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Zeolite honeycomb monoliths (ZHMs) as key adsorbents or catalysts are widely applied in industries, for which, however, the popularization is limited by its low production efficiency due to the long and careful drying process of the fragile ZHMs green body. Here we address this challenge by developing a microwave drying strategy coupled with convective air and steam. The individual microwave, microwave-air, and microwave-air-steam drying characteristics on the honeycomb and slab monoliths of 13X zeolite were systematically studied, and the drying quality-microwave power/air temperature/humidity relationship was correlated. The results showed that microwave achieves rapid dehydration of ZHMs, eliminating 29.94 % relative mass of water within only 660 s. However, the uncontrollable microwave adsorbing inhomogeneity and thermal accumulation over the hydrophilic ZHM resulted in overburning, cracking and deformation issues. Introducing convective air at room temperature eliminates overburning and cracking phenomena, and after coupled with 110 g/m3 steam, the irregular deformation of ZHMs was further mitigated (shrinkage rate reduced from 2.10 % to 1.11 %) with even increased drying efficiency by 4.47 %. The advantageous mechanism of microwave-air-steam coupling drying was revealed as the combined effect of the heat and mass transfer through the honeycomb hole enhanced by convective air and the heating and dehydration homogeneity improved by uniform microwave absorbing on surface-condensable steam. The efficacy of the optimized drying strategy was demonstrated by significantly shortened time for scale-up production of 1 m3 ZHMs from nearly 1 month to 2 days. This work affords new insights for improving production efficiency of high-quality ZHMs and presents microwave-air-steam drying process as a platform to advancing structured material preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using infection control barriers (ICBs) on light curing units (LCUs) became mandatory to achieve proper infection control measures without jeopardizing the integrity of the restorations, especially at deeper layers. This study explored the effect of two ICBs on the irradiance of the LCU, as well as the degree of conversion (DC) and flexural strength (FS) of two types of bulk-fill composites. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of both barriers was also assessed to evaluate the capability of such barriers to prevent transmission of blood and saliva droplets and aerosols. Methods: Two bulk-fill composites (X-tra fil and Tetric N- ceram) and two ICBs (Pinnacle Cure sleeve and Sanita wrapping film) were used in this study. Light irradiance was recorded per experimental condition using spectroradiometer. For DC and FS, specimens of 4 mm thickness were prepared. Each specimen was composed of two separable upper and lower layers of thickness 2 mm. DC and FS were measured using Infra-red spectroscopy and three-point loading test respectively. WVP was investigated using the cup method. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and the data were statistically analyzed using factorial analysis of variance test (α = 0.05). Results: Light irradiance showed highest values using no ICBs and lowest values using Pinnacle curing sleeve. Both bulk-fill composites showed higher DC mean values without ICBs and when using Sanita wrapping film for both upper and lower layers of the specimens compared to Pinnacle curing sleeve. The upper layers of composite specimens showed higher DC compared to lower layers for all experimental conditions. Both ICBs had no adverse effect on FS of both composites' upper layers. Pinnacle sleeve significantly reduced FS of both composites' lower layers. X-tra fil showed higher DC and FS compared to Tetric N-Ceram for all experimental conditions. Regarding WVP; the wrapping film showed higher WVP compared to the curing sleeve. Conclusions: Sanita wrapping film can be used as a successful ICB, without jeopardizing the concept of bulk-fill composites. Pinnacle cure sleeve can be considered an effective ICB, however its influence on properties and serviceability of bulk-fill composites remains questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEAM contests play a pivotal role in maintaining students' interest and motivation in STEAM education. Finding factors that are related to students' continuance intention (CI) to participate in STEAM contests is important for promoting STEAM education. Previous studies mostly focused on exploring the relationships between students' behavioural attitude, positive affect and their CI for a STEAM contest. However, few studies have explored students' CI from the perspective of help-seeking attitude with the belief-attitude-behaviour model. Thus, this study investigated the relationships among students' hands-on making self-efficacy (HMSE), incremental belief of intelligence (IBI), help-seeking attitudes including instrumental help-seeking (IHS) and executive help-seeking (EHS), and their CI for STEAM contests based on the belief-attitude-behaviour model. A total of 405 elementary and junior high school students who took part in the 2022 STEAM PowerTech contest participated in this study. Structural equation modelling was used for confirmatory analysis to validate the hypotheses. Results indicated that EHS exhibited a negative association with CI, whereas IHS exhibited a positive association with CI. HMSE and IBI were negatively associated with EHS, and positively associated with IHS. This study implies that students with a high level of HMSE and IBI are inclined to exhibit IHS and thus have a strong CI for STEAM contests. The findings provide suggestions on enhancing students' CI for STEAM contests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes the use of film-forming amines (FFAs) for corrosion protection in water/steam industrial circuits, focusing on carbon steel. It discusses industrial feedback on FFAs' benefits and challenges, alongside experimental methods for studying their inhibition and structural properties. Key research areas include FFAs' corrosion inhibition mechanisms, adsorption kinetics, and layer structures. The review also identifies knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions to deepen the understanding of FFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehension of mathematical notions can profit from the personal background of a population of students, drawing upon their former knowledge in another field. In particular, the embodiment of mathematics provides us with a bridge to transfer competencies from music to intuitive understanding of non-trivial geometries and topologies. In this study, we analyse an experiment in which music composition students are introduced to the Klein bottle for the first time. Through the Ontological and Semiotic Approach (OSA), a conceptual framework in mathematics education, we evaluate the evolution from an initial intuition of the Klein bottle to a formal understanding of the object via musical renditions and verbal presentations to both neophyte and specialist audiences in mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the importance of using systems with high productivity, in order to reduce fuel consumption and economic savings, multiple production systems can be an attractive option. In this study, a simultaneous production system of power, steam and hydrogen based on molten carbonate fuel cell with methane fuel source is presented. The proposed system consists of four main parts, molten carbonate fuel cell, heat recovery steam generator, proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and organic Rankine cycle. The system is evaluated from viewpoints of energy, exergy and exergeoeconomics. In the organic Rankine cycle, R141b has the best performance in terms of electricity production, organic fluid consumption, and efficiency among the proposed organic fluids, so that with R141b the efficiency reaches to 18.31%. Also, 68.85% of heat recovery is done by the heat recovery steam generator and the rest is done by the heat recovery vapor generator. The energy, exergy, and electrical efficiencies of the proposed system are 64.29, 63.53, and 39.69%, respectively, which shows a good performance compared to many power plants. The highest exergy destruction occurs in the air heat exchanger with 45673 kW. The operating cost rate of the system is 2.38 $/s and the hydrogen production rate is 3.67 kg/h. • 3E analyses are performed for the combined system of power, steam, and hydrogen production. • 68.8% of the heat recovery is done in the HRSG and the rest in the ORC. • Energy and exergy efficiencies are 64.4% and 57.7%, respectively. • The best organic fluid from a 3E perspective is R141b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve precise energy supply and energy-efficient operation of the steam system in the primary processing workshop of tobacco enterprises, a Random Forest prediction model is introduced in this study to forecast steam consumption. A correlation analysis is conducted to identify the factors that significantly impact steam load. These key features are then used to develop the Random Forest prediction model, with appropriate hyper parameters selected to enhance prediction accuracy. The results indicate that the Random Forest model offers high prediction precision and strong practical applicability, providing a basis for optimizing the scheduling of the steam system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) education, and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored the effects of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) hands-on learning on online AI learning and creativity. We also analyzed the effects of creative emotions on AI learning using facial expressions. We recruited 25 preservice teachers at a public university as participants. A pretest – post-test nonequivalent comparison group design was adopted. AI learning was applied to experimental teaching. The experimental and control groups received online STEAM hands-on learning and standard teaching, respectively. The findings were as follows: STEAM hands-on learning had a significant positive effect on the conjunction item, example item, and total AI concept scores, and an even greater positive effect on AI attitude scores, particularly for AI processing and output; the effect size of STEAM hands-on learning on AI creativity was large, and the effect was positive in terms of design novelty, elaboration, and usability; and participants had higher anger levels in the designing and drawing AI learning stages, implying a high degree of focus and engagement. Finally, recommendations for instruction include the use of more online resources and engaging practical software to improve professional learning and enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choice and autonomy are central tenets of interest-driven learning. Yet, in most studies on interest in school, students' choice and autonomy have been confined within the boundaries of the curriculum and the subject matter in question. This limits our understanding of how schools can support interest-driven learning as well as students' interest development in educational settings more broadly. To address this gap, in this study, we have focused on student learning when they are allowed to follow their interests beyond the curriculum during school time. Building on relational and practice-based perspectives on interest, we conceptualized such extensions as productive deviations and centered on a particular case of two 6th-grade students - Tamaz and Nuri - who created two computer games during their time in the FUSE Studio, alternative STEAM learning infrastructure for schools. Our interactional analysis of Tamaz and Nuri's problem-solving during their game-making shows that their productive deviation formed a significant learning experience for them in terms of game design and working with computers. Overall, our study contributes to discussions on fostering and supporting students' interest-driven learning and interest development in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEAM has gained traction across informal and formal educational settings, but the connections between STEAM disciplines are not always obvious to youth. We argue that an explicit focus on how art and STEM overlap in the world, and how these overlaps connect personally to learner's interests and concerns, is a way to support the development of STEAM-related identities. We developed a "STEAM objects" pedagogical activity aimed at explicitly surfacing the ways that art and STEM are intertwined in everyday objects, as well as the ways that STEAM is connected to learners' own lives. We piloted the activity with educators, asking what they took up from the experience. Our results show how the educators made connections to land, historicity, their professions, function, aesthetics, and agency of materials during the activity. The STEAM objects served as boundary objects that illustrated the integrative nature of art and STEM in the world, as well as bridging important aspects of their lives and STEAM. We discuss the importance of recognizing and leveraging the multiplicities of meaning and ways of knowing, as well as implications for the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event cameras produce asynchronous discrete outputs due to the independent response of camera pixels to changes in brightness. The asynchronous and discrete nature of event data facilitate the tracking of prolonged feature trajectories. Nonetheless, this necessitates the adaptation of feature tracking techniques to efficiently process this type of data. In addressing this challenge, we proposed a hybrid data-driven feature tracking method that utilizes data from both event cameras and frame-based cameras to track features asynchronously. It mainly includes patch initialization, patch optimization, and patch association modules. In the patch initialization module, FAST corners are detected in frame images, providing points responsive to local brightness changes. The patch association module introduces a nearest-neighbor (NN) algorithm to filter new feature points effectively. The patch optimization module assesses optimization quality for tracking quality monitoring. We evaluate the tracking accuracy and robustness of our method using public and self-collected datasets, focusing on average tracking error and feature age. In contrast to the event-based Kanade–Lucas–Tomasi tracker method, our method decreases the average tracking error ranging from 1.3 to 29.2% and boosts the feature age ranging from 9.6 to 32.1%, while ensuring the computational efficiency improvement of 1.2–7.6%. Thus, our proposed feature tracking method utilizes the unique characteristics of event cameras and traditional cameras to deliver a robust and efficient tracking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, bed bugs (Cimex spp.) have resurged as common urban pests around the world. The search for efficient and safe control measures has become a key interest among researchers, manufacturers, and pest control professionals. In this study, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of steam, diatomaceous earth (DE) dust, and a combination of both against tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus (F.)) under laboratory and field conditions. RESULTS: In the laboratory study, the mortality of bed bugs after 2 days of exposure to DE dust was 100%. When bed bugs stayed on the surface of an object or in cracks, a brief steam treatment (1 s) caused 100% mortality. However, when bed bugs were hidden under a fabric cover, steam application for 10 s only caused 89 ± 6% mortality. Bed bugs that survived steam treatment exhibited reduced feeding activity. In a 14‐week long study, there was no significant difference in the reduction rate of bed bugs between steam treatment and DE dust treatment. A 37‐week long control study showed that steam and steam plus DE dust treatments eliminated 97–100% of the infestations. CONCLUSION: Applying steam and DE dust are effective strategies for eliminating natural tropical bed bug infestations. Continuous follow‐up monitoring and treatment until no bed bugs are found are crucial in completely eliminating the infestation of tropical bed bugs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiC fibers are widely used in composites exposed to high temperature oxidizing environments. The present study compares the oxidation behavior of SiC fibers and the associated changes in tensile strength upon their exposure to dry air and steam for up to 50 hours at temperatures from 950°C to 1350°C. In both cases, the scale thickness and oxide microstructure were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. When the SiC fibers were oxidized in air, a crack-free amorphous oxide layer formed at temperatures up to 1200°C, whereas a cracked, crystallized oxide layer was found at 1350°C. By contrast under steam environment, a crystalline oxide forms at 950°C for oxidation times longer than 30 h. In both environments, the fiber strength decreased with increasing exposure time and temperature, the degradation being faster after oxidation in steam compared to dry air. This appears to relate to residual stress in the oxide scale and a reduction in the cross section of the load-bearing unoxidized SiC. An increase in defect size may also contribute to the loss of strength. The oxide scale follows parabolic growth kinetics in both dry air and in steam from 950°C to 1350°C, except at 1350°C for over 30 hours. The oxidation rate in steam is faster than that in dry air, with activation energies of 79.8±1.4 kJ/mol in steam and 153.6±3.4 kJ/mol in dry air, respectively. This work is relevant to the application of SiC fibers and SiC fiber reinforced composites in air and steam environments at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the changes in the zeolite framework and catalytic active sites during zeolite‐based vapor‐phase and aqueous catalytic processes is crucial. Herein, the evolution of framework T atoms (Si and Al) in ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS)‐treated HZSM‐5 zeolite under steam and hot liquid water (HLW) environments was inverstigated using various characterization techniques. In HLW, Si−O−Si bonds exhibit poorer hydrothermal stability than Si−O−Al bonds, in contrast to steam. Significant Si atom leaching occurs regardless of whether the framework tetrahedral Al atoms (Al(IV)‐1) are removed. Similar to steam, Al(IV)‐1 species in HLW sequentially evolve into partially coordinated framework Al species and then into extra‐framework Al (EFAL) species through partial and complete hydrolysis. The generated EFAL species act as Lewis acid sites, but their local structures or chemical environments may differ. These findings reveal the difference in the T−O−T bonds attacked by water molecules: the Si−O−Al bonds are primarily attacked in steam, whereas the Si−O−Si bond are primarily attacked in HLW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) approach has a variety of benefits for all children as it triggers multiple senses through hands-on activities, experiential learning, exploration opportunities on different scientific topics, and various tools and materials. Five STEAM activities were designed and implemented with fifteen 60–72-month-old children over a five-week period. Each activity required children to make their own designs to create their product, and was prepared to emphasize a particular feature of STEAM education. Instrumental case study was utilized in this study. It was observed that children engage more and spend more time, demand additional materials and use their imagination to design more creative and various products in STEAM activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the need to apply innovative educational models in modern education. A brief scientific review is made of the emergence of the STEM/STEAM education, the latter currently being one of the priority approaches for application in educational policies around the world. The basic integrating factor for the STEM and STEAM education is games. Through games, children apply their real-life experience, and they favour their overall cognitive development. Game technologies for STEM/STEAM education in kindergartens are aimed at developing the skills of modern children for critical and creative thinking, design and coding, communication and interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The connection between the traditions and innovations of the more-than-a-century-old tradition of preschool pedagogy in Bulgaria is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of arsenate from wastewaters was investigated by applying Mg-, Zn- or Ca-modified nut residue biochar activated by nitrogen/steam. The parameters studied were the contact time, adsorbent dose, initial arsenate concentration and solution pH. The adsorption mechanism was investigated. Various analyses of the material before and after arsenate adsorption were carried out, and experimental data were simulated by applying two isotherm models. The results indicated that the maximum removal efficiency of arsenate was 29.4% at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. The modification of biochar by Mg, Zn or Ca oxides increased the removal rate significantly, from 49.4% at 100 mg/L As5+ up to 8%, 97% and 97%, respectively. Zn-modified biochar presented an excellent performance for both low and high As5+ concentrations. All experimental data were accurately fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.94–0.97), confirming a multilayer adsorption mechanism. For a biochar dose of 2 g/L, the maximum capacity of adsorption was enhanced after Mg-, Zn- or Ca-modification from 12.4 mg/g to 35 mg/g, 50 mg/g and 49 mg/g, respectively. The potential mechanisms of adsorption were ligand exchange, chemical complexation, surface precipitation and electron coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEM, STEAM education is important for building a better future, and teachers have a key role in attracting students to the field of STEM. However, when teachers need to shift from traditional disciplinary-based education to integrated STEM education, they often find this transition challenging. This difficulty arises because their beliefs about science teaching and learning are deeply rooted in traditional disciplinary-based approaches. Beliefs have a profound influence on their teaching practises as well as their professional development, even though teachers are often not conscious of their own beliefs. To address this issue, we employed a phenomenological approach to investigate the phenomena when their beliefs espoused by asking formative episodes that influenced their development as science teachers. This study aimed at exploring the current subject-specific beliefs of in-service science teachers. This told us how best to guide teachers through this process of the transition from traditional disciplinary-based education to STEM education. Our findingsrevealed that teachers’ beliefs showed that curiosity and/or interest towards science to be the most important factors in student learning. This indicates that while teachers’ core beliefs are not entirely disciplinary-oriented, they are more open. It would reduce their anxiety and low self-efficacy in conveying STEM education.

Context: Nine steaming and nine drying is a traditional chinese medicine (TCM) processing method and it is widely used for processing tonifying herbs. Modern research reveals that the repeated steaming and drying process varies the composition and clinical efficacy of TCM. Objective: this paper analyzes and explores the historical evolution, research progress, development strategies, and problems encountered in the nine steaming and nine drying process so as to provide a reasonable explanation for this method. Methods: english and chinese literature from 1986 to 2023 was collected from databases including web of Science, PubMed, elsevier, chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 (CP), and CNKI (chinese). Nine steaming and nine drying, processing, TCM and pharmacological activity were used as the key words. Results: Nine steaming and nine drying has undergone thousands of years of clinical practice. Under specific processing conditions of nine steaming and nine drying, the ingredients of the TCM have significant changes, which in turn altered clinical applications. Conclusions: this review provides sufficient evidence to prove the rationality and scientific value of nine steaming and nine drying and puts forward a development direction for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streaming perception is a crucial task in the field of autonomous driving, which aims to eliminate the inconsistency between the perception results and the real environment due to the delay. In high-speed driving scenarios, the inconsistency becomes larger. Previous research has ignored the study of streaming perception in high-speed driving scenarios and the robustness of the model to object's speed. To fill this gap, we first define the full-speed domain streaming perception problem and construct a real-time meta-detector, StreamTrack. Second, to perform motion trend extraction, Swift Multi-Cost Tracker (SMCT) is proposed for fast and accurate data association. Meanwhile, the Direct-Decoupled Prediction Head (DDPH) is introduced for predicting future locations. Furthermore, we introduce the Uniform Motion Prior Loss (UMPL), which ensures stable learning of the model for rapidly moving objects. Compared with the strong baseline, our model improves the SAsAP (Speed-Adaptive steaming Average Precision) by 15.46 %. Extensive experiments show that our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance in the full-speed domain streaming perception task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoforming of fibre‐based materials faces challenges due to their restrictive three‐dimensional formability and lack of compatibility between material properties and traditional thermoforming methods. Treatment techniques present an intriguing area of research to address the gap between material characteristics and process requirements. Therefore, this study examined the influence of inline steam treatment on the thermoforming of plastic‐coated fibre‐based materials with different product geometries. Three plastic‐coated paperboards were subjected to thermoforming, with and without steaming, and their thermoformability was assessed based on the maximum depth and draft angle of the samples. Following 7 s of steaming, the materials exhibited a moisture content 2–4 percentage points higher than that of the original setup, yielding a greater curling rate in the produced samples across different geometries. The curling rate was influenced by the tensile stiffness of the materials and was correlated with the size of the flat‐edge area in the studied geometries. Furthermore, findings revealed varying rates at which steaming affected different geometries. Steaming substantially enhanced the achieved depth for geometries where the material was incapable of reaching the mould without moisturization, particularly observed for smaller geometrical shapes. This improvement was linked to steaming, which enhanced pliability, facilitated material penetration, and increased the final depth. However, in geometries where the material could reach the mould without moisturization, steaming expanded the contact area but could also result in a greater spring‐back rate and reduced depth, potentially owing to the loss of elastic modulus by moisturization. Nevertheless, the rate of spring‐back did not consistently increase with steaming and could be influenced by various material‐related factors, including the properties, composition, preparation methods, and postforming drying. Despite depth changes, steaming consistently improved the obtained draft angles, indicating that the materials were drawn more efficiently to the sidewalls across all instances studied. Thus, this study underscored the importance of choosing appropriate materials and moulds for hydrothermal moisturization treatments in the thermoforming process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa, amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s challenges, explores sustainable education intersecting with community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study scrutinized educational dynamics. A case study method selected three secondary schools, involving 105 learners were purposively selected for this study. The study was underpinned by the human capital theory. This theoretical framework highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequities and promoting social justice. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Qualitative data captured community perspectives, advocating for technology integration in education. Overcoming barriers like infrastructure and digital literacy was seen as crucial. The study findings highlighted integrating STEM education into South Africa’s curriculum, focusing on interdisciplinary strategies to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. STEAM courses were seen as a way which prepare students for the 4IR, fostering adaptability and future employment readiness. Lack of electricity, computers, and availability of computer training was revealed as one of the lacking factors among teachers in schools. Themes were drawn and discussed in relation to the research question. The study suggests assessing long-term impacts on community indicators like economic empowerment and health. The study concluded that police makers and curriculum designers may need to re-evaluate educational systems for STEAM. The study therefore recommended that it may be of great help if rigorous outcome evaluation measures of educational intervention would be effective in schools. Also, analyzing policy frameworks was recommended as essential for national development agendas, and bridging policy gaps

In recent years, STEM and STEAM education in early childhood have become topics of interest in most countries and territories worldwide, both in application and research. In this study, a bibliometric method was applied to evaluate 54 publications extracted from the Scopus database. Our main findings indicate that the research trend in this field has seen a significant increase in scientific output over the past 5 years, with publications accounting for 85.19% of the dataset. While Malaysia led in the number of publications, Singapore had the highest citation rates and the strongest international collaboration among the countries. The most active research institutions mainly came from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Research on STEM/STEAM education for early childhood in the region primarily focused on issues such as teaching methods, skill development for children, and professional development for teachers. The paper also discussed some potential directions for research on STEM/STEAM education for early childhood in the Southeast Asian region.

This study examines 219 STEAM education theses from Taiwan spanning the years 2008 to 2022, analyzing the current status and trends in STEAM education. The research reveals that STEAM education in Taiwan is rapidly advancing, with teacher training institutions becoming the primary research entities. The focus of the research is predominantly on K-12 education, particularly emphasizing primary school levels, while there is relatively less research on university students and teachers. It is recommended to deepen research on STEAM practices across different educational stages to explore the potential of educational diversity. Empirical research in STEAM education primarily centers around the 6E model, PjBL, and creativity in curriculum and teaching methods, with insufficient attention to teacher and policy-level studies. Future recommendations include strengthening theoretical foundations, expanding research topics to encompass teachers and policies, conducting international comparisons, and engaging in cross-cultural studies to enhance a comprehensive understanding of STEAM education. Furthermore, challenges are identified in the quality and academic ethics of thesis research. Some theses exhibit a tendency for expediency, resulting in varying research quality. Future suggestions include reinforcing evaluation criteria for theses, enhancing academic standards and precision, to promote the quality and development of STEAM education. 本研究以台灣地區2008 至2022 年的219 篇STEAM教育領域學位論文為研究對象，剖析STEAM教育的現況和趨勢。研究發現，台灣的STEAM教育正快速發展，師範院校成為主要研究機構。研究主要聚焦於K-12，特別強調小學階段，對大學生和教師的研究相對較少，建議深化對不同教育階段的STEAM實踐研究，挖掘教育多樣性的前景。STEAM教育實證研究聚焦6E 模式、PjBL 和創造力的課程和教學模式，但對教師和政策層面的研究不足。未來建議強化學理基礎，擴展研究主題至教師和政策，進行國際比較和跨文化研究，提升對STEAM教育的全面理解。另外學位論文研究品質和學術倫理面臨挑戰，部分論文存在求速便捷情況，導致研究品質不一。未來建議加強學位論文的審斷標準，提升學術標準和精確性，以推動STEAM教育的品質和發展。

Abstract The article presents the application of 3D technologies in STEAM education through a conducted scientific research, highlighting the role of 3D modeling and 3D printing as an innovative approach in achieving an interdisciplinary learning model. The research included the following stages: preparation for designing a detailed 3D steam locomotive model; analysis of process difficulties; giving students and lecturers the opportunity to perform a specific modeling task, using basic primitives from solid geometry, as well as a questionnaire to analyze and evaluate the skills and knowledge of the participants in the 3D modeling field. In this context, the preparation process of a 3D steam locomotive model for educational purposes, using Autodesk 3ds Max software, is presented, and the 3D printing technology FDM is examined. We issued a challenge to the participants in the research to design a non-complex 3D model, using unfamiliar 3D modeling software Blender, within a limited time. The questionnaire covered topics in education, science, art, STEAM, and 3D modeling. The goal is to showcase the role of the integration of 3D technologies in educational environments with the idea of developing key skills and knowledge in learners.

This research aims to determine the increase in mathematical literacy in students by using the steam approach with a live worksheet based inquiry learning model. This research was carried out at SD N Trosemi 2 in the odd semester of the 2023/2024 academic year with a total of 29 students. This research was conducted in two cycles. The data collection methods in this research are test and observation. Data analysis techniques using qualitative data are based on increasing the average mathematical literacy ability of students as an indicator of research success. The results of research in the pre-cycle showed that the average mathematical literacy of students was 49.54% with poor criteria, in cycle I there was an increase, namely getting an average of 65.5% with good criteria and in cycle II getting an average of 86. 45% with very good criteria. Thus, it can be concluded that using the inquiry learning model assisted by live worksheets using the Steam approach can increase mathematical literacy in students.

Through a comprehensive review of published literature on fish glue (FG), the ecological glue for traditional furniture, the traditional handicraft for making FG was found to include six main processes: soaking, steaming, manual smashing, decoction, filtration, and airing. The handicraft that makes FG is manual and is not only time-consuming and laborious but does not have clearly documented standard processes and is thus less repeatable. Considering this, experiments to optimize a new technique for making FG were designed. Six basic technological processes (cutting and drying, crushing, soaking, decoction, filtration, and airing) were investigated to optimize the new glue production technique. The technological processes of the new technique were compared with those of the traditional handicraft method. The results indicated that preparing FG following the optimal processes of the new glue-making technique not only ensured the quality of the glue solution but also outperformed the traditional handicraft technique in the following aspects: 1) it simplifies the production process, reduces labor intensity, and saves time: the soaking time is decreased by 50% and the traditional manual smashing process is not required; 2) it improves the glue yield by 5.42%; and 3) due to introduction of mechanical processing, time and temperature are controllable, rendering production more repeatable and easily up-scaled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability impacting patients' daily lives. Adequate and ongoing rehabilitation is a necessity. Due to disability problems, rehabilitation in the health care system is limited. Traditional medicine has been promoted in Thailand for stroke rehabilitation, with physical therapy as the primary treatment plan. However, despite more options, many patients still receive inadequate rehabilitation. The development of an appropriate rehabilitation model is still necessary. This study aims to study factors influencing limb movements in post-stroke patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 120 ischemic stroke patients obtained by multi-stage sampling in Muang district, Phitsanulok province. The data were collected using questionnaires with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89. The ability to move the muscles of the limbs of the patients was assessed using the motor power assessment form, and binary logistic regression statistics analyzed the factors influencing limb movements. Result: Data analysis shows that 76% of the stroke patients were female, 39.3% aged 61–70 years had a mean of 62 years and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 8.9, 4.6% of stroke patients had a duration of illness of 6–12 months, and 94.2% had a caregiver. 53.1% received rehabilitation once a week, and 92.5% received Thai massage. Thai traditional medicine utilization methods consist of Thai massage, herbal compresses, herbal steam, and taking herbal medicines. There are two factors influencing the ability to move the limb muscles of stroke patients as follows: (1) the massage with the Thai traditional medicine rehabilitation method (Adj OR = 28.917, p-value = 0.006) and (2) the number of rehabilitation sessions per week (Adj OR = 2.465, p-value < 0.001). These two variables explain the variance of regaining limb movement among post-stroke patients of 42.5% at a significance level of 0.05. In this analysis, the predictive accuracy was 70%. Conclusion: Rehabilitation using Thai massage, together with the number of rehabilitation sessions per week, influenced the ability of limb movement in post-stroke patients. In other words, increasing the number of rehabilitation times per week and using Thai massage in rehabilitation will help stroke patients move their limbs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhancing the current breast pump sanitization method may improve maternal satisfaction and increase a mother's likelihood of providing human milk for their hospitalized infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Other than Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there is lack of studies on sanitization practices. Currently, the only option in the hospital setting for breast pump equipment cleaning is a steam sanitization plastic bag. Purpose: Using the Q. Basin will increase participant satisfaction compared to the steam sanitization bag. Methods: A multi-phased pilot study was conducted in our quaternary care NICU to test the Q. Basin, a novel design developed to wash, dry, and safely steam sanitize breast pump equipment compared to the standard steam bag. A bacterial study was conducted on breast pump equipment from 10 mothers by swabbing the equipment immediately at hour zero and 24 hours. Twenty NICU mothers concurrently evaluated their satisfaction via a 3-question survey comparing the Q. Basin and the steam sanitization plastic bag method. Results: The results showed a 20% increase in satisfaction with Q. Basin compared to the steam bag method. Implications for Practice and Research: Data analysis from the satisfaction survey concludes that mothers pumping preferred the Q. Basin as a quicker, faster, and more environmentally friendly method for breast pump part sanitization. Additional safety and materials studies are required before using the Q. Basin in the clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the revision of the STEAM model originally proposed by Yakman, in 2008, introducing the Human variable, as an extremely important element for the model, which was defined as STEAM ∀H, where ∀H is for all Humanity. This proposal is motivated by several factors. On the one hand, the evolution of industrial design from the 19th century to present, going from designing objects focused on facilitating industrialization and focused on the user, to design focused on the human being and humanity. On the other hand, since the formulation of the STEAM model, different improvements have been proposed in the literature in order to introduce humanistic disciplines into the model, also seeking to introduce society as a fundamental element. For example, the literature has proposed the STREAM model, where R is religion, or STEAM-ED, where -ED implies an approach based on the constructivist social theory. The STEAMS model, where S is Society, has also been proposed to try to improve training in understanding society and the implications of designing for it. Initially Yakman introduces the "A" in the STEM model as the sum of different disciplines that use the word "art" in their description: Fine Arts, Physical Arts, Manual Arts and Liberal Arts. The first three disciplines are associated with the practical and also creative part, while the Liberal Arts approach various disciplines in the humanities and social areas. Yakman's definition of STEAM was quickly accepted and assimilated by the scientific community. However, for the purposes of application, the "A" is treated fundamentally as that creative and artistic component transversal to the rest of the model, relegating humanistic and social learning to the background. In the first section of this article the redefinition of the "A" in the STEAM model is proposed, which was originally defined by Yakman, by integrating the areas of Fine Arts, Physical Arts and Manual Arts; adding ∀H, as STEAM ∀H, which integrates the Liberal Arts, defining the model as: "the learning of Science and Technology interpreted through Engineering and Art based on the language of Mathematics and taking into account the implications of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math' for all Humanity" The second section of this article proposes the implementation in detail of the STEAM ∀H model in higher education, specifically, in the first year of the Degree in Industrial Design Engineering and Product Development, where the STEAM areas represented by the subjects of Physics, Mathematics, Basic Design, Representation of Shapes, etc., must be integrated with the subject of Social Doctrine of the Church. The model has been tested in three consecutive courses. An empirical qualitative study, case study method was carried out thorugh multiple-question Likert scale questionnaries to analize the perpective and perception of the participants to the new method. The frequency of the results obtained are shown and analized at the end of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is associated with a promising pedagogical approach to improve the development of students at different educational stages. Degrees linked to a STEAM approach encourage real-world problem solving through the application of multidisciplinary knowledge. The objective of this research is to analyze the perception of Early Childhood and Primary to Secondary Education teachers on the existence of the gender gap among pre-university students in subjects related to STEAM degrees in Spain. Given the results obtained, it is possible to affirm that according to teachers, there is a gender gap among students in the early educational stages in topics related to STEAM careers, which can mark their future gender gap in university education. Given this scenario, it is necessary to continue researching the possible factors that influence the gender gap in these degrees to understand possible gender inequalities in the educational field. Furthermore, the need to implement educational strategies that promote gender equality in Spain from the first educational stages is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Si/Al molar ratio of MAZ aluminosilicate zeolite prepared by the direct hydrothermal method is generally less than five, thus giving rise to poor thermal and hydrothermal stability for this low-silica zeolite. With the purpose of enhancing the Si/Al molar ratio of MAZ zeolite, post-synthesized methods including acetic acid treatment and steaming treatment, as well as interzeolite transformation from FAU zeolite, were employed to prepare MAZ zeolite with high silica. It was found that steaming treatment was more effective in increasing the Si/Al molar ratio in comparison with acetic acid treatment, affording a maximum Si/Al molar ratio of 16.9 along with a preserved crystallinity of approximately 75%. Additionally, high-silica MAZ zeolite with a Si/Al molar ratio of up to 7.3 was also capable of being directly hydrothermally synthesized using interzeolite transformation from FAU zeolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a research design using the Research and Development method, the aim of this research is to develop a Basic Biomedical learning model using a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) approach based on Augmented Reality. In developing the Basic Biomedical Learning Model, researchers used the development model from Hannafin and Peck, while in designing augmented reality software that was integrated with a marker-based encyclopedia, researchers used the Waterfall model. After designing and developing, the model and media were evaluated using Tessmer formative evaluation with 4 stages, 1) Experts Reviews, 2) Onto-One, 3) Small Group and 4) Field Test. The research subjects were 2nd semester students, Health Study Program, FIKES, Ibn Khaldun University Bogor on Human Anatomy Physiology material. In collecting data, researchers used interview techniques, data, questionnaires, tests, observation sheets and documentation. The results of media tests based on learning model development must meet the requirements for feasibility, practicality and effectiveness. So it is hoped that the results of testing the development of a Basic Biomedical Learning Model using the Augmented Reality-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) approach can improve students' 21st century skills in biomedical practicum activities and student learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWhen educators started incorporating the letter A into the STEM acronym to form STEAM some science educators had reservations. Seen from a western, rationalistic way of knowing (Colucci-Gray et al. 2017, 23) the STEM community had detractors regarding the idea of integrating art into science. Hence, scientific language is often thought of as being limited to structured, mathematical forms, while the arts’ languages are intuitive and characterized by esthetic quality (Garoian and Mathews 1996, 194). This article describes a science educator’s changing beliefs regarding the need for art in STEM and how it led to the creation of an art activity that helps bridge the gap between math, science, and engineering. Specifically, students are involved in creating dioramas to NGSS- MS-LS2-2- Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. Ratios/proportions and using a spreadsheet for accuracy and speed of calculations are additional concepts discussed within the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a fruiting shrub native to tropical and subtropical countries around the world and cultivated in many regions due to its nutraceutical value. The current study investigated the metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activities of volatile constituents derived from the C. aurantium peel cultivated in Egypt by three different extraction methods. Methods: The volatile chemical constituents of the peel of C. aurantium were isolated using three methods; steam distillation (SD), hydrodistillation (HD), and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), and then were investigated by GC-MS. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by different assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating potential. Moreover, the effect of enzyme inhibition of the three essential oils was tested using BChE, AChE, tyrosinase, glucosidase, as well as amylase assays. Results: A total of six compounds were detected by GC/MS analysis. The major constituent obtained by all three extraction methods was limonene (98.86% by SD, 98.68% by HD, and 99.23% by MAHD). Differences in the composition of the compounds of the three oils were observed. The hydrodistillation technique has yielded the highest number of compounds, notably two oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool (0.12%) and α-terpineol acetate (0.1%). Conclusion: In our study differences in the extraction methods of C. aurantium peel oils resulted in differences in the oils' chemical composition. Citrus essential oils and their components showed potential antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimelanogenesis, and antidiabetic activities. The presence of linalool and α-terpineol acetate may explain the superior activity observed for the oil isolated by HD in both radical scavenging and AChE inhibition assays, as well as in the enzyme inhibition assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gasification, which refers to the partial oxidation of a solid carbon-based fuel in a temperature range of over 700 °C, is a promising route to convert biomass into H 2 -rich syngas. In this work, a detailed ASPEN plus model for biomass gasification with different oxidants (air, oxygen-enriched air, air/steam and oxygen-enriched air/steam). The accuracy of the developed model was confirmed by comparison with two sets of experimental results obtained from air and air/steam experiments, yielding a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.42 and 2.42, respectively. Variations of equivalence ratio (ER) in a range of (0.22–0.31), temperature (700–1000 °C), oxygen percentage in the air, OP (21–50%), and steam/biomass ratio, SBR (0–1.5) were studied on the gasification of sawdust to optimize the process. A rise in OP led to an increase in H 2 production, char conversion and tar cracking, but an opposite trend was observed for the gas yield, due to the reduced N 2 dilution. The maximum H 2 content was obtained when oxygen-enriched air/steam was used as oxidant due to having both advantages of reducing N 2 dilution and promoting water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. Increasing ER, SBR and temperature all contributed to increased gas production and tar cracking, but degraded the quality of syngas. H 2 content was significantly enhanced at T < 900 °C and later showed negligible changes when the temperature exceeded 900 °C as a result of continuous oxidation reactions. At optimal operational conditions (OP = 40%, SBR = 1.0, ER = 0.28 and gasification temperature = 1000 °C), a maximum H 2 content of 20.44 vol% could be attained. • A kinetic model was developed to simulate biomass gasification with various gasification agents. • The predicted results were validated against available experimental data in the literature. • A rise in OP led to an increase in tar cracking, but an opposite trend was observed for gas yield. • The maximum H 2 content was obtained when oxygen-enriched air/steam was used as gasification agent. • OP = 40%, ER = 0.28, SBR = 1.0 and T = 1000 °C are considered as optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the development and application of an approach for evaluating audience response to and meaning-making from large-scale public murals, created as part of an art-science-community engagement project. The project adapted Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) facilitation, a common technique in visual arts education, with a focus group style interview to investigate if the murals generated the intended meaning-making among members of the communities they depicted. We piloted a VTS-centered focus group discussion with three groups of community residents in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. Thematic coding of observations in the discussion groups suggest that a VTS-centered focus group is an effective approach to evaluate audience meaning-making by prompting slow looking, protracted discussion, and offering a structure for discussion that keeps the facilitator from shaping topics of conversation. The affordances and limitations of this approach as a tool for research and evaluation of learning through public art and exhibitions is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental science classes often ask students to examine changes in species or their environments to determine the human impact on a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is not always practical to take students out for a field study to do this kind of analysis; instead, the scientific method and diversity analyses can be utilized while students compare topographic maps, photographs, or paintings over time. In this article, we present three laboratories that use artwork (e.g., paintings or photographs) to have students examine anthropogenic alterations in the character of landscapes and explore how our connection with nature has changed over time. These laboratories can benefit educators looking for an interdisciplinary STEAM approach to introduce both biology majors and nonmajors to environmental science concepts and the scientific method in a highly relatable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancements of machine learning and AI technologies, robots have been more widely used in our everyday life and they have also been used in education. The present study introduces a 12-week child-robot theater afterschool program designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education with art elements (STEAM) for elementary students using social robots. Four modules were designed to introduce robot mechanisms as well as arts: Acting (anthropomorphism), Dance (robot movements), Music and Sounds (music composition), and Drawing (robot art). These modules provided children with basic knowledge about robotics and STEM and guided children to create a live robot theater play. A total of 16 students participated in the program, and 11 of them were involved in completing questionnaires and interviews regarding their perceptions towards robots, STEAM, and the afterschool program. Four afterschool program teachers participated in interviews, reflecting their perceptions of the program and observations of children's experiences during the program. Our findings suggest that the present program effectively maintained children's engagement and improved their interest in STEAM by connecting social robots and theater production. We conclude with design guidelines and recommendations for future research and programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a reaction product during the oxidation of alloys in steam. A fraction of the hydrogen produced diffuses into the alloy, while the remainder is released back into the gas phase. Hydrogen permeation experiments on iron and nickel foils were made to quantify the fraction of hydrogen which permeated through the metal and the fraction which went back into the gas phase. Tests were conducted at 750 °C in Ar-3% H2O on one side of the foil to track hydrogen transport during oxidation. Exposure tests at 650 and 700 °C in atmospheric pressure steam on ferritic steel T23 and ferritic/martensitic steel T92, as functions of gas velocity and sample orientation, provide evidence that the transport of hydrogen back into the gas phase influences the oxidation kinetics. Boundary layer controlled hydrogen diffusion away from the scale and into the gas phase was modelled to predict the effects of gas velocity and pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of using STEAM digital teaching materials on increasing creative problem-solving skills. This study has a quasi-experimental research design with a nonequivalent control group. This study employed a random sampling technique and obtained Class 8-F as the experimental class and Class 8-H as the control class. Data were collected using documentation, tests, and questionnaires. The data analysis carried out was a homogeneity test, normality test, t-test, n-gain test, and analysis of students' responses. According to this study, it can be concluded that there is an effect of STEAM digital teaching materials to increase creative problem-solving skills. The t-test results indicate a significant difference in students' average creative problem-solving skills in the experimental and control classes. The effect of STEAM digital teaching materials is proven by an increase in creative problem-solving skills, which are analyzed using N-gain, resulting in the high category (0.73) for the experimental class with STEAM digital teaching materials and the medium category (0.50) for the control class after using STEAM digital teaching materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of the cooking methods (frying, stir-frying, air-frying, boiling, steaming, baking and sous-vide, and microwaving) on total phenolic content (TPC) and sensory profile of cauliflower have been investigated. Higher cooking temperatures have resulted in higher TPC values, which can be attributed to the generation of new phenolics by the Maillard reaction and cleavage of bound phenolics. The highest TPC and bitterness were obtained when steaming and baking (180°C for 20 min) were applied. While the boiling procedure results in low bitterness and sweetness due to the loss of related compounds in boiling water, the taste of cooked cauliflower was higher when steamed (12 min) and stir-fried (4.5 min). Overall acceptability of the boiled, steamed, and fried samples was higher than in baked and sous-vide treated samples. Steaming was determined as the best technique regarding TPC content and sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave heating (MWH) of lignocellulosic biomass with susceptors has attracted attention for H 2 production. In this study, H 2 is produced from cellulose via MWH at 800 °C in a steam atmosphere with magnetite used as the susceptor. The effects of steam feeding and MWH on the product yields are experimentally investigated in comparison with conventional heating (CH). The H 2 and CO 2 yields are increased by steam feeding for both MWH and CH because the water–gas shift reaction occurs. Without steam feeding, MWH enhances H 2 and CO production, thereby increasing the maximum energy efficiency. With steam feeding, the steam gasification of C is more predominant for CH than for MWH as the reduction in the C content in the char of CH is higher than that of MWH. MWH reduces the formation of secondary char, and it is therefore expected to overcome issues such as the clogging or blockage of gas lines. • H 2 produced from cellulose via MWH in steam atmosphere with magnetite as susceptor. • MWH increases energy efficiency when steam is not fed into reaction vessel. • With steam fed into the reaction vessel, CH has higher energy efficiency than MWH. • MWH is expected to solve problems such as clogging or blockage of gas lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium chloride in the fluid phase is important for the chemistry of natural hydrothermal processes in the Earth's crust and derived industrial utilizations, where thermodynamics is an essential part that can also to some extent fill in missing experimental data. The solubility of sodium chloride in crystalline form (halite) in water vapor is modeled using a novel combination of an accurate equation of state for pure water and a truncated virial equation for water mixed with sodium chloride. In the resulting Helmholtz energy expression, interactions between H 2 O and NaCl are incorporated through the second (B 12), third (C 112), and fourth (D 1112) cross virial coefficients. The temperature dependence of the coefficients has been determined by regression to experimental data. Specifically, the temperature dependence of B 12 is assumed to follow that of a square-well gas, whereas C 112 and D 1112 are calculated using purely exponential functions of inverse temperature. The temperature dependence of B 12 is supported by independent calculations of ab initio interaction energies between H 2 O and NaCl. For water itself, all terms in the virial equation are collectively modeled by the IAPWS-95 equation of state. For sodium chloride, interactions between two or more NaCl molecules are disregarded. The model shows quantitative agreement with available solubility data in the vapor–halite coexistence region, which implies that the water vapor density is approximately less than 130 kg m − 3 . Its theoretical basis ensures that predictions are reliable in regions where experimental data are missing. The direct calculation of cross virial coefficients is overall useful for modeling geochemical fluids with low solute concentrations, including systems with multiple solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of the soil fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) and adoption of soil fumigant alternatives has been challenging for farmers, particularly for those crops in which pathogens previously controlled by MeBr have emerged as significant problems, but it has resulted in some unanticipated benefits for the scientific community and the environment. Applauded as one of the most effective environmental agreements to date, the universally accepted Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances has had a significant impact on the environment, reducing the release of halogenated compounds from anthropogenic sources enough to mitigate global warming by an estimated 1.1°C by 2021. The funding associated with various MeBr transition programs has increased collaboration across scientific disciplines, commodity groups, industry, and regulatory agencies. Chemical alternatives and improved application strategies, including the development of gas-retentive agricultural films, coupled with sound efficacy data and grower ingenuity have resulted in the sustained production of many of the impacted crops; although there has been some loss of acreage and value, particularly for Florida fumigated crops, for some. value has continued to increase, allowing production to continue. The loss of a single, broad-spectrum tool for pest control has led to a deeper understanding of the specific pest complexes impacting these at-risk crops, as well as the development of new, biologically based management tools for their control while increasing our understanding of the role of the soil microbiome in pest control and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Irrigated radiofrequency ablation with half-normal saline can potentially increase lesion size but may increase the risk of steam pops with the risk of emboli or perforation. We hypothesized that pops would be preceded by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) findings as well as a large impedance fall. METHODS: In 100 consecutive patients undergoing endocardial ventricular arrhythmia radiofrequency ablation with half-normal saline, we attempted to observe the ablation site with ICE. Radiofrequency ablation power was titrated to a 15 to 20 Ohm impedance fall and could be adjusted for tissue whitening and increasing bubble formation on ICE. Steam pops were defined as audible or a sudden explosion of microbubbles on ICE. RESULTS: Of 2190 ablation applications in 100 patients (82% cardiomyopathy, 50% sustained ventricular tachycardia), pops occurred during 43 (2.0%) applications. Sites with pops had greater impedance decreases of 18 [14, 21]% versus 13 [10, 17]% (P<0.001). ICE visualized 1308 (59.7%) radiofrequency sites, and fewer pops occurred when ICE visualized the radiofrequency ablation site (1.4%) compared with without ICE visualization (2.8%; P=0.016). Of the 18 ICE-visible pops, 7 (39%) were silent but recognized as an explosion of bubbles on ICE. With ICE, 89% of pops were preceded by either tissue whitening or a sudden increase in bubbles. In a multivariable model, tissue whitening and a sudden increase in bubbles were associated with steam pops (odds ratio, 7.186; P=0.004, and odds ratio, 29.93; P<0.001, respectively), independent of impedance fall and power. There were no pericardial effusions or embolic events with steam pops. CONCLUSIONS: Steam pops occurred in 2% of half-normal saline radiofrequency applications titrated to an impedance fall and are likely under-recognized without ICE. On ICE, steam pops are usually preceded by tissue whitening or a sudden increase in bubble formation, which can potentially be used to adjust radiofrequency application to help reduce pops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K-12 teacher professional development in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is often utilized to enhance teachers' abilities to use STEAM pedagogical methods in the classroom. One such program is GoSTEAM, a five-year initiative centered on K-12 teacher professional development in STEAM. Teachers participating in GoSTEAM collaborate on the implementation of STEAM lessons and activities with an Innovator-in-Residence, who is an individual with experience in a STEAM field, often from a local community organization or university. This study analyzes focus group findings from teachers and school administrators to assess how the partnership with the Innovator-in-Residence impacts teachers' professional development in STEAM. The findings suggest teachers and administrators perceived there to be several impacts on teachers' professional development as a result of the partnership, such as the development of STEAM skills and making connections between STEAM, district standards, and real-world concepts. As such, the results of this study indicate that a teacher's professional development in STEAM can be impacted by an ongoing partnership and collaboration with community partners and those experienced in STEAM fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how incorporating art into an upper-level undergraduate field-based ecology research course influenced students' communication and collaboration skills, their career goals, and how they conceptualized the scientific method. Student pairs designed an independent research study that used artwork and a scientific research poster to disseminate their findings at an end-of-term exhibit. Students enrolled in either a local or a (subsidized) travel abroad section of the course. Students in both sections found new or deeper connections between art and science, developed a more sophisticated understanding of the science method, became more confident with their science skills, and reported an expanded perspective on their future careers (often including field work and a wider geographic job search). Science–art student teams indicated they wanted more opportunities for collaborative work in the future, and that their final products were more professional due to their collaborations, as compared to science–science teams. Additionally, the travel abroad students benefitted from experiencing new ecosystems and cultures, from working with science and art professionals from other countries, and from working in an isolated field station without distractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the philosophical constructs of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) curricula entwined with self-regulation and mindfulness to afford students holistic learning. STEAM education is often presented as STEM, resulting in the loss of blended arts integration. The researchers present rationale for including the arts to provide students with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary curricula that promotes increased creativity and emotive connections to learning. Blending of the arts in STEAM provides students with a greater depth and breadth of critical-thinking, creative-thinking, and social-emotional connections to content. The social capital and emotive connections students construct in STEAM learning present educators with opportunities to entwine mindfulness practices to empower students to develop confidence and competence in their STEAM abilities. Entwining STEAM, self-regulation, and mindfulness provides both a canvas and laboratory of aesthetic, holistic learning of the mind and spirit. The researchers provide instructional and clinical professional practices as well as recommendations for STEAM as a construct for not only providing opportunities for students to engage in cognitive progression, but also to assist learners in developing social, emotional, and behavioral skills for lifelong regulatory and mindfulness learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]