Research papers

The Impact of Junior Secondary Basic Science on Senior Secondary Physics Outcome in Rivers State, Nigeria

Allwell Sunny Njigwum, Vincent A. Asuru, Nbame Letam Nna-Kue

The study investigated the impact of Basic Education Certificate Education (BECE), considering Basic Science as a predictor of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) Physics performance in public secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis. The study employed both ex-post facto and correlational design. A sample of 593 students was employed for the study and purposive sampling technique was utilized to select the sample. The study was anchored on the Motivational Systems Theory of Academic Achievement. Three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data used for the study was collected directly from the examining bodies. The data obtained was analyzed using simple linear regression statistics. The findings of the study showed BECE Basic Science performance does not significantly predict SSCE Physics performance (R² = .001; β = 0.028, P > 0.05), accounting for only 0.1% of the variance in students' Physics scores. Gender-based analysis indicated that female students' BECE Basic Science performance had no significant predictive effect on SSCE Physics (R² = .004; β = -0.064, P > 0.05), explaining only 0.4% of the variance, while male students' BECE Basic Science scores also showed no significant prediction (R² = .005; β = 0.069, P > 0.05), explaining 0.5% of the variance. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) review the junior secondary Basic Science curriculum to incorporate more Physics-related content, ensuring early exposure to fundamental Physics concepts.

Factors Affecting Teaching and Learning of Physics in Ghanaian Senior High Schools: Study in the Greater Accra Region

Mumuni Musah, Ismael Kwesi Anderson, Karim Fusheini, Eric Kwaku Kusi, Abdul-Wahab Zurika

This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the teaching and learning of Physics in Ghanaian Senior High Schools. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to sample the teachers and students. The sample size for this study was 50 teachers and 300 students. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that demonstration and discussions to illustrate concepts/ phenomena, emphasising qualitative thinking and presentation of concepts, laying emphasis on mathematical presentation of concepts/students planning and doing their experiment, teacher demonstration of problem-solving on the whiteboard, and teaching and learning being teacher-centred are the main teaching approaches of physics in senior high schools. The main constraining factors of teaching and learning physics in senior high schools were inadequate professional physics teachers, inadequate laboratory equipment, students’ perception of physics, an inadequate number of physics teachers, and students finding physics too mathematical and challenging. With regards to the way forward, it was identified from the teachers’ responses that there should be better salaries and/or incentives for physics teachers, there should be more teacher professional development on physics practicals, and training of more graduate teachers must be encouraged and supported. The responses of the students indicated that appropriate authorities should provide adequate laboratory equipment, and there should be more training for physics teachers. The study concluded that due to the important nature of the subject, it is important for stakeholders in education to come together to find modern ways of teaching the subject and also address critical challenges such as inadequate laboratory equipment and professional development of teachers, among others.

Exploring the factors influencing undergraduate students’ decision to pursue physics at the University of Education, Winneba

Anthony Babategremine Yuoni, Issahaku Sontaa Jakalia, Victor Antwi, Isaac Kwesi Acquah, Cynthia Jebuni-Adanu

Background Over the years, the number of prospective students intending to study physics at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has gradually declined. This has drastically affected the number of trained physics teachers in the country. As a matter of urgency, there is therefore the need to look at the factors that influence the choice of physics at the undergraduate level in UEW in order to encourage more students to enrol in the course.Purpose This study sought to find out the factors motivating the students at UEW, to major in physics, despite the general belief that the course is very difficult.Sample The participants of this study were physics students at the Department of Physics Education, UEW, Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to select 101 respondents.Design and Methods Questionnaire was used in gathering data. Interview and focused group discussion were used to validate the responses of the participants to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was analyzed using R version 4.22. Additionally, Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the Likert form items.Results The findings indicated that students ranked interest (RII = 0.92) as their major motivating factor to read physics in the Department. Students also claimed that their parents had little influence on their decision to study physics. Whiles professional teachers used it as a conduit to secure study leave with pay from GES. Students who had difficulty in the subject also attributed it to their long delay at home after completing senior high school before gaining admission to the University.Conclusions The study recommends that there should be a concerted effort to arouse the interest of physics learners at the lower levels of education in Ghana by the Department of Physics Education, Winneba and other stakeholders in order to increase the enrolment of students in physics.

Search for hadronic decays of feebly-interacting particles at NA62

E. Cortina, J. Jerhot, N. Lurkin, T. Numao, B. Velghe, V. W. S. Wong, D. Bryman, Z. Hives, T. Husek, Karol Kampf, Marián Kol…

Abstract The NA62 experiment at CERN has the capability to collect data in a beam-dump mode, where 400 GeV protons are dumped on an absorber. In this configuration, New Physics particles, including dark photons, dark scalars, and axion-like particles, may be produced in the absorber and decay in the instrumented volume beginning approximately 80 m downstream of the dump. A search for these particles decaying in flight to hadronic final states is reported, based on an analysis of a sample of $$1.4 \times 10^{17}$$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>1.4</mml:mn> <mml:mo>×</mml:mo> <mml:msup> <mml:mn>10</mml:mn> <mml:mn>17</mml:mn> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> protons on dump collected in 2021. No evidence of a New Physics signal is observed, excluding new regions of parameter spaces of multiple models.

Empowering young minds through STEM education: Engaging high schoolers in Ghana through medical physics

Afua A. Yorke, Mercy T. Schandorf, Abigail N. M. Quaye, Peniel Tenkorama Twum, Bishwambhar Sengupta, Kwadwo Antwi Boasiako N…

PURPOSE: To promote diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), an educational presentation and hands-on session was organised to raise awareness of STEM career opportunities among high school girls to introduce the students to the field of medical physics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 65 first-year Senior High School girls, aged 13-16, pursuing general science in Accra, Ghana. This initiative, organised by the Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) in collaboration with a United States (US) institution, implemented the "heroes in radiation oncology" program, which included a relatable presentation and hands-on experience in simulation to treatment planning activities. The program's effectiveness was assessed through pre-and post-assessment surveys, and a thematic analysis of student feedback. RESULTS: Participants' awareness of career fields showed an interest in traditional healthcare professions (92%) and engineering (73.8%), with minimal medical physics awareness (12.3%). Post-presentation survey showed a significant change in participants' perception of medical physics 87.3%. Thematic analysis revealed increased awareness, understanding, and interest, dispelled misconceptions about radiation safety, and highlighted the interdisciplinary nature and career opportunities. The presentation was successful in inspiring participants and expanding their perspectives on medical physics. CONCLUSION: The program raised awareness of medical physics among participants, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with the field. Participants reported a newfound understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of medical physics, its connections to biology, mathematics, and engineering.This program can easily be reproduced in community and school outreaches.

VAIM-CFF: a variational autoencoder inverse mapper solution to Compton form factor extraction from deeply virtual exclusive reactions

Manal Almaeen, Taghreed Alghamdi, Brandon Kriesten, Douglas Adams, Yaohang Li, Huey-Wen Lin, Simonetta Liuti

Abstract We develop a new methodology for extracting Compton form factors (CFFs) from deeply virtual exclusive reactions such as the unpolarized DVCS cross section using a specialized inverse problem solver, a variational autoencoder inverse mapper (VAIM). The VAIM-CFF framework not only allows us access to a fitted solution set possibly containing multiple solutions in the extraction of all 8 CFFs from a single cross section measurement, but also accesses the lost information contained in the forward mapping from CFFs to cross section. We investigate various assumptions and their effects on the predicted CFFs such as cross section organization, number of extracted CFFs, use of uncertainty quantification technique, and inclusion of prior physics information. We then use dimensionality reduction techniques such as principal component analysis to visualize the missing physics information tracked in the latent space of the VAIM framework. Through re-framing the extraction of CFFs as an inverse problem, we gain access to fundamental properties of the problem not comprehensible in standard fitting methodologies: exploring the limits of the information encoded in deeply virtual exclusive experiments.

Exploring the multistability, sensitivity, and wave profiles to the fractional Sharma–Tasso–Olver equation in the mathematical physics

Ming Li, Jan Muhammad, David Yaro, Usman Younas

In this work, we study the solitary wave profiles of the fractional-Sharma–Tasso–Olver equation, which is applicable to particle fission and fusion mechanisms in nuclear physics. In numerical and analytical theories, exact solitary wave solutions are of the uttermost importance for such equations. Improved analytical methods are essential for a deeper understanding of dynamics, despite their widespread implementation. In this study, we use the advanced analytical techniques known as generalized Arnous method, modified generalized Riccati equation mapping technique, and Riccati extended simple equation approach for securing a variety of solutions. This study marks a significant milestone by applying the prescribed techniques to the proposed equation using truncated M-fractional derivatives and providing a significant contribution to the existing literature. This equation is widely regarded as a model that illustrates the propagation of nonlinear dispersive waves in inhomogeneous media. Using the suitable wave transformation with the fractional-derivative, the governing equation is converted into an ordinary differential equation to get the required solutions. Various types of solutions, such as mixed, dark, singular, bright–dark, bright, complex, and combined solitons, are extracted. Moreover, another important aspect of this study is to discuss the multistability and sensitivity analysis of the studied model by the assistance of the Galilean transformation and perturbation term. The utilized methods have strong computing capacity, which helps them effectively handle the exact solutions with high accuracy in these systems. In addition, we depict 3D and 2D phase portrait graphs with appropriate parameters to illustrate the solution’s behavior.

The use of coconut shell ash as partial replacement of cement to improve the thermal properties of concrete and waste management sustainability in Nigeria and Africa, for radiation shielding application

U. Rilwan, M.A. Abdulazeez, I. Maina, O.W. Olasoji, A. El-Taher, Islam G. Alhindawy, K.A. Mahmoud, M.I. Sayyed, Mohamed Elsa…

State preparation of lattice field theories using quantum optimal control

Jack Y. Araz, Siddhanth Bhowmick, Matt Grau, Thomas J. McEntire, Felix Ringer

We explore the application of quantum optimal control (QOC) techniques to state preparation of lattice field theories on quantum computers. As a first example, we focus on the Schwinger model, quantum electrodynamics in $1+1$ dimensions. We demonstrate that QOC can significantly speed up the ground state preparation compared to gate-based methods, even for models with long-range interactions. Using classical simulations, we explore the dependence on the interqubit coupling strength and the device connectivity, and we study the optimization in the presence of noise. While our simulations indicate potential speedups, the results strongly depend on the device specifications. In addition, we perform exploratory studies on the preparation of thermal states. Our results motivate further studies of QOC techniques in the context of quantum simulations for fundamental physics.

Exploring Effective Approach to Teaching Thermal Physics: Comparing 5E Model, Differentiated Instruction and Conventional Teaching

Kenneth Darko Ateko, Isaac Owusu-Mensah, George Oduro-Okyireh

In this study, the effects of 5E Instructional Model (5E), Differentiated Instruction (DI) and conventional teaching method on Senior High School (SHS) physics students’ academic performance in Thermal Physics were compared. Method: By employing a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest non-equivalent control group design, 291 SHS 2 physics students were used from six intact classes which were randomly selected from three SHSs in the Mampong Municipality and Sekyere South District. The hypotheses were tested using one-way ANCOVA and two-way ANCOVA at α=0.05. The results showed that there was a significant effect of at least one of the teaching methods on the academic performance of students (F(1,287)=150.766, p=0.001&lt;0.05), with students taught using DI obtaining the highest adjusted mean scores of 18.978 (std. error = 0.437), followed by those taught using 5E group (adjusted mean = 16.373, std. error=0.430), and those taught using the conventional teaching method (adjusted mean score = 13.734, std. error = 0.452). Also, there was a significant interaction between gender and teaching method (F(1,284)=241.395, p=0.001&lt;0.05) with no significant difference observed between male and female students taught using DI (mean difference=0.233, p=0.765) and 5E (mean difference=0.75, p=0.532), but a significant difference in academic performance between male and female SHS students taught using conventional teaching method (mean difference=8.284, p=0.000). It was therefore recommended, amongst others, that SHS physics teachers in Mampong Municipality and Sekyere South District should consider differentiating their students in order to tailor Thermal Physics lessons to all students, which will help them perform better.

Bridging culture and science: Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach in culturally relevant biology pedagogy

Umar A. Adam, Musa Adekunle Ayanwale, Soladoye N. Lameed, Tunde Owolabi, Franklin U. Onowugbeda, Adekunle I. Oladejo, Peter …

As science educators seek innovative methods to engage students, the Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach (CTCA) has emerged as a promising strategy, particularly for African students. CTCA is a culturally responsive teaching method that integrates culture, technology, and locational context, making science more relatable and meaningful. We assessed CTCA’s effectiveness in enhancing critical thinking in biology among 121 senior secondary students in Lagos State. An explanatory sequential design was used, with the experimental group taught using CTCA and the control group receiving traditional instruction. Data were collected using the Critical Thinking Test in Nutrition (a = 0.80) and interviews. Results showed a significant improvement in critical thinking for the CTCA group (F(1, 198) = 11.43; p < 0.05), with no significant gender differences (F(1,49) = .49; p > .05). Students responded positively to intervention, leading to the conclusion that CTCA effectively enhances critical thinking in biology; hence, adoption of CTCA in biology instruction is recommended.

A cross-national assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot user perceptions in collegiate physics education

Benjamin Osafo Agyare, Joseph Asare, A. F. Kraishan, Isaac Nkrumah, Daniel Kwasi Adjekum

This study explores the perception of artificial intelligence (AI )-based Chatbots, specifically Open AI’s ChatGPT use, among physics students in four universities in Ghana, Jordan, and the United States. We utilized a survey instrument adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to elicit responses from 804 students. TAM constructs: Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Subjective Norms (SN), Attitude Towards Technology Use (ATU), Behavioral Intention (BI), and User Behavior (UB) were assessed. We also assessed perceptions of ethical use (EU) and student learning outcomes (SLO) using a Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach. A measurement model had good fit indices and validated most hypotheses. A path analysis (PA) for hypothesized relationships suggested PEU and SN are significant predictors of BI and UB, whereas PU's influence on BI was indirect. Significantly, EU concerns negatively moderated the relationship between BI and UB, suggesting that higher ethical concerns can reduce ChatGPT usage. Cross-cultural analysis uncovered significant differences in perceptions and usage patterns influenced by institutional policies, academic levels, and demographic factors. Our findings affirm TAM's robustness in predicting technology use across various cultural and institutional settings. Findings also underscore the crucial roles of social influence in fostering positive user behaviors for Chat GPT. This study provides insights for educators and policymakers to develop strategies for integrating AI Chatbots responsibly and effectively in collegiate physics education while addressing ethical concerns. A longitudinal survey of the relationships between consistent AI Chatbot use, institutional support, student motivation, and learning outcomes is recommended.

Quantum lattice representation of nonlinear classical physics

Min Soe, George Vahala, Linda Vahala, A. K. Ram, Efstratios Koukoutsis, Kyriakos Hizanidis

Using the Madelung transformation on a generalized scalar Gross–Pitaevski equation, a nonlinear continuum fluid equations are derived for a classical fluid. A unitary quantum lattice algorithm is then determined as a second order discrete representation of this Gross–Pitaevski equation and the simulations are compared to those using classical fluid dynamic techniques.

Improving the Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Early Undergraduate Physics: A Case Study at a University in Ghana

Samuel A. Atarah, Martin Egblewogbe, Florence Christianah Awoniyi, Abraham Amankwah

Students’ performance in introductory physics at a university in Ghana was assessed over three academic years. The study covered two physics courses delivered to first-year students at the university. Two factors—access to tutorial sessions delivered outside of lecture times by teaching assistants and access to a formula sheet during the exams—were studied. The impact of the factors on students’ performance was studied by comparing student scores, item difficulty levels, point biserial correlation coefficients, and internal discrimination index for a set of questions that were common to all the exams. The effect of both factors was an increase in the item difficulty from 0.60 ± 0.09 for the control group to 0.63 ± 0.19 for the treatment group, while the effect of the formula sheet increased from 0.60 ± 0.16 to 0.64 ± 0.20. The point biserial correlation coefficient did not change for the study on the effect of the provision of formula sheets in examinations, but it was statistically significant for the group that had separate tutorial sessions. The findings suggest that more learning outcomes can be achieved using interactive teaching approaches and favouring the least amount of rote learning of physical formulae.

Machine Learning for Vector Boson Polarization Discrimination in High-Energy Physics

Kelvin Anaman

Machine Learning for Vector Boson Polarization Discrimination in High-Energy Physics

Kelvin Anaman

Analytical Study of Variable‐Order Fractional Differential Equations With Initial and Terminal Antiperiodic Boundary Conditions

Mohammed Said Souıd, Zoubida Bouazza, M’hamed Bensaid, K. Sudar Mozhi, Mokhtar Mokhtari, Joshua Kiddy K. Asamoah

This study investigates the existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions to Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with fractional variable‐order and antiperiodic boundary conditions. By employing the Banach fixed point theorem, we establish conditions for the uniqueness of solutions, while Schauder’s fixed point theorem is used to prove their existence in a Banach space. We further demonstrate Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability, ensuring solution robustness against perturbations. The variable‐order framework enables modeling of complex systems with evolving memory, offering advantages over constant‐order models in applications such as physics and epidemiology. A concrete example illustrates the practical applicability of our results. This work provides a rigorous theoretical foundation, bridging pure mathematics with potential applications in science and engineering, and sets the stage for future numerical and applied studies.

Exploring the peakon solitons molecules and solitary wave structure to the nonlinear damped Kortewege–de Vries equation through efficient technique

Mujahid Iqbal, Jianqiao Liu, Aly R. Seadawy, David Yaro, Huda Daefallh Alrashdi, Abeer Aljohani, C. D. Fu

Abstract This work examined solitary wave solutions to the nonlinear damped Korteweg–de Vries equation by employing the new auxiliary equation approach. The physical structure to the secured solutions visualized in dark solitons, bright solitons, periodic solitons, kink and anti-kink wave solitons, peakon bright and dark solitons, and dispersive solitary waves. The physical interpretation of constructed solutions is visually portrayed using two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and contour plots on the basis of numerical simulation, which help comprehend the physical features of nonlinear behaviour for the solitary waves. The explored solutions will be play important role in Mathematical physics, ion-acoustic waves, dust-acoustic waves, and plasma physics. This study has demonstrated that our suggested method is more beneficial, successful, strong and effective for studying analytically various nonlinear partial differential equations (NLPDEs) that arise in mathematical physics, engineering, plasma physics, and many other scientific fields.

Biology Learning Innovation Using Booklet Media

Andi Muhammad Abrianto, Ijeoma A. Amaefuna, Agbo Felicia Onyemowo

Purpose of the study: This study aims to develop booklet-based learning media for the 11th grade Biology subject, as well as to measure the level of validity and effectiveness of the media in improving the learning of Biology for 11th grade students. Methodology: This study uses a development research method with a 4-D approach (define, design, development, disseminate). The subjects of the study were students of class 11 MIA I at Islamic high school Madani Pao-Pao (24 students) and State Islamic High School 1 Makassar (35 students). Data collection techniques were through observation, interviews, and documents. Data were analyzed qualitatively with descriptive presentation. Main Findings: The results of the study showed that the developed booklet-based learning media received validation with an average of 3.5, which means it is very valid. Field trials at Islamic high school Madani Pao-Pao and State Islamic High School 1 Makassar showed that this media was effective, with an average implementation value of 3.6 and 3.1, which were included in the good and very good categories. Positive responses from teachers and students stated that booklets helped increase learning motivation and facilitated understanding of the material. Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in the development of booklet-based learning media that integrates material summaries with relevant images and quizzes to train students' critical thinking skills. This media is also designed to increase learning motivation through an attractive and practical display, and is adjusted to the curriculum and needs of Islamic high school students.

Magnetic structure of <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>A</mml:mi> <mml:mo>≤</mml:mo> <mml:mn>10</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> nuclei using the Norfolk nuclear models with quantum Monte Carlo methods

G. Chambers-Wall, Alex Gnech, G. B. King, Saori Pastore, M. Piarulli, R. Schiavilla, R. B. Wiringa

This paper presents a new detailed study of magnetic moments and form factors of nuclei with mass number $A$ up to 10, based on $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}b$-$i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o$ approaches and chiral effective field theory. The results of quantum Monte Carlo calculations for elastic magnetic form factors show excellent agreement with experimental data out to momentum transfers $q\ensuremath{\approx}3$ fm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Benchmarking such electroweak current models against available data over a wide range of kinematics allows for accurate predictions, which are very important to disentangle signals of new physics from nuclear physics effects.

Improving Students’ Performance in Resolution of Vectors Using PhET Interactive Simulations

Isaac Kwesi Acquah, Michael Gyan, Desmond Appiah, Bright Owusu Ansah, Robert S. Wilson, Charles Enoch Mensah

Purpose of the study: The paper examines the use of Physics Education Technology (PhET) simulations to enhance the academic performance of third-year science students at Kumasi Wesley Girls' High School. Methodology: The research used teacher-made tests, questionnaires, and informal observations to collect data. Ninety candidates (90 students) were selected from the third-year science population using a cluster sampling. The questionnaire, pre-evaluation, and post-evaluation tests on vectors were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Main Findings: The study found that PhET-based teaching significantly improved the performance of third-year science students in vector resolution, with a paired mean difference of 6.30 compared to pre-treatment tests. The questionnaire analysis of 90 students revealed that 85.6% initially found vector applications difficult, and 80% felt the teaching methods were unvaried and boring. After the PhET lab simulation intervention, 89% of students were enthusiastic about using simulations in future activities, and 78% reported an improved understanding of resultant vectors. The study indicates that PhET simulations significantly enhance student engagement and comprehension compared to traditional lecture teaching methods. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study explores using Physics Education Technology (PhET) simulations in Ghanaian high school Kumasi Wesley Girls' High School to improve vector resolution learning. The interactive approach demystifies complex concepts, and the study quantifies its impact on students' academic performance. It also provides insights into students' attitudes towards physics education

Examining the Impact of Knowledge of Mathematics on Academic Achievement in Physics, Among Students at Mawuli Senior High School, Ghana

Anthony Babategrimine Yuoni, Uthman Amadu, Issahaku Sontaa Jakalia

Purpose: The aim of this action research is to evaluate the impact of mathematical knowledge on students' academic performance in physics at Mawuli School, Ho. Methodology: A teacher-made test was the instrument used for data collection in this study. The test consisted of questions in both mathematics and physics. The mathematics questions were strategically selected to align with concepts relevant to the physics curriculum. Pre-test and post-test were administered using similar sets of questions. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Findings: The study findings indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between students' mathematical knowledge and their performance in physics. Also, there was no significant difference in the performance of males and females students. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It was therefore recommended that physics teachers prioritize assessing and enhancing students' mathematical proficiency prior to introducing physics topics that require mathematical application.

Interpreting Neural Operators: How Nonlinear Waves Propagate in Nonreciprocal Solids

Jonathan Colen, Alexis Poncet, Denis Bartolo, Vincenzo Vitelli

We present a data-driven pipeline for model building that combines interpretable machine learning, hydrodynamic theories, and microscopic models. The goal is to uncover the underlying processes governing nonlinear dynamics experiments. We exemplify our method with data from microfluidic experiments where crystals of streaming droplets support the propagation of nonlinear waves absent in passive crystals. By combining physics-inspired neural networks, known as neural operators, with symbolic regression tools, we infer the solution, as well as the mathematical form, of a nonlinear dynamical system that accurately models the experimental data. Finally, we interpret this continuum model from fundamental physics principles. Informed by machine learning, we coarse grain a microscopic model of interacting droplets and discover that nonreciprocal hydrodynamic interactions stabilize and promote nonlinear wave propagation.

Nursing in the Digital Age: Harnessing telemedicine for enhanced patient care

Aanuoluwapo Clement David-Olawade, David B. Olawade, Iyanuoluwa Oreofe Ojo, Motunrayo E. Famujimi, Temitope T. Olawumi, Debo…

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary healthcare, reshaping nursing practice across various specialties. This narrative review explored the role, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with telemedicine in nursing practice. Also, it emphasizes telemedicine’s impact on patient care, the evolution of nursing workflows, and future directions for implementation. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, drawing upon primary research articles, systematic reviews, and policy documents published between 2010 and 2023. The search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, employing keywords such as "telemedicine," "nursing practice," "patient care," and "ethical considerations." Eligible studies were critically appraised for relevance and rigor. Data synthesis included the identification of key themes, trends, and exemplary instances of telemedicine utilization in nursing practice. The review revealed a multifaceted role of telemedicine in nursing practice. Teletriage and remote patient monitoring were instrumental in reducing emergency department overcrowding and improving patient triage accuracy. Teleconsultations and virtual visits facilitated patient-provider interactions, while telepsychiatry addressed the growing demand for mental health support. Tele-education emerged as a vital tool for ongoing professional development among nurses. Moreover, telemedicine effectively reached rural and underserved populations, addressing healthcare disparities. Ethical considerations, such as patient privacy, informed consent, and data security, emerged as significant challenges in telemedicine. As telemedicine continues to evolve, nurses should remain adaptable, actively engaging with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary teams. Furthermore, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and nursing associations/regulatory bodies should collaborate to establish clear ethical and legal guidelines. These efforts will ensure the continued growth of telemedicine in nursing practice, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and expanding access to quality healthcare services. • Telemedicine correlates with improved patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. • Nurses are pivotal in teletriage and remote patient monitoring initiatives. • Teleconsultations streamline care delivery, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. • Telepsychiatry bridges gaps in mental health services, catering to remote patients. • Teleeducation empowers nurses through accessible and flexible professional development.