Significant Impact Research Articles

Empowering English as a Foreign Language Education With the Production-Oriented Approach: A Systematic Review

<p style="text-align:justify">The field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction has gained recognition worldwide, particularly in non-native English-speaking countries. However, traditional teaching methods fall short of meeting the needs of today's EFL learners. In response, the Production-Oriented Approach (POA) has emerged as a new pedagogical approach to address these challenges. Despite its significant impact on EFL education, there is a lack of reviews on the POA. This study conducted a systematic review to explore the POA's effectiveness, challenges, and future trends. Using the PRISMA framework, 31 articles from reputable databases (Web of Science, Education Resources Information Center, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were analyzed, covering the years 2018 to 2023. The study's comprehensive analysis, employing Nvivo, revealed that the POA has immense potential for enhancing English learners' language skills, particularly in reading, speaking, writing, and translating. Moreover, the study highlighted the POA's positive influence on learners' affective factors, including motivation, confidence, critical thinking, and self-directed learning abilities. Nonetheless, the POA faces challenges for both teachers and learners, particularly during the transition from traditional methods and the associated increase in workload. Despite these challenges, this study unequivocally establishes the POA as an effective pedagogical approach for teaching EFL. Additionally, it identifies research gaps that must be addressed to sustain and improve EFL education in the future through further development of the POA.</p>

The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on employment outcomes of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare vocational rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Employment has been shown to be the fourth most commonly reported need for veterans and their families, and unemployment rates have ranged from 1–69% dependent on the mental health diagnosis. Complications from the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on psychological functioning, and social isolation has led to increased psychiatric symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention provided to Veterans in an attempt to remove barriers to employment while also increasing involvement in gainful work activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact that COVID-19 has had on employment rates at discharge for veterans with mental health disorders participating in a VHA vocational rehabilitation program. METHODS: An outcome-based, summative program evaluation design was used to assess the quality of Veterans served (2016-2021) at a vocational rehabilitation program served at a medical center located in VISN 12 of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. RESULTS: Findings showed that veterans with Bipolar and Psychosis were less likely to discharge with employment (not considering COVID-19). CONCLUSION: No significant meaningful differences existed in employment rates when comparing pre/post March 2020 (official start of COVID-19 pandemic) for veterans with psychiatric diagnoses.

Immunoengineering Biomaterials for Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair across Lifespan.

Musculoskeletal diseases and injuries are among the leading causes of pain and morbidity worldwide. Broad efforts have focused on developing pro-regenerative biomaterials to treat musculoskeletal conditions; however, these approaches have yet to make a significant clinical impact. Recent studies have demonstrated that the immune system is central in orchestrating tissue repair and that targeting pro-regenerative immune responses can improve biomaterial therapeutic outcomes. However, aging is a critical factor negatively affecting musculoskeletal tissue repair and immune function. Hence, understanding how age affects the response to biomaterials is essential for improving musculoskeletal biomaterial therapies. This review focuses on the intersection of the immune system and aging in response to biomaterials for musculoskeletal tissue repair. The article introduces the general impacts of aging on tissue physiology, the immune system, and the response to biomaterials. Then, it explains how the adaptive immune system guides the response to injury and biomaterial implants in cartilage, muscle, and bone and discusses how aging impacts these processes in each tissue type. The review concludes by highlighting future directions for the development and translation of personalized immunomodulatory biomaterials for musculoskeletal tissue repair.

Comprehensive Analysis of Perioperative Factors Influencing the Risk of Biochemical Recurrence in Patients with Radical Prostatectomy.

To analyze the perioperative factors that influence the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with localized PCa undergoing radical prostatectomy Materials and Methods: A total of 457 patients, operated by 2 surgeons in our high-volume oncological center were included in the initial database. Patients who underwent RP for clinically localized PCa in our clinic from 2016 to 2021 were included in the study. Perioperative data were retrospectively reviewed for this study. Follow-up data including post-operative PSA and adjuvant treatment was prospectively gathered by contacting the patients or from the follow-up consultation. Final database was composed of 366 patients who underwent open or 3D laparoscopic RP. Statistical analysis was performed to emphasize the most powerful parameters that influence the BCR. Results: Accounting for multivariable analysis, 4 parameters were statistically significant: initial PSA (iPSA), Gleason score, vascular involvement and positive surgical margins. For the group of patients with no positive margins, 3 parameters were statistically significant: iPSA above 10,98 ng/mL (AUC=0,71); lymph node involvement and Gleason score. Multivariable Cox regression showed that positive margins and iPSA had a significant impact on the time to BCR. Patients that received adjuvant therapy were excluded from the study. Out of the whole cohort, 27,3% of patients presented BCR. Perioperative factors need to be carefully analyzed and a detailed follow-up needs to be conducted in order to assess the risk of biochemical recurrence, resulting in the optimal time for adjuvant treatment implementation.

Technology's impact on language learning: Meta-analysis on variables and effectiveness

This study explores the correlation between technology utilization and language acquisition while analyzing the impact of moderating variables on this relation. Our meta-analysis approach analyzes data from 43 extracts out of 19 primary studies published between 2012 and 2021. Our data analysis employs a random-effect model utilizing a significance level of α = 0.05. Additionally, the authors examine four moderating variables: level of education, location of research, proficiency in language, and year of publication. Technology-based language acquisition outperforms traditional methods, indicating a significant and moderate impact on the learning process. This study enhances comprehension of the efficacy of technology in language acquisition by identifying various factors, such as the geographical location of research, methods of assessing language proficiency, and technology type employed. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that educational level or sample size significantly impact technology-based language acquisition. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of considering nuanced factors when integrating technology into language learning. The findings emphasize the possibility of technology to transform methods of acquiring language and urge additional investigation into customized strategies that optimize its advantages.

Contribution of Hurdles Technology to Preserve the Qualities of Broccoli and Extend Their Shelf-Life

Due to its high concentration of bioactive components, broccoli heads have a lot of potential as a functional food. Broccoli is perceived as a tasty, wholesome and healthful food product. This product nevertheless has a limited shelf life and quality retention issues, especially in tropical temperature zones. The hurdles techniques are starting to become more acceptable in the sector of food preservation since they affect moderate levels. This study evaluates the impact of hurdles techniques and various storage conditions (ambient at 25 °C, cold at 4 °C, and frozen at -18 °C) on broccolis cut characteristics. For the hurdles experiment, broccoli cuts were soaked in four solutions (the 1st: boiling water, the 2nd: metabisulphite solution (150 ppm), the 3rd: sodium chloride (4%), citric acid (1%), sodium benzoate (200 ppm) and the 4th: 1% chitosan) followed by packaging using two approaches (aerobic and vacuum). Sensory attributes, browning index, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity % (by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) of hurdled and un-hurdled broccoli cuts during storage were investigated. Results demonstrated that using hurdle technology (different soaking solutions, packaging methods and storage conditions) had significant impact on the quality properties of the broccoli cuts. Additionally, vacuum packaging demonstrated the highest protection against decreasing the values of ascorbic acid, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant components.

Effectiveness of NOTES versus traditional techniques on surgical outcomes in adults with diverticulitis: a systematic review protocol.

This review will evaluate the effectiveness of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES)/hybrid NOTES versus traditional surgical techniques in the management of diverticular disease. Diverticular disease can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, especially the changes affecting bowel function. Recurrent/severe symptoms may require surgery. Resections are invasive and can have significant operative complications. There has been a shift from an open resection to a more minimally invasive technique such as laparoscopy. Furthermore, the use of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic resection, using a transanal/transvaginal approach, has begun to be used in colorectal resections. Eligible studies will include patients who underwent surgical resection for diverticular disease or diverticulitis. The review will consider studies that evaluate NOTES in the management of diverticular disease or diverticulitis. This will include hybrid procedures involving both NOTES and natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), with the aid of laparoscopy/endoscopy/robotic equipment. Studies on participants under 18 years of age and presenting with non-diverticular pathologies will be excluded. This review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Databases to be searched will include PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ANZCTR, with no language limitations. The reference lists of included studies will be screened for additional studies. This review will preferentially consider experimental and quasi-experimental study designs. Two reviewers will conduct critical appraisal and data extraction. Studies will, where possible, be pooled in statistical meta-analyses. PROSPERO CRD42023420771.

The Influence of Leadership and Motivation on Employee Work Discipline at Fave Hotel Olo Padang

The study was undertaken to explore how leadership and motivation impact employee work discipline at Fave Hotel Padang. The primary objective is the investigation of the correlation between leadership, motivation, and work discipline. The research methodology employed was quantitative in nature. The data utilized in the study comprised both primary and secondary sources. The study's target population encompassed the staff of Fave Hotel Padang. A sample size of 30 employees was selected using a non-probability sampling technique. Data collection was facilitated through a questionnaire designed with a Likert scale, which was pretested for validity and reliability. The collected data were subjected to analysis using SPSS 25.00 software.The findings of the study revealed that leadership was classified as moderately satisfactory (46.67%). Furthermore, the motivational aspect was rated positively (80%), while the variable of work discipline garnered an agreeable response (76.67%). The influence exerted by leadership (X1) and motivation (X2) on work discipline (Y) was determined to be 24.1% and 75.9% respectively, with other factors contributing to the remaining impact. Further analysis unveiled that the leadership variable (X1) displayed a Beta or Standardized Coefficient value of 0.086, surpassing the threshold of 0, accompanied by a T-count value of (0.400) with a significance level of 0.002, lower than 0.05. Hence, it can be deduced that the leadership variable (X1) exhibits a significant and favorable impact on work discipline (Y). Similarly, the hypothesis stemming from the motivation segment of the research displayed a Beta or Standardized Coefficient value of 0.110, surpassing the threshold of 0, coupled with a calculated T-value of (0.511) at a significance level of 0.013, also less than 0.05. This underscores the fact that the motivational (X2) significantly and positively affects work discipline (Y).

Optimizing building material selection: A machine learning approach for efficient concrete compressive strength forecasting

Price changes in construction materials have a significant impact on building construction projects. Such price variations occur at random and at varying rates over time. A system that can estimate the magnitude and quantity of the change in material prices with reasonable accuracy is required. The primary goal is to create a machine-learning model that can predict the type of building material chosen based on environmental factors. The compressive strength of concrete is critical in defining its mechanical qualities. Long laboratory testing is needed to determine the compressive strength of concrete. The capacity of powerful machine learning algorithms to forecast concrete compressive strength speeds up these lengthy experimental methods while also lowering expenses. This study provides abilities to precisely anticipate and categorize numerous qualities and traits of distinct materials. The framework includes a broad dataset that details materials, composition, and performance characteristics. Machine learning algorithms such as logistic regression (LR), decision trees (DT), and random forests (RF) train models on the training data. The models are hyper-parameter tweaked and feature developed to achieve the most outstanding performance. The k-fold method is used throughout the training and assessment phase to guarantee robustness and reduce bias. The F1 score and Receiver Operating Characteristic-Area Under Curve (ROC-AUC) curve are two performance measures used to measure how accurate and predictive the trained models are. The study findings provide insights into the qualities of the materials, facilitating improved material selection, quality assurance, and decision-making in the building sector. In the analyses, the best accuracy value was 99.92%, and the precision value was 88.83% using the LR algorithm. As a result, it was determined that the LR algorithm had the least execution 57.826 ms, and is thus the most suitable for use in concrete compressive strength estimation.

Future Kindergarten Educators' Views Regarding the Role of Language as One of the Core Kindergarten Curriculum Areas

<p style="text-align:justify">Kindergarten educators represent the first contact of children with the institutional environment. In this article we assume that kindergarten educators have a significant impact on children's perception of their first/mother tongue and their language development. Language is one of the core kindergarten curriculum areas in which the educator needs to be adequately empowered to set an example for the children, while at the same time developing their communicative competence which is the basis for (later) efficient communication. We carried out a questionnaire-based survey involving 236 students pursuing early childhood education in all three public universities in the Republic of Slovenia which prepares students for the role of kindergarten educators in order to study their perceptions of the language. The questionnaire-based survey was answered by students in their first and third years i.e., when starting and finishing their studies. A large majority of future kindergarten educators consider their positive attitude towards language in general to be extremely important for kindergarten children as language forms the basis for all other curriculum areas. Also, when surveyed, almost all future kindergarten educators considered it essential to be proficient in the language and to encourage language development in children by following their own example. Furthermore, they believe it is important to have a well-developed linguistic capability (language knowledge), to have the capability of crafting linguistically accurate written content and to master a suitable literary expression.</p>

Impact of destructive leadership styles on the psychological contract breach with the moderating effect of proactive personality

This research has an aim to investigate the impact of toxic and exploitative leadership and subordinate psychological contract breach, the moderation role of proactive personality within the proposed framework between the toxic leadership with psychological contract breach and exploitative leadership with psychological contract breach. Data was gathered utilizing a cross-sectional research technique. The sample of the study constituted 386 frontline nurses from public sector hospitals of Pakistan. Structural equation modelling was utilized for analyzing the collected data. Toxic and exploitative leadership had a significant positive impact on psychological contract breach. However, moderation of proactive personality was found to be insignificant between both relations.

Effect of herding behavior and overconfidence bias on investor’s financial decisions: A case of investment in crypto currency in Pakistan

There are various behavioral aspects that influence the financial decisions of individual investors, such as overconfidence, herding behavior, loss aversion, and regret aversion. Other psychological elements may play a substantial influence in deciding the success or failure of any financial action. The primary aims of the present research article are to examine the effects of overconfidence bias and herding behavior on individual financial decisions regarding crypto currency investment. The markets for crypto currencies are extremely sensitive to any minute or significant changes in the economy, as well as to any changes in the individual behaviors of investors. To achieve these aims, 650 questionnaires were distributed to individual investors employed by various financial institutions, multinational corporations, including oil and gas exploration and production companies, operating in Pakistan, individual investors dealing in stocks, and students regardless of investment size. Purposive sampling was used to choose 311 valid responses from a total of 593. Those investors that engage in crypto currency investments were deemed valid responses. Classifications of investments were outlined, and demographic information was requested from respondents. SPSS-based empirical analysis provided the basis for the conclusions. The primary findings indicate that both overconfidence bias and herding tendency have a favorable and statistically significant impact on investors' financial decisions when investing in cryptocurrencies. In this study's sample, however, the majority of investors were overconfident in their crypto currency investing decisions.

Storage Conditions Influence the Quality of Ginger - A Stability Study Inspired by Clinical Trials.

Ginger has traditionally been used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting; however, the results of clinical trials are ambiguous. The efficacy of ginger is attributed to gingerols and their metabolites, shogaols. Since these compounds have different pharmacological profiles, the clinical efficacy of ginger products is largely dependent on their chemical composition. The goal of our study was to examine the stability of ginger, determining the 6-gingerol contents in order to assess the effects of different storage conditions. We have performed a 6-month stability test with dry ginger rhizome samples stored in a constant climate chamber in three different storage containers (uncovered glass container, glass container sealed with rubber stopper, and plastic container). The 6-gingerol contents were measured by HPLC method. The concentration of 6-gingerol decreased in all samples. In the sealed glass container, the decrease in 6-gingerol content was significantly lower than in the unsealed glass container and in the plastic container. These results demonstrate that storage conditions have a significant impact on the quality of ginger, which may also affect efficacy.

Does Goodwill-Related Critical Audit Matters Disclosure Influence Firms’ Financial Reporting Decisions? Evidence from Goodwill Impairment

SUMMARY We investigate whether the new critical audit matters (CAMs) disclosure requirement for auditors under the PCAOB Standard AS 3101 affects audited firms’ financial reporting decisions in the context of goodwill impairment recognition. We argue that an auditor's intense engagement with management and the audit committee in the CAMs determination and evaluation process improves management's information sets. Specifically, we report that the propensity to recognize goodwill impairment loss increases for firms with goodwill-related CAM disclosure relative to those without. This result is more pronounced when the likelihood of expected impairment is higher, suggesting that CAMs reporting lowers managers’ discretion in delaying impairment loss recognition. Additionally, we find that goodwill-related CAM disclosure increases the length and use of uncertain words in goodwill-related footnote disclosure by management but has no significant impact on audit costs. Overall, these findings suggest that adopting CAMs requirements can reduce management's discretion in financial reporting decisions. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M41; M42.

Numerical Investigation of a Hydrogen–Air Flame for NOx Prediction

Abstract Sustainable aviation fuels are a major candidate to reduce pollutant emissions in future aeronautical engines. Recently, the use of hydrogen as a fuel has gained a high interest partly because its combustion is free from carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and produces few pollutants, mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx). Over the last decades, efforts on numerical methods for combustion simulation in aero-engines have largely been focused on kerosene-air combustion. However, the current transition may have a significant impact on the computational methodologies for combustor design. Hydrogen defines novel modeling issues and challenges the current state of art on numerical methodologies. The current study presents a numerical investigation of a hydrogen–air burner using large-eddy simulations (LES) with a focus on NOx prediction. The considered configuration is a two-staged combustor, similar to the well-known RQL (Rich-Quench-Lean) technology, supplied by a single coaxial injector characterized experimentally. Two combustion models are investigated: (i) tabulated chemistry based on premixed flamelets (ii) transported chemistry description by using a 21-species chemical scheme. Numerical results are compared with experimental data (NOx concentrations, temperature distributions, pressure losses). A focus on model predictions is carried out. Results show a good agreement to predict the main flow characteristics and the premixed flame position over different operating points and geometries for both frameworks. In contrast, NOx emissions are more sensitive: while the overall trend is well captured, the quantification is more scattered. Finally, an in-depth analysis is proposed to link NOx production with the nonpremixed flame size.

An overview of data integration in neuroscience with focus on Alzheimer's Disease.

This work represents the first attempt to provide an overview of how to face data integration as the result of a dialogue between neuroscientists and computer scientists. Indeed, data integration is fundamental for studying complex multifactorial diseases, such as the neurodegenerative diseases. This work aims at warning the readers of common pitfalls and critical issues in both medical and data science fields. In this context, we define a road map for data scientists when they first approach the issue of data integration in the biomedical domain, highlighting the challenges that inevitably emerge when dealing with heterogeneous, large-scale and noisy data and proposing possible solutions. Here, we discuss data collection and statistical analysis usually seen as parallel and independent processes, as cross-disciplinary activities. Finally, we provide an exemplary application of data integration to address Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which is the most common multifactorial form of dementia worldwide. We critically discuss the largest and most widely used datasets in AD, and demonstrate how the emergence of machine learning and deep learning methods has had a significant impact on disease's knowledge particularly in the perspective of an early AD diagnosis.

Aortic Cellular Heterogeneity in Health and Disease: Novel Insights Into Aortic Diseases From Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomic Data Sets.

Aortic diseases such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, and aortic stiffening are significant complications that can have significant impact on end-stage cardiovascular disease. With limited pharmacological therapeutic strategies that target the structural changes in the aorta, surgical intervention remains the only option for some patients with these diseases. Although there have been significant contributions to our understanding of the cellular architecture of the diseased aorta, particularly in the context of atherosclerosis, furthering our insight into the cellular drivers of disease is required. The major cell types of the aorta are well defined; however, the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing provides unrivaled insights into the cellular heterogeneity of each aortic cell type and the inferred biological processes associated with each cell in health and disease. This review discusses previous concepts that have now been enhanced with recent advances made by single-cell RNA sequencing with a focus on aortic cellular heterogeneity.

Extreme Weather Events and Expected Parental Roles in Bangladesh and Beyond: A Review of Literature

Abstract Extreme weather events (EWEs) linked to climate change are expected to increase in frequency in the coming years, putting the entire world in danger. Parents exert a significant influence on the lives of their children and the overall function of the family unit. However, natural disasters have a significant impact on daily life and pose an immediate danger, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and property damage. In addition, disasters can also have an impact on the responsibilities that parents play in their house. This study examines the evolving dynamics of parental roles in the context of EWEs, examining the shifting expectations and actual realities of fatherhood and motherhood. The study examines the various effects of EWEs on family structures, gender roles, and parental obligations by conducting a comprehensive review of 30 relevant articles. Our findings indicate that in severe weather conditions, men tend to adopt the position of “father” and are perceived as heroic figures, rescuers, and guardians/protectors who prioritize the well-being of their children and families, as well as take on financial obligations. On the other hand, women are often viewed as caregivers/rescuers/victims during such conditions. Moreover, in many countries, women are expected to care for other family members, including younger children and the elderly, which may limit their mobility during severe weather. Extreme weather conditions affect men and women differently, and there may also be significant differences in gender-related expectations and dimensions within a country. It is therefore essential to thoroughly study how these roles change in response to extreme weather events. We recommend conducting additional rigorous studies, both quantitative and qualitative, to comprehensively examine this relationship. This study will aid in designing initiatives aimed at fostering parenting attributes, particularly in regions susceptible to disasters.

Imperfect Vaccination Evolutionary Game Incorporating Individual Social Difference and Subjective Perception

Previous studies have focused on the assumption that individual attitudes toward epidemics, epidemic-related information, and vaccination are identical with much less effort attempting to consider psychological factors and individual heterogeneity. In this article, we employ a two-layer susceptible–infected–recovered–vaccinated/unaware–aware–unaware (SIRV-UAU) coupled network to depict the interplay between epidemic spreading and information diffusion. We propose an imperfect vaccination evolutionary game model integrating prospect theory (PT) to explore the effect of individual subjective perception and social difference on epidemic spreading and vaccination equilibrium. We find that the individual social difference in the epidemic spreading layer has a more significant impact on the epidemic threshold than that in the information diffusion layer. Individual psychological perception and vaccination behavior decision-making determine the vaccination equilibrium: under the PT, vaccination equilibrium increases with the decrease of the rationality coefficient when the vaccination cost is small. Furthermore, we analyze the effect of social differences on individual vaccination behavior decision-making and find that vaccination equilibrium increases with the increase of social reinforcement strength and primary protective probability. Finally, we discuss the effect of infection cost on vaccination equilibrium when the infection cost of vaccinated individuals is less than that of unvaccinated individuals and observe that a small infection cost helps improve the vaccination equilibrium.

Evolution Behavior of Shear Band in Al‐0.5Mg‐0.4Si‐0.1Cu Alloy during Hot Compression Process

To clarify the evolution behavior of shear bands in Al‐0.5Mg‐0.4Si‐0.1Cu alloy under high‐temperature conditions, isothermal compression tests are carried out under 400, 450, and 500 °C with 50% compression at a strain rate of 1 s−1. Through electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), Schmid factors are mainly distributed between 0.395 and 0.495, making lattices easy to rotate and shear bands formed. The shear band, a local plastic deformation structure, has a significant impact on the dynamic recrystallization and preferred orientation of grains. Through the recrystallization distribution maps, subgrains absorb a large amount of dislocations, which increases the grains’ orientation difference, resulting in the formation of recrystallized grains with high‐angle grain boundaries. In addition, bulging grain boundaries promote the formation of new nuclei. The newly formed nuclei will generate and grow by absorption of dislocations, which is the feature of discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. These two phenomena are further confirmed by transmission electron microscope tests. Finally, R‐Cube textures mainly form in shear bands at 400 °C, while in the matrix, E‐textures mainly form at 400 and 450 °C, and R‐Goss textures are rotated to form at 500 °C, which is confirmed by EBSD test results.