Systematic Observation Research Articles

Endothelial Protection by Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: A Literature Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Endothelial dysfunction often precedes the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. The cardioprotective benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) could be explained by their favorable impact on the endothelium. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the direct in vitro effects of SGLT2is on endothelial cells, as well as the systematic observations in preclinical models. Four putative mechanisms are explored: oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO)-mediated pathways, inflammation, and endothelial cell survival and proliferation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that SGLT2is share a class effect on attenuating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and on enhancing the NO bioavailability by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and by reducing NO scavenging by ROS. Moreover, SGLT2is significantly suppress inflammation by preventing endothelial expression of adhesion receptors and pro-inflammatory chemokines in vivo, indicating another class effect for endothelial protection. However, in vitro studies have not consistently shown regulation of adhesion molecule expression by SGLT2is. While SGLT2is improve endothelial cell survival under cell death-inducing stimuli, their impact on angiogenesis remains uncertain. Further experimental studies are required to accurately determine the interplay among these mechanisms in various cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and acute myocardial infarction.

Self-Access Language Learning Support in Europe: Observations and Current Practices

This research examined the practices and spaces for self-access language learning (SALL) support, such as self-access learning centers (SALCs), learning resources, other learning spaces, advising, learner development, and social learning opportunities in leading institutions in Europe. The researcher analyzed how language learner support is conceptualized, operationalized, and evaluated at three institutions in Italy and one in Germany. The research was conducted through systematic observations during site visits, document analyses, and semi-structured interviews with staff and students in the four institutions. The researcher also drew on findings from the recent literature, insights from recent conference presentations, and discussions with colleagues based elsewhere in Europe to make observations about current trends in SALL in Europe. Six themes emerged from a thematic analysis of this data. The research offers perspectives for students and teachers interested in supporting learning outside the classroom in Europe and elsewhere.

Application of indirect observation within mixed methods to contrast the results obtained through direct observation: a discussion with observed Pikler educators.

This work arises from a previous research, "Pikler educators early in the morning" carried out in the Emmi Pikler Nursery School in Budapest through Systematic Observation. In it, Piklerian choreographies were found in observed educators' behavior during the studied three daily activities: feeding breakfast, dressing to go to the garden and free play accompanying. All of them share certain Piklerian principles, which are synthesized in three central keys: the stability of the educator's behavior, her strategic and intentional positioning, and an active emotional control. This study aims to contrast this synthesis of results by means of an in-depth interview with the two observed educators, and to apply the methodological approach of indirect observation within mixed methods for its analysis. The objective is to confirm whether the three central keys are recognized as their own and to look for new theoretical-practical elements within the studied educational approach. We applied an in-depth interview and analyzed it following the guidelines of indirect observation. The participants were the two educators previously observed, a translator from the Pikler team, and the three observers, authors of this work. An ad hoc observation instrument was elaborated, and the three macro-stages QUAL-QUAL-QUAL proposed within mixed methods were rigorously followed. Lag sequential analysis was used to conduct data analyses. We deepened in prospective lags and obtained the response pattern underlying the interview. Then, we performed a concurrence analysis to investigate the relationship between the central keys obtained in our original research and Piklerian ideas. In-depth interview within mixed methods has been a novel and generous tool leading us to substantial and methodological contributions, despite the simplicity of performed analyses. Interviewed educators' response pattern is a faithful reflection of the Piklerian modus operandi. The study of concurrences shows that Piklerian education is something natural, integrated in its professionals, with the exception of emotional control, which still requires permanent reflection.

Addressing observational gaps in aerosol parameters using machine learning: Implications to aerosol radiative forcing

The role of atmospheric aerosols has remained hugely uncertain due to lack of long-term systematic observations. This is particularly the case in the global emission hotspot the Indo-Gangetic Plain. In this paper, we apply a machine learning (ML) approach to fill gaps in aerosol observations by combining meteorological reanalysis, and satellite-observations. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), Single Scattering Albedo (SSA), and Asymmetry Parameter (AP) are critical parameters for understanding the atmospheric aerosol properties, radiative forcing and climate patterns. We considered AOD, SSA, and AP over an urban site, Kanpur, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which is a global hot-spot of high aerosol loading. We used ML technique to fill the observational gaps in AOD, SSA, and AP at 440 nm. Accurate ground-based daily observations of AOD, SSA, and AP from AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) over a period of ∼2 decades (2001–2022) are used in the analysis, which have ∼ 37%, ∼62%, and ∼58% data gap, respectively. To reduce observational gaps, an ML model was trained with reanalysis (meteorological parameters) and satellite (angstrom exponent and absorbing aerosol index) datasets by optimally tuning the hyperparameters. The model tested on unseen data showed that it could simulate the AOD (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.51 and refined index of agreement, RIA = 0.66), SSA (R2 = 0.60 and RIA = 0.70), and AP (R2 = 0.64 and RIA = 0.71), successfully with moderate accuracies: root mean square error of 0.25, 0.018, and 0.018, respectively. This magnitude of error in AOD is comparable to the errors, 0.26 and 0.25, in satellite (MODIS-Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) derived and reanalysis (MERRA-2- Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2) AODs, respectively for the study region. When MODIS AOD was included as a predictor in the ML model, it could reproduce AOD with much smaller errors of 0.14, reproducing 84% of total variability. Thus, based on available input data, we reduced observational gaps of daily AOD, SSA, and AP by ∼10% (∼2 years), ∼23% (∼5 years), and ∼21% (∼4 years), respectively, at the study region. Aerosol Radiative Forcing (ARF) at the top-of-atmosphere was estimated using AOD, SSA, and AP both with and without gap-filling. We found that data gaps can significantly impact the estimations of aerosol climate forcing. A considerable change in ARF, ∼ ± 3 Wm−2 indicating that the observational gaps can mislead our understanding of aerosols' impact on climate. This points toward the need for more comprehensive measurements with minimal observational gaps. Our study highlights the possibility of compensating observational gaps by an optimised ML model and that such innovative approach can potentially lead to better understanding of impact of aerosols on climate. Further, the present study could be of immense interest for the community as our validated approach can be applied for other pollutants and for other data-scarce regions in the South and Southeast Asia.

Prioritizing family-centered developmental care: insights from parents of children with critical congenital heart disease: a qualitative study

As survivors of early cardiac surgery are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments, systematic health observations of children with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) throughout childhood are recommended to enable early diagnosis and offer interventions to optimize neurodevelopment. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was performed to explore parents’ concerns, experiences, and needs regarding the development and received developmental care of their child (0–10 years) during hospital admission and beyond. Data were collected using semi-structured online interviews with 20 parents of children with CCHD. Four major themes were identified: (1) “impact of diagnosis and disease on the family-system,” (2) “parental concerns from diagnoses and beyond,” (3) “the need for information,” and (4) “the need for individualized and family-centered care.” The main themes can be divided into 13 sub-themes as impact, concerns, and needs are influenced by various impactful moments from diagnosis and afterwards. Conclusion: This study confirms the importance of early identification of neurodevelopmental problems by experienced healthcare professionals, especially in the early years when parental expectations and concerns about their child’s neurodevelopment are lower. A tailor-made family-centered follow-up program should be offered, which pays attention to both the neurodevelopment of patients with CCHD as well as the mental wellbeing of the entire family system. Furthermore, an online portal is recommended with a variety of reliable, controlled, understandable information from which parents can obtain the desired information to understand better the consequences of specific heart condition and to provide their child with the best possible guidance.What is Known:• Survivors of early cardiac surgery are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments; systematic health observations of children with CCHD throughout childhood are strongly recommended.What is New:• Parents need a tailor-made family-centered follow-up program, which pays attention to both the neurodevelopment of patients with CCHD as well as the mental wellbeing of the entire family system.• An online portal offering diverse, trustworthy information and sources would effectively meet parents’ needs by providing accessible insights into the potential consequences of specific heart conditions and guiding them in supporting their child optimally.

Assessing the walkability of high-density neighborhoods: Development and reliability of the high-density environment assessment tool (HEAT)

BackgroundWalking is a widespread and multifaceted activity among residents in high-density cities, making assessing the neighborhood walking environments important. Existing tools for assessing walkability in high-density cities primarily focus on the immediate environment of sidewalks. However, an individual's walking behavior is influenced by environmental characteristics across multiple dimensions and scales. Consequently, based on a systematic analysis of the features of high-density cities, this study proposes the High-density Environment Assessment Tool (HEAT). This hybrid approach comprehensively assesses walkability in high-density cities by incorporating variables of neighborhood, segment (sidewalk), and crossing. MethodsThe HEAT consisted of three sections with 108 items. To validate the reliability and applicability, field tests were conducted in two 15-min walkable neighborhoods with different built environment contexts in Chongqing City, China. The neighborhood section was objectively assessed using ArcGIS Software. The segment section and crossing section were audited through systematic on-site observation. Four pairs of trained raters assessed all of the segments (n = 139) and crossings (n = 123) within the two neighborhoods. The inter-rater reliability of the repeated audit data was evaluated by Kappa/Weighted Kappa or Percentage Agreement values. A web-based application was used for data collection and input. ResultsFor the neighborhood section, 21 assessment items were included. For the segment and crossing sections, 87 assessment items were included for the reliability test, and 84 (96.6%) of the items indicated satisfying inter-rater reliability (with Kappa/Weighted Kappa value ≥ 0.4 or high Percentage Agreement). In addition, the audit of each segment and crossing sample was completed in an average of 7.9 and 1.8 min, respectively. ConclusionsThe results indicated that the HEAT was reliable and efficient. The HEAT provided an effective tool for assessing the walkability of the neighborhood built environment in high-density cities, thereby facilitating environmental interventions aimed at promoting walking activities.

Finding the path of least resistance: An examination of officer communication tactics and their impact on suspect compliance

AbstractResearch SummaryThis study investigated the impact of patrol officer communication tactics on suspect compliance by using Systematic Social Observation (SSO) to code 438 body‐worn camera and dashcam video recordings from two police agencies. Specifically, we examined officer tenor/demeanor, use of noncoercive directives, use of verbal coercion, and accusations, while controlling for a host of suspect and situational factors. Results showed that when officers presented a positive tenor/demeanor or employed noncoercive verbal tactics, suspects were significantly more likely to comply. Conversely, use of coercive verbal tactics and accusatory language did not have a significant impact on suspect compliance. In addition, negative suspect demeanor, suspect impairment, and suspect elevated emotional state negatively affected compliance.Policy ImplicationsRecent calls for police reform have focused on producing less coercive outcomes by explicitly recognizing the role that officers have in managing encounters rather than simply reacting to suspect behaviors. An increased focus on officer communication strategies in both police training and practice is likely to promote suspect compliance while reducing the need for officer use of force. Similarly, it is likely that more coercive verbal strategies have little impact on suspect compliance and may lead to negative perceptions of police interactions and law enforcement in general.

Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress

During extensive periods without rain, known as dry-downs, decreasing soil moisture (SM) induces plant water stress at the point when it limits evapotranspiration, defining a critical SM threshold (θcrit). Better quantification of θcrit is needed for improving future projections of climate and water resources, food production, and ecosystem vulnerability. Here, we combine systematic satellite observations of the diurnal amplitude of land surface temperature (dLST) and SM during dry-downs, corroborated by in-situ data from flux towers, to generate the observation-based global map of θcrit. We find an average global θcrit of 0.19 m3/m3, varying from 0.12 m3/m3 in arid ecosystems to 0.26 m3/m3 in humid ecosystems. θcrit simulated by Earth System Models is overestimated in dry areas and underestimated in wet areas. The global observed pattern of θcrit reflects plant adaptation to soil available water and atmospheric demand. Using explainable machine learning, we show that aridity index, leaf area and soil texture are the most influential drivers. Moreover, we show that the annual fraction of days with water stress, when SM stays below θcrit, has increased in the past four decades. Our results have important implications for understanding the inception of water stress in models and identifying SM tipping points.

Digitization and the Collection Sustainability

This study focuses on the efforts and projects to create and sustain the digital transformation of the museum collection in the Grand Egyptian Museum project. GEM is considered one of the cultural enlightenment projects where Egyptian heritage truly meets the latest technological innovations. GEM's one-of-a-kind and valuable collection will be displayed under overwhelming themes and narratives that will depict the ancient Egyptians' life, customs, death, and rebirth beliefs, which they performed and lived for almost 5,000 years. Egyptian cultural materials are spread across all of Egypt and managed by hundreds of museums; the task of digitization is a common challenge for all these museums. The study relied mainly on the quantitative method. The literature review and systematic observation were examined to study the trend toward the sustainability of GEM museum collections. Digital sustainability and digitization in Egyptian museums are constrained by limited knowledge capacity, fundraising resources, and ICT infrastructure. Faced with these constraints, the Grand Egyptian Museum has addressed these challenges with an interdisciplinary approach through collaborative planning, management, digitization, and digital presentation of its collections.

Maximisation of synchronisability under low injection power

Synchronisability of limit cycle oscillators has been measured by the width of the synchronous frequency band, known as the Arnold tongue, concerning external forcing. We clarify a fundamental limit on maximizing this synchronisability within a specified extra low power budget, which underlies an important and ubiquitous problem in nonlinear science related to an efficient synchronisation of weakly forced nonlinear oscillators. In this letter, injection-locked Class-E oscillators are considered as a practical case study, and we systematically analyse their power consumption; our observations demonstrate the independence of power consumption in the oscillator from power consumption in the injection circuit and verify the dependency of power consumption in the oscillator solely on its oscillation frequency. These systematic observations, followed by the mathematical optimisation establish the existence of a fundamental limit on synchronisability, validated through systematic circuit simulations. The results offer insights into the energetics of synchronisation for a specific class of injection-locked oscillators.

Lysosome-targeted flavonoid ESIPT sensor for the selective sensing of UO22+ in pure water solutions and cell imaging

The sensitive detection and tracing of UO22+ in both complex water environments and cells are of great significance for environmental protection and life health. In this study, three flavonoid fluorescence sensors, including Ph-A, Ph-B, and Ph-C, were designed and prepared for the intracellular and aqueous solution detection of UO22+. The systematic structure and property relationship observation demonstrated that Ph-A with aldehyde groups achieved better detection stability and recognition effects compared with conventional molecules with carbonyl groups. Ph-A can be aggregated into nanoparticles in water. Based on the ESIPT mechanism, Ph-A can emit bright fluorescence in water, which can be further quenched by UO22+. Besides, Ph-A exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with the detection limit reaching as low as 1.17×10−8 mol/L. In addition, Ph-A and its fluorescent test strips presented high accuracy and perfect recovery in complex water sample tests, and they can be used for the on-site visual detection of UO22+ in low concentrations. More meaningfully, the sensor could penetrate through the cell membrane and localize in the lysosome, and the UO22+ in the lysosome was traced for the first time. The findings are expected to extend the advanced fluorescent sensor to the fields of environmental monitoring and targeted decorporation drug development.

Improved drinking water planning challenges in Urban Households’ in Bamenda city, Cameroon

Access to improved drinking water remains a fundamental need and a basic human right vital for the dignity and health of all people. There is an urgent need to increase access to improved drinking water in urban households in Bamenda city where a low proportion currently appears to be having access. There also exist marked disparity in access amongst the different Sub-divisions which is still to be scientifically investigated. This study sets out to investigate the improved drinking water planning challenges in urban households in Bamenda, Cameroon. The study used systematic field observation, household surveys and administration of 520 copies of questionnaire to urban household heads as primary sources of data collection. The administration of the 520 copies of questionnaire was carried out using purposive and simple random sampling techniques within Bamenda I, II and III Sub-Divisions. Primary data were matched with secondary source information obtained from WHO, UNICEF, UN, CDC, UNDP, PAHO and The University of Bamenda Central Library. Findings revealed that standpipes (41.3%), protected dug well (51.9%), piped water connected to households (54.8%), boreholes (61.9%), rain water collection (63.3%) and spring water harnessed to households (38.6%) constitutes the main urban households improved drinking water sources. Also, natural factors (33.67%) and planning-related challenges (63.33%) work together to limit access to improved drinking water to households. Field observation and measurements revealed that less than 5 urban households share a common water source, while other 42.88% cover <50m to get to the nearest improved drinking water source point. The study highlights that improved drinking water in Bamenda city is currently a limited and non-basic service. The study recommends the expansion of improved drinking water infrastructure by the relevant stakeholders, systematic data collection on factors affecting access to improved drinking water by urban households for better decision making, seek ways to increase accessibility of improved drinking water by the government via MINEE and MINDUH and finally, households should build water towers to store water for continuous use.

A Review of Measurement Characteristics Within Single-Case Designs in Special Education

Single-case designs substantiate the effectiveness of interventions for people with disabilities and other populations through the repeated measurement of behavior over time. Consequently, employing accurate and reliable systems of measurement is critical to the validity of single-case designs. Much of the data in single-case research are collected through systematic direct observation. Direct observation often involves the use of time sampling, wherein an observer indicates whether a behavior occurred during a specific period. Although scholars have highlighted the potential for time sampling to distort the results of single-case design, targeted reviews indicate time sampling continues to be used in literature involving people with disabilities. The current study reviews literature from the field of special education, in which single-case designs are frequently used to evaluate the efficacy of practices. Using a large, representative sample of 1,425 randomly selected single-case design articles from 33 special education journals, we coded articles to determine the type and features of measurement systems employed by researchers. Findings indicate one-fifth of articles feature some form of time sampling. In addition, time sampling is more prevalent in journals pertaining to individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders. A discussion of implications for research quality follows an overview of results.

Relationship between Ball Impact Point, Type of Stroke and Shot Direction in High-Performance Padel

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between ball impact point, type of stroke, and shot direction in high-performance padel. A total of 8363 strokes from nine matches of three national tournaments involving a total of 24 male players were subjected to systematic observation. The variables analyzed were type of stroke, shot direction, and ball impact. A descriptive analysis was conducted for each study variable, with a comparison of the variables performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test, column proportions determined using a Z test according to Bonferroni (p < 0.05), an association established by corrected standardized residuals, and an effect size calculated using Crammer’s V. The results showed that the most-used stroke types were volleys, serves, groundstrokes, and backwall shots (67.6%). The cross-court direction stood out over down-the-line and inside-out directions. Finally, almost two-thirds of the impact point locations were forward. In addition, the type of stroke determined shot direction and ball impact location. Moreover, the ball’s impact location significantly determined shot direction. In conclusion, these results suggest that the ball impact location and the type of stroke provide information from which padel shot direction can be anticipated. Such knowledge may constitute a very important factor affecting performance and success among padel players.

University students’ recognition of typical wave optics patterns

The recognition and distinction of typical interference and diffraction patterns are among the expected learning outcomes of studying wave optics. Previous studies have reported high school students’ difficulties with this task. In this study, we investigated university students’ ability to distinguish typical wave optics patterns obtained by the double slit, single slit, and diffraction grating. We also used eye tracking to obtain an insight into the distribution of students’ visual attention during the task. The results showed that university students had similar difficulties in recognizing wave optics patterns as high school students. They mostly struggled with identification of the double-slit interference patterns and diffraction grating patterns of monochromatic light while they were more successful in recognition of the diffraction pattern of white light on an optical grating and single-slit diffraction patterns. The eye-tracking data also revealed that students spent more time attending colourful than grey patterns in questions regarding diffraction of white light on an optical grating, thus suggesting that they were aware that the diffraction grating separates white light into colours. In questions regarding monochromatic light patterns, students overall mostly attended the single-slit diffraction pattern probably because of its distinct central maximum. Furthermore, the longer fixation duration for patterns compared to the text implies that students found it easier to extract information from the text than from the patterns. No prior research has compared the number of transitions during problem solving with the accuracy of the answers. In this study, we observed that students who incorrectly solved a task demonstrated a significantly higher number of gaze transitions between the question and the options, as well as among different options. The results of this study indicate that the recognition of typical wave optics patterns is also difficult for university students, thus suggesting that more attention should be paid to systematic observation and identification of key features of basic wave optics phenomena in lecture demonstrations and student laboratories.

The Effect of Physical Education Content on Children’s Activity During Recess

ABSTRACT Background Physical activity plays a crucial role for primary and secondary prevention of various chronic diseases that can lead to premature morbidity and mortality. Purpose This study was designed to investigate (a) elementary boys’ and girls’ voluntary participation in team handball during recess, while it was being simultaneously taught in physical education (the intervention phase) and after the physical education lessons had concluded (maintenance phase); and (b) the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels during physical education, team handball recess, and traditional recess. Methods One hundred thirty third grade elementary school children (53 girls, 77 boys) from six schools were taught a 10-lesson team handball unit during physical education. Ten team handball recess sessions (20 min) were organized during lunch recess in which children could voluntarily participate. Systematic observation was used to assess children’s MVPA in all settings. Results There were no significant differences between boys (49%) and girls (55%) for participation in team handball recess during intervention and maintenance phases. Boys achieved more MVPA in physical education (33% vs 29%, p < .001), team handball recess (52% versus 47%, p < .05) and traditional recess (51% versus 40%, p < .05) compared to girls. Translation to Health Education Practice Connecting recess to physical education creates an opportunity where children can voluntarily engage in activities they have learned, while enabling them to generate higher MVPA levels compared to traditional recess, especially for girls.

Distinguishing Intuitive and Deliberative Reasoning Regarding Different Aspects of Science Classroom Discourse

Purpose The current study aimed to identify the distances between a science teacher's intuitive reasoning and researchers’ systematic analysis of various aspects of science classroom discourse. An expert science teacher, given the pseudonym Jake, engaged in self-reflective processes regarding different aspects of classroom discussions to assess the variations and similarities between the teacher's intuitive estimations and the researchers’ data-based reasoning. Design/Approach/Methods Data collection involved in-depth interviews and video recording. Six aspects of science classroom discourse were considered to elucidate the distances: structure, interactional pattern, verbal sequence, typology, cognitive demand, and communicative approaches. Findings The quantitative distances between Jake's estimations and systematic observations of the six aspects of science classroom discourse varied across different aspects of the observed science lesson. While no consistent pattern was observed in the distances, there were increasing and decreasing gaps between the different aspects of science classroom discourse. Originality/Value Considering the contemporary arguments on human cognition and the professional development of science teachers, potential reasons for the differences were explored. Educational recommendations were provided, particularly regarding supporting science teachers’ journey toward becoming reflective inquirers or researcher-teachers.

Impact of Project Planning, Monitoring And Evaluation on the Sustainability of the Millennium Village Project in Pampaida, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State Nigeria

The sustainability of a project refers to the capability of a project to retain its usage over the long term. The Millennium Village Project (MVP) in Pampaida was purposely initiated to alleviate over 70% of the populace from poverty. The study examined how project planning, monitoring and evaluation influenced its sustainability, adopting the participatory and the stakeholders’ theory with the involvement of donors, government, and the community people in achieving the set goals and objectives of the Project – poverty reduction. The study applied the mixed method research technique –qualitative leading and corroborated by quantitative. We selected 368 people from the community as respondents from the 28 settlements of Pampaida to provide us with the data through structured questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions and systematic observations. The statistical tools used in the analysis were; simple percentages, frequency tables, mean, standard deviation, and the application of the SPSS version 26 for inferential statistics while using Linear Regression Technique to test the hypothesis. In the research, hypotheses were framed in null forms to address the objectives of the study and were tested statistically, which corroborated the use of thematic analysis of interviews and observations of the research. The study found that project planning, monitoring and evaluation were significant factors that positively affect the sustainability of MVP projects. Therefore, the study recommends that; the government prioritize effective, structured and comprehensive project planning to guide the project objectives. In terms of Project execution maintenance and support, feedback mechanism and capacity-building initiative, the community needs to establish committees to implement a robust and rigorous monitoring and evaluation system.

MRO overview: Sixteen years in Mars orbit

Launched on August 12, 2005, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) entered Mars orbit on March 10, 2006. Following a period of aerobraking, MRO completed its entry into its primary science orbit in September 2006, initiating a program of systematic observations of Mars that still continues. Five providers, including the Italian Space Agency, provided 6 instruments for flight, observing the surface, atmosphere, and subsurface of Mars with greater spatial resolution and systematic coverage than ever before. Two investigations utilized the spacecraft accelerometers and tracking of the orbiter via the Deep Space Network to study upper atmosphere densities and the gravity field of the planet. The data acquired by MRO have revealed a dynamic planet whose change from an ancient wetter climate to the drier climate of today was a complex transition and not a simple “drying out”. Furthermore, that climate continues to change even today. The diversity of the early habitable environments, the ice ages recorded in the polar cap layering and subsurface ice deposits, the repeating patterns of dust storms, and the revelation of new features at the limit of resolution are all part of the scientific return from MRO during nearly a decade of Mars years. The story of that mission, of the evolution of its capabilities, and its contributions to our current understanding of Mars are the subject of nearly two dozen papers in the Icarus special issue, MRO: Sixteen Years at Mars. Three papers describe in more detail the evolution of instrument operations and data products over the mission; several papers describe new analysis techniques for the radar, including construction of 3-dimensional views, and for the atmospheric sounder, enabling better retrievals in a dusty lower atmosphere. Other papers report on recent research including, but not limited to, dune movement, the roles of water and carbon dioxide ice in surface change, and attempts to understand the formation and fading of the enigmatic recurring slope lineae. This paper describes general aspects of the MRO spacecraft, payload, and mission as context for the special issue papers; it also summarizes scientific results and mission support events on a mission phase by mission phase basis to give a time history of discovery and effort.

Fostering Child Empowerment Through English Language Competency in Speaking Skills

This research delves into the intricate relationship between English language competency, specifically in speaking skills, and the empowerment of young learners within the context of early childhood education. Combining descriptive qualitative research with an extensive literature review, the study elucidates the profound implications of language proficiency on child empowerment. The research employs a methodology involving in-depth interviews, systematic classroom observations, and content analysis. Subjects comprise young learners in early childhood education, with a focus on their English language proficiency in speaking. Data collection includes semi-structured interviews with educators, parents, and learners, alongside literature review findings. The outcomes reveal that language proficiency functions as a transformative tool, fostering self-confidence, self-expression, and active learning participation. Proficient speakers exhibit enhanced agency and autonomy, equipping them with cognitive tools for academic success and global navigation. Disparities in language competency and empowerment among young learners are identified, necessitating inclusive educational practices and targeted support. This research underscores educators' pivotal role, alongside engaged parents and inclusive curriculum design, in fostering language proficiency as a means of empowering children in early education. The study contributes to a holistic understanding of language's role in shaping the foundations of empowered, lifelong learners.