Innovative Tool Research Articles

Exploring climate change tackling in slums integrating ArcGIS data management and slums regenerative development model : case study of El Kharga city – Egypt

ABSTRACT The impacts of climate change on various dimensions of society are interrelated. Slum dwellers are among the most vulnerable urban groups to the effects of climate change. This paper introduces innovative tools and practices towards sustainable regenerative development of slums in Egypt, across the integration of the Slums Regenerative Development Model (SRDM) with ArcGIS data management capabilities supporting decision-maker to develop innovative strategies towards tackling climate change in slums. Nine pillars of regenerative development pillars (RDP) are employed, each of which is further broken into various practices that describe various methods for achieving the regenerative development of slums. ArcGIS data management toolsets were employed to create and analyze Spatial data representing the status of buildings in the study area. El Kharga city (located in New valley governorate, southwest of Egypt) was selected as study area. El Khagra was declared to be the first eco- friendly city in Egypt, also El Kharga city achieved the caption of Arab Environment Capital for the year 2022. Al Sibt zone was one of the informal settlements in El Kharga city, hence the study focused on its growth. Al Sibt Zone was evaluated in the context of various regeneration pillars and practices.

Bridging AI Innovation and Cybersecurity: Generative AI's Contribution to NIS2 Compliance

The digital world is changing quickly. One big area of focus is how artificial intelligence (AI) fits in with cybersecurity. New rules, like the NIS2 Directive, are pushing organizations to keep their systems secure. This research looks at how generative AI can help meet those safety standards. More companies are using generative AI for things like data creation and risk assessment. This gives them a chance to improve their security practices. We explore how AI tools, like machine learning and natural language processing, can help find weaknesses, predict threats, and respond to incidents. This way, companies can follow the tough rules set by NIS2. We analyze how AI is currently used in cybersecurity. The goal is to share best practices for using these technologies well. We also address the challenge of keeping new tech secure. In the end, we want to add to the conversation about AI and cybersecurity. We give advice for policymakers and business leaders on how to use generative AI as a smart tool for both innovation and meeting NIS2 requirements. This study highlights how generative AI can help improve cybersecurity while also fulfilling regulatory needs in today's tricky digital landscape.

Comparative Effectiveness of Blended Teaching Models with Micro-Teaching Assistants in Clinical Pharmacokinetics Education

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-teaching assistants within a hybrid online-offline teaching framework in the context of clinical pharmacokinetics education.Material and Methods: A total of 320 clinical pharmacy students participated, with 143 students from earlier cohorts forming the control group and 177 students from the 2019 and 2020 batches comprising of the observation group. Traditional teaching methodologies instructed the control group, while the observation group benefited from a novel, blended teaching approach incorporating micro-teaching assistants. The evaluation criteria encompassed theoretical knowledge acquisition, practical skill development, pass rates, and score distribution.Results: This investigation into clinical pharmacokinetics education demonstrates the superiority of a blended teaching model, enhanced by micro-teaching assistants, over traditional methodologies. The observation group, utilizing this approach, displayed a significant 15% increase in theoretical knowledge scores, maintained high practical skill levels, alongside achieving a 94.9% pass rate, markedly surpassing the control group’s 91.6%. Feedback from students corroborated the model’s effectiveness, with satisfaction scores exceeding 4.8 out of 5; despite potential respondent bias. Notably, the application of micro-teaching assistants was most pronounced in Pharmacology, highlighting its value in teaching complex theoretical content, and advocating for expanded use in medical education.Conclusion: This study concludes that the integration of micro-teaching assistants into blended teaching strategies for clinical pharmacokinetics significantly improves educational outcomes. This approach not only facilitates a more effective learning environment but also underscores the potential of innovative pedagogical tools in enhancing student performance, and comprehension in complex subjects.

Data Collection and Elaboration of Guidelines for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management in Brazilian Private Higher Education Institutions

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for governments, ecologists, and the Ministry of the Environment. Studies show a growing increase in the generation of WEEE in Brazil and around the world. In a 2024 report by The Global E-Waste Monitor, Brazil was identified as the largest generator of WEEE in South America, ranking second in the Americas, only behind the United States. Given this scenario, sustainability practices and actions are necessary to minimize the incorrect disposal of WEEE. Considering the need to provide innovative tools to support the teaching–learning process, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) invest heavily in technology acquisition and, as a result, are increasingly concerned about equipment disposal when it no longer meets its purchased needs. This study aims to develop guidelines for implementing WEEE management policies to guide the correct disposal of these materials in HEIs. This study made it possible to visualize how important technology is for business continuity and highlight employees’ ecological awareness when disposing of unserviceable electronic equipment. The results of this study made it possible to present comparative data on the generation of WEEE, which served as a basis for drawing up guidelines to support HEIs in improving WEEE management and emphasized the importance of environmental awareness and responsibility.

Relationship Between Perceived Benefit and Perceived Sacrifice towards Behavioral Intention to Implement Virtual Reality Technology in China’s Vocational College

The adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology in English courses at vocational colleges has gained attention for its potential to enhance learning outcomes. Understanding the factors that influence behavioral intention to use VR technology is crucial for successful implementation. Perceived benefit, which reflects the advantages users expect from VR, and perceived sacrifice, encompassing the effort or costs associated with its use, play critical roles in shaping users' intentions. This study explores the relationships between perceived benefit, perceived sacrifice, and behavioral intention to use VR in English courses, providing insights into how these factors impact the acceptance of innovative educational tools. This study use quantitative research which involve 231 English teachers in China’s Vocational Colleges in Jinlin Province. SMART-PLS is used to analyze the data in order to show the path coefficient results for the variables. Results revealed that perceived benefit had a small negative but statistically insignificant correlation with behavioral intention. Similarly, perceived sacrifice exhibited a slight positive yet insignificant relationship with behavioral intention. Both hypotheses were rejected, indicating no significant influence of perceived benefit or perceived sacrifice on behavioral intention to implement VR technology. These findings highlight the need to explore additional factors influencing VR adoption in educational contexts.

Transforming Technical Education: The Effect of the AR-MicroC Augmented Reality Learning Module on Students Achievement

Technological advances driven by Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) have introduced digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) that are changing the approach to learning. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using the AR-MicroC Augmented Reality Learning Module in improving student achievement in the Information Technology Certificate program at the Malaysian Community College. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design was used, involving 66 students who were divided into two groups: a treatment group (n=32) who used the AR-MicroC module and a control group (n=34) who followed conventional teaching methods. Data was collected through pre-test and post-test for the Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) course. The study lasted for five weeks, involving pre-test, teaching, and post-test phases. Data analysis using independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test showed a significant difference in achievement between the two groups. The results of the study prove that the AR-MicroC module is effective in improving student performance. The implications of this study suggest the use of the AR-MicroC Augmented Reality Learning Module as an innovative alternative teaching tool in the learning process, especially in transforming technical education.

Identification of diagnostic methods for African swine fever: A systematic literature review

This review emphasizes the urgent need for effective diagnostic strategies for African swine fever (ASF), a serious disease affecting pig populations worldwide. The aim of the review is to analyze the existing research on ASF diagnostics through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on different diagnostic approaches, including clinical assessments, PCR tests, ELISA, rapid tests and epidemiological models. It examines their sensitivity, specificity and overall performance, addressing challenges such as the varying sensitivity of tests and cross-reactivity. The review highlights both the strengths and limitations of current methods and suggests areas for improvement and standardization. Recommendations are made for future research and the development of innovative diagnostic tools to improve ASF surveillance and control. This study makes a practical contribution by providing a detailed assessment of ASF diagnostic methods from which veterinary scientists and practitioners can benefit. Theoretical contributions include the identification of gaps in ASF diagnostics and the refinement of discussions on diagnostic accuracy and reliability. These findings are consistent with the journal’s focus on infectious diseases and veterinary research and support progress in veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Developing an AI Tool for Forest Monitoring: Introducing SylvaMind AI

Global forests face increasing threats from deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, necessitating innovative tools for effective monitoring and management. Traditional forest monitoring methods, which rely heavily on manual fieldwork and labor-intensive data processing, are often inadequate for addressing the scale and complexity of these challenges. Advanced tools leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing have emerged as critical solutions, offering timely, accurate, and actionable insights to enable efficient ecosystem monitoring, threat detection, and sustainable management practices. This paper introduces SylvaMind AI, an advanced platform that integrates satellite imagery, deep learning frameworks, and geospatial analysis within a user-friendly interface, which was built using Python for backend systems and deep learning pipelines, alongside tools like Pandas, Rasterio, and TensorFlow for data preprocessing and predictive modelling. The platform processes high-resolution data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat missions for feature extraction and predictive modelling. SylvaMind AI offers two modelling approaches: an automated option for non-technical users and a customizable feature for researchers with specialized needs. Using these approaches, we developed a predictive canopy height model for a study area. The results demonstrated the platform's ability to capture underlying forest patterns and provide detailed insights into canopy height distribution, particularly for medium to high canopies (>25m). This underscores its strength in modeling structural complexity in dense forests. However, the model showed limitations in representing smaller trees, attributed to insufficient training data. SylvaMind AI holds immense potential in transforming forest monitoring by leveraging advanced geospatial data, AI, and intuitive design to address critical challenges in sustainable forest management.

ШТУЧНИЙ ІНТЕЛЕКТ ТА КРИМІНАЛЬНЕ ПРАВО: СУЧАСНІ ГРАНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ

The article considers the conceptual foundations of the functioning of artificial intelligence and its impact on criminal law relations. It have been analyzed the doctrinal and legislative sources on which the development of an effective model of criminal legal regulation of these processes should be based. It is emphasized on digitalization as a driving factor of fundamental changes, which forms the legal digital reality. Its transformative potential is developing due to the growing availability of big data, artificial intelligence, increasing capacity of modern computers, new blockchain technology platforms, Internet of Things, cloud services, virtual reality, social networks and platforms, cybersecurity, electronic services, etc. It is emphasized the controversy of the definition of the term “artificial intelligence”. It have been presented the arguments in favor of granting to artificial intelligence the status of “electronic person”, which is due to the rapid development of this innovative digital tool and the acquisition of intellectual qualities that equal or exceed human ones, which is the basis for recognizing such a person as a subject of criminal-legal relations and a subject of a criminal offense”. The opposite opinion is based on the fact that human intelligence belongs to a subject endowed with consciousness, but what is called artificial intelligence refers to an object, that is, technology, machines that are not able to empathize, to create, etc., therefore, the attribution of a set of information technologies to unique qualities of a person, in the context of their criminal legal dimension, is a manifestation of the dehumanization of law in general, and criminal law in particular. Keywords: digitalization of law, digital transformations, artificial intelligence, criminal-legal relations, conceptual foundations, philosophy of artificial intelligence.

Federated privacy-protected meta- and mega-omics data analysis in multi-center studies with a fully open-source analytic platform.

The importance of maintaining data privacy and complying with regulatory requirements is highlighted especially when sharing omic data between different research centers. This challenge is even more pronounced in the scenario where a multi-center effort for collaborative omics studies is necessary. OmicSHIELD is introduced as an open-source tool aimed at overcoming these challenges by enabling privacy-protected federated analysis of sensitive omic data. In order to ensure this, multiple security mechanisms have been included in the software. This innovative tool is capable of managing a wide range of omic data analyses specifically tailored to biomedical research. These include genome and epigenome wide association studies and differential gene expression analyses. OmicSHIELD is designed to support both meta- and mega-analysis, so that it offers a wide range of capabilities for different analysis designs. We present a series of use cases illustrating some examples of how the software addresses real-world analyses of omic data.

Framework Nucleic Acids: Innovative Tools for Cellular Sensing and Therapeutics.

As emerging biomaterials, framework nucleic acids (FNAs) have recently demonstrated great potential in the biomedical field due to their high programmability, biocompatibility, unique structural diversity, and precise molecular design capabilities. This review focuses on the applications of FNAs in cellular sensing and disease treatment. First, we systematically introduce the applications of FNAs in cellular sensing, including their precise recognition and response to the extracellular tumor microenvironment, cell membrane proteins, and intracellular biomarkers. Subsequently, we review the potential of FNAs in disease treatment, covering their applications and development in drug delivery, regulation of cell behavior, and immunomodulation. We also discuss the limitations and potential role of FNAs in personalized medicine, precision diagnostics, and advanced therapies. The broad application of FNAs is expected to drive significant breakthroughs in future biomedical technological innovations and clinical translation.

STATE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM HARMFUL INFORMATION

Objective: This study examines Uzbekistan's regulatory framework for information dissemination, focusing on safeguarding societal values and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. Method: A qualitative approach is employed, analyzing constitutional provisions, legislative acts, government resolutions, and categorization methods for information, alongside policy assessments and comparative reviews with international practices. Results: The findings reveal a structured legal framework balancing transparency with protection. Information is categorized into five types—beneficial, neutral, harmful, culturally sensitive, and misleading—each addressed through nuanced policies. Specific measures include the 2018 law mandating age-based content classification and expert accreditation to evaluate harmful content. Challenges identified include limited parental and institutional oversight and the need for technological solutions like AI-based filters. Novelty: This research highlights the integration of age-specific digital regulations and expert accreditation as innovative tools in mitigating harmful content, presenting a model adaptable to other jurisdictions. These findings emphasize the evolving landscape of information governance and the critical need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure a safer informational ecosystem.

Development of Tools for the Automatic Processing of Advanced Driver Assistance System Test Data

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies are key to improving road safety and promoting innovation in the automotive sector. The approval and analysis of ADAS systems, especially automatic emergency braking (AEB) tests, require complex procedures and in-depth data management. This work presents innovative tools developed to facilitate the post-processing of ADAS AEB test data, created in collaboration with Nardò Technical Center. The tool, called Autonomous Code Generation Intelligence (ACGI), introduces an intuitive and intelligent user interface that helps analyze and interpret ADAS test approval regulations. ACGI automates the generation of code sections within a data analytics framework, streamlining the compliance process and significantly reducing the time and programming skills required. This tool allows engineers to focus on high-value tasks, improving overall process efficiency. To achieve this objective, the tool encodes the DAART code framework (Data Analysis and Automated Report Tool) which allows users to carry out real post-processing of the tests conducted on the track. The results demonstrate that both tools simplify and automate critical steps in the ADAS automatic emergency braking test data analysis process. In fact, the tool not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of the analyses but also offers a high degree of customization, making it a flexible and adaptable tool to meet the specific needs of users. In future developments, ACGI could be extended to cover additional ADAS tests and could be equipped with artificial intelligence to suggest configurations based on new regulations.

J.R.R. TOLKIEN "THE FALL OF GONDOLIN": FORAYS INTO THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

How can the narrative and thematic elements in "The Fall of Gondolin" by J.R.R. Tolkien be utilized as innovative pedagogical tools for teaching Natural Sciences and Mathematics? This was the guiding question for this text. The general objective was to analyze how the narrative and thematic elements in "The Fall of Gondolin" by J.R.R. Tolkien can be utilized as innovative pedagogical tools for teaching Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The specific objectives were to identify scientific and mathematical concepts present in "The Fall of Gondolin," investigate the descriptions of natural phenomena and architectural structures in the work, relating them to concepts of geology, biology, physics, and mathematics, develop pedagogical activities based on the narrative elements of the work as propositions for the teaching practices of Basic Education teachers, and create a guide of best practices for the use of "The Fall of Gondolin" in the teaching of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Regarding the methodological aspects of the research, it is a study that uses a qualitative methodology. The main stages and methods of the study include: Content Analysis, with the objective of identifying and categorizing narrative and thematic elements of "The Fall of Gondolin" that can be correlated with concepts of geology, biology, physics, and mathematics, the development of Pedagogical Activities, with the objective of creating pedagogical activities based on the narrative elements identified in the content analysis, and the development of the Best Practices Guide for teaching Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The results of this study indicate that integrating narrative and thematic elements of "The Fall of Gondolin" into the teaching of Natural Sciences and Mathematics can promote an interdisciplinary approach that stimulates curiosity, engagement, and the development of critical and scientific skills among students. By connecting fantasy with scientific reality, Tolkien's work provides an engaging and meaningful context for learning, making scientific concepts more accessible and interesting.

Exploring collaborative practices for chronic disease management: Results from a new survey to primary care physicians and specialists in Italy.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a global health challenge that requires coordination across various healthcare settings.Purpose: This study in Tuscany, Italy, investigates professional integration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists in NCD management.Research Design: A self-developed survey was used to explore professionals' views on clinical and organizational collaboration, accountability, and service improvement.Study Sample: The study involved primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists working in the field of NCD management.Data Collection and/or Analysis: The survey gathered data on professionals' perceptions of clinical protocol use, care integration effectiveness, and other aspects of collaboration in NCD management.Results: Findings reveal disparities between PCPs and specialists in clinical protocol use and care integration effectiveness.Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and enhance information sharing. Promoting peer relationships and innovative performance evaluation tools is vital for improving chronic disease management. This survey contributes valuable insights for the development of integrated care models, aiding healthcare decision-makers in enhancing chronic care system performance.

Chiral Cobalt Nanocluster-Driven Chemiluminescent System for the Facile Discrimination of Carnitine Enantiomers with a Hydrogel-Assisted Strategy.

Facile chiral discrimination without relying on chromatographic techniques has long been a huge challenge due to the minimal differences in the physicochemical properties of enantiomers. Polysaccharide hydrogels with natural chiral selectivity can be promising materials for constructing chiral discrimination platforms. In this study, l-cysteine-induced cobalt nanoclusters (LC-CoNCs) were prepared and utilized as chiral nanozymes for promoting the chemiluminescent (CL) signal of a luminol-H2O2 system. Based on the competitive affinity of LC-CoNCs and carnitine enantiomers on a Ca2+ crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel interface, a CL method was established for the effective discrimination of carnitine enantiomers. With this strategy, d-carnitine led to a significantly inhibited CL signal, whereas l-carnitine did not exhibit an inhibition effect on the CL signal. According to the results of density functional theory calculations and contact angle measurements, the hydrogel shows an affinity sequence of d-carnitine > LC-CoNCs > l-carnitine due to the synergistic effect of SA and Ca2+, which is the foundation for achieving effective discrimination. This approach demonstrated acceptable accuracy for assaying d-carnitine in complex matrices such as drug preparation and milk. This work pioneers the combination of a polysaccharide hydrogel as a chiral selector with a nanozyme as the CL indicator for the effective discrimination of enantiomers, offering an innovative tool for the development and production of chiral drugs.

A child opportunity index in Italy: a pilot proposal

BackgroundThe Child Opportunity Index (COI) is a new and innovative tool designed to assess the environment in which children grow up, offering a broad evaluation of the opportunities available to them in different neighborhoods. This initiative aims to ensure improvements in children’s living conditions and future health outcomes.MethodsThe study was performed in the cities of Palermo and Rome. Our Italian COI consists of three main domains: education, health and environment, and economy, each subdivided into specific indicators. We collected information, when available, useful for our indicators from institutional sites and municipal archives. Furthermore, in the city of Rome, we distributed a questionnaire through local pediatricians, collecting data in 2 randomly chosen neighborhoods with questions on children’s health and quality of life, proposing an initial approach that, when implemented using data provided by the government and public and private health institutions, aims to evaluate the correlation between socio-economic opportunities and the psycho-physical health of children, as demonstrated in the literature.ResultsAs a result, many aspects, such as the rate of air pollution or the illegal occupation of houses, were not taken into consideration. We therefore consider our COI proposal only a starting model that will have to be implemented once all the necessary information has been obtained. However, what can be deduced from this first descriptive study is how the opportunities in different neighborhoods are not the same for all children. The number of educational opportunities as well as the number of environmental opportunities differs between the various districts and is not homogeneous between different cities or within the same city.ConclusionsIn conclusion, it is not simple to analyze in a scientific manner the child’s health impact of living in different areas. The COI could be a useful and simple tool that can give us this information. Pediatricians could collaborate with institutions to implement intervention plans and to reduce existing differences, social and health inequalities. Future studies will have to implement this pilot study to create and validate an Italian model of COI to be used as a useful tool in children’s assistance.

Empirical insights into the effects of research-based teaching strategies in quantum education

The present review intends to show the current state of teaching quantum-related content, to analyze and compare its learning efficiency, and to give a systemized overview of quantum-educational activities in the last years. We focus on teaching and learning elements, their innovative tools, and process-oriented studies that are empirically validated. In terms of content, we mainly concentrate on aspects of modern quantum technology. The final dataset for our analysis and synthesis included 50 studies published since 2017 and until the follow-up survey in February 2024. We have found that most of the teaching strategies described and investigated are in the field of quantum mechanics and are designed to provide an introduction to the rather broad and differentiated topic of quantum science. Studies specifically addressing mathematical concepts can exclusively be found for the target group of university students. Visualizing ideas or innovative social interventions to improve quantum learning is mainly found in schools while only a few approaches for further education show validated results. Tools most often examined in the studies reported were of digital nature, though some experiment-focused learning environments were also evaluated. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Rockin’ the Subsurface: Learning Geophysics with ‘Electromagnetic Odyssey’

In the education of applied geophysics, innovative learning tools are essential to bridge the gap between theory and practical field experience. Fieldwork is critical for reinforcing classroom knowledge and fostering peer interactions. However, it faces financial costs, physical accessibility, and logistical challenges, which can deter student participation and create equity concerns. To address these issues, adaptable educational models and digitalization are crucial. Integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has significantly enhanced learning processes, with alternatives like recorded fieldwork videos, high-resolution imagery, and virtual outcrop models gaining prominence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through thoughtful design, video games offer educational potential by enhancing motivation and engagement. This paper introduces Electromagnetic Odyssey, an immersive learning tool to overcome traditional field trips’ financial and logistical constraints. The video game considers the application of Electromagnetic methods for groundwater exploration. Electromagnetic Odyssey aims to promote equitable access to quality education and motivate students through well-designed, technology-enhanced activities, aligning with educational principles emphasizing motivation’s importance in learning.

IMPACTO DO TRATAMENTO FISIOTERAPÊUTICO EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN COM O USO DA REALIDADE VIRTUAL

This study presents a systematic literature review on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the physiotherapeutic treatment of children with Down Syndrome (DS). The research explores how VR can be an innovative tool to overcome the challenges of engagement and adherence to treatment, often observed in conventional therapies. The main objective is to evaluate the impact of VR on motor development and quality of life of these children. The methodology employed included the analysis of recent publications in electronic databases, focusing on studies involving children with DS aged 3 to 18 years. The selection criteria prioritized research addressing the use of VR in physiotherapeutic treatment and evaluating its impact on motor development, balance, and muscle strength. The review results indicate that VR offers a motivating experience, favoring engagement in Physiotherapy sessions. Efficacy was observed in stimulating mental, sensory, and neuromusculoskeletal functions, with adaptations to facilitate the understanding of games and concepts worked on. Improvements were notable in areas such as balance, global motor skills, and spatial organization. The review highlights the significant potential of VR as a complementary tool in the physiotherapeutic treatment of children with DS. The combination of VR with traditional Physiotherapy emerges as a promising approach, optimizing treatment and addressing various needs of these children. This study emphasizes the importance of future research with larger samples and long-term evaluations to more robustly establish the effectiveness of VR in this context.