Qeios最新文献

{"title":"Analyzing the Effects of Mobile Assisted Language Learning on Learner Autonomy: A Quasi-Experimental Study","authors":"FELIX ESTRELLA","doi":"10.32388/gartgh","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/gartgh","url":null,"abstract":"The advent of mobile technology has led to a significant shift in language learning, with an increasing number of learners now using mobile devices to enhance their learning experience. However, little is known about the impact of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) on learner autonomy, a key indicator of successful language learning in the Ecuadorian context. This study aims to bridge this gap. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental research design was chosen to achieve this aim. A survey and semi-structured interviews were the chosen data collection tools. Ninety Ecuadorian undergraduate polytechnic students, divided equally into control and experimental groups, participated in this investigation. The quantitative results were not statistically significant in identifying a positive change in learner autonomy after the intervention. Nonetheless, learners admitted having had a change in their autonomy levels during the interviews.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140690691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating EV User Behavior on Aggregator Smart Charging with ESS and Real-Time Pricing-Based Demand Response","authors":"Aakash Kumar, Draupathi Chin","doi":"10.32388/2sdpk4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/2sdpk4","url":null,"abstract":"With rising global electricity consumption, governments prioritize energy efficiency and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into energy markets. This study evaluates EV aggregator strategies using a smart charging method that modulates charging power rates based on user preferences. Simulations in Quito's distribution system assess various actions' impacts on aggregator costs and technical conditions. The study focuses on demand response (DR) strategies, particularly for residential areas, exploring EVs' potential as energy storage via vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) options. It introduces a collaborative evaluation of dynamic-pricing and peak power limiting-based DR strategies, incorporating bi-directional EV and energy storage system (ESS) use. A novel mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for home energy management (HEM) integrates distributed renewable energy, V2H/V2G capabilities, and two-way ESS energy trading and diverse DR strategies. This comprehensive approach assesses the impact of EV owner preferences and ESS availability on reducing total electricity costs through case studies.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140692453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review of: \"DMP for the Open Science Project 2023/24 - Team Harkonnen\"","authors":"Leonardo Zilli","doi":"10.32388/ewu6vh","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/ewu6vh","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140690971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Security Framework for the Mobile Application Using Color Barcode","authors":"Rana Majumdar, Arijit Dutta, Anirban Mitra, Sangeeta Banik","doi":"10.32388/sh6tpy","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/sh6tpy","url":null,"abstract":"The thorough objective of this work is to establish a QR code framework for a secret key-secured concept. It is based on the asymmetric key verification context. SSH, server QR code is used for website login. The client-side stored RSA private key for encrypting information by implementing QR code verification, but presently QR codes are in the form of two-dimensional images for encryption purposes. The cell phones take the image of the QR code of the user and send a cryptographic reply to the server for broad verification. The upheld shading QR code inside the portable application for misusing the cyan (C), fuchsia (M), and yellow (Y) print the channels, and for the print shading by red (R), unpracticed (G), and blue channels, severally, apply the catch the shading picture. The hiding process embeds the quantized QR code so that it will not cause any visible distortion in the cover images and hides the QR code inside a color image. The results show the proposed method has high imperceptibility, integrity, and security.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140691789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Haematological and Biochemical Patterns in the Liver Function of a Syrup Made From Vitex Doniana Fruit","authors":"F. Akharaiyi, C. B. Ehis-Eriakha, P. Oleghe, L. Isunu","doi":"10.32388/fjlu8a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/fjlu8a","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Using an animal model, this study aimed to investigate the haematological and biochemical parameters of _Vitex doniana_ fruit syrup for its attribute to liver function.\u0000\u0000METHODOLOGY: Syrup concentrations of 25-45 mg/kgbw were considered on the mice with weights of 25-35 g. Groups of seven with 5 mice in each were conducted. Group 1 mice served as the negative control, and were given access to feed and water. Groups 2 – 6 mice were administered orally with 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 ml of syrup concentrations in a single dose for 3 days. The automated haematologic analyser determined the haematology of the mice's blood. The in vivo antioxidants and biochemical assays were determined by chemical methods, and the histopathology with haematoxylin and eosin stain method.\u0000\u0000RESULTS: Weight gain of change values from 8.12-9.81 g was recorded. Increase in red blood cells (7.32–7.45 m/cu.mm), white blood cells (4.30–4.35 t/cu.mm), lymphocytes (55.21-54.72%), neutrophils (21.64–12.70%), and PCV (41.04–41.16% were recorded. Values of the catalase were 50.20-58.21 µM/g, glutathione (23.41-28.34 µM/g), and lipid peroxidation (93.54-106.21 µM/g) compared to the negative control that has values of between 48.37-58.27 µM/g). A decrease in unit value was recorded in the biomarker enzymes of alkaline phosphate that ranged from 91.17 to 85.24 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase from 58.67 to 31.56 IU/L, and alanine aminotransferase from 58.16 to 43.36 IU/L. Decreased values in total bilirubin, creatinine, cholesterol, and urea were conceived compared with the negative control value. However, an increase in the unit was observed in the total albumin that ranged from 3.16 to 3.38 mg/dL), total protein from 6.42 to 6.74 mg/dL, and uric acid from 7.06 to 5.10 mg/dL) along with the syrup concentrations compared with the negative control of 3.75 mg/dL, 7.12 mg/dL, and 5.21 mg/dL respectively.\u0000\u0000CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the syrup has no health implications as it has the potential for blood maintenance, good antioxidant quality, and quality enzyme makers for healthy liver function.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140694502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Are Tobacco Companies in Nigeria Complying With Health Warning Label Regulations on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products?","authors":"A. Oyapero, O. Erinoso, Samson Kareem","doi":"10.32388/thd322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/thd322","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Nigeria has approved 50% coverage of text and images of pictorial health warning labels (PHWLs) on packages of cigarettes and other tobacco products such as cigars, smokeless tobacco, and loose tobacco. While there is knowledge on the extent to which LMICs like Nigeria adopt the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC), there is need to examine the compliance with adopted packaging and labeling policies to generate knowledge for strengthening existing policies and efforts at enforcement. We assessed agreement with FCTC regulations as well as compliance with Nigerian requirements which are not adequate and do not effectively capture all FCTC requirements to identify the gaps being explored by these companies in an environment of poor regulation in Lagos, Nigeria.\u0000\u0000METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in Lagos State, Nigeria, from October 2022 to January 2023. A multistage random sampling method was utilized. Four local government areas (LGAs) with a combined population of 16 million, accounting for 70% of the population in Lagos, Nigeria were selected while three points‑of‑sale were randomly picked from two selected wards in each LGA. Empty discarded packs of cigarette and other tobacco products were collected from these outlets. The pack dimensions were measured and assessed for PHWLs, health warning manipulations and cessation assistance. Findings were assessed for compliance with the FCTC and national legislation. For each compliance feature, we calculated the frequencies and percentages of the packs that were compliant.\u0000\u0000RESULTS: 704 packs: 434 packs of 22 cigarette brands and 270 packs of 17 different tobacco products including cigars, snuff and loose tobacco were included in the study. Of 434 cigarette packs assessed, 50.3% were compliant with 9 indicators measured. These ranged from 48.8% to 55.5% for individual brands. For cessation assistance, image variability and image manipulation, compliance was 0% across all cigarette packs. Out of 270 tobacco product packs assessed, 10.6% were compliant with the 9 indicators assessed. Of the 12 multinational parent companies and product distributors assessed, the overall level of compliance among them was 24.9%. Level of compliance was noted to very low for companies involved in marketing other tobacco products, ranging from 0% to 20% but moderate for those marketing cigarettes, ranging from 37% to 55.5%. Companies that had no presence or subsidiaries in Nigeria but only export their products were highly non-compliant.\u0000\u0000CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco companies had low compliance with PHWL on cigarettes and negligible compliance on other tobacco products like cigars, loose and smokeless tobacco. The government should expand and strictly enforce all regulations applying to health warnings, especially on non-cigarette tobacco products and closely monitor companies that merely export their products to the country.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Reliability and Economics of EV Charging Configurations and Deep Reinforcement Learning in Robotics and Autonomy","authors":"Chandru Lin","doi":"10.32388/pqujel","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/pqujel","url":null,"abstract":"Growing EV popularity drives companies to focus on reliable charging station designs despite challenges in maintaining reliability. A proposed 36-ported design combines uniform and non-uniform port arrangements, tested with 50-350 kW systems. Failure rates are estimated using MILHDBK217F and MILHBK-338B standards, assessing port reliability and station success rates through binomial distribution and cost analysis. This design improves voltage stability and reduces maintenance costs through enhanced port reliability. In robotics and autonomous systems, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) excels but faces challenges from unsafe policies leading to hazardous decisions. This study introduces a reliability assessment framework for DRL-controlled systems, using formal neural network analysis. A two-level verification approach evaluates safety locally using reachability tools and globally by aggregating local safety metrics across tasks. Experimental validation confirms the framework's effectiveness in enhancing RAS safety.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review of: \"Open Science Project DMP\"","authors":"Nicole Liggeri","doi":"10.32388/u63n7w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/u63n7w","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlates of Nicotine Dependence Among Current Cigarette Smokers in Nigeria","authors":"A. Oyapero, O. Erinoso, M. Osoba, O. Osibogun","doi":"10.32388/uio6f5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/uio6f5","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND:_ _The level of dependence on nicotine, the main addictive chemical in tobacco, is a substance-related disorder that can be utilized to characterize diverse populations of cigarette smokers and also to determine the effectiveness of individualized smoking cessation intervention programs.\u0000\u0000AIM: This study investigates the correlates of nicotine dependence among current established cigarette smokers in Nigeria.\u0000\u0000SETTINGS:_ _We conducted a cross-sectional survey among a cohort of current established cigarette smokers (100+ sticks in a lifetime and someday/everyday cigarette smokers) in Lagos, Nigeria.\u0000\u0000METHODS: The dependent measure was nicotine dependence (ND) using the Fagerstrom scale; independent measures were demographics, harm perception, binge alcohol drinking, and past-year internalizing and externalizing problems. Logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with severe nicotine dependence.\u0000\u0000RESULTS: The analytic sample was drawn from 487 adults. Within our sample, 69%, 27%, and 3.9% had low, moderate, and severe ND levels, respectively (_p-value_: 0.02); while among daily cigarette smokers, 48.1%, 44.3%, and 7.6% had low, moderate and severe ND levels, respectively (_p-value_: <0.001). In the regression analysis, older age (aOR:1.03; 95% CI:1.01,1.06) and being male (vs, female) (aOR:3.70; 95% CI:1.58,8.15), and reduced cigarette harm perceptions (aOR:2.85; 95% CI: 1.75,4.66) were associated with increased odds of moderate/severe ND.\u0000\u0000CONCLUSION: Older age, males, and those with reduced harm perceptions about cigarette use had increased odds of moderate/severe ND. Our preliminary findings provide baseline results characterizing use behaviors among relatively understudied current established cigarette smokers in Nigeria.\u0000\u0000CONTRIBUTIONS: All Authors were involved inConceptualization, Data Curation, Formal Analysis, Writing - Review and Editing and Project Administration.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140695411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Mini Review] Application of Eastern Philosophical Principles to Ethical Dilemmas in Daily Medical Practice","authors":"Arsh Garg, Simranjeet Singh Dahia","doi":"10.32388/ijkesk","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32388/ijkesk","url":null,"abstract":"This mini review highlights the underappreciated influence of Indian philosophical principles on medical ethics. Emphasizing concepts such as ahimsa, dharma, compassion, impermanence, non-attachment, and holistic healing, it explores their profound relevance in guiding healthcare professionals through complex ethical dilemmas. While Western philosophies dominate medical ethics discourse, there is a need to acknowledge and research the application of non-Western philosophies in medical practice. A broader recognition and integration of non-Western ethical principles to medical practice can foster culturally sensitive and ethically sound patient care.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503632,"journal":{"name":"Qeios","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}