Search Results (240)

Dysbiosis is a strategy to control insect pests through disrupting symbiotic bacteria essential for their life cycle. The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae, has been considered a suitable system for dysbiosis, as the insect is strictly dependent on its unique symbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola. Here, we review older and recent results from studies of the interaction of the symbiont and its host fly. We then discuss possible methods for disrupting the symbiosis as a means to control the fly. Specifically, we summarize studies using microscopy methods that have investigated in great detail the organs where the bacterium resides and it is always extracellular. Furthermore, we discuss how genome sequences of both host and bacterium can provide valuable resources for understanding the interaction and transcriptomic analyses that have revealed important insights that can be exploited for dysbiosis strategies. We also assess experiments where compounds have been tested against the symbiont. The hitherto limited efficacy in decreasing bacterial abundance suggests that novel molecules and/or new ways for the delivery of agents will be important for successful dysbiosis strategies. Finally, we discuss how gene drive methods could be implemented in olive fly control, though a number of hurdles would need to be overcome. Full article

Nursing students encounter several challenges as they progress through their educational journey, particularly in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications using simulation-based learning (SBL). This study aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of SBL on nursing competence, self-efficacy, and overall satisfaction among undergraduate nursing students at Tabuk University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 136 students participated in this study, which employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design including a quantitative cross-sectional survey complemented by qualitative interviews to capture a holistic view of their experiences with SBL. The findings revealed high levels of satisfaction and self-confidence among students participating in SBL, indicating its effectiveness as an academic tool for enhancing learning outcomes. Significant positive correlations were observed among nursing competence, satisfaction, and self-confidence in the SBL context. This suggests that successful engagement in this educational approach can lead to improved clinical skills and preparedness for real-world challenges. The qualitative findings further illuminated the emotional and cognitive engagement experienced by students during the SBL sessions. The participants emphasized the importance of skill mastery in a safe and controlled environment and the positive impact of advanced technologies, such as virtual simulations, on their learning experiences. Full article

While digital transformation in e-commerce receives the most publicity, applications in energy and water utilities have been ongoing for decades. Using a methodology based on a systematic review, the paper offers a model of how it occurs in water utilities, reviews experiences from the field, and derives lessons learned to create a road map for future research and implementation. Innovation in water utilities occurs more in the field than through organized research, and utilities share their experiences globally through networks such as water associations, focus groups, and media outlets. Their digital transformation journeys are evident in business practices, operations, and asset management, including methods like decision support systems, SCADA systems, digital twins, and process optimization. Meanwhile, they operate traditional regulated services while being challenged by issues like aging infrastructure and workforce capacity. They operate complex and expensive distribution systems that require grafting of new controls onto older systems with vulnerable components. Digital transformation in utilities is driven by return on investment and regulatory and workforce constraints and leads to cautious adoption of innovative methods unless required by external pressures. Utility adoption occurs gradually as digital tools help utilities to leverage system data for maintenance management, system renewal, and water loss control. Digital twins offer the advantages of enterprise data, decision support, and simulation models and can support distribution system optimization by integrating advanced metering infrastructure devices and water loss control through more granular pressure control. Models to anticipate water main breaks can also be included. With such advances, concerns about cyber security will grow. The lessons learned from the review indicate that research and development for new digital tools will continue, but utility adoption will continue to evolve slowly, even as many utilities globally are too stressed with difficult issues to adopt them. Rather than rely on government and academics for research support, utilities will need help from their support community of regulators, consultants, vendors, and all researchers to navigate the pathways that lie ahead. Full article

Oxford’s Alister McGrath undoubtedly reflects a paradigm of meaningful intersection in the scholarship of science and religion, especially Christian theology. McGrath’s life journey from loving science to discovering God in Christianity is particularly intriguing because his convictions were not supernatural but intellectual, rooted in multiple conscientious inquiries culminating in his conclusion that through Christianity, humanity and creation can be better understood. A recurring quote in McGrath’s writings comes from C.S Lewis: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else”. How do spiritual eclipses influence religious belief? What might non-Christian theistic religion like African traditional perspectives glean from a uniquely Christian outlook? This paper, leveraging McGrath’s unique journey as a bridge between religion and science, unravels intelligible parallels between two different religious perspectives and learnings that non-Christian theists can glean from exclusively Christian scholarship. Full article

Aim: To understand dementia care knowledge, attitudes, and confidence among acute-care support staff following a dementia education intervention titled Dementia Workforce Excellence in Acute Care. Design: A convergent parallel mixed-methods pilot study. Methods: Data were collected from 30 participants using an online survey and three individual interviews between January and March 2024. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a thematic analysis underpinned by Kirkpatrick’s framework was used to analyse the qualitative data from interviews. Results: The online survey established good levels of dementia knowledge, attitudes, and confidence among support staff with enhanced attitudes among staff who completed the training. Analysis of interviews resulted in three themes: dementia in the acute care setting; motivation for learning; and evaluation of the intervention on four levels [satisfaction, learning gains, behaviours, and results]. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the dementia education intervention used in this study is a comprehensive dementia training resource that promotes person-centred and compassionate dementia care across all stages of the dementia journey. Dementia is a public health priority with workforce education identified as a key response for capacity building. This pilot evaluation offers insight and new learning on the pedagogical approaches that are inclusive of peer-supported reflective learning in small groups that remain untapped for dementia workforce development. Dementia inclusive and enabling environments with a knowledgeable and skilled workforce are crucial to mitigate stigma and discrimination. This can be best achieved by raising awareness through targeted staff education and training to make hospital environments more dementia inclusive. Patient or Public Contributions: Dementia care scenarios used in this study were co-designed by experts with lived experience of dementia. Additionally, these experts along with family carers of people living with dementia were involved in the delivery of the training where appropriate. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly been integrated into daily life, yet many individuals, including teacher candidates, remain unaware of its presence, despite the rise in Generative AI and its influence on personal and professional spaces. AI offers promising advancements in education by enhancing efficiency, streamlining administrative tasks, and personalizing learning experiences. Recognizing the need to address AI’s role within their instructional practice and teacher preparation program, the authors describe their AI journey, detailing a multi-phase approach to integrating AI into higher education through individual exploration, faculty partnerships, pilot study implementation, and expanded partnerships and professional development. This article includes concrete examples of how a semester-long action research project was intentionally reimagined to align with AI-driven learning. Using the Digital Education Council’s AI Literacy Framework as a guiding structure, the authors examine the competencies necessary for AI literacy and leadership in education. This retrospective review highlights lessons learned, challenges faced, and emerging strategies for fostering responsible AI integration in K-12 and teacher preparation programs. Full article

Education is another field which generative artificial intelligence has made its way into, intervening in students’ learning processes. This article explores students’ perspectives on the use of generative AI tools, specifically ChatGPT-3.5 (free version) and ChatGPT-4 (with a subscription). The results of the survey revealed a correlation between the use of ChatGPT and the perception of grade improvement by students. In addition, this article proposes an architecture for an adaptive learning system based on generative artificial intelligence (AI). To develop the architectural proposal, we incorporated the results of the student survey along with insights gained from analyzing the architectures of other learning platforms. The proposed architecture is based on a study of adaptive learning platforms with classically virtual assistants. The main question from which the current research started was how artificial intelligence can be integrated into a learning system to improve student outcomes based on their experience with generative AI. This has been sectioned into two more specific questions: 1. How do students perceive the use of generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, in enhancing their learning journey? 2. Is it possible to integrate generative AI into a learning system used in education? Consequently, this article concludes with a proposed architecture for a learning platform incorporating generative artificial intelligence technologies. This article aims to present a way to understand how generative AI technologies support education and contribute to improving academic performance. Full article

Background: Resilience is a cornerstone attribute for nursing students, enabling them to adapt to stressful situations encountered during their educational journey and subsequent healthcare career. Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore nursing instructors’ experiences promoting resilience among nursing students during clinical education. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 27 instructors from four nursing colleges in Thailand. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s inductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Unitary Caring Science Resilience-Building Model. Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) Challenges to Nursing Students’ Resilience and (2) Support Strategies for Enhancing Resilience. Challenges included bridging theory and practice, upholding confidence in clinical skills, adapting to new clinical environments, and managing expectations. Support strategies encompassed providing comprehensive preparation, fostering open communication, implementing peer support systems, and utilizing reflective practice. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting nursing students’ resilience and the multifaceted approaches instructors use to support it. This study underscores the need for a holistic approach to nursing education that addresses clinical competence and psychological well-being. Implications include curriculum redesign to bridge the theory–practice gap, enhanced instructor training in mentorship and resilience-building, implementation of comprehensive student support systems, and technology integration to support learning and resilience. Full article

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) evolution of mobile communication technologies from 5G to 6G has been a transformative journey spanning a decade, shaped by six releases from Release 15 to Release 20. This article provides a retrospective of this evolution, highlighting the technical advancements, challenges, and milestones that have defined the transition from the foundational 5G era to the emergence of 6G. Starting with Release 15, which marked the birth of 5G and its New Radio (NR) air interface, the journey progressed through Release 16, where 5G was qualified as an International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020) technology, and Release 17, which expanded 5G into new domains such as non-terrestrial networks. Release 18 ushered in the 5G-Advanced era, incorporating novel technologies like artificial intelligence. Releases 19 and 20 continue this momentum, focusing on commercially driven enhancements while laying the groundwork for the 6G era. This article explores how 3GPP technology evolution has shaped the telecommunications landscape over the past decade, bridging two mobile generations. It concludes with insights into learned lessons, future challenges, and opportunities, offering guidelines on 6G evolution for 2030 and beyond. Full article

Background: Indigenous peoples nationally have seen a drastic increase in cancer diagnoses, often at later stages and with poorer survival rates than non-Indigenous Canadians. Colonization, assimilation policies, and racism within our healthcare system are contributors to these inequities. Methods: As a team, we have worked for over a decade to improve the cancer care journey of Indigenous patients in Labrador. We share learnings from a qualitative community-based project with Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit land claim agreement through sharing suggested improvements from participants to improve the cancer care journey. Objective: Acknowledging the diversity of Indigenous groups, we discuss suggestions as a guide and expand the discussion to provide interconnected suggestions for oncology nurses on enhancing care for their Indigenous patients. Conclusions: Oncology nurses play a crucial role in enhancing the cancer care journey for Indigenous peoples, necessitating a commitment to culturally safe environments, ongoing professional development, and advocacy for systemic changes. Full article

Background: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programmes must partner effectively with families navigating complex circumstances. Adolescent parents (APs) in Teen Parent Units (TPUs) represent a dynamic group demonstrating resilience as they balance childcare, education, and their own developmental journeys. This study explores their understanding of infant hearing, sources of knowledge, and the development of an effective teaching tool. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with AP learners at a TPU in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Following a period of relationship-building, three focus groups were held. Data were analysed using content analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. Results: AP learners demonstrated a strong awareness of multisensory interactions. Major sources of knowledge included their relational interactions with people they trusted (midwives and family members), rather than social media. Four key themes emerged in the teaching tool’s development: (1) the effectiveness of multimodal teaching tools, (2) the benefits of peer-supported group learning, (3) the impact of high strain, and (4) the importance of Te Ao Māori (a Māori worldview). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of culturally grounded health interventions for families navigating complex life circumstances. Group-based learning fostered peer support, hands-on multimodal teaching was effective, and culturally relevant materials and pedagogies enhanced engagement. EHDI programs may more effectively support infants from families navigating complex circumstances by collaborating with trusted support people, integrating with wraparound care networks, utilising safe and familiar settings, and delivering interventions in an engaging and culturally appropriate manner. Full article

A novel electromyography (EMG)-based wheelchair interface was developed that uses contractions from the temporalis muscle to control a wheelchair. To aid in the training process for users of this interface, a serious training game, Limbitless Journey, was developed to support patients. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a condition that causes progressive motor function loss, and while many people with ALS use wheelchairs as mobility devices, a traditional joystick-based wheelchair interface may become inaccessible as the condition progresses. Limbitless Journey simulates the wheelchair interface by utilizing the same temporalis muscle contractions for control of in-game movements, but in a low-stress learning environment. A usability study was conducted to evaluate the serious-game-based training platform. A major outcome of this study was qualitative data gathered through a concurrent think-aloud methodology. Three cohorts of five participants participated in the study. Audio recordings of participants using Limbitless Journey were transcribed, and a sentiment analysis was performed to evaluate user perspectives. The goal of the study was twofold: first, to perform a think-aloud usability study on the game; second, to determine whether accessible controls could be as effective as manual controls. The user comments were coded into the following categories: game environment, user interface interactions, and controller usability. The game environment category had the most positive comments, while the most negative comments were primarily related to usability challenges with the flexion-based controller. Interactions with the user interface were the main topic of feedback for improvement in future game versions. This game will be utilized in subsequent trials conducted at the facility to test its efficacy as a novel training system for the ALS population. The feedback collected will be implemented in future versions of the game to improve the training process. Full article

In this paper, we describe the developmental process of a culturally grounded Moombaki virtual reality (VR) game. We share how Aboriginal children’s drawings have informed the creation of an interactive learning platform for primary school-aged children attending schools in Wadjuk Boodja. The project focused on connecting students to cultural knowledge through immersive storytelling, creative exploration, and collaborative design by using small group yarning circles and game development activities. The aim of the yarning sessions was to identify, explore, and understand the knowledge Aboriginal children had of Aboriginal identity and culture, including protocols, ceremonies, stories, Dreamtime, languages, and traditional practices, and how best to represent these concepts in the cultural learning journey using virtual reality. Full article

This study examines adult migrant students’ and Finnish vocational teachers’ experiences of migrant students’ learning in workplaces as part of vocational education and training qualifications. Theoretically, this study draws on previous research on students’ work-based learning, including insights from the 3P model (presage–process–product factors), as well as the literature on learning and working in a new linguistic and cultural context. The data were collected through individual interviews (n = 11) and a group interview (n = 6) with migrant students and individual interviews with vocational teachers (n = 13). The analysis provides insights into learner-specific and workplace-specific presage factors of migrant students’ learning at workplaces. We propose that these insights should be recognised when searching for new pedagogical solutions aiming at enhancing understanding of migrants’ learning at workplaces. The findings highlight the need to develop the integration of school-based and work-based learning while recognising (1) the benefits of workplace learning for migrant students’ learning and their journeys toward becoming members of work communities, and (2) stereotypical views that may hinder migrants’ efforts to access the benefits of learning in the workplace. Full article

Optimizing customer journeys is a critical challenge in e-commerce and financial services, attracting attention from marketing, operations research, and business analytics. Traditional customer analytics models, such as rule-based segmentation and regression models, rely heavily on structured transactional data, limiting their ability to capture latent behavioral patterns and adapt to multi-channel dynamics. These models often struggle to integrate unstructured data sources, failing to provide adaptive, personalized insights. To address these limitations, this study proposes a multi-stage data-driven framework integrating latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) for behavioral insights, deep learning for predictive modeling, and heuristic algorithms for adaptive decision-making. Empirical validation using Taiwanese financial institution data shows a 15% improvement in predictive accuracy compared to traditional machine-learning models, significantly enhancing customer lifetime value (CLV) predictions and multi-channel resource allocation. This research highlights the practical value of integrating structured and unstructured data for improving customer analytics. Our framework leverages LDA to extract behavioral patterns from customer interactions, enriching predictive models and enhancing real-time decision-making in financial services. Robustness checks confirm the scalability and adaptability of this approach, offering a data-driven strategy for long-term value optimization in dynamic digital ecosystems. Full article