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We describe the development and implementation of a holistic annual review process for nontenure-line faculty in the management department at a large, research university. We also discuss the department's evolution from solely utilizing Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET) to a broader array of review criteria, developed by the department's annual review committee. Additionally, we describe the faculty's reasons for initiating such changes and the new criteria, which are designed to reinforce innovative and reflective behaviors consistent with teaching effectiveness. This overview provides faculty and administrators with considerations for broadening the review process beyond SET and empowering faculty to embrace innovations in teaching.

The research focus on adaptivity in complex systems has propelled an exploration of diverse interactions characterized by state transition processes. However, the investigation of functional variances among processes, rooted in fundamental operands, remains insufficient. Recognizing this gap is crucial for unveiling the constituents of state transitions and their functional boundaries during ongoing adaptivity. To address this, our central focus is on quantifying the functional variance in the interactions of fundamental operands. This approach enables a systematic study of complex adaptive networks grounded in the dynamics of cognitive abilities, where elements adapt and evolve based on cognitive processes. To underscore this point, we emphasize translating ontologically irreducible networks into functionally representable ones at the meso-level, which is essential for assessing their effectiveness. Our active investigation during state transitions explores external interventions, aiming to shed light on mutual influences.

Abstract Nerve tumors in the retroperitoneal space are a rarity. Radical surgery according to soft tissue tumors can lead to persistent pain and neurological deficits. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients treated by a visceral- / neurosurgical approach. 33 patients with a retroperitoneal nerve tumor underwent surgery between 01/2002 and 12/2022 at our department. A visceral surgeon provided access to the retroperitoneal space, followed by micro-neurosurgical tumor preparation under neuromonitoring. Clinical examination and MRI were performed 12 weeks after surgery and further 3 months (WHO grade > 1) or 12 months (WHO grade 1). Further examinations were based on MRI findings and residual symptoms with median follow-up time of 24 months. One patient was treated for two distinct masses resulting in a total of 34 histological findings. Schwannomas (n = 15; 44.1%) and neurofibromas (n = 10; 29.4%) were the most common tumors. Long-term improvements were noted in radicular pain (15/18 patients; 83.3%), motor deficits (7/16 patients; 43.8%), abdominal discomfort and pain (5/7 patients; 71.4%). Recurrences were observed in 3/33 (9,1%) patients. This study represents the largest series of retroperitoneal BPNSTs treated with microsurgical techniques. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to establish standardized treatment guidelines.

Abstract The evolution of hematophagy involves a series of adaptations that allow blood-feeding insects to access and consume blood efficiently while managing and circumventing the host’s hemostatic and immune responses. Mosquito, and other insects, utilize salivary proteins to regulate these responses at the bite site during and after blood feeding. We investigated the function of Anopheles gambiae salivary apyrase (AgApyrase) in regulating hemostasis in the mosquito blood meal and in Plasmodium transmission. Our results demonstrate that salivary apyrase, a known inhibitor of platelet aggregation, interacts with and activates tissue plasminogen activator, facilitating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, a human protease that degrades fibrin and facilitates Plasmodium transmission. We show that mosquitoes ingest a substantial amount of apyrase during blood feeding, which reduces coagulation in the blood meal by enhancing fibrin degradation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. AgApyrase significantly enhanced Plasmodium infection in the mosquito midgut, whereas AgApyrase immunization inhibited Plasmodium mosquito infection and sporozoite transmission. This study highlights a pivotal role for mosquito salivary apyrase for regulation of hemostasis in the mosquito blood meal and for Plasmodium transmission to mosquitoes and to the mammalian host, underscoring the potential for strategies to prevent malaria transmission.

Traffic Simulating and Evaluating Traffic Patterns at heterogeneous traffic Situations in the Indian Context is extremely increasing. Many researchers from all over the world are trying to explore driving behavior and simulate traffic flow conditions under heterogeneous traffic environments. Simulating Traffic at a Microscopic Level with VISSIM is used in this study identifying every element that contributes to traffic at various traffic stages. Further, the VISSIM model was calibrated based on the desired safety distance and car-following theory. Traffic metrics including flow volume, speed, acceleration, and deceleration were all input parameters in the VISSIM model for simulation purposes. Furthermore, the analysis part of different cases of driving behavior models, such as the default case, and calibration values based on measurement were compared to find out if there was a significant improvement. Moreover, the linear regression model was proposed to understand the calibrated model versus the default case parameters, and it was identified that it is significant when plotting the data. The proposed study results highlighted driving behavior under heterogeneous traffic conditions using VISSIM at Toll Plaza.

Background: Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with significant hypotension due to sympathetic blockade and can cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Although hypotension is considered to be dose-dependent, choosing a dose of bupivacaine to achieve an adequate level of blockade without causing hypotension is a challenge. Methods: Ninety-six eligible parturients posted for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups. Group H received intrathecal bupivacaine dose calculated as per patients’ height and Group HW received intrathecal bupivacaine dose calculated as per patients’ height and weight chart. Heart rate and mean blood pressure were monitored in both groups. Time required to achieve sensory block up to T6, complete motor block, the dose of ephedrine required to treat hypotension, the incidence of complications, and neonatal appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration (APGAR) scores were noted. Results: Hypotension occurred in 35.56% of parturients in Group H and 16.28% of parturients in Group HW, which was statistically significant. The mean dose of 0.5% bupivacaine was 9.12 mg in Group HW and 9.4 mg in Group H (P value = 0.02). The mean dose of Ephedrine was 12 ± 5.8 mg in Group H compared to 6.0 mg in Group HW, which was statistically significant. The time needed to achieve sensory and complete motor block were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Height-weight-adjusted intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine achieved comparable sensory and motor block with lesser incidence and severity of hypotension compared to height-adjusted dose.

Abstract Purpose Parosteal Osteosarcoma is a well-differentiated, low-grade bone sarcoma. It most commonly occurs in the third decade of life, usually in the distal femur. This study aims to perform a literature review about the types of reconstructions reported and to analyze the results of an updated technique of resection using custom-made 3D-printed cutting guides. Methods We perform a systematic literature review about parosteal osteosarcoma, evaluating treatments, margins, local recurrence, complications, and functional results when available. We also report a case treated in our Center with a revisited technique introducing custom-made 3D-printed cutting guides. Results We analyzed 12 studies with a total of 151 patients. The distal femur was the most frequently reported site (81.5%). After distal femur resection, reconstruction was performed with graft in most cases (48%), followed by prosthetic reconstruction (40%). Margins were wide in 85.5% of cases. The total incidence of local recurrence was 11%. Functional results were excellent in all cases, with a mean MSTS score of 86%. In our case, with the help of the jigs, the surgical technique was relatively easy, graft fusion excellent and fast, margins wide, and functional results excellent. Conclusions In the literature, the most commonly used type of reconstruction after resection is biological with graft. Indeed, despite the increasing number of prosthetic reconstructions, the historical diaphysometaphyseal hemiresection and graft is still indicated in parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal femur. New technologies, such as the jigs we used, allow significant advantages during the procedure: reduce the resection and graft preparation time, allow a better match between components, and help to obtain safer margins, sparing as much bone as possible.

Philip K. Dick’s science fiction classic Do Androids Dream of Electrics Sheep? and its adaptation movie Blade Runner by Ridley Scott feature a devastated earth where bounty hunter Rick Deckard stalks authentic human replicants, designed for a short term highly flexible labor power. A group of these androids infiltrate to the earth of the productive apparatus which manufactured them, trying to persuade their maker to re-program their genetic makeup. Biopolitics as conceived by Roberto Esposito is apt at exploiting the reserves of sense present in Dick’s critical scenario, and managing the mixing of languages of politics and biology, which originally were kept apart in the dystopic dimension of the novel and in the political philosophy tradition. Discarding the frontal approach to the categories of politics, Esposito urges to interrogate the categories of politics obliquely, thus entering the hidden layers of their meaning, fostering an innovative coexistence of opposites.

Recognizing the differential impacts of climate change across geographical scales, this study emphasizes the importance of statistical downscaling. Using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Linear Genetic Programming (LGP), statistical downscaling transforms broad climate trends into region-specific insights. This allowed for detailed analyses of anticipated changes in sediment yield and discharge within a Euphrates River sub-basin in Türkiye using large-scale variables from the CanESM2 model. The dataset is divided into calibration (1970–1995) and validation (1996–2005) periods. To assess the models’ accuracy, statistical measures such as RMSE, MAE, NSE, and R were used. The analysis revealed that LGP outperformed GEP in both discharge and sediment yield during validation, with RMSE = 51.79 m3/s and 4,325.66 tons/day, MAE = 27.14 m3/s and 1,593.34 tons/day, NSE = 0.684 and 0.627, and R = 0.841 and 0.788, respectively. However, when simulating future periods based on the observed period (2006–2020), the GEP model was superior to LGP under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP 8.5 scenarios from CanESM2. In 2021–2100, models suggest a moderate decrease in discharge and sediment yield, indicating potential shifts in the basin's hydrodynamics. These changes could disrupt hydropower generation, challenge water management practices, and alter riverine ecosystems. The results necessitate a thorough assessment of potential ecological consequences. HIGHLIGHTS Climate change effects on streamflow and sediment yield have been explored.; Genetic programming such as GEP and LGP have been employed in statistical downscaling technique.; Future projection of streamflow and sediment yield have been done under different emission scenarios.;

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatosis that manifests as asymptomatic and symmetrical darkening, affecting the skin of intertriginous areas. It is a marker of insulin resistance and is usually associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The present study was conducted to study the morphological patterns of AN and to assess its correlation with different components of MS. Methodology: Using the purposive sampling technique (1-year period), 100 patients fulfilling the case definition of AN were enrolled based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history and a cutaneous examination (color, texture, and sites of AN) were done. Anthropometric measurements and scoring of the AN were done. Investigations were reviewed. Data were recorded, and MS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Panel III criteria. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 13 software. Results: The mean age was 36.9 ± 10.1 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.38. The mean duration of AN was 18.8 ± 12.5 months. Seventy percent of cases had involvement of two or more sites. MS was present in 55% of cases of AN. Gender, duration of AN, site of AN, neck and axilla severity, and total cholesterol were not statistically significantly associated with MS (P > 0.05). Its association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, and high triglyceride was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). A low high-density lipoprotein level was found to be highly significant (P < 0.01). On applying the Chi-square test, all five parameters of MS had a significant association with AN. Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between AN and MS is important, as patients with AN are at risk for all the components of MS individually and collectively.

Abstract Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising in regenerative medicine. Their proliferation, survival and activation are influenced by specific signals within their microenvironment, also known as niche. The stem cell niche is regulated by complex interactions between multiple cell types. When transplanted in a specific area, ADSCs can secrete several immunomodulatory factors. At the same time, a tumor microenvironment can influence stem cell behavior, modulating proliferation and their ability to differentiate into a specific phenotype. Whitin this context, we exposed ADSCs to plasma samples derived from human patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC), or precancerous lesions (PL), or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for 4, 7 or 10 days. We then analyzed the expression of main stemness-related markers and cell-cycle regulators. We also measured cytokine production and polyamine secretion in culture medium and evaluated cell morphology and collagen production by confocal microscopy. The results obtained from this study show significant changes in the morphology of ADSCs exposed to plasma samples, especially in the presence of prostate cancer plasma, suggesting important implications in the use of ADSCs for the development of new treatments and application in regenerative medicine.

Abstract Background Circulating total insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an established risk factor for prostate cancer. However, only a small proportion of circulating IGF-I is free or readily dissociable from IGF-binding proteins (its bioavailable form), and few studies have investigated the association of circulating free IGF-I with prostate cancer risk. Methods We analyzed data from 767 prostate cancer cases and 767 matched controls nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, with an average of 14-years (interquartile range = 2.9) follow-up. Matching variables were study center, length of follow-up, age, and time of day and fasting duration at blood collection. Circulating free IGF-I concentration was measured in serum samples collected at recruitment visit (mean age 55 years old; standard deviation = 7.1) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations of free IGF-I with risk of prostate cancer overall and subdivided by time to diagnosis (≤ 14 and > 14 years), and tumor characteristics. Results Circulating free IGF-I concentrations (in fourths and as a continuous variable) were not associated with prostate cancer risk overall (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00 per 0.1 nmol/L increment, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.02) or by time to diagnosis, or with prostate cancer subtypes, including tumor stage and histological grade. Conclusions Estimated circulating free IGF-I was not associated with prostate cancer risk. Further research may consider other assay methods that estimate bioavailable IGF-I to provide more insight into the well-substantiated association between circulating total IGF-I and subsequent prostate cancer risk.

Background Large Language Models (LLMs), as in the case of OpenAI TM ChatGPT-4 TM Turbo, are revolutionizing several industries, including higher education. In this context, LLMs can be personalised through customization process to meet the student demands on every particular subject, like statistics. Recently, OpenAI launched the possibility of customizing their model with a natural language web interface, enabling the creation of customised GPT versions deliberately conditioned to meet the demands of a specific task. Methods This preliminary research aims to assess the potential of the customised GPTs. After developing a Business Statistics Virtual Professor (BSVP), tailored for students at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, its behaviour was evaluated and compared with that of ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Firstly, each professor collected 15-30 genuine student questions from “Statistics and Probability” and “Business Statistics” courses across seven degrees, primarily from second-year courses. These questions, often ambiguous and imprecise, were posed to ChatGPT-4 Turbo and BSVP, with their initial responses recorded without follow-ups. In the third stage, professors blindly evaluated the responses on a 0-10 scale, considering quality, depth, and personalization. Finally, a statistical comparison of the systems’ performance was conducted. Results The results lead to several conclusions. Firstly, a substantial modification in the style of communication was observed. Following the instructions it was trained with, BSVP responded in a more relatable and friendly tone, even incorporating a few minor jokes. Secondly, when explicitly asked for something like, “I would like to practice a programming exercise similar to those in R practice 4,” BSVP could provide a far superior response. Lastly, regarding overall performance, quality, depth, and alignment with the specific content of the course, no statistically significant differences were observed in the responses between BSVP and ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Conclusions It appears that customised assistants trained with prompts present advantages as virtual aids for students, yet they do not constitute a substantial improvement over ChatGPT-4 Turbo.

* Background Large Language Models (LLMs), as in the case of OpenAI TM ChatGPT-4 TM Turbo, are revolutionizing several industries, including higher education. In this context, LLMs can be personalised through a fine-tuning process to meet the student demands on every particular subject, like statistics. Recently, OpenAI launched the possibility of fine-tuning their model with a natural language web interface, enabling the creation of customised GPT versions deliberately conditioned to meet the demands of a specific task. Methods This preliminary research aims to assess the potential of the customised GPTs. After developing a Business Statistics Virtual Professor (BSVP), tailored for students at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, its behaviour was evaluated and compared with that of ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Firstly, each professor collected 15-30 genuine student questions from “Statistics and Probability” and “Business Statistics” courses across seven degrees, primarily from second-year courses. These questions, often ambiguous and imprecise, were posed to ChatGPT-4 Turbo and BSVP, with their initial responses recorded without follow-ups. In the third stage, professors blindly evaluated the responses on a 0-10 scale, considering quality, depth, and personalization. Finally, a statistical comparison of the systems’ performance was conducted. Results The results lead to several conclusions. Firstly, a substantial modification in the style of communication was observed. Following the instructions it was trained with, BSVP responded in a more relatable and friendly tone, even incorporating a few minor jokes. Secondly, when explicitly asked for something like, “I would like to practice a programming exercise similar to those in R practice 4,” BSVP could provide a far superior response. Lastly, regarding overall performance, quality, depth, and alignment with the specific content of the course, no statistically significant differences were observed in the responses between BSVP and ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Conclusions It appears that customised assistants trained with prompts present advantages as virtual aids for students, yet they do not constitute a substantial improvement over ChatGPT-4 Turbo.

Summary: Background: Nutri-Score is a scientifically validated 5-color front-of-pack nutrition label reflecting the nutrient profile of foods. It has been implemented in several European countries on a voluntary basis, pending the revision of the European labeling regulation. Hence, scientific evidence is needed regarding the ability of the nutrient profile underlying the Nutri-Score (uNS-NPS, 2023-updated version) to characterize healthier foods. Our objective was therefore to study the prospective association between the nutritional quality of diet characterized by the uNS-NPS and the risk of cardiovascular diseases in a large European population. Methods: Our analyses included 345,533 participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC, 1992–2010, 7 European countries). Food intakes were assessed at baseline using country-specific dietary questionnaires. The uNS-NPS was calculated as a continuous scale for each food, based on its 100 g content of energy, sugars, saturated fatty acids, salt, fibre, and protein and percentage content of fruit, vegetables, and pulses. A dietary index was derived at the individual level (uNS-NPS DI: energy-weighted mean of uNS-NPS scores of all foods consumed by a participant). Cardiovascular events during follow-up were retrieved using country-specific methods (self-report, registry data). Multi-adjusted Cox models were computed. Findings: Overall, 16,214 first cardiovascular events were reported (median follow-up: 12.3 years; 4,103,133 person-years). The consumption of foods with a higher uNS-NPS score (reflecting a lower overall nutritional quality of diet) was associated with higher risks of total cardiovascular events (Hazards Ratio (HR) for an increment of 1 standard deviation: 1.03 (95% Confidence Interval 1.01–1.05)), especially myocardial infarction (HR = 1.03 (1.01–1.07)), and stroke (HR = 1.04 (1.01–1.07)). Interpretation: In this large prospective study among European adults, a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (total and several subtypes) was observed in individuals consuming a diet with a lower nutritional value, as graded by the uNS-NPS score. This brings new evidence on the relevance of the updated nutrient profile underlying the Nutri-Score to characterize foods with a healthier nutrient profile. Funding: EPIC-CVD was supported by EU FP7, ERC, UK MRC, British Heart Foundation, and UK NIHR.

Aim: This study was planned to investigate the pressure sensitivity applied by physiotherapists during palpation and the effect of their experience on palpation sensitivity. Methods: 62 physiotherapists with an age of 31.06 ± 5.29 years and a working experience of 6.88 ± 4.76 years were included in the study. The physiotherapists were divided into two groups: those working in the field of manual therapy and those not working. The participants were asked to apply pressure on an electronic scale with four different weights (500 gr, 1000 gr, 2000 gr, and 4000 gr, respectively). The display screen of the scale on which the measurement was made was blinded to the physiotherapists. After the first measurements, a short training was given and the same measurements were repeated randomly. Results: In the first evaluation made before the training, it was found that there was a statistical difference between the two groups in the application of 500 grams of pressure (p=0.003). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the measurements made after the training (p>0.05). It was observed that the level of professional experience did not significantly affect pressure sensitivity (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that manual therapy physiotherapists had increased palpation sensitivity when using smaller weights. It is therefore advised that physiotherapists undergo training to enhance their palpation sensitivity, as this is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic technique.

IntroductionNeurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a chronic neurocutaneous disease known to profoundly affect quality of life (QoL). We have performed an analysis of disease severity, mental and physical QoL and compare the different subclasses among patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1).Patients and methodsWe conducted a prospective analysis of 89 NF1 patients between January 2016 and March 2018. Data sourced from local records including demographic information, employment status, education level, and marital status. All patients completed 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and additionally the numerical pain rating scale (NPS). Patients were stratified based on severity of NF1, visibility and disease severity.ResultsAmong 89 patients, severity was classified as grade 4 was identified in 42 (47.2%), moderate in 17 (19.1%), mild in 23 (25.8%) and minimal in 7 (7.9%) cases. According to visibility scale, severe grade 3 was found in 28 (31.5%), moderate grade 2 in 26 (29.2%) and mild grade in 35 (39.3%) cases. SF-36 data, except for pain, showed significantly lower values, if compared to the standard German population (P < 0.001, physical component summary P = 0.045). Sex, marital status and education level did not significantly influence results. Employment was significantly associated with better mental and physical status (P = 0.028 and P = 0.01 respectively) and age >40 was linked to lower physical (P = 0.027) but not mental component scores (P = 0.362). The numerical pain rating scale indicated pain levels of 7–10 in 9 cases (10,1%), 5–6 in 10 patients (11.2%), 1–4 in 26 patients (29.2%) and no pain in 44 cases (49.4%). Physical component scores significantly differed across different NPS grades (P < 0.001) but not in mental component scores (P = 0.06). Finally, no significant differences were found in mental component scores across severity or visibility grades.ConclusionSeverity and visibility grades of patients with NF1 may not necessarily result in poor mental health. Symptomatic treatment should be considered even for severely disabled patients as they may have comparable QoL to less severely affected patients with NF1. Employment was linked to better quality of life outcomes in our findings.

IntroductionAs emerging technologies enable measurement of precise details of the activity within microcircuits at ever-increasing scales, there is a growing need to identify the salient features and patterns within the neural populations that represent physiologically and behaviorally relevant aspects of the network. Accumulating evidence from recordings of large neural populations suggests that neural population activity frequently exhibits relatively low-dimensional structure, with a small number of variables explaining a substantial fraction of the structure of the activity. While such structure has been observed across the brain, it is not known how reduced-dimension representations of neural population activity relate to classical metrics of “brain state,” typically described in terms of fluctuations in the local field potential (LFP), single-cell activity, and behavioral metrics.MethodsHidden state models were fit to spontaneous spiking activity of populations of neurons, recorded in the whisker area of primary somatosensory cortex of awake mice. Classic measures of cortical state in S1, including the LFP and whisking activity, were compared to the dynamics of states inferred from spiking activity.ResultsA hidden Markov model fit the population spiking data well with a relatively small number of states, and putative inhibitory neurons played an outsize role in determining the latent state dynamics. Spiking states inferred from the model were more informative of the cortical state than a direct readout of the spiking activity of single neurons or of the population. Further, the spiking states predicted both the trial-by-trial variability in sensory responses and one aspect of behavior, whisking activity.DiscussionOur results show how classical measurements of brain state relate to neural population spiking dynamics at the scale of the microcircuit and provide an approach for quantitative mapping of brain state dynamics across brain areas.

Abstract Background Large Language Models (LLMs), as in the case of OpenAITM ChatGPT-4TM Turbo, are revolutionizing several industries, including higher education. In this context, LLMs can be personalised through customization process to meet the student demands on every particular subject, like statistics. Recently, OpenAI launched the possibility of customizing their model with a natural language web interface, enabling the creation of customised GPT versions deliberately conditioned to meet the demands of a specific task. Methods This preliminary research aims to assess the potential of the customised GPTs. After developing a Business Statistics Virtual Professor (BSVP), tailored for students at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, its behaviour was evaluated and compared with that of ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Firstly, each professor collected 15-30 genuine student questions from “Statistics and Probability” and “Business Statistics” courses across seven degrees, primarily from second-year courses. These questions, often ambiguous and imprecise, were posed to ChatGPT-4 Turbo and BSVP, with their initial responses recorded without follow-ups. In the third stage, professors blindly evaluated the responses on a 0-10 scale, considering quality, depth, and personalization. Finally, a statistical comparison of the systems’ performance was conducted. Results The results lead to several conclusions. Firstly, a substantial modification in the style of communication was observed. Following the instructions it was trained with, BSVP responded in a more relatable and friendly tone, even incorporating a few minor jokes. Secondly, when explicitly asked for something like, “I would like to practice a programming exercise similar to those in R practice 4,” BSVP could provide a far superior response. Lastly, regarding overall performance, quality, depth, and alignment with the specific content of the course, no statistically significant differences were observed in the responses between BSVP and ChatGPT-4 Turbo. Conclusions It appears that customised assistants trained with prompts present advantages as virtual aids for students, yet they do not constitute a substantial improvement over ChatGPT-4 Turbo.