Research Study Research Articles

Pyrates: Design and Evaluation of a Serious Game Aimed at Introducing Python Programming and Easing the Transition from Blocks

This article reports on a design-based research study centered on the conception and the assessment of the Pyrates application. This online serious game aims at introducing Python programming to K–12 students while easing the transition from block-based to text-based languages. After we present the various aspects underlying the block-to-text transition as well as the related existing applications, we describe the design of Pyrates . First, we built the levels of the game to deal with the different fundamental concepts of programming in a constructivist approach. Next, we were inspired by advantageous characteristics of block-based programming editors to create the editing environment of Pyrates . To assess this conception, we tested the application in eight classrooms with 240 French 14–15 years old students. Students’ activity traces have been collected and were augmented by a qualitative online survey. By analyzing this dataset, we showed that the levels’ design generally allows to apprehend the targeted concepts consistently with the constructivist principles. Regarding the editing environment, we established that it supports the block-to-text transition in several aspects: concept transposition (general models and illustrative examples), reduction of errors (beginners aware syntax analyzer), command catalog (programming memo for discovery and syntax reference), and program composition (copy button that limits keyboarding). Finally, Pyrates , which has already been played over 140,000 times, offers practitioners an environment that facilitates the transition from blocks to text, as well as a serious game to master the fundamental concepts of Python programming, and novel avenues to follow for tool designers.

Stacked Up Against Us: Using Photovoice and Participatory Methods to Explore Structural Racism's Impact on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities.

While structural racism has profound impacts on adolescent health, little is known about how youth synthesize racialized experiences and work to dismantle systems of oppression. This article provides an overview of a Youth Participatory Action Research study that used Photovoice and community mapping to explore how structural violence, like racism, impacts the sexual and reproductive health of historically excluded youth as they navigate unjust socio-political landscapes. Youth participants used photography and community maps to identify how the experience of bias, profiling, and tokenism impacted their ability to navigate complex social systems. With youth voices prioritized, participants explored ways to address structural racism in their lives. The importance of co-creating opportunities with and for youth in critical reflection of their lived experience is emphasized. Through an Arts and Cultural in Public Health framework, we provide an analysis of the ways structural racism functions as a gendered racial project and fundamental cause of adolescent sexual and reproductive health inequities, while identifying pathways toward liberation in pursuit of health and well-being.

Soft skills in the tourism industry of the future: a comparison between Italy and Spain

PurposeThe harmonisation of university degrees at the European level leads us to believe that training needs are addressed in the same way in different countries. However, the inevitable adaptation to the changing environment faced by companies requires a continuous adjustment between training and future needs, according to the sector. The aim of this paper is to compare two leading and culturally similar countries in the tourism sector in order to determine whether training is being provided homogeneously in tourism higher education and whether more specific training is desired to meet the needs of the sector in each country.Design/methodology/approachThis study is part of the European Next Tourism Generation (NTG) Project, the first European partnership to foster a collaborative and productive relationship between the education system and the tourism industry. A mixed research study was conducted with the purpose of development, i.e. with the intention that the results of one method (qualitative) are used to assist the development of the other method (quantitative) and an exploratory sequential design. Both qualitative (29 interviews) and quantitative (509 tourism organisations) methods are used.FindingsFor a sector that has undergone significant changes in recent years, the results show the differences between countries around the current level of soft skills of employees, the level they will need to develop in the future and the gaps that those responsible for training future employees in the sector need to focus on for the 2030 horizon.Practical implicationsSeveral recommendations have emerged from this paper: to complement higher education, to achieve a better link between the business world and future workers; to provide much more incentives for international student mobility, which will allow students to develop intercultural soft skills before they enter the world of work, and to propose the creation of a social network to share, communicate and learn about resources specific to the tourism industry.Originality/valueSince the Bologna Plan, higher education institutions have been tasked with preparing students for the world of work and developing the employability of graduates. The link between the professional world (companies) and the educational world (training centres) is a crucial factor in determining students' future skills and needs. When educational programmes respond to the needs of industry, the university can gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, some authors suggest the need for coordination and regular communication between business and training centres, thus improving the competitiveness of companies and reducing the gap that currently exists. In this paper, comparing two culturally similar countries with a recognised trajectory in the tourism sector, we will try to observe this gap and propose interesting options for the future of the sector.

The benefits of virtual learning abroad programs for higher education students: A phenomenological research study

BackgroundHigher education institutions offer in-country learning abroad programs to provide healthcare students with the opportunity to gain the intercultural and global competencies they need to work in a globally interconnected world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions offered virtual learning abroad programs as an alternative to the in-country programs, however, little is known about whether they provide comparable benefits to students. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate, and identify, the benefits gained by higher education healthcare students through their participation in a virtual learning abroad program. Design/MethodsThis research implemented a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with four higher education students enrolled in the final year of their healthcare studies. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. ResultsThe results revealed that virtual programs provide a range of benefits students can use in their future careers. They also provide students with a positive learning experience and an opportunity for personal growth. However, although the benefits students gain from virtual learning abroad programs are similar to those they gain from in-country programs, they are not identical. While virtual learning abroad programs are a viable alternative for in-country programs and offer many benefits, they fail to replicate the intercultural and global competencies that in-country programs offer to students. ConclusionThis study focusses on virtual learning abroad programs and whether the benefits healthcare students gain from them are comparable to the traditional in-country programs. Students gain personal and professional benefits from these programs without the risks and costs associated with international travel. However, the identified lack of increased global awareness has implications for how the benefits of virtual learning abroad programs should be promoted to students.

Wickedity in onboarding to high-stress social work: an action research study

PurposeThis paper aims to answer report how mentors who onboard newcomers to a high-stress social work organization can learn about their onboarding practice by treating onboarding as a wicked problem that escapes definitive formulation and final solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors follow an action research approach with three iterations of learning about onboarding with mentors in a Danish social work organization struggling with an employee turnover exceeding 30%.FindingsThe authors unfold the authors’ emerging sensitivity to wickedity over the iterations of learning about onboarding with the mentors. As the authors foreground the wickedity of the authors onboarding in the last iteration, three lessons learned could be derived: it warrants the mentors’ continuous inquiry; opens inquiry into the ambivalence of mentoring; and convenes responsibility for inquiry to a community of mentors.Research limitations/implicationsThis study of problematic onboarding to high-stress social work shows the value of fore-grounding wickedity instead of hiding it with a positive framing. This wickedity rests on situated grounding and is only transferrable to other organizations with the utmost caution.Practical implicationsHigh-stress social work organizations without the capacity to systematically sustain best practices for onboarding may, instead, increase attention to the wickedity of onboarding as a motivation for continuous inquiry by a broader community of mentors.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to present an action research study of problem wickedity to motivate mentors’ inquiry into onboarding newcomers to high-stress social work.

A Comparative Analysis of Huawei and Apple: Market Strategies, Innovation, and Consumer Preferences

The mobile phone industry has witnessed exceptional development over the last few years, with strong competitors between significant gamers such as Huawei and Apple. This introduction aims to summarize the market conditions surrounding these two businesses, highlighting the research study background for this study. In addition, the approaches employed in this research, the conclusions drawn, and prospective future avenues for investigation will be discussed.

Sleep Quality in Individuals with and without Persistent Postpartum Hypertension.

This study aimed to compare sleep quality at 1 year postpartum following a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) among individuals with persistent postpartum hypertension (HTN) compared with those with normal blood pressures (BPs). We combined data from the Heart Health 4 New Moms pilot randomized trial (n = 118) and the Pathways prospective cohort study (n = 36). Individuals with a singleton pregnancy complicated by gestational HTN or preeclampsia underwent a research study visit at a mean 48.7 ± 9.5 weeks postpartum with standardized BP measurement and assessment of subjective sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Persistent postpartum HTN was defined as Stage 1 HTN or greater (mean systolic BP ≥ 130 mm Hg or mean diastolic BP ≥ 80 mm Hg over three measurements at rest) or requiring antihypertensive medication. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of 154 individuals with an HDP included in the analysis, 84 (55%) were normotensive at 1 year postpartum and 70 (45%) had persistent postpartum HTN. Individuals with persistent postpartum HTN were more likely to be older, self-identify as Black race, have higher prepregnancy and 1-year postpartum body mass index (BMI), be multiparous, and deliver at an earlier gestational age. The mean global PSQI score was 8.7 ± 3.7, with 81% reporting poor sleep (PSQI > 5), and scores were higher among individuals who were persistently hypertensive (9.6 ± 3.5) compared with those who were normotensive at 1 year postpartum (7.9 ± 3.6), p < 0.01. Findings were unchanged in a multivariable model adjusting for age, self-reported race, prepregnancy BMI, and parity. Following an HDP, individuals reported poor sleep quality at 1 year postpartum. Individuals with persistent postpartum HTN reported lower sleep quality, suggesting that sleep behavior may be a target for intervention to improve maternal cardiovascular health following an HDP. · After an HDP, poor sleep quality was common at 1 year postpartum.. · Those with persistent postpartum HTN reported worse sleep quality at 1 year postpartum.. · Sleep behavior may be a target for intervention to improve maternal cardiovascular health..

It is More Crowded Than That: Exploring the Impact of Sibling Experience on the Work of Psychodynamic Practitioners

This article presents the results of a Master's research study into the impact of sibling experiences on psychodynamic practitioners. Interpretative phenomenological analysis offered participating therapists an opportunity to make sense of how their own sibling experiences may have shaped their lives and work and sought to generate wider insights about sibling influence should they emerge. Data was obtained from semi‐structured interviews with six psychodynamic practitioners. The research produced three major findings: that siblings do have a significant and enduring impact on the development of the self; that sibling theory and training could do more to explain this; and that the sibling legacy of both therapist and client is present in the consulting room. The article identifies important theoretical insights on how siblings shape our internal worlds and contribute to development. It argues that without understanding their own sibling material, therapists risk missing the importance of siblings in clinical work. To avoid this, training and continuing professional development bodies could give higher priority to sibling theory and clinical understanding, and supervisors and therapists could undertake to increase their own awareness of their own sibling impacts as well as those of their clients.

Artificial Neural Network for Forecasting Reference Evapotranspiration in Semi-Arid Bioclimatic Regions

A correct determination of irrigation water requirements necessitates an adequate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo). In this study, monthly ETo is estimated using artificial neural network (ANN) models. Eleven combinations of long-term average monthly climatic data of air temperature (min and max), wind speed (WS), relative humidity (RH), and solar radiation (SR) recorded at nine different weather stations in Tunisia are used as inputs to the ANN models to calculate ETo given by the FAO-56 PM (Penman–Monteith) equation. This research study proposes to: (i) compare the FAO-24 BC, Riou, and Turc equations with the universal PM equation for estimating ETo; (ii) compare the PM method with the ANN technique; (iii) determine the meteorological parameters with the greatest impact on ETo prediction; and (iv) determine how accurate the ANN technique is in estimating ETo using data from nearby weather stations and compare it to the PM method. Four statistical criteria were used to evaluate the model’s predictive quality: the determination coefficient (R2), the index of agreement (d), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the mean absolute error (MAE). It is quite evident that the Blaney–Criddle, Riou, and Turc equations underestimate or overestimate the ETo values when compared to the PM method. Values of ETo underestimation ranged from 1.9% to 66.1%, while values of overestimation varied from 0.9% to 25.0%. The comparisons revealed that the ANN technique could be adeptly utilized to model ETo using the available meteorological data. Generally, the ANN technique performs better on the estimates of ETo than the conventional equations studied. Among the meteorological parameters considered, maximum temperature was identified as the most significant climatic parameter in ETo modeling, reaching values of R and d of 0.936 and 0.983, respectively. The research showed that trained ANNs could be used to yield ETo estimates using new data from nearby stations not included in the training process, reaching high average values of R and d values of 0.992 and 0.997, respectively. Very low values of MAE (0.233 mm day−1) and RMSE (0.326 mm day−1) were also obtained.

Studi Literatur: Strategi Reading Habit Sebagai Upaya Optimalisasi Literasi

This research study aims to determine the strategy of implementing "Reading Habit" in improving literacy skills in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah students seen from the role of parents and teachers, as well as the relationship between the application of "Reading Habit" to literacy skills in Madrasah Ibtidayah Students. The method taken uses a literature study approach, with reference to previous research relevant to the strategy of implementing reading habit programs in improving literacy skills in students. This research shows that education in today's era, the interest needed in students in supporting education is the interest in reading. Reading activities will affect insight into knowledge and literacy skills in students. But in fact, Indonesian students are less fond of reading, and cause Indonesia to be low in the reading category compared to other countries. So it needs to be applied to elementary school and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah students related to the reading habit program. The strategy in implementing this habituation can be assisted through the role of parents and teachers, so that the benefits of realizing the application of this reading habituation can improve reading skills by thinking critically in understanding problems, as well as literacy skills in elementary school and madrasah ibtidaiyah students

Beginning Literacy as the Object of Study of Language and Literature Teaching Research, from an Ethnographic Perspective: Contributions to Teacher Training and the Teaching Work

This article presents the concepts and fundamentals of the lines of research on Language and Literature teaching from an ethnographic perspective, which we have been conducting in Argentina. Currently, these lines of research are being carried out at Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and focus on continuous teacher training distance learning, specifically addressing the challenges that affect Beginning Literacy in our country. The article explores how teachers describe their teaching experiences regarding the reproduction of educational slogans from the approaches that have guided curriculum designs and teacher training over the last four decades. It also presents how teachers produce other meanings regarding specific aspects overlooked by such reproduction. In this regard, the meanings through which teachers describe the challenges that their students face in mastering written language are defined and analyzed. Teachers sometimes do not know how to address these difficulties, as they have not been introduced to linguistic perspectives related to the distinctive features of Beginning Literacy.

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.