in different time periods. The results were validated using high resolution Google Earth imagery as well as ground observations at five different testing sites. The kappa coefficient was calculated as 0.78 for the fuzzy MPCM with ISM training approach. Also, the MMD and variance were calculated to be 0.006 and 0.002 respectively. The study concluded that the MPCM classifier with ISM training approach could address the heterogeneity in urban area and provides classified images considering each transition trend as mean input for classification, thus improving the classification accuracy.

Synthesis, Kinetics and Computational Explorations of 4-Phenylpiperazine Bearing N-(Aryl)-3-substituted-benzamides as Auspicious Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

In the aimed research study, a new series of N-(aryl)-3-[(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]benzamides was synthesized, which was envisaged as tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of these newly designed molecules were verified by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and CHN analysis data. These molecules were screened against tyrosinase and their inhibitory activity explored that these 3-substituted-benzamides exhibit good to excellent potential, comparative to the standard. The Kinetics mechanism was investigated through Lineweaver-Burk plots which depicted that molecules inhibited this enzyme in a competitive mode. Moreover, molecular docking was also performed to determine the binding interaction of all synthesized molecules (ligands) with the active site of tyrosinase enzyme and the results showed that most of the ligands exhibited efficient binding energy values. Therefore, it is anticipated that these molecules might serve as auspicious therapeutic scaffolds for treatment of the tyrosinase associated skin disorders.

Characterization of soil pores in strip-tilled and conventionally-tilled soil using X-ray computed tomography

Changes in soil pore size distribution and connectivity can affect contaminant transport. Climate, soil type, and agricultural management practices can influence these characteristics. Conservation tillage practices, such as strip tillage, have been promoted as agricultural management practices that can help reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss in runoff. However, limited information exists in the literature on the effect of strip tillage on soil pore characteristics. Thus, the objective of this research study was to assess the effects of different tillage practices i.e., conventional tillage (CT) vs. strip tillage (ST), on soil pore properties and quantify change in soil pore characteristics as a function of season. Undisturbed cylindrical soil columns (150 mm diameter and 640 mm length) were collected from a field in Alabama, USA planted with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under ST and CT treatments during two seasons i.e., fall 2021 and spring 2022. Soil cores were collected from CT and ST portions of the field, in the fall, following cotton harvest and before planting a cover crop (season 1), and in the spring, after the cover crop had matured (season 2). X-ray computed tomography was used to scan the soil cores and quantify soil pore characteristics. Results show that the ST treatment had significantly (p < 0.05) greater macroporosity values, network density, macropore length density, and interconnectivity compared to the CT in season 1. This was attributed to ST being a minimally disturbed treatment: thereby, it has a better chance of preserving cracks and biological activity as compared to CT, which is more prone to destruction of large macropores. The pore properties also showed a drastic decrease in values during season 2, especially for the top 200 mm of the soil profile in response to rainfall induced soil reconsolidation in both the tillage systems. Overall, this study showed that pore morphology can be affected by tillage and seasonal aspects associated with them.

Synthesis of 2-chloro-benzamides for evaluation antimicrobial and disinfectant activity: Part-I

2-Chlorobenzamide derivatives have been synthesized and claimed in this research study. The compound SG1 and SG2 were synthesized by known methods Ethylene diamine and isopropyl amine was dissolved in ethanolic 1 N NaOH separately and to it 2-Chlorobenzoyl chloride was added. The products SG1 and SG2 were collected respectively.

Synthesis of 4-nitro-benzamides for evaluation antimicrobial and disinfectant activity: Part-I

4-nitro-benzamide derivatives have been synthesized and claimed in this research study. The compound VG1 and VG2 were synthesized by known methods. Ethylene diamine and isopropyl amine was dissolved in ethanolic 1 N NaOH separately and to it 4-nitro-benzoyl chloride was added. The products VG1 and VG2 were collected respectively.

A computational study on strain dependent photocatalytic activity of Janus Ga-Al-X-Se (X = S and Se) monolayers

The use of photocatalytic two-dimensional material for water splitting emerges as a significant technology in the field of green energy. Considering this viewpoint, the optoelectronic characteristics, photocatalytic, hydrogen, and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) of the hexagonal GaAlXSe (X = S and Se) monolayers have been assessed in this research study with the help of density functional theory (DFT). The GaAlXSe (X = S and Se) monolayers are energetically, dynamically, and thermally stable. The GaAlSe2 and SGaAlSe monolayers are indirect semiconductors in nature. The absorption coefficient of both the monolayers is up to 105 cm−1. The suitable band alignments reveal that both the monolayers are appropriate for the photocatalytic application across all pH values at equilibrium. The strain dependent photocatalytic behavior of both the monolayers also have been evaluated. The nearly zero values of Gibbs free energies and the appropriate values of overpotentials signify efficient HER and OER catalytic activities of both the monolayers respectively.

Synthesis of 2,6-dichloro-benzamides for evaluation antimicrobial and disinfectant activity: Part-I

2,6-dichlorobenzamide derivatives have been synthesized and claimed in this research study. The compound JV1 and JV2 were synthesized by known methods. Ethylene diamine and isopropyl amine was dissolved in ethanolic 1 N NaOH separately and to it 2,6-dichlorobenzoyl chloride was added. The products JV1 and JV2 were collected respectively.

Green Building Rating of High-Rise Buildings in Sri Lanka

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; As a result of urbanization, constructions of high-rise buildings become a major component of urban development. Constructing high-rise buildings contributes to social, economic and environmental development as well. There are many stages of construction including planning, designing, procurement and implementation. There is a wide range of sustainability practices which can be implemented in each stage of construction. In leading Sri Lanka to Sustainable Development, the green building rating system was introduced by National Green Building Council of Sri Lanka in 2002. This rating system has 100 total points and minimum of 40 points is required for green building certification. The rating system has different components. Among them sustainable sites category includes 25% of total points in green building rating system. This research study highlights the significance of sustainable sites category in order to award the green certification in green building rating system. For this research five major high-rise building construction sites in Colombo were selected and existing site selection practices of each site were investigated. Each site was visited and in-depth discussions were carried out with the planning engineer and other people in the construction site. The structured questionnaire was filled and scores were given accordingly where they have met the sustainable sites criteria. Two sites out of five could not earn single point as they did not fulfill the prerequisites of the site section category. The rest of the sites (three) earned 20, 19, and 18 respectively out of 25 points. In this study, lack of awareness in sustainable site selection practices has dropped the chances of being eligible for the green building certification. Since the minimum points required for green building certification is 40, buildings which are under planning or pre-construction stage have higher chances of obtaining silver, gold and platinum awards for green building certification. Therefore, sustainable sites category of the green building rating system contributes significantly to increase the score and therefore it is highly important in green certification &amp; sustainable construction.&#x0D; Keywords: Green concept, High-rise buildings, Sustainable development, Sustainable site selection&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Perceived social support moderates the relations between mental health symptoms and current suicidal ideation.

Despite efforts to identify risk factors associated with suicidal ideation (SI), less work has been conducted to highlight protective factors to promote prevention. Perceived social support has been shown to positively impact a wide range of psychological outcomes; however, prior efforts exploring whether perceived social support moderates the relationship between mental health (MH) symptoms and current SI among men and women have been hampered by limitations. To address knowledge gaps, data from the Comparative Health Assessment Interview Research Study was used to evaluate whether (a) perceived social support moderates the relationship between mental health symptoms (posttraumatic stress, anxiety, alcohol use, depressive) and current SI among veterans and nonveterans; (b) the strength of this moderating effect varies by gender and veteran status; and (c) the strength of this moderating effect varies by social support source (significant other, friend, family). Results suggest that perceived social support is more protective against SI for those with lower levels of mental health symptoms (≤ 25th percentile) than for those with higher symptom levels (≥ 75th percentile). Findings were largely consistent across study groups, support sources, and mental health symptoms examined; however, a significant moderating effect on the alcohol use-SI relationship was only observed for veteran men. Those with a lower mental health symptom severity may receive more benefit from strategies aimed at increasing perceived social support compared to those with higher symptom severity. Research is needed to match protective factors to individual phenotypes, with the goal of engaging those living with SI in more effective interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Unraveling the Complex Nexus of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Extragenital Keratinocyte Skin Tumors: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bowen's Disease and In Situ Squamous-Cell Carcinoma.

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate landscape surrounding the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in extragenital keratinocyte skin tumors, specifically exploring Bowen's disease (BD) and in situ squamous-cell carcinoma (iSCC). Through a multifaceted examination, this research study elucidates the nuanced interplay of HPV, gender dynamics, anatomical site variations, and potential implications for the etiopathogenesis of these malignancies.

Study protocol for factors influencing the adoption of ChatGPT technology by startups: Perceptions and attitudes of entrepreneurs.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, for instance Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), is continuously evolving, and its userbase is growing. These technologies are now being experimented by the businesses to leverage their potential and minimise their risks in business operations. The continuous adoption of the emerging Generative AI technologies will help startups gain more and more experience with adoptions, helping them to leverage continuously evolving technological innovation landscape. However, there is a dearth of prior research on ChatGPT adoption in the startup context, especially from Entrepreneur perspective, highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation to identify the variables influencing this technological adoption. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the factors that impact the uptake of ChatGPT technology by startups, anticipate their influence on the triumph of companies, and offer pragmatic suggestions for various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This study attempts to explore the variables impacting startups' adoption of ChatGPT technology, with an emphasis on comprehending entrepreneurs' attitudes and perspectives. To identify and then empirically validate the Generative AI technology adoption framework, the study uses a two-stage methodology that includes experience-based research, and survey research. The research method design is descriptive and Correlational design. Stage one of the research study is descriptive and involves adding practical insights, and real-world context to the model by drawing from the professional consulting experiences of the researchers with the SMEs. The outcome of this stage is the adoption model (also called as research framework), building Upon Technology Adoption Model (TAM), that highlight the technology adoption factors (also called as latent variables) connected with subset of each other and finally to the technology adoption factor (or otherwise). Further, the latent variables and their relationships with other latent variables as graphically highlighted by the adoption model will be translated into the structured questionnaire. Stage two involves survey based research. In this stage, structured questionnaire is tested with small group of entrepreneurs (who has provided informed consent) and finally to be distributed among startup founders to further validate the relationships between these factors and the level of influence individual factors have on overall technology adoption. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) will be used to analyze the gathered data. This multifaceted approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the adoption process, with an emphasis on understanding, describing, and correlating the key elements at play. This is the first study to investigate the factors that impact the adoption of Generative AI, for instance ChatGPT technology by startups from the Entrepreneurs perspectives. The study's findings will give Entrepreneurs, Policymakers, technology providers, researchers, and Institutions offering support for entrepreneurs like Academia, Incubators and Accelerators, University libraries, public libraries, chambers of commerce, and foreign embassies important new information that will help them better understand the factors that encourage and hinder ChatGPT adoption. This will allow them to make well-informed strategic decisions about how to apply and use this technology in startup settings thereby improving their services for businesses.

Academic writing in English: Lessons from an EMI-program in Japan

As international students and English-medium Instruction (EMI) programs increase, Japanese universities need to adapt their programs to fulfill the needs of these students. One often overlooked area is academic writing in English. This paper discusses an action research study examining the challenges of providing formal academic writing support for English-speaking students in an EMI-program at one large private university in Tokyo. The study utilizes a participatory action research approach (Burns, 2009). The study attempted to examine what aspects of academic writing are these students most confident and most insecure about, and what aspects of the writing course did the students feel are most useful for them in preparing them for further academic writing, and how this EMI program can help students overcome these challenges. The data comes from a multiple choice and open answer questionnaire as well as focus group interviews. Suggestions on how to create and implement successful academic writing courses in an EMI context, based on the lessons learned from this course from the administrative point-of-view as well as both from faculty and students’ perspectives will be provided to conclude.