21st Century Research Articles

Soil Fertility, Fertilizers, and Crop Nutrition: Past, Present, and Future

AbstractThe 20th century saw the development of a highly efficient nutrient industry producing affordable fertilizers that contributed greatly to increased food, feed, fiber, and fuel production for a growing global population. Plant nutrient production and use in the 21st century faces pressure to improve efficiency and outcomes. The nutrient industry has historically operated with large volumes and low margins, and has, at times, been slow to embrace innovations. However, the landscape has changed, driven by the demand for superior products, practices, and environmental stewardship. This transition marks the advent of what experts term “responsible plant nutrition” (International Fertilizer Association, 2024). This is the third and final article in a series on the past, present, and future of the North American fertilizer industry. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

INFLUENCE COMPETENCY BASED CURRICULUM HAS ON LEARNERS’ CREATIVE THINKING SKILLS AMONG GRADE THREE LEARNERS IN KISUMU WEST SUB COUNTY

This research investigated the influence of the Competency Based Curriculum on attainment of 21st century competencies among learners in Kisumu West Sub-County. The research problem was based on a growing concern among researchers and educators that the learner centred curriculum had initially been largely flawed, hurried and lacking proper strategies as well as wide consultation. Major education stakeholders such as parents also received the Competency Based Curriculum with a lot of negativity and resistance claiming that the system is financially oppressive and burdensome. Learners too were caught in between and almost lost confidence in the curriculum due to the cynical talks about it from their parents, social media and the general public. The study therefore strived to identify the degree to which the competency-based curriculum has improved learners’ creative thinking. The study was guided by the constructivist theories. Mixed research methodology was adopted. A descriptive survey design was used. Purposive sampling was used to identify 32 schools out of 105 primary schools. A total of 133 respondents were involved in various segments of data collection tools; focus group discussion schedules, questionnaires, observation schedules and document analysis schedules, mainly to elicit information from school principals, teachers and parents within public, private, special and integrated schools. The study instruments were found to be reliable with a Cronbach’s Alpha 1.0. Collected data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was presented in tables and figures. The coefficients the independent variable was positive and statistically significant. The study found creative thinking the most significant variable (97.5%). The study findings indicated that the independent variable was the predictor of acquisition of 21st century competencies among learners. The study recommended that supervision in schools should be intensified and appropriate support rendered to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the curriculum in order to help the curriculum fully achieve its objectives. KEY WORDS: Competency Based Curriculum, Learners’ Creative Thinking Skills, Grade Three Learners, 21st Century Competencies

Active playful learning as a robust, adaptable, culturally relevant pedagogy to foster children’s 21st century skills

ABSTRACT Drawing upon Vygotskian and Piagetian learning theories, recent research reveals children’s learning can be maximized through a specific Active Playful Learning (APL) approach called guided play. The deepest and most engaging learning happens during guided play. In guided play, adults might prepare an environment and set a learning goal, but children get to direct their own play and exploration towards that goal. Research suggests that guided play fosters math skills, shape knowledge, task switching, spatial vocabulary, literacy, language, social interaction, and physical activity. The intersection of play and the intentionality of having a learning goal holds great potential as a pedagogical approach that can be applied to technology, community spaces, and to classrooms. We describe current directions in: (1) the conceptualization of guided play, (2) areas for implementing this approach in formal and informal education (including television and digital applications, as in the case of Sesame Street), and (3) future opportunities and challenges.

THE ROLE OF CONFUCIANISM IN THE IDEOLOGICAL DOCTRINE OF MODERN CHINA

The article attempts to consider the complex and sometimes contradictory system of interaction that prevails in modern China between the Marxist ideology and the Confucian worldview, which is historically a priority for this state. The main tenets of Confucius’ teachings are presented: traditionalism, an internal system of moral and ethical values, and even a strict hierarchical system of social interactions. During the 20th and the first quarter of the 21st century, Confucianism and Marxism went through a complex and sometimes tragic system of relations. From the complete prohibition of Confucius during the period of acute socio-political reformation ("Movement for a new culture" and the "cultural revolution") to a relatively neutral attitude in the intermediate historical period. The current stage of development of the ideological model of Chinese society can be characterized as a creative symbiosis between Marxism and Confucianism.

Development of interactive digital teaching materials based on 21st century skills in special purpose arabic language courses at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro

Special Purpose Arabic Language refers to the teaching or learning of Arabic language tailored to specific needs or objectives. This means that Arabic language lessons are designed with a focus on its usage context in specific fields or activities, as opposed to a general approach to teaching Arabic. Special Purpose Arabic Language courses at the university level are tailored to specific needs and objectives in a professional context, producing graduates ready to face global challenges. The objectives of this research are (1) to analyze the process of developing interactive digital teaching materials based on 21st-century skills in Special Purpose Arabic Language courses at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro, (2) to analyze the feasibility of interactive digital teaching materials based on 21st-century skills in Special Purpose Arabic Language courses at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro, and (3) to analyze the effectiveness of interactive digital teaching materials based on 21st-century skills in Special Purpose Arabic Language courses at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro. This research uses the Research and Development (R&D) method using the ADDIE model. Data collection techniques in this study use expert validation questionnaires, expert validation materials, student responses, and tests. The results of this research and development are as follows: (1) The development process consists of five steps: analysis, development, design, implementation, and evaluation, resulting in the production of interactive digital teaching materials based on 21st-century skills. (2) Based on validation results by experts, an average score of 90% was obtained. According to the Likert scale, the value of 90% falls into the category of very feasible because it is within the range of >61%. Meanwhile, the average percentage of student responses obtained an overall score of 88.5%, falling into the category of very feasible. (3) The results of the effectiveness test of teaching materials using a paired sample T-test showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores with a significant value (2-tailed) of p = 0.000, <0.05. The null hypothesis (H0) in this study was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted, indicating a significant difference between the two tests. Based on the data above, the developed teaching materials are effective in Special Purpose Arabic Language courses.

Habitat degradation changes and disturbance factors in the Tibetan Plateau in the 21st century

Land use changes driven by human activities significantly impact biodiversity in plateau regions. However, current research is largely confined to identifying correlations between various factors and both habitat quality and degradation, overlooking the nonlinear relationships between them. To address this gap, we applied the PLUS-INVEST model to investigate the spatial effects of land-use changes on habitat quality and degradation patterns across the Tibet Plateau during the 21st century. By employing a geographic detector, we determined the contribution rates of disturbance factors to habitat quality and degradation, and established constraint lines and threshold ranges between these factors. The findings reveal that: (1) The PLUS model demonstrates an exceptional performance in land-use simulation, with an overall accuracy of 0.8465. (2) The high-quality habitat area exhibits a declining trend, while the habitat degradation index steadily rises from 2000 to 2100, indicating a significant loss of biodiversity within the region. Habitat quality displays a spatial distribution pattern characterized by higher values in the south and lower values in the north, with areas in proximity to road threat sources experiencing more pronounced habitat degradation. (3) NDVI emerges as the most influential factor in promoting habitat quality, while the interaction of NDVI_Temperature exerts the greatest influence on spatial heterogeneity. The distance to resident emerges as the primary disturbance factor contributing to habitat degradation, with the interaction strength of GI_Resident being the most significant contributor. (4) Threshold intervals for ANPP, NDVI, precipitation, temperature, and distance to resident of optimal habitat quality and most severe degradation. This provides a novel scientific approach for designating areas for targeted conservation and intensive management restoration.

Arctic Transport and Communication Initiative in the 21st century (using the Polar Silk Road Initiative as an example)

The Arctic transport and communication initiative of the 21st century, with the Chinese idea of the «Polar Silk Road» as an example, is considered as a concept of peaceful coexistence within the framework of achieving the «Common Future» of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Arctic concept is presented using the world-political approach of N. K. Kharlampieva, which highlights the conceptual components of international relations development at the level of strategic planning of economic, transport and communication processes at the regional and global levels. This approach made it possible to build a strategic structure: a) to study the development of transport communication in the Arctic as a methodology; b) to describe the basis for the development of the Arctic transport and communication infrastructure. In the context of a tense foreign policy situation, it is particularly important to focus on the development of transport communication between China and Russia, where the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals plays a special role in the development of the Arctic transport and communication infrastructure in the 21st century at the bilateral level.

Abortion, decriminalisation and the medico-legal paradigm

The medico-legal paradigm enmeshes legal with medical power, making abortion lawfully available only under the supervision of medical professionals. This article examines the recent parliamentary debates over abortion decriminalisation in New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, to argue that the decriminalisation of abortion in Australia represents a continuance with, rather than a break from, the medico-legal paradigm. The medical power embedded in laws that criminalised abortion in the nineteenth century, and liberalised abortion in the twentieth century, was not the same as that imagined by parliamentarians debating decriminalising abortion in the twenty-first century. Norms constituting abortion seekers and their doctors have shifted significantly. Nevertheless, the medico-legal paradigm continues to govern how lawful abortion is imagined. The medico-legal paradigm converts abortion seekers’ desires for abortion into a need for healthcare and imagines the autonomy and agency of abortion seekers as enabled only through their subjection to medical power. This conversion, I suggest, dampens the potential abortion holds to open up and challenge norms of gender, sexuality and reproduction.

Experimental and Independent Italian Cinema: Legacies and Transformations into the Twenty-first Century, Anthony Cristiano and Carlo Coen (eds) (2020)

Review of: Experimental and Independent Italian Cinema: Legacies and Transformations into the Twenty-first Century, Anthony Cristiano and Carlo Coen (eds) (2020) Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 332 pp., ISBN 978-1-47447-403-0, p/bk, $19.99/$90.00

Migration as a Securitized Phenomenon: An Analysis of the Societal Security in Terms of EU Perception

In the 21st century, the diversification of communication and transportation opportunities has not only facilitated regular migration movements but also led to changes in the volume and dimensions of irregular migration. Migrants not only significantly influence the demographic, sociological, and economic structures of the countries they move to but have also become subjects of security concerns. Member countries of the European Union (EU) are targeted by migration movements due to attractive factors such as high living and working conditions, economic prosperity, and governance styles that respect human rights. Claims that migrants threaten the societal security of the EU by affecting its language, religion, cultural values, traditions, and national identities have become frequent topics of discussion in political and academic circles. In this regard, the main aim of the study is to determine whether migration poses a threat to the societal security of the EU or if such a perception exists in EU society. The findings indicate a strong perception in EU society that migration constitutes a threat to societal security.

GASTRORETENTIVE EFFERVESCENT FLOATING TABLETS (GREFT) OF DRUGS ACTING ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Incidences of Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) are increasing in an alarming proportion in India. Conventional oral dosage forms cannot be retained in the stomach for long owing to gastric emptying. Moreover, drugs which are commonly employed in management of chronic CVDs either have reduced solubility at alkaline pH, undergo colonic degradation, exhibit site-specific absorption or varying bioavailability with combination therapy. Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) are designed to overcome these challenges. Since 2006, Food and Drug Administration has approved only few GRDDS for treating CVDs. The aim of the present review is to summarize the outcomes of research carried on GRRDS with drugs for CVDs since last 15 y and comprehensive analysis of limitations of such studies due to which no product has been approved or commercialized in over last 18 y. Literature survey includes single unit, multi-particulate, monolayer and bilayer dosage forms with or without effervescence-inducing agents and made of natural and/or synthetic polymers like hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, natural gums etc. Efforts have been made to compile in vitro buoyancy data such as floating lag time, total floating time, swelling index, release profile and release kinetics. Among various studies reported on monolayer and bilayer Gastro-Retentive Effervescent Floating Tablets, only 3 involved bioavailability studies in human volunteers. Toxicity studies in animals or stability studies are totally lacking. Observation with floating-type multi-particulate GRDDS is more disappointing. lack of safety, efficacy data, stability data, in vivo imaging studies and in vitro-in vivo correlation data might be actually responsible for lack of commercialization of any GRDDS for drugs acting on CVDs in 21st century.

Recent Trends of Practical Theology in Finland

Abstract This paper explores historical and recent developments in Finnish Practical Theology and Religious Education. It reconstructs the operating environment under which PT and RE exist in Finland, i. e. its political, economic, and cultural circumstances. To this end, the authors highlight developments such as the transition from a rural-centric to an urban society, the impact of political left-wing ideology, and the impact of Finland’s joining the European Union. Through an analysis of dissertation research at Helsinki University, the paper provides an overview of current topics of research in Finnish PT. The authors concluds with insights into likely future developments in the 21st century.

A Scientometric Worldview of Artificial Intelligence in Musculoskeletal Diseases Since the 21st Century.

Over the past 24 years, significant advancements have been made in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. However, there is a lack of analytical and descriptive investigations on the trajectory, essential research directions, current research scenario, pivotal focuses, and future perspectives. This research aims to provide a thorough update on the progress in AI for MSK diseases over the last 24 years. Data from the Web of Science database, covering January 1, 2000, to March 1, 2024, was analyzed. Using advanced analytical tools, we conducted comprehensive scientometric and visual analyses. The findings highlight the predominant influence of the USA, which accounts for 28.53% of the total publications and plays a key role in shaping research in this field. Notable productivity was seen at institutions such as the University of California, San Francisco, Harvard Medical School, and Seoul National University. Valentina Pedoia is identified as the most prolific contributor. Scientific Reports had the highest number of publications in this area. The five most significant diseases are joint diseases, bone fractures, bone tumors, cartilage diseases, and spondylitis. This comprehensive scientometric assessment benefits both experienced researchers and newcomers, providing quick access to essential information and fostering the development of innovative concepts in this field.

Application of Nanotechnology for Herbal Medicine Development: A Review

Background: Herbal medicines have been extensively used to treat diseases since the prehistoric era, but written records date back more than 5,000 years only. All civilizations developed their knowledge of herbal medicines in a well-ordered system, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc. The interest in traditional medicine declined after the discovery of modern medicine. However, in the 21st century, herbal medicines are staging a comeback as the dangers and limitations of modern medicine have become more apparent and herbal medicines are viewed as a balanced and moderate approach to healing. Methods: This review includes the nanoformulations of phytoconstituents and extract. Advancements in analysis and clinical research prove the efficacy of nano-herbal medicines in preventing and treating diseases. This review is mostly about how nanotechnology can be used to help herbal medicines work better. Result: The major problems with herbal medicines are their poor solubility and stability. New technological advancements are capable of removing the problems associated with herbal medicine. Novel drug delivery systems such as microemulsion, liposome, niosome, and nano-drug delivery systems are used to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. Conclusion: Nanotechnology has significant merit for herbal medicines, such as improving solubility, bioavailability, pharmacological activity enhancement, and stability enhancement.

Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism in the 21st Century

Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism in the 21st Century

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Thoughts on Atamnirbhar Bharat: An Overview

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was popularly known as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow village in Madhya Pradesh. Ambedkar was a leader, jurist, social reformer, political thinker and Politician. He is also known as the, “Father of Indian Constitution.” Throughout his life, he fought for the rights of the Dalits and other socially backward classes. New challenges and opportunities have emerged for India in the 21st century. The political and economic equality among citizens is present, but it is not equally distributed in social or economic areas. Successful democracy is not a socioeconomic tool provided by the Indian constitution, which must be executed properly by various government forms to create welfare state. The welfare state is necessary for the genuine attainment of Atamnirbhar Bharat. Dr. B R. Ambedkar’s socioeconomic perspective suggests that the government will provide a free education and health facility for all individuals, which is beneficial as he believes it will make India renowned as an exceptional human resource. India’s democracy is undoubtedly the largest in the world. A more efficient democratic system requires the appropriate utilization of resources to benefit the common people. Every citizen is entitled to receive access education and healthcare facilities, which in turn help provide effective services for the nation. Atamnirbhar Bharat, a new government initiative, promotes local talent and generates new employment opportunities for people. The National Education Policy 2020 will help India to become a Vishwaguru by creating ogivable bases for an Atamnirbhar Bharat. The objective of the Atamnirbhar Bharat is to make India self-reliant by strengthening the economic system of the country and to give a new direction to the Development journey of the country.

Life expectancy from Prehistoric times to the 21st Century

The purpose of this article is to investigate the factors contributing to significant improvements in longevity from the pre-historic times to the 21st century. Examining historical data, we witness an improvement in life expectancy from 20 years in prehistoric times to around 85 years in 2023. Several socio-economic and medical factors have contributed to this improvement, including living conditions, sanitation, housing, nutrition, education, disease prevention, medical advancements, environment, and economic growth. Analysing historical trends we can distinguish seven periods. In prehistoric times, primitive sanitary and living conditions, limited access to basic resources, high rates of accidents and infectious diseases resulted in short human longevity, ranging between 20 to 30 years. During ancient times, several historical sources from Egypt, Greece and Rome estimate life expectancy also at 20 to 35 years. Warfare, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and high rates of infant mortality are recorded as the main factors for this short life span. In the Middle Ages (500–1500 AD), the great killers like the Plagues (Black Death) had a significant impact on the reduction of population. Life expectancy fluctuated around 30 to 40 years. The Early Modern Period (1500–1800 AD) is marked by the advent of the agricultural revolution, enhancements in diet, and better sanitary conditions. Despite these advancements, life expectancy remained relatively unchanged, hovering between 30 and 40 years. With the Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries), life expectancy increased to 40-50 years. Advancements in the Twentieth Century, including medical care, sanitation, living conditions, nutrition, reforms in health systems for improved access to health services, and technological innovations, significantly increased life expectancy. These developments, predominantly in developed regions, led to life expectancy surpassing 70 years. The 21st Century is characterised by ongoing improvements in life expectancy, which has reached 85 years. However, significant health disparities persist between nations, regions, and socioeconomic groups. In 2022, the disparity in life expectancy among nations was as large as 33.5 years, with figures ranging from 52.5 years in Chad, Nigeria, and Central African Republic to 86 years in Monaco, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Impact of Governance on Populist Rhetoric

The phenomenon of populism is widespread in the 21st century. In this paper, we analyze the correlation between the World Bank’s six worldwide governance indicators and populism, which is proxied by the populist rhetoric of government representatives. The panel data includes 40 developing and developed countries and covers the period from 2000 to 2018. The results suggest that good governance may help to reduce populist rhetoric. However, we show that a certain threshold of governance quality must be met to mitigate populist rhetoric. Refugee immigration and one-party dominance, on the other hand, increase populist rhetoric. Despite frequent claims, we do not find robust evidence that merchandise trade or a high unemployment rate strengthens populism.

Evolution of regional rainstorm events in China's South-to-North Water Diversion Area, 1960–2022

The objective of this paper is to elucidate the patterns of evolution of regional rainstorm events (RREs) in a large-scale water resources allocation area. This is crucial for the safe operation of water transfer projects and water resources management. The Objective Identification Technique for Regional Extreme Events (OITREE) method is employed to identify all RREs in the South-to-North Water Diversion Area (SNWDA) between the years 1960 and 2022. The results indicate that among the 1397 RREs identified, the extreme RREs are significantly more severe than other classes of rainstorm events. While the extreme intensity (Im) of RREs exhibits a decreasing trend, their frequency, comprehensive index (Z), maximum area (Am), summed area (As), and summed intensity (Is) all demonstrate increasing trends. Some of these indices (Z, Am, As, and Is) exhibit a strong periodicity of approximately 20 years, while the shortening of the decline period will result in more frequent rising periods of RREs. In the second year following the water transfer operation (2015), all RRE indices exhibit abrupt changes. Furthermore, the rainy season lengthens, with more frequent and extreme RREs occurring in July, which may have implications for the Middle Route of year-round water transfers. Spatially, the occurrence frequency of regional rainstorm days (RRDs) increases by 35.9% since the 21st century, while regional rainstorm intensity (RRI) increases by 11.8%. The high-frequency zones (HFZs) of RRDs are primarily located in the southeast, with intensity increases of at least 30%. While their location remains stable, there is a clear trend of northward spread. Following the water transfer, the frequency of RREs is higher in the Eastern Route, and the high-intensity zones (HIZs) appear for the first time in the Beijing area of the Middle Route. These findings provide a scientific understanding of regional rainstorms and serve as a reference for rainstorm disaster response and optimal allocation of water resources in water transfer projects.

Relevance of Gandhian thought in 21st Century: A philosophical analysis

Relevance of Gandhian thought in 21st Century: A philosophical analysis