A Systematic Review of Voice-based Intelligent Virtual Agents in EFL Education

Since its debut in the field of education nearly three decades ago, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been considered as a powerful tool to facilitate new paradigms for instructional design and innovative educational practice in the form of intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, teaching robots and adaptive learning systems among others. Recent technological advances in the adjacent areas of natural language processing, machine learning and computer graphics focusing primarily on design features that can improve their human-like qualities of naturalness and believability as human interlocutors have also amplified new application opportunities for Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs) or Animated Pedagogical Agents (APAs) within the area of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL). Although AI-powered IVAs hold the potential to enhance the learning process in nearly any knowledge domain and personalize automation in teaching by embodying different roles in the learning environment, strikingly few studies have empirically attempted to assess IVAs impact on L2 learners’ academic achievement when learning English as a Foreign (EFL) so far. This study addresses this issue via a systematic review of relevant interventionist IVA studies that were conducted in EFL settings and published within the 2015-2020 timeframe examining IVAs key affordances, major barriers in their adoption for language learning purposes, and the CALL research trends currently prevalent on the topic. Pedagogical implications for the effective implementation of IVA technology in L2 contexts are discussed and future research avenues in the area are highlighted

Crisis Management, School Leadership in Disruptive Times and the Recovery of Schools in the Post COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Literature Review

Contemporary school leadership has always been considered to be one of the most pivotal factors conducive to school effectiveness as well as a driver of change and strategic innovation involving the development of a strong vision, attendant goals and a relevant plan for implementation, monitoring and review. However, the disruption in the provision of educational services caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic global outbreak revealed deficits in school leadership theory that were largely associated with the adoption of proper crisis management skills by the vast majority of schools’ principals to readily adapt to a new reality and effectively confront upcoming challenges, at both instructional and organizational levels. Interestingly, although crisis management as a notion has been substantially elaborated on a theoretical level and successfully applied in different types of crises, it still has not gained a sustained focus within the field of educational leadership, as evidenced by the notable scarcity of related empirical research. This study addresses this gap in the research via a systematic review of scientific papers, published within the 2019–2022 timespan and compiled under the PRISMA framework, reporting on the challenges faced, the crisis management strategies employed and the personality traits that were most commonly associated with effective crisis leadership throughout the turbulent COVID-19 era

A Systematic Review on Teachers’ Well-Being in the COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 health crisis has wrought substantial challenges on individuals, societies, and organizations worldwide that have significantly transformed the way people function in their workplace on a daily basis, resulting in heightened levels of physical, psychological, and social deprivation. Available empirical evidence in the field of education has explicitly foregrounded the negative impact of the pandemic on teachers’ well-being (TWB) and mental health as existing pressures became exacerbated and additional stressors accumulated in the workplace in search of the requisite TWB remedial interventions to be used in times of crises. As frontline education providers, teachers were not only called upon to confront difficulties associated with the shift to COVID-19-induced online modes of instruction supporting students’ academic development and well-being but also effectively navigate adversity and stress in their own personal and professional lives. Given that teacher well-being has consistently been reported as a key determinant of quality education and excellence ensuring the stability of a well-qualified workforce, this study uses a systematic review approach to investigate educators’ well-being status, identify predictors, and report on the effective strategies for TWB utilized by educators themselves during the COVID-19 era. Fifty-three empirical studies published between 2020 and 2023, collected within the PRISMA-statement framework, were included in the final analysis. Implications for policy and school administrators are also discussed followed by insights for future research avenues in the area of teacher education and professional development

Cadmium uptake kinetics in parts of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa at high exposure concentrations

Abstract Background Seagrass species have been recommended as biomonitors of environmental condition and as tools for phytoremediation, due to their ability to concentrate anthropogenic chemicals. This study aims to provide novel information on metal accumulation in seagrasses under laboratory conditions to support their use as a tool in the evaluation and abatement of contamination in the field. We investigated the kinetics of cadmium uptake into adult leaf blades, leaf sheaths, rhizomes and roots of Cymodocea nodosa in exposure concentrations within the range of cadmium levels in industrial wastewater (0.5–40 mg L−1). Results A Michaelis–Menten-type equation satisfactorily described cadmium accumulation kinetics in seagrass parts, particularly at 0.5–5 or 10 mg L−1. However, an S equation best described the uptake kinetics in rhizomes at 5 mg L−1 and roots at 10 and 20 mg L−1. Equilibrium concentration and uptake rate tended to increase with the exposure concentration, indicating that seagrass displays a remarkable accumulation capacity of cadmium and reflect high cadmium levels in the surrounding medium. Concerning leaf blades and rhizomes, the bioconcentration factor at equilibrium (range 73.3–404.3 and 14.3–86.3, respectively) was generally lower at higher exposure concentrations, indicating a gradual reduction of available binding sites. Leaf blades and roots accumulated more cadmium with higher rate than sheaths and rhizomes. Uptake kinetics in leaf blades displayed a better fit to the Michaelis–Menten-type equation than those in the remaining plant parts, particularly at 0.5–10 mg L−1. A marked variation in tissue concentrations mainly after the steady state was observed at 20 and 40 mg L−1, indicative of the stress induced on seagrass cells. The maximum concentrations observed in seagrass parts at 5 and 10 mg L−1 were comparatively higher than those previously reported for other seagrasses incubated to similar exposure concentrations. Conclusions Cymodocea nodosa displays a remarkable cadmium accumulation capacity and reflects high cadmium levels in the surrounding medium. Kinetic models satisfactorily describe cadmium uptake in seagrass parts, primarily in adult leaf blades, at high exposure concentrations, permitting to predict cadmium accumulation in field situations. Cymodocea nodosa appeared to be a valuable tool in the evaluation and abatement of cadmium contamination in coastal areas

A Systematic Review of Voice-based Intelligent Virtual Agents in EFL Education

Since its debut in the field of education nearly three decades ago, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been considered as a powerful tool to facilitate new paradigms for instructional design and innovative educational practice in the form of intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, teaching robots and adaptive learning systems among others. Recent technological advances in the adjacent areas of natural language processing, machine learning and computer graphics focusing primarily on design features that can improve their human-like qualities of naturalness and believability as human interlocutors have also amplified new application opportunities for Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs) or Animated Pedagogical Agents (APAs) within the area of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL). Although AI-powered IVAs hold the potential to enhance the learning process in nearly any knowledge domain and personalize automation in teaching by embodying different roles in the learning environment, strikingly few studies have empirically attempted to assess IVAs impact on L2 learners’ academic achievement when learning English as a Foreign (EFL) so far. This study addresses this issue via a systematic review of relevant interventionist IVA studies that were conducted in EFL settings and published within the 2015-2020 timeframe examining IVAs key affordances, major barriers in their adoption for language learning purposes, and the CALL research trends currently prevalent on the topic. Pedagogical implications for the effective implementation of IVA technology in L2 contexts are discussed and future research avenues in the area are highlighted

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in Greece: the EMENO National Health Examination Survey

Background: Nationwide data on cardiovascular risk factors prevalence is lacking in Greece. This work presents the findings of the national health examination survey EMENO (2013–2016) regarding the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Methods: A random sample of adults (≥18 years) was drawn by multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census. All EMENO participants with ≥1 measurement of interest [blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Body Mass Index (BMI)] were included. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment; diabetes as fasting glucose≥126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or self-reported diabetes; hypercholesterolemia as TC ≥ 190 mg/dL. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for study design and post-stratification weights to match sample age and sex distribution to population one. Non-response was adjusted by inverse probability weighting. Results: Of 6006 EMENO participants, 4822 were included (51.5% females, median age:47.9 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, higher in men (42.4%) than in women (36.1%); of hypercholesterolemia 60.2%, similar in men (59.5%) and women (60.9%); of diabetes 11.6%, similar men (12.4%) and women (10.9%); of obesity 32.1%, higher in women (33.5% vs 30.2%), although in subjects aged 18–40 year it was higher in men; of current smoking 38.2%, higher in men (44.0%) than in women (32.7%). The prevalence of all risk factors increased substantially with age, except smoking, which followed an inverse U shape. Conclusions: The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Greek adults is alarming. There is considerable preventive potential and actions at health care and societal level are urgently needed. © 2020, The Author(s)

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in Greece: the EMENO National Health Examination Survey

Background: Nationwide data on cardiovascular risk factors prevalence is lacking in Greece. This work presents the findings of the national health examination survey EMENO (2013–2016) regarding the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Methods: A random sample of adults (≥18 years) was drawn by multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census. All EMENO participants with ≥1 measurement of interest [blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Body Mass Index (BMI)] were included. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment; diabetes as fasting glucose≥126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or self-reported diabetes; hypercholesterolemia as TC ≥ 190 mg/dL. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for study design and post-stratification weights to match sample age and sex distribution to population one. Non-response was adjusted by inverse probability weighting. Results: Of 6006 EMENO participants, 4822 were included (51.5% females, median age:47.9 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, higher in men (42.4%) than in women (36.1%); of hypercholesterolemia 60.2%, similar in men (59.5%) and women (60.9%); of diabetes 11.6%, similar men (12.4%) and women (10.9%); of obesity 32.1%, higher in women (33.5% vs 30.2%), although in subjects aged 18–40 year it was higher in men; of current smoking 38.2%, higher in men (44.0%) than in women (32.7%). The prevalence of all risk factors increased substantially with age, except smoking, which followed an inverse U shape. Conclusions: The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Greek adults is alarming. There is considerable preventive potential and actions at health care and societal level are urgently needed. © 2020, The Author(s)