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Reducing the carbon footprint of higher education institutions has become a global trend in recent years, as they are the axis of society's scientific and technological transformation that must be carried out with a sustainable approach. Among the many approaches that can contribute to this problem are the digital transformation of academic and administrative processes and its impact on reducing paper use. This study details the statistical analysis of the digital transformation process based on the modules and computer services implemented by the ICT department in a higher education institution and its incidence in reducing the use of paper by its teaching and administrative staff. For this purpose, an initial instrument was proposed, consisting of 18 ordinal, three categorical and two numerical variables. After applying statistical data processing and validation techniques, it was reduced to 13 ordinal variables, three categorical and two influential numerical variables. In addition, this study has proposed an appropriate statistical protocol for the design and extraction of information applicable in the context of higher education institutions, consisting of the techniques: Mahalanobis distances, confirmatory factor analysis, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney's U and Wilcoxon tests. The results showed the power of confirmatory factor analysis as a technique for obtaining models to measure indirectly observed latent variables, such as perceptions of digital transformation and paper reduction. In addition, it was found that the modules, systems, and computer tools implemented in the institution significantly reduced the execution times for performing administrative and teaching tasks in the institution, and significant differences were identified in the perception of digital transformation and reduction of paper use among staff.

This column is intended to address the kinds of knotty problems and dilemmas with which many scholars grapple in studying health professions education. In this article, the authors address the challenges in proofreading a manuscript. Emerging researchers might think that someone in the production team will catch any errors. This may not always be the case. We emphasize the importance of guiding mentees to take the process of preparing a manuscript for submission seriously.

Large amounts of waste paper are generated annually worldwide. Although some of it is recycled, up to 50% is landfilled or incinerated. The remanufacturing of waste paper to produce pencils is proposed as a novel, sustainable business solution. A sustainability analysis of this process was performed to quantify indexes of technical, environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Small-to-medium business models were evaluated, in which 15 000 pencils/shift/day can be produced from 135 kg of waste paper, with a maximum productivity of 64 800 pencils/day. Productivity, operating costs, power consumption, land footprint, machine delivery cost, and number of workers were used to analyze the technical feasibility. The cost-to-profit ratio, cost and profit per pencil, and daily profit were used to evaluate economic sustainability. The amounts of municipal solid waste and recovered paper waste, saved embodied energy, and prevented CO2 emissions were used to analyze environmental sustainability. The number of workers and labor costs were used to evaluate human development and social sustainability. The machines required for the remanufacturing line are considered sufficiently mature, remanufactured pencils are less expensive to produce than wooden pencils, and the proposed process minimizes the amount of waste paper sent to landfills and avoids the use of new wood for producing pencils, thereby satisfying technical, economic, and environmental sustainability, respectively. The final sustainability index of 0.9 is considered very high and sufficient for operating a profitable, sustainable business with a profit of 252–583 USD/day.

Purpose: Suitable assistive devices for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries are often unavailable. Devices made from APT are in use in several countries but are unevaluated. Materials and methods: A 2-week training course focused on APT principles, measuring children and constructing postural support devices. Twenty-three Kenyans attended the course. The host organization identified four local children with CP who attended for assessment and measurement. Participants made the devices and children returned for fitting and necessary adjustment. Completion of post-course forms, action plans, visits after 14 months and contact 3 years later comprised the evaluation. Results: All participants found the course beneficial and valued the networking opportunity provided. They appreciated the practicality and utility of locally manufactured cost effective devices. The trainees planned further implementation to provide assistive devices for children with CP in their localities. Follow-up visits revealed several challenges to local ongoing production. Conclusions: Training people in low-income communities to make bespoke assistive devices for children with CP is straightforward, and the course was positively evaluated. However, maintaining device production is limited without local group support and stable leadership, ideally as part of an existing programme.Implications for rehabilitationAssistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries.APT is a cost effective way of fulfilling this need and it is relatively straightforward to train people who care for or work with those with CP to make devices using APT.Feedback from APT training suggests participants find the technique a practical way of producing assistive equipment for individuals with CP in their community.Maintaining device production requires support, leadership and increased public awareness of the use of APT at a local level.

The use of synthetic chemicals in acid‒base testing has raised concerns about their environmental impact. The use of natural materials to produce natural indicator paper is an attempt to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Binahong (Anredera cordifolia) seeds can replace conventional chemical synthetic materials. This study aims to develop Binahong seed indicator paper as an alternative environmentally friendly material for acid‒base testing. The method used in this research is experimental and involves the extraction of Binahong seeds, making indicator paper with a certain formulation, and testing the performance of the indicator paper using standard acid and base solutions. Data collection was performed via the observation and measurement of certain parameters. The test results of the Binahong natural indicator paper revealed a significant color change when 95% ethanol was used, which produces a red or purple color at pH 1‒7, a blue color at pH 8‒10 and a yellow color at pH 11‒14. Binahong seeds have potential as an environmentally friendly alternative in acid‒base testing because they respond well to variations in the acidity and basicity of the solution.

Abstract Background Undergraduate STEM instructors want to help students learn and retain knowledge for their future courses and careers. One promising evidence-based technique that is thought to increase long-term memory is spaced retrieval practice, or repeated testing over time. The beneficial effect of spacing has repeatedly been demonstrated in the laboratory as well as in undergraduate mathematics courses, but its generalizability across diverse STEM courses is unknown. We investigated the effect of spaced retrieval practice in nine introductory STEM courses. Retrieval practice opportunities were embedded in bi-weekly quizzes, either massed on a single quiz or spaced over multiple quizzes. Student performance on practice opportunities and a criterial test at the end of each course were examined as a function of massed or spaced practice. We also conducted a single-paper meta-analysis on criterial test scores to assess the generalizability of the effectiveness of spaced retrieval practice across introductory STEM courses. Results Significant positive effects of spacing on the criterial test were found in only two courses (Calculus I for Engineers and Chemistry for Health Professionals), although small positive effect sizes were observed in two other courses (General Chemistry and Diversity of Life). Meta-analyses revealed a significant spacing effect when all courses were included, but not when calculus was excluded. The generalizability of the spacing effect across STEM courses therefore remains unclear. Conclusions Although we could not clearly determine the generalizability of the benefits of spacing in STEM courses, our findings indicate that spaced retrieval practice could be a low-cost method of improving student performance in at least some STEM courses. More work is needed to determine when, how, and for whom spaced retrieval practice is most beneficial. The effect of spacing in classroom settings may depend on some design features such as the nature of retrieval practice activities (multiple-choice versus short answer) and/or feedback settings, as well as student actions (e.g., whether they look at feedback or study outside of practice opportunities). The evidence is promising, and further pragmatic research is encouraged.

Scientific papers at this time are something that must be mastered by a student. Scientific articles produced by someone contribute new knowledge to the world of Education. This study aims to analyze the obstacles experienced by students when writing scientific articles. The research was conducted on biology education students at the Open University who are in their final semester and take scientific work courses as one of the graduation requirements. There were at least 13 students who were the research samples taken purposively. To obtain data, the researcher provided a questionnaire and conducted interviews with a sample of students. The data were then analyzed descriptively and resulted in the discovery that the main barriers of biology education students in writing scientific papers are lack of student experience in writing scientific papers especially in the components of scientific papers. They found it difficult when creating an introduction (54%), method (46%), and presenting results and discussions (54%). The recommendation from this study is the need to develop learning strategies in scientific work courses that can train students to get used to developing ideas and process these ideas into original articles and free from plagiarism.

IntroductionPaper folding and punched hole tests are used to measure spatial abilities in humans. These abilities are relevant since they are associated with success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This study addresses the challenge of teaching spatial reasoning skills using an educational videogame, the Paper Folding Reasoning Game.MethodsThe Paper Folding Reasoning Game is an interactive game which presents activities intended to help users train and understand how to fold a paper to get a specific shape (Part I) and the consequence of punching a hole on a folded paper (Part II). This educational videogame can automatically generate paper-folding-and-punched-hole questions with varying degrees of difficulty depending on the number of folds and holes made, thus producing additional levels for training due to its embedded reasoning mechanisms (Part III).ResultsThis manuscript presents the results of analyzing the gameplay data gathered by the Paper Folding Reasoning Game in its three parts. For Parts I and II, the data provided by 225 anonymous unique players are analyzed. For Part III (Mastermode), the data obtained from 894 gameplays by 311 anonymous unique players are analyzed. In our analysis, we found out a significant difference in performance regarding the players who trained (i.e., played Parts I and II) before playing the Mastermode (Part III) vs. the group of players who did not train. We also found a significant difference in players' performance who used the visual help (i.e., re-watch the animated sequence of paper folds) vs. the group of players who did not use it, confirming the effectiveness of the Paper Folding Reasoning Game to train paper-folding-and-punched-hole reasoning skills. Statistically significant gender differences in performance were also found.

Women's health care has evolved significantly since it was first acknowledged as an integral part of internal medicine training more than two decades ago. To update and clarify core competencies in sex- and gender-based women's health for general internists, the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) Women and Medicine Commission prepared the following Position Paper, approved by the SGIM council in 2023. Competencies were developed using several sources, including the 2021 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Program Requirements for Internal Medicine and the 2023 American Board of Internal Medicine Certification Examination Blueprint. These competencies are relevant to the care of patients who identify as women, as well as gender-diverse individuals to whom these principles apply. They align with pivotal advances in women's health and acknowledge the changing context of patients' lives, reaffirming the role of general internal medicine physicians in providing comprehensive care to women.

The widespread use of mobile devices and laptops has replaced traditional paper-based learning and the question of how the brain efficiency of digital tablet-based learning differs from that of paper-based learning remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in brain efficiency for learning between paper-based and digital tablet-based learning by measuring activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the paper-based learning or the digital tablet-based learning group. Subjects in each group performed a memory task that required memorizing a three-minute novel (encoding phase) on a paper or digital tablet, followed by a test in which they answered four multiple-choice questions based on the novel's content. To compare both groups, behavioral performance on the test (retrieval phase) and activity in the PFC were measured. As a result, no significant difference in behavioral performance between both groups was observed (p > 0.05). However, the paper-based learning group showed significantly lower activity in the PFC in the encoding phase than the digital tablet-based learning group (p < 0.05) but not in the retrieval phase. The current study demonstrated that brain efficiency in encoding is higher in subjects with paper-based learning than those with digital tablet-based learning. This finding has important implications for education, particularly in terms of the pros and cons of electronic document-based learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to design, test the feasibility and effectiveness of QR-Code based Smart Paper as a learning medium in improving the critical thinking skills of elementary school students through social studies learning content. The research method used is Research and Development (RD) with the Borg Gall development model. Data collection techniques used include observation, interviews, questionnaires, tests and documentation. The initial data analysis technique used the normality test and homogeneity test. Next, the final data analysis technique used the average difference test and the N-Gain test. The research results show that QR-Code based Smart Paper has been successfully developed. This is proven by the validation results of material experts 91.67% and media experts 96.67% with very appropriate criteria. Furthermore, the calculated results of the N-Gain test on the learning outcomes aspect obtained a score of 0.57 with medium criteria and the results of the average difference test obtained a sig (2-tailed) value 0.05, so Ha was accepted. So it can be concluded that QR-Code based Smart Paper is a suitable and effective learning medium for improving students' critical thinking skills.

The study fulfils the gap in teachers' scientific paper writing skills, which benefits both the academic community and pupils. Teachers' competence can be improved so that they can engage in evidence-based practices, contribute to academics, and deliver engaging educational experiences that develop critical thinking in their pupils. Scientific paper writing training is critical for developing high school teachers' professional competency. The purpose of this study was to look into the efficiency of such training in improving teacher abilities and knowledge. A quantitative descriptive method was employed in the study to evaluate the efficiency of a scientific paper writing training programme for high school teachers. Data was gathered by assessing the quality of the teachers' papers using a quality assessment form. The data was analysed using statistical procedures such as the t-test and N-Gain analysis. The t-test compared pre- and post-treatment scores, while the N-Gain analysis assessed the training's effectiveness. These methodologies aided in determining the program's impact on teachers' writing skills and quantifying the level of development in their scientific paper writing competence. These data indicate the training program's effectiveness in improving teachers' understanding and skills in scientific paper writing. Training in scientific paper writing improves high school teachers' professional competency by increasing their understanding of article components, scholarly practices, and writing abilities. It emphasizes the importance of continuing professional growth and filling gaps in critical thinking and interdisciplinary writing.

This study aims to determine the application of Play Therapy using colored paper to reduce mathematical anxiety in children. The research method used is Single Subject Research with an A-B-A design. The subjects of this study were third-grade children of SDN 211 / IX Mendalo Darat. Determination of the subject of this study using purposive sampling technique with the criteria for children's mathematic anxiety conditions are in the very high category. The data collection instrument for this research is the mathematic anxiety scale, interview, and observation. The data analysis technique used is the visual analysis of data and graphics. The findings of this study indicate that Play Therapy using colored paper is effective in reducing children's mathematical anxiety in AA subjects, as the impact of counseling changes in the baseline phase increases during the intervention and stabilizes in the follow-up phase. It is suggested that school counselors apply Play Therapy in developing effective daily life (KES) and eliminating daily effective life (KES-T) which aims to form an independent person.

In 2016, two years into my career at a large suburban New Jersey public high school, I was prepared--or so I thought--to teach American Literature for the first time. I'd [...]

This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted evolution of research concerning information and communication technology (ICT) within the dynamic landscape of education. Embracing the meta-analysis methodology, this study embarks on a detailed journey through the corpus of scientific literature devoted to exploring the intricate interplay between ICT and education. Covering a substantial temporal span from 2002 to 2022, this investigation meticulously scrutinises and synthesises a wealth of scholarly contributions, illuminating diverse dimensions of the integration of ICT and its impact in educational settings. The overarching objective is to discern not only the methodological nuances, but also the transformative potential and broader trends that underscore the nexus of ICT and education. With a keen focus on Lithuanian scholarly output, this analysis seeks to unravel the intricate tapestry of research endeavours, shedding light on the methodological paradigms, thematic trajectories, and empirical insights that have shaped the discourse surrounding the role of ICT in education over the past decade. At its core, this study aims to address a constellation of probing questions that lie at the heart of contemporary educational discourse. How has the research methodology pertaining to the application of ICT in education evolved over time? In what specific domains and subdomains of education are the contours of the influence of ICT most discernible, and what emergent themes and focal points have garnered scholarly attention? Furthermore, what demographic cohorts and educational stakeholders emerge as primary subjects of inquiry, and how do researchers navigate the complexities of data collection and analysis in elucidating the nuanced dynamics of ICT integration in educational contexts? Through a judicious blend of quantitative and qualitative analyses, this study embarks on an ambitious journey to unravel the intricate threads of inquiry that animate the discourse surrounding ICT in education. By adopting a mixed-method meta-analytical framework, this investigation offers a panoramic vista that spans thematic, temporal, methodological, and demographic dimensions, thereby affording a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted landscape of the integration of ICT in education. In traversing this expansive terrain of inquiry, this study aspires not only to illuminate the contours of past research endeavours, but also to chart a course for future inquiry and innovation in harnessing the transformative potential of ICT to enrich and enhance educational practices and outcomes. After analysing Lithuanian scientific works related to the application of ICT in the field of education, it is evident that quantitative methodologies are most commonly chosen for empirical research on this topic, while qualitative methodologies are less prevalent. In articles employing quantitative methodologies, prevalent themes relating to ICT include: competency, application, possibilities and experiences, virtual learning environments, users of these environments, development in education, usage habits, attitudes towards ICT tool usage, augmented reality technologies, ICT as a component of learning environments, computer usage at home, and incentive-based encouragement using ICT tools. In articles employing qualitative methodologies, prevalent themes relating to ICT include: values education, opportunities, the internet, incentive-based encouragement, virtual learning environments, cloud computing, and experiences of using ICT in the teaching and learning process. Mixed-methodology articles commonly focus on the pedagogical foundations of educational environments, virtual experiments, the engagement of education participants, skills development, adult education, the personalisation of teaching and learning, e-learning, the educational environment, and increasing motivation. The most frequently studied subjects in these articles are teachers, followed by students, with other participant groups such as education experts and support specialists being less common. Systematising the data collection instruments used in the scientific articles analysed revealed that questionnaires predominated, with interviews being chosen less frequently, and other types of instruments being rare. An analysis of the essential conclusions of the examined scientific articles reveals that positive experiences of using ICT in the field of education are significantly more prevalent than negative experiences.