A Practical Exploration on the Integration of Modern Information Technology and Chinese Language Pedagogy in Higher Education

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This paper systematically investigates the practical value of integrating modern information technology into the pedagogy of Chinese language majors in higher education. It aims to provide an effective reference for enhancing students’ comprehensive proficiency in applied Chinese and cultivating their cross-cultural communicative competencies. Furthermore, this study seeks to facilitate the continuous optimization and upgrading of Chinese language instruction toward highly efficient and smart educational paradigms.Employing a quasi-experimental design and quantitative analysis, this research contrasts the traditional pedagogical model with a digitally empowered diversified teaching framework. The instructional intervention emphasizes the application of digital resource-sharing platforms, Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data analytics. In conclusion, the application of information technology within the pedagogy of Chinese Language and Literature in higher education yields substantial advantages. It not only broadens the channels for sourcing instructional content, diversifies the modalities of classroom instruction, and enhances learners’ academic efficacies, but also facilitates the precise, data-driven evaluation of the pedagogical process. Consequently, higher education institutions should proactively explore pathways for the deep integration of information technology with Chinese language pedagogy, thereby effectively elevating the instructional quality of Chinese language courses.​

Sustaining Leprosy Elimination in Sri Lanka: The Way Forward

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Background: Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) remains a public health concern in Sri Lanka decades after achieving WHO elimination as a public health problem (<1 prevalence per 10,000) in 1995. Although prevalence targets were reached, new case detection rates have remained persistently elevated, with 1,000–2,000 new cases annually and evidence of ongoing transmission, including among children. Continued disability and social stigma complicate disease control.

Objectives: To evaluate current epidemiology, control efforts, and barriers to elimination in Sri Lanka, and propose an evidence-based way forward, aligned with the WHO “Towards Zero Leprosy” Strategy (2021–2030).

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining national surveillance data (Ministry of Health and Anti-Leprosy Campaign), active case finding surveys, quality of life and stigma studies, and review of global control strategies. Quantitative data on annual case detection rates by age, disability, and geographic region were compiled. A narrative synthesis of interventions and outcomes was undertaken.

Results: Sri Lanka reports approximately 1,500–2,000 new leprosy cases annually, with about 10% in children. Case detection rates fluctuate between 7 and 12 per 100,000 population. Grade 2 disability proportions (visible deformities) range from 6–8%, indicating delayed diagnosis. Active case finding in endemic districts reveals hidden disease burdens (~20/10,000 in targeted surveys). Stigma and quality-of-life impacts remain substantial. Global strategies emphasize integrated services, enhanced surveillance, and prevention of transmission, stigma reduction, and disability management.

Conclusions: While past efforts successfully reduced prevalent leprosy, sustained transmission persists. Achieving elimination of transmission and zero disability requires strengthened surveillance, integrated health services, intensified contact tracing with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), stigma reduction programs, and regionally tailored interventions. A roadmap toward elimination by 2035 is proposed, aligning national targets with WHO guidance.

Farming Efficiency of Pest and Disease Control Techniques on The Efficiency of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Farming in Local Agricultura Areas in Timor-Leste

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Agriculture is one of Timor-Leste’s most important economic sectors, providing a living for the vast majority of the population. The key issue for shallot producers in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas is the high intensity of plant pest organism attacks, which has an impact on production costs and revenue. The purpose of this study is to determine how pest and disease control approaches affect the efficiency of shallot (Allium ascalonium L.) cultivation in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas. This study employs a quantitative approach, collecting primary data from farmers via surveys, structured interviews, and questionnaires administered to a sample of 10 shallot farmers and 40 respondents in the study area, and analyzing farming efficiency using the Linear Regression Analysis method implemented in SPSS version 22. This study found that, when compared to other ways, the use of integrated control in shallot cultivation is the most profitable and efficient. With a production of 3,700-4,320 kg and a consistent selling price of $3.50, total production costs (TC) range from $660 to $785. The t-test results showed that the variables Chemical Use (X1), Biological Use (X2), and Integrated Control (X4) all had a significant and positive effect on the dependent variables. The use of biological uses (X4) was the most significant factor, with a tcal value of 6,715, demonstrating that chemical technology intervention is still the principal driver of agricultural efficiency at this research site. The model accounts for 69% of the variance in farming efficiency (R² = 0.690). As a result, expanding farmer training and extension programs on integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for improving sustainable pest control and increasing the efficiency of shallot farming in Timor-Leste. So extension and training initiatives on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques should be strengthened to help farmers manage pests more efficiently and sustainably.

Traditional Mediterranean Diet as a Holistic Diet: A Review of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Lifestyle Through Pyramids

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Today, Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a globally recognized dietary pattern and public health model. In this review, traditional Mediterranean Diet (MD) is revisited: multiple aspects and facets of the diet including its history, cultural roots, food categories, lifestyle, religious traditions, physical activity and health benefits are presented through pyramids. Mindful eating of mainly plant-based and whole foods, seasonal and locally-sourced, along with the enjoyment in every step of production, preparation and consumption of the food, are the main characteristics of the traditional MD, which is presented for the first time as a 5F-diet based on 5F-pillars. MD is also described as a holistic diet – it is a diet that nourishes the body, the mind, and the soul through balanced and sustainable approach to food choices. The food choices and lifestyle practices provide holistic health not only for the whole body, but also yield healthy communities – the people are part of the community, have “sense of belonging”, and their interactions are in harmony with the environment, respecting the planetary resources and boundaries. The diet’s health benefits, including reduced risks of non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardio-vascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers, prevention from neuro-cognitive disorders, and increased longevity, are a result not only of the food consumed, but also the presence of commensality and conviviality, and the lifestyle leading to daily stress relief. Overall, MD is a concept that embraces biodiversity, sustainability, quality, palatability, health, cultural aspects and heritage.

Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Low TB Detection Rate in Selected Facilities of Ndola District

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where case detection rates remain below international targets. In Zambia, the TB detection rate remains significantly lower than the 75% target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing a threat to effective TB control. This study evaluated the factors contributing to low TB detection rates in selected health facilities in Ndola District, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected from 93 respondents comprising health care workers and community members selected from 33 health facilities providing TB services. Structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to gather information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of TB symptoms, availability of diagnostic services, and barriers to TB detection. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarise the data. The findings revealed that inadequate laboratory equipment was the most frequently reported factor contributing to low TB detection (55.9%), followed by limited community awareness of TB disease (24.7%). Other factors identified included TB-related stigma (7.5%), shortage of skilled laboratory personnel (6.5%), and long distances to health facilities (5.4%). The study further established that cough was the most widely recognised TB symptom among respondents, while awareness of other symptoms such as fever and night sweats was relatively low. The study concludes that low TB detection in Ndola District is influenced by both health system constraints and community-related factors. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, increasing public awareness of TB symptoms, addressing stigma, and improving access to diagnostic services are critical interventions for improving TB case detection. Enhancing these strategies will contribute to early diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced transmission of tuberculosis within the community.

Leader–Member Exchange as A Driver of Job Satisfaction: Examining The Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support and The Moderating Role of Work Engagement

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This study investigates the influence of Leader–Member Exchange on Job Satisfaction, with Perceived Organizational Support as a mediating variable and Work Engagement as a moderating variable among employees in high-risk industries. The research was conducted among construction and mining workers who had completed occupational safety training at PT Sepakat Safety. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and the Job Demands–Resources framework, the study seeks to explain the relational and psychological mechanisms underlying employee satisfaction in safety-sensitive environments. A quantitative approach was applied using structured questionnaires distributed to eligible respondents. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that Leader–Member Exchange has a strong positive and significant effect on Job Satisfaction. Leader–Member Exchange also significantly enhances Perceived Organizational Support, which subsequently exerts a positive influence on Job Satisfaction. Mediation analysis indicates complementary mediation, demonstrating that leadership quality affects Job Satisfaction both directly and indirectly through organizational support perceptions. Work Engagement shows a significant direct effect on Job Satisfaction; however, its moderating role is not supported. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of relational leadership and organizational support in improving employee satisfaction within high-risk industrial contexts.

Factors Influencing the anxiety disorder on E-Learning Among the Select Barmm State Universities and Colleges: A Basis for Proposed Islamic Oriented Perspective Intervention

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This study examined the factors influencing anxiety disorders experienced by students in e-learning among selected State Universities and Colleges in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It specifically looked into the students’ demographic profiles such as age, sex, socio-economic status, and group affiliation, as well as how these characteristics relate to their anxiety levels in online learning. The study further explored challenges tied to online attendance, activities and requirements, assessments, gadget possession, and internet access as major contributors to students’ anxiety. Using a cross-sectional survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches, data were collected from 387 respondents through questionnaires and key informant interviews, and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and mean. Findings revealed that demographic factors, along with technical and academic challenges, significantly contributed to the students’ anxiety disorders. Many students were found to experience severe anxiety in adapting to e-learning, emphasizing the need for interventions that address not only financial and technical difficulties but also emotional and spiritual support. The study recommended the formulation of Islamic perspective policy interventions to complement existing psychological treatments. Suggested strategies include institutional support programs such as regular check-ins (“kumustahan”), increased parental and teacher monitoring, and spiritual approaches to help strengthen students’ mental and moral well-being. Ultimately, the research highlights the importance of a holistic approach—academic, emotional, and spiritual—in addressing anxiety disorders in the context of e-learning within BARMM universities.

The Effectiveness of Multimedia-Based Health Education on Drug Knowledge in Adolescents at SMA Bina Negara Arjasari, West Java, Indonesia

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Background: The prevalence of drug abuse in Indonesia reaches approximately 2.40% of the population aged 15–64, or approximately 4.5 million people. Of this number, approximately 2.3 million are school and college students. This high figure is due to the limited access and exposure to information about the dangers of drugs among adolescents. Due to the limited information available to students, education is needed to increase adolescent knowledge about drugs. Providing health education is an important effort in preventing drug abuse from an early age.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of providing health education on the level of knowledge of adolescents about drugs at MA Bina Negara Arjasari, West Java, Indonesia

Method: Quantitative research with Quasy Experimental Design One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The sample technique used total sampling technique with 89 students in grades X and XI. The instruments used in this study were video, power point and knowledge questionnaire with 20 questions. Data analysis used univariate analysis, namely frequency distribution and bivariate analysis using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Result: The results of the study showed that the pre-test scores of most respondents had a low level of knowledge (66.3%) and the post-test scores of almost all respondents had a good level of knowledge (93.9%). The results of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test obtained a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05, which means that there is an effect of health education on preventing drug abuse on the level of knowledge of adolescents at MA Bina Negara Arjasari, West Java, Indonesia.

Conclusion: The results of this study support the importance of health education programs in schools as a primary strategy in preventing drug abuse among adolescents. Schools are advised to regularly hold interactive and engaging educational programs to equip adolescents with sufficient knowledge to recognize the dangers of drugs and adopt effective preventive measures.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Severe Functional Valvular Regurgitation in a Young Adult with Prior Childhood Chemotherapy: Progressive Ventricular Dysfunction Despite Surgical Correction and Optimal Medical Therapy

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Background: Late cardiotoxicity is a recognized complication in survivors of childhood cancer treated with potentially cardiotoxic agents, particularly anthracyclines. These therapies may cause progressive myocardial injury through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Over time, this process can lead to ventricular remodeling, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Advanced ventricular dilation frequently results in functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, further worsening hemodynamic burden and clinical outcomes.

Case summary: We report the case of a 42-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in childhood and treated with chemotherapy, without subsequent cardiologic follow-up. From the age of 29, he developed progressive heart failure symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe functional mitral regurgitation with mixed mechanism (Carpentier type I due to annular dilation and type IIIa due to leaflet restriction) and massive tricuspid regurgitation, associated with severe atrial dilation, grade III diastolic dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was documented with an ejection fraction of 36% and markedly reduced global longitudinal strain (−11%), consistent with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

The patient underwent mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair but developed intraoperative cardiac arrest and postoperative mixed shock. Persistent severe ventricular dysfunction (LVEF 26%, GLS −8%) and multiple complications were observed.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of long-term cardiovascular surveillance in childhood cancer survivors and the role of strain imaging in detecting chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy.

Free Acidity in Hydrometallurgy is not pH: A Critical Review of Measurement Methods, Errors, and Process Consequences

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Free acidity is a key control parameter in hydrometallurgical processes, governing dissolution, precipitation, solvent extraction, neutralization, and corrosion behavior, yet its determination in real process liquors remains poorly standardized and often misunderstood. In industrial solutions, the distinction between total acidity, free acidity, and active acidity is frequently obscured by high ionic strength, metal hydrolysis, ion pairing, and complexation reactions, making simple pH measurement or conventional titration unreliable. This review critically examines the main analytical approaches used to determine free acidity in hydrometallurgical liquors, including classical acid–base titration, potentiometric and Gran methods, oxalate and complexation-based procedures, Ba(OH)₂ and other selective titrations, inline monitoring techniques, and speciation-based modeling calculations. Particular emphasis is given to the effect of interfering species commonly present in industrial circuits, such as Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, and F⁻, which strongly influence endpoint detection, hydrogen ion activity, and the apparent acid balance. The review shows that discrepancies between analytical methods are not only experimental but also thermodynamic, arising from differences between proton concentration, activity, and chemically bound acidity. These inconsistencies can lead to significant errors in process control, affecting reagent consumption, precipitation efficiency, scaling, solvent extraction stability, and environmental performance. By comparing reported methods and industrial practices, this work identifies the limitations of current procedures and highlights the need for standardized definitions, speciation-aware analysis, and improved inline monitoring strategies for reliable acidity control in modern hydrometallurgical operations.