bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KARAKTERISTIK KEPEMIMPINAN MADRASAH IBTIDIYAH
Authors: Kadir Muhammad , Ningsih Diarti Andra , Hasmiati  , Qadrianti Laeli
Published: July 2021

Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi bahwa masih banyaknya kepala madrasah ibtidaiyah yang belum melakukan karakteristik kepemimpinan madrasah yang ideal, bahkan sampai ada yang sangat jauh dari harapan kepemimpinan madrasah yang diharapkan oleh segenap lingkungan madrasah ibtidaiyah yang ada di Kabupaten Sinjai. Selain itu, masih terdapat oknum kepala madrasah yang kadang melakukan pelanggaran-pelanggaran yang tentunya akan merugikan lembaganya dan mencederai karakter kepemimpinannya. penelitian ini difokuskan pada karakteristik kepemimpinan madrasah ibtidaiyah yang ada di kabupaten sinjai yang tentunya akan dijadikan tolak ukur bagi pemimpin-pemimpin madrasah untuk mengelolah lembaganya. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif. Subyek dalam penelitian ini adalah kepala dinas pendidikan setempat, pakar pendidikan, kepala madrasah ibtidaiyah, wakil kepala madrasah bagian kesiswaan, guru dan peserta didik. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dan sampel jenuh. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. analisis data menggunakan model Miles dan Hubberman dengan validitas data triangulasi. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa pada dasarnya karakteristik kepemimpinan madrasah ibtidaiyah adalah suatu gambaran obyektif yang hampir terjadi di seluruh madrasah, hal itu dapat dilihat dari keterampilan-keterampilan kepemimpinan madrasahibtidaiyah, kriteria-kriteria kepemimpinan madrasah, tugas dan peranan kepala madrasah ibtidaiyah sebagai pemimpin.
PUBLIC POLICIES TO SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURSHIP: DO THEY CONTRIBUTE TO STRENGTHEN SMES SECTOR?
Authors: Dianu Dragos , (Cenan) Ciuco Monica , Badulescu Alina , Badulescu Daniel
Published: July 2021

for the development of a dynamic and innovative small and medium enterprises (SME) sector is widely recognized in economic theory and practice. Entrepreneurship do not only contribute to productivity improvements, but it could also help finding practical solutions to social and environmental challenges, climate change, global economic or health crises. However, despite this widespread recognition, entrepreneurship relatively recently becomes a concern for the decision-makers’, and in many cases the support measures are partial, difficult to understand and access, marked by bureaucracy and over-regulation, even in developed countries. Therefore, the active involvement of policy makers, the contribution of public or private support structures, education, public awareness of the benefits of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized businesses are essential. Building policies and strategies to support entrepreneurship starts from objective characteristics, but it must be adapted to the specific conditions of each country, the profile, size and structure of the business sector in that country (or region) in order to enhance its contribution to development goals. In our article we state that public policies for entrepreneurship must find a balance between stimulating the new firms’ creation, the size of existing ones and the impetus given to the sub-sector of dynamic, innovative companies, high growth-oriented. In the case of the developed countries analysed here, characterized by opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, the objectives of public policies to support entrepreneurship and SMEs should not excessively focus on setting up new companies. Rather, they must insist on creating a business-friendly environment and promoting an entrepreneurial culture, on the efficient functioning of support structures and networks, on encouraging the establishment and development of companies based on high knowledge, on strengthening and growth of the existing SMEs.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; SMEs; public policy support, EU.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMART CITY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION AS A MODEL FOR URBAN ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Gusul Procopie Florin , Butnariu Alina Ramona
Published: July 2021

In this paper we focus on the concept of smart city, defined as cities where investments in human and social capital and infrastructure, along with ICT progress and innovation fuel the sustainable economy and stimulate growth in quality of life, with a focus on smart natural resource management. We envision smart city as a concept that highlights important aspects of sustainability, such as the need for responsible resource management, energy efficiency and citizen involvement. Given the current understanding of the smart city concept, it is unclear whether it has the necessary features to ensure sustainability. We believe that this aspect is due to the fact that smart cities are extremely complex and interdependent. Their study and analysis would therefore require an inter- and transdisciplinary approach that allows an adequate overview of this concept, to the convergence of several areas, such as urban development, technology, economics, engineering and social sciences, etc. We believe that this research will contribute to the already existing theories of smart cities and will help maximize the potential for this smart city concept to be a viable solution for sustainable development in our increasingly urbanized world, especially as the latest statistics confirm an upward trend in EU-level indicators on sustainable cities and communities. Moreover, the theory of smart growth is being discussed, but not as an antagonist alternative, but rather as an addition integrative to the concept of sustainable development of smart cities. In our opinion, smart city solutions would not be efficiently implemented and helpful to communities in absence of a vision for the smart and sustainable future.
Deleterious effects of loss of independence assessed with the KATZ index after aortic valve replacement in elderly patient
Authors: Hung Ngo Thanh , Nguyen Tran Thuy , Huy Nguyen The , Nam Nguyen Hoang , Lionel CAMILLERI
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Surgical operative risk of valvular replacement has been widely studied and it has been shown that postoperative complications incidence and mortality increase with patients’ age. The aim of this study was to assess among elderly patients whom underwent surgical aortic valve replacement using various scoring system and Geriatric Assessment Indexes to predict post-operative risk and long-term outcome. Methods and Results: We prospectively evaluated the incidence, over early and late results, of surgical scores and geriatric profile amid 122 intermediate-risk patients, aged 75 years or more who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. In a univariate analysis, the EuroScore II (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.21-2.48, P =0.002), STS score (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03-1.88, P = 0.03) and a Katz index ≤ 5 (limitation of at least one daily living activity) (OR 3.35, 95% CI: 1.08-10.35, P=0.03) were predictors of a 30-day unfavorable evolution. In a multivariate analysis, only surgical scores were predictive factors. At 6 months, 20 patients had deceased or had to be readmitted to hospital. At 10 years, survival was 48 % [IQR 39-57]. The Katz index ≤ 5 was the only geriatric test independent of an unfavorable outcome at 6 months (OR 4.51, 95% CI: 1.25-16.29, P = 0.02) and of a deleterious effect over long-term survival (OR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.58-5.69, P=0.001). Conclusion: In elderly patients, autonomy assessment with the Katz index allows to distinguish a vulnerable population with less beneficial outcomes after aortic valve replacement.
Initial results of aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium (Ozaki's procedure)
Authors: Hung Ngo Thanh , Huu Nguyen Cong , Nguyen Tran Thuy , Nam Nguyen Hoang , Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Long Luong Hoang , Thinh Do Duc , Thanh Le Ngoc , Hung Doan Quoc
Published: July 2021

Introduction: This study report the clinical characteristics, surgical indications, surgical technique and initial outcomes of autologous pericardial aortic valve reconstruction using Ozaki’s procedure. Methods: The study included consecutive patients with isolated aortic valve disease who underwent Ozaki’s procedure between June 2017 and December 2019. Aortic valve cups were reconstructed by autologous pericardium using Ozaki’s procedure. Results: Seventy-two patients were enrolled (mean age 52.9 ± 13 years; 53 males) and consisted of 30 aortic stenosis cases, 20 aortic regurgitation cases, and 22 patients with a combination of both 72 patients, a bicuspid aortic valve was present in 20, and 7 patients had infective endocarditis. Surgery was performed via a full or partial sternotomy. The procedure was successful in 70 case, and two patients were converted to prosthetic valve replacement. The aortic cross-clamp time was 106.3 ± 13.8 minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 136.7 ± 18.5 minutes. One patient died of cardiac tamponade in hospital, and two patients underwent reoperation due to bleeding and sternal infection, respectively,  were observed during the follow-up period of 30 days. 1-month postoperative echocardiography revealed that one patient had moderate aortic valve regurgitation, max trans-valvular pressure gradient was 16.1 ± 2.3 mmHg, and aortic valve area was 2.5 ± 0.2 cm ². Conclusions: Aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium by Ozaki’s procedure was feasible, good hemodynamics, and can be applied to all lesions of the aortic valve.
Percutaneous intervention treatment of giant extrarenal aneurysm arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Huy Nguyen The , Nguyen Phan Thao , Nguyen Tran Thuy , Thanh Le Ngoc
Published: July 2021

Objective: Anteriovenous fistula is a high-flow vascular malformation. Anteriovenous fistula is characterized by a direct connection between an artery and a vein without the presence of a nidus (network of arterial and venous channels). Renal artery aneurysm concomitant with a renal arteriovenous fistula is extremely rare. Case report: We reported the case of a 45-year-old female who has giant renal artery aneurysm combined with high-flow RAVF who presented with gross hematuria. The patient’s embolization of a giant extrarenal aneurism arteriovenous fistula was successfully treated using specialized coils and plug device. Conclusions: Renal arteriovenous fistula is a disease that can lead to serious complications. Treatment of this condition should be initiated promptly after diagnosis. Embolization endovascular is a feasible, efficient and safe method which can maximally retain normal renal function.
Atrial arrhythmias ablation in a patient post mitral valve replacement surgery and cox-maze procedure
Authors: Kien Hoang Trung , Ba Vu Van , Dung Le Tien , Hung Nguyen Manh , Thinh Do Duc , Linh Ngo Thi Hai , Nguyen Tran Thuy
Published: July 2021

Objective: Cox Maze procedure is an effective surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation and it is often performed concomitantly with mitral valve surgery. However, some patients still experience atrial tachyarrhythmia post-surgery, which adversely affects heart function as well as their quality of life. Method: We present the case of a 66-year-old female patient who underwent mitral valve replacement with a bio-prosthesis and Cox-Maze procedure; she was later admitted to our center after 14 months due to pneumonia and atrial tachycardia. An electrophysiology study/ intervention was performed. Result: We successfully determined the mechanism and ablated the atrial tachyarrhythmia. The sinus rhythm was restored and was maintained 3 months post-procedure, with amelioration of the left ventricular function. Conclusion: Electrophysiology study with electro-anatomy mapping can help to determine the mechanism of arrhythmia to guide successful ablation of post-operative arrhythmia
Challenges Associated with Running a Green Business in India and Other Developing Countries
Authors: H Sujaya , Salins Meghana , P. S. Aithal
Published: July 2021

Running a green business in India and other developing economies is indeed a challenging job for the producers involved in this business. In a green business environment, the company may re-design the product attributes since the usage of the harmful chemical may be prevented and scarce resources may not be exploited. The main objective of this case study is to assess the factors that are associated with running a green business in India and other developing economies. This case study also highlights the issues related to the green business. This case study is developed by using secondary data to assess the factors that influence green business. The secondary data was obtained from another exhaustive literature review of journals and internet sources. The developing economies strive hard to achieve green business since it has been a necessity for these countries to depend on natural resources. The important aspect here is developing countries depend on both the economic and social factors which have a major impact on environmental factors. Moreover, developing countries are mainly dependent on natural resources for their potential and growth so as to give stiff competition for the developed economies in a global market. In
addition, many developing economies face challenges basically related to power, water, ecological problems, social and economic problems and also problems related to weather and climate change. The challenges associated with green business also depends on cost analysis, where it is quite expensive for a poor and developing economy to reach the initial cost too since the usage of basic technology is lacking. Moreover, the treatment for wastewater, water resource management, treatment for disposal of effluents and toxic waste are not successfully utilized. The developed economies need to import modern technology and technical knowledge from other countries because of the lack of their own technology and technical skills. Now a day’s many countries have the knowledge of green growth which thereby helps to improve the economic standards of the countries. The government has to take certain measures such as the provision of subsidies which may support the challenges of green growth and development. The short-term subsidies may not benefit more since it may
hamper the production and demand by raising the price and cost. But as for the long term is considered these reforms may provide more effectiveness in productivity and thereby lead to changes in technologies.
ҚАТТЫ ОТЫНДЫ ЖОҒАРЫ ТЕМПЕРАТУРАЛЫ ТАЗАЛАУДЫ ПАЙДАЛАНА ОТЫРЫП, КӨРІК ГАЗДАНДЫРУ ТЕХНОЛОГИЯСЫ
Authors: Тулебаева Жанар Амангельдиновна , Азаматова Дана Айболатовна , Айтмагамбетова Гульмира Аскербековна , Барукин Александр Сергеевич
Published: July 2021

Бұл мақалада жақын болашақта коммерциялық пайдалануға қол жеткізе алатын жылу мен электр энергиясының жаңа көмір өндірістік технологияларын енгізу мүмкіндігі қарастырылады, БГҚ, көмірді циклішілік газдандыруы бар (ЦІГ) ең жоғары экологиялық және экономикалық әлеуеттің болуымен ерекшеленеді (перспективада ПӘК 56%-ға дейін). Батыс елдерінде бұл бағыт үлкен құралдармен, ірі демонстрациялық блоктарды құрумен инвестицияланады, алайда коммерциялық таралудың шектелуі жабдықтың жоғары үлестік құнына байланысты, бұл газдандыру үшін қымбат криогенді оттегі өндірісімен тікелей байланысты. Осы саладағы зерттеулер синтез-газды жоғары температуралы тазартумен үйлестіре отырып, ауа үрлеуі арқылы көмірді газдандыруды тиімді игерудің арқасында осы кемшілікті жеңуге мүмкіндік береді.
Endométriose cicatricielle sur incision de Pfannenstiel: à propos d’un cas et revue de la literature
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Training Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco., BENCHAKROUNE Khadija , MOUKIT Mounir , KOUACH Jaouad , MOUSSAOUI Driss
Published: July 2021

Scar endometriosis is a rare form of extrapelvic endometriosis that is usually confused with other surgical or dermatological conditions leading to delays in diagnosis. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman presenting with a palpable nodule adjacent to her cesarean scar. Complete excision with clear margins was done and sent for histopathological examination confirming the diagnosis of endometriosis. Increasing awareness of this uncommon condition among clinicians can help in early diagnosis and treatment with gratifying results.
Endogenous endophthalmitis complicating liver abscess: a case report
Authors:   Service de Médecine Interne, EPH El Hadjar, Annaba – Algérie, ZERDAZI Amina
Published: July 2021

Nous rapportons le cas d’une femme de 60 ans, diabétique, hospitalisée pour hépatomégalie douloureuse fébrile. Le bilan d’entrée a montré une hyperleucocytose à PNN, une anémie normocytaire et un syndrome inflammatoire marqué. L’imagerie était évocatrice d’un abcès hépatique. Devant ce tableau clinique, une antibiothérapie probabiliste a été débutée. Trois jours plus tard, la patiente avait présenté un oeil rouge douloureux avec une baisse de l’acuité visuelle dont l’examen ophtalmologique avait retrouvé une infiltration cornéenne et hypopion. L’échographie en mode B avait montré un vitré très chargé en faveur d’une endophtalmie endogène. Une antibiothérapie à bonne diffusion oculaire était instaurée immédia-tement par voie générale et injection intravitréenne. La vitrectomie a été retardée du fait de mauvais état général de la patiente. Les hémocultures réalisées isolaient un Escherichia coli. L’évolution était marquée par la guérison de l’abcès hépatique mais l’acuité visuelle reste limitée à la perception lumineuse. Malgré la rareté de cette affection qui survient en général dans un contexte d’immunodépression, elle doit être évoquée devant tout signe oculaire associé à un foyer infectieux profond. Un diagnostic rapide et un traitement adéquat peuvent améliorer le pronostic vital et visuel.
Prospective study on thyroidectomy by technical vascular microsurgery
Authors:   Service ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale CHU Bab Eloued, Alger – Algérie, AMOURACHE Yacine ,   Faculté de médecine de l’université d’Alger I - Algérie
Published: July 2021

La chirurgie d’exérèse de la glande thyroïde repose sur les principes d’une chirurgie vasculaire fine avec en conséquence une hémostase parfaite ainsi que sur la préservation des nerfs laryngés et les glandes parathyroïdes ; le coût des moyens techniques doit aussi être mis en exergue. Notre étude tient à montrer qu’outre l’hémostase parfaite sans drainage post opératoire, la recherche des nerfs récurrents n’est pas indispensable en utilisant une technique dite « Thyroïdectomie par technique de microchirurgie vasculaire », avec un coût de prise en charge réduit. Patients et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude prospective, comprenant 41 patients ; la technique chirurgicale mise à l’oeuvre est dite : technique de microchirurgie vasculaire thyroïdienne. Les paramètres étudiés sont : l’indication opératoire concertée, l’état antérieur et post-opératoire de la mobilité des cordes vocales et de la calcémie, la technique chirurgicale (type d’hémostase et la recherche ou non des nerfs récurrents), la place du drainage, la durée d’hospitalisation et le coût de prise en charge globale. Résultats : 62 lobo-isthmectomies ont été réalisées. L’état antérieur et post-opératoire de la mobilité des cordes vocales et de la calcémie était bien notifié. La quasi-totalité des patients n’avaient pas été drainés. Il n’y avait aucune complication hémorragique et aucune paralysie récurrentielle, on a relevé 3 cas d’hypocalcémie transitoire. Conclusion : la Thyroïdectomie par technique de microchirurgie vasculaire trouverait bien une place parmi les autres techniques chirurgicales. Notre mode de prise en charge s’avère assez concurrentiel, notamment en termes d’économies de santé.
Machine Learning: Review
Authors: Argade Dipali Navnath , Pawar Shailaja Dilip , Thitme Vijay Vitthal , Shelkar Amol Dagu
Published: July 2021

Machine Learning is that the core subarea of AI . It makes computers get into a self-learning mode without explicit programming. When fed new data, these computers learn, grow, change, and develop by themselves. The concept of machine learning has been around for a short time now. However, the power to automatically and quickly apply mathematical calculations to big data is now gaining a touch of momentum. Machine learning has been utilized in several places just like the self-driving Google car, the web recommendation engines – friend recommendations on Facebook, offer suggestions from Amazon, and in cyber fraud detection. In this paper, we will learn basic terms in machine learning.
Group Formation-Finding-Your-Matching-Card in a Collaborative Learning Classroom
Authors: Liang Su
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a non-traditional strategy of group formation that engages students in utilizing prior learned knowledge to solve problems at a collaborative learning classroom. Through the grouping process students communicate mathematical thinking with their peers and physically moving around to find their matching cards and group parteners. The grouping process warms up students to launch an active learning mode. Although the grouping method was implemented in the mathematics content course for preservice elementary teachers and the capstone course for preservice secondary mathematics teachers, it could perfectly fit different types of classrooms including grades K-12 or college level.
How flipped classroom teaching methods in first year studying succeed
Authors: Pfennig Anja
Published: July 2021

Flipping the classroom is a method to let students study the science on their own and then take time to discuss their questions and do extended hands-on lectures or exercises in class – or in the case of the covid-19 pandemic during plenary online sessions. First year mechanical engineering students use different teaching materials (mainly lecture videos, lightboard videos and micro-module lectures) to study from a distance and comprehend the principle underlying science in theory. Then the online plenary lectures offer the opportunity to apply their knowledge and transfer different scientific aspects of the course to get the bigger picture. Exercises, worked solutions, self-assessed tests and peer-instruction during present time help students to check on their learning progress. However, the self-study periods and (online) plenary sessions need to be guided carefully. To meet the course learning outcome and overcome the diversity of a first year class various practical leads have to be fulfilled to turn flipped classroom teaching into success.
Impacts of the socio-political instability in Hong Kong on university students’ learning experience
Authors: Fung Henry T.Y.
Published: July 2021

Since the Anti-Extradition Law Social Movement in 2019, Hong Kong has entered an era of socio-political instability. The conflict between student protestants and the government has become increasingly intense, whereas several universities even became the battlefield of the protest and were abruptly shut down in November 2019. To add fuel to the fire, the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 has prompted all universities in the territory to suspend all face-to-face classes and activities for two semesters. All these have impacted university students in Hong Kong socially, academically and psychologically.In light of this, this study aims to explore the ways to which the learning experience of university students in Hong Kong have been impacted by the socio-political challenges. Through conducting a mixed-methods study at a public university in Hong Kong, it was found that university have a high perceived level of stress, high political involvements, unsatisfactory learning experience and poor learning motivation under this socio-political instability. It is hoped that this study can provide informed insights for teachers to understand students’ burdens, stresses, and emotional instability associated with socio-political unrest.
Online teaching in COVID-19 times. Student satisfaction and analysis of their academic performance
Authors: Jiménez-Parra Beatriz , Alonso-Martínez Daniel , Cabeza-García Laura , González-Álvarez Nuria
Published: July 2021

Online teaching has grown exponentially as a result of COVID-19. Universities and teaching institutions the world over have had to adapt their curricula to this new teaching and learning model. The main goal of this study is to analyse various teaching methodologies used on a sample of university students to analyse their effectiveness in terms of satisfaction, competencies and academic performance. The results suggest that methodologies that include greater student-teacher interaction or the use of videoconferencing for classes and problem-solving help to raise student satisfaction. Students also positively assess online teaching as it allows them to acquire new competencies and even to identify business opportunities. The online evaluation method used also seems to have been appropriate, as it led students to obtain better grades than in face-to-face teaching contexts. The study offers several implications for university teachers of Social Sciences who wish to adopt this type of teaching method.
Promoting Intergenerational Engagement Within the College Classroom: Faculty Training Needs
Authors: Hazzan Afeez A. , Heffernan Kristin , Dauenhauer Jason
Published: July 2021

Institutions of higher education are increasing efforts to focus on ways to meet the growing needs of older adult learners. Many institutions are addressing these needs by joining the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network. Affiliated institutions are required to promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. However, these institutions will need to provide instructors with the training to ensure that intergenerational engagement is being actively fostered. In this study, we examine the perspectives of faculty members who have opened their classrooms to older adult auditors. The research question was: What types of training do faculty recommend to promote intergenerational engagement in the classroom? In-depth face to face interviews were conducted with 27 faculty members. Qualitative content analysis of the data yielded the following four themes: 1) Provide accessible training to teach faculty their role 2) Educate faculty about the importance of becoming aware of generational time periods/context 3) Learn to approach auditors with a mindset that they are adults and have had careers/experiences, and 4) Train faculty on how to foster discussion. Overall, these findings point to a need for training that focus on intergenerational curricular design and multigenerational classroom management
Students’ learning can be enhanced via Centres of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: A quick view all over the world
Authors: Asimakopoulos George , Karalis Thanassis , Kedraka Katerina
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTL) of the 100 top Universities in the world and investigates their role and services. The vast majority of these Centers is located in educational institutions of the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. CTL services cover many areas and target several portions of the university population. They try to meet contemporary requirements and aim to enhance teaching, learning and research processes.
Professional development of in-training museum educators: an experience of curriculum improvement in time of a pandemic
Authors: Poce Antonella , Valente Mara , Re Maria Rosaria , Amenduni Francesca , De Medio Carlo
Published: July 2021

The present paper aims to illustrate the reorganization of two post-graduate courses, “Museum Education. Theoretical aspects” and “Advanced Studies in Museum Education” promoted by CDM (Center for Museum Studies) - Dept. of Education at Roma Tre University, carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, and to analyze the education strategies adopted in terms of museum professionals development to face the Covid-19 museum and universities 2020 Italian lockdown.The results emerging from the quantitative evaluation of the module “Museum and Social Networks”, taking into consideration the activities and digital tools proposed, show the efficacy of the courses reorganization, in terms of transverse and professional skills development in university students, critical thinking and collaboration in particular. Moreover, the data analysis give useful indications in term of university online lectures, laboratory activities and practices in e-learning mode, evaluation tools and methodologies aimed at solliciting professional development of in-training museum educators in university learning context.
Exploring an Unfamiliar Space Reflections on the Socio-Psychological Aspects of Synchronous Online Teaching
Authors: Ochsner Andrea
Published: July 2021

Online technologies provide a myriad of new teaching and learning methods, and while those new technologies have a lot of advantages, the rapid change from face-to-face to online teaching and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has made certain disadvantages visible, too. This paper focuses on the psychological impact of online learning on students, specifically in connection with the move from a well-known place, the university campus, to an unknown space, the online classroom. It explores why uncertainty and anxiety can result in reluctance to engage, a process that is caused by a lack of social information, low peer bonding possibilities and obstacles to create a sense of belonging. The findings are based on a general, theoretical understanding of psychological aspects that impact the virtual classroom, as well as on observations made during the lockdown period and its subsequent months of online teaching, drawing on concepts from social psychology, i.e. social cognition, social perception and conformity. What has become undoubtedly evident is that while the new technologies create new and creative spaces for teaching and learning, they are by no means free of stress and anxiety.
Exploring Formative Assessment Possibilities: Building a 'Teamwork Discourse' with First-Year Engineering Students Online
Authors: Fouché Lauren Senna , Müller Erika
Published: July 2021

Effective teamwork is one of the Engineering Council of South Africa’s (ECSA) exit-level outcomes. To achieve this outcome, one has to learn specific discourses and behaviours related to teamwork. Professional Orientation is a first-year engineering module offered in an extended engineering degree programme at a residential university in South Africa. This module assists students in developing a ‘teamwork discourse’, using engineering-based projects that follow the CDIO framework. In 2020, these projects transitioned fully to a virtual environment due to Covid-19 restrictions. The iPeer Learning Management System tool for peer- and self-assessment was used in this research to investigate whether first-year students were able to apply the teamwork discourses taught to them when completing the projects online. A quantitative analysis of the iPeer results reflected that while 54% of the students remained consistent in the two projects, 16% showed an improvement, and 30% showed a decrease. The reasons for these results could be varied. Thus, a qualitative analysis of the students’ comments for increased and decreased marks was also conducted to assess how the relevant teamwork discourses were applied and to what extent. These findings confirmed that teamwork discourses could effectively be applied by a smaller percentage of first-year students.
Suitability of Blackboard as Learning Management System to assess oral competence: Students’ perceptions and results
Authors: Muñoz Alcón Ana Isabel , Trullén Galve Francisco
Published: July 2021

Learning a foreign language involves the practice and development of linguistic competencies through a series of communicative activities. Assessing each of these competencies face to face can provide an accurate profile of the student’s level of language proficiency. But assessing them online, particularly oral skill, poses a challenge for both students and professors. The change of scenario and use of digital tools may intimidate students and deprive the interview from naturality and warmth. In this paper, the suitability of Blackboard Collaborate as Learning Management System to assess English speaking skill is studied together with other factors influencing students’ online performance. 81 students from 5 different undergraduate programs in Engineering and Applied Sciences were assessed, following the threefold pattern of IELTS speaking test questions. Their results and responses to a final survey are contrasted so as to check the positive of negative effect of online testing on the students’ state of mind and eventual achievement. Blackboard platform proves to be as a suitable online framework for optimal performance, and the examiner’s attitude is equally a conditioning factor in students’success.
Students from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in Portuguese Higher Education
Authors: Aguiar Joyce , Sin Cristina
Published: July 2021

Recently, African countries have been making efforts to expand their higher education systems. However, neither capacity nor quality have kept pace with demand, leading to a steady increase in students studying abroad. In this paper, we aim to analyse the development of enrolments in Portugal, one of the main destinations for students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP). Descriptive analyses were performed, disaggregating enrolments according to degree level, disciplinary area of study, and institution type. The results show that the choices of students from PALOP countries have followed different trajectories, in some cases with similarities. The public sector has the largest presence of these students, and polytechnic institutions have been the most frequent choice. Most of the students were enrolled in first degrees, except for those from Mozambique. Enrolments in Health, Services and "hard" sciences have increased, which may reflect the growing demand for highly qualified labour force in these countries. This paper highlights the continued importance of PALOP students for the internationalisation of Portuguese higher education and the need to avoid considering them as a homogeneous group of students.
From saying it right to doing it right: a model of pragmatic competence development
Authors: Trubnikova Victoriya
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the need for the explicit pragmatic instruction and proposes a pentaphasic model of pragmatic competence development designed for leaners of different language backgrounds and social groups. The model includes five steps of free and guided analysis and production with specific goals and tasks. The aim of the model is to develop a student’s agency as a leaner and to raise their metapragmatic awareness by guided discovery inductive procedures, explicit discussions and self-assessment. It was tested on a group of Italian language learners in order to understand their motivational and cognitive demands when approaching speech act focused instruction. Although they were actively engaged into guided discussions, the learner-centred procedure and raising awareness activities prove to be unfamiliar for learners who are used to more traditional form-focused learning sessions. Despite these difficulties, the model provides a flexible framework that can bridge the gap between research considerations and teaching experiences.
Designing Interactive Narratives for the Fashion System. MOOC and blended learning in a transdisciplinary design module
Authors: Vandi Angelica , Mariani Ilaria
Published: July 2021

From distributed interactive narratives to games and playful systems, complex interactive projects challenge the fashion ecosystem introducing new possibilities that require innovative and transdisciplinary competencies to be adequately tackled. However, to properly deal with digital media, designers need to master their logic, potentialities, and implications. Therefore the urgency to include such knowledge in building, reframing, and implementing the curricula and design education of today's and tomorrow's fashion designers. This considers the complexity of getting acquainted and implementing vocabulary, design methodologies and practices from other fields of studies. This paper presents the lessons learnt from the first application of the MOOC “Data Science, Visualization and Interactive Narratives for CCIs” to an intensive design module in the Design for the Fashion System. Attention is posed on how it was included in a Blended Learning context to meet the scope and answer previously identified criticalities as providing knowledge from neighbouring fields, and to what extent it succeeded.
When learning Italian as a Second Language, tourism and technology go hand in hand
Authors: Zingaro Anna , Cervini Cristiana
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to describe the development of CALL-ER, an application for mobile devices, produced within the CALL-ER project (Context-Aware Language Learning in Emilia Romagna). An ever-increasing availability of applications for language learning that meet the different learning needs of users, as well as the ubiquitous wireless communication, led applications for mobile devices to become gradually more context-aware. This means that language is acquired by users through the direct experience with the local context where they are. An example in this regard is represented by the CALL-ER mobile application, that supports mobility students through the incidental learning of Italian language and culture in the city of Forlì. We will begin this contribution with an outline of the theoretical underpinnings that supported the project and a presentation of the project itself. We will then present the first stage of the project, during which the application was developed before its first testing. At this point, an overall description of the application will be given. A special attention will be paid throughout this paper both to how language learning has been conceived through experiential tourism and to the multimodality of the contents.
Autonomy in language learning: a case study with Italian as a second language
Authors: Lo Presti Maria Vittoria
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of autonomy in learning Italian as a second language (L2). The analysis is based on the experience of the language advisor of the “Centro per l’Autoapprendimento” (CAP) of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan) with sixteen foreign students. In the introduction, the usefulness of university self-access centres (SAC) is briefly introduced, and the CAP is presented. The second part of the article concerns the case study on sixteen foreign university students who participated in a didactic project on the development of the oral production skill that introduced them to the CAP, the language advisor, and the concept of autonomy in learning Italian. The project ended with a final self-assessment questionnaire that allowed the learners to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and enabled the language advisor to verify the effectiveness of the activity.
Embracing the digitalization of research education? How social science research education was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Prandner Dimitri , Hasengruber Katrin
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a strong digitalization push at university level teaching. The latter had to be converted to distance modes quickly. This paper discusses the consequences of these developments for the field of social science research education, a discipline where the personal interaction between lecturers and students traditionally plays a major role in the transfer of knowledge and competences. Accordingly, we ask whether lecturers accepted distance learning as part of their work and if they will implement the associated digital teaching modalities into their regular teaching repertoire in the future. Furthermore, indicators shaping the acceptance of future distance teaching are explored. The article is based on a continuous online survey of lecturers (n = 169) who teach social science methods and methodology at Austrian public universities. The results of this study show that more than 40 % of the sample with or after the experience of distance teaching will retain some aspects of it in their teaching due to the CODIV-19 pandemic. In particular, the evaluation of the preparation effort, the interaction with students and the attitude toward new didactic methods play a central role in the acceptance of distance teaching.
Required skills for employability in Portugal from graduates and students of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB)
Authors: Ferro-Lebres Vera , Marim Lopes Jéssica , Pereira João Paulo , Paulo Helena , Sampaio Jorge Humberto
Published: July 2021

The Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB) developed an online survey, called the Observatory of Students and Graduates, aimed at entities in Portugal as a means of gathering information about the stakeholders view of IPB graduates and students, regarding skills for employability. Of the total (424) entities contacted, 118 responded, representing 28% of the total. It was noted that 79 of the responses have included IPB students and graduates in their staff, being 27% entities of the Agroforestry-food sector, 16% from the Consulting, Real Estate and Finance sector, and 14% from the Transport and Commerce sector. IPB graduates and students’s skills were discussed from the perspective of employers. 12 skills were listed, with an average of 95% of responses between "Very Important" and "Important".´The skills that stood out the most were: “Learning” and “Motivation/Involvement”. The lowest priority skills were: “Physical: Robustness and manual dexterity”, followed by “General Culture”. These data point to the clear fact that the soft skills have greater relevance than hard skills. One of the justifications is that the advent of artificial intelligence, and other technologies that have been performing functions that overlap with technical - human knowledge.
Teaching Design Thinking in times of COVID-19: an online learning experience
Authors: Victorino Guilherme , Henriques Roberto , Bandeira Rita
Published: July 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the Innovation Management & Design Thinking course at NOVA IMS suddenly transitioned to a 100% online setting after only two presential classes, requiring adaptations to the learning experience, course materials and class dynamics. There were concerns that the learning experience would suffer and if it would be possible to promote empathy in an online environment. This study evaluates the impact of this disruption on the learning experience, student performance and engagement by comparing the final grades, applying two surveys and conducting in-depth interviews. Our results show that instead of a contingency situation, it turned out to be a transformative experience. Learning performance and engagement were not meaningfully affected, as students were just as able to commit to their innovation projects and produce quality outcomes. We propose that blended learning experiences will leverage the best of both online and presential worlds in the future after COVID-19 and offer specific suggestions drawn from the collected data. The results are valuable for lecturers – from any course – who want to improve their learning experience in the new reality after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making the Abstract Straightforward: A Pilot of Immersive VR in an Allied Health Program of Study
Authors: Colegrove Patrick Tod , Westergard Tammy
Published: July 2021

Emerging technologies in education are offering new tools for teaching and learner engagement. Today’s study and practice can include use of digital technologies far beyond looking at a flat screen: virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive 3D objects and 360 video can provide immersive and impactful teaching and learning.  There are a variety of definitions for these “realities” but the overarching impact is one of powerful, immersive, visual learning. Immersive virtual reality in a learner-centric environment can provide more presence and engagement for students, enabling the possibility of enhanced learning experiences relative to conventional classroom practices. This paper presents early results of a pilot study leveraging the possibilities of VR technology in service to an existing program of study in allied health services:graduates surveyed report high degrees of confidence in course materials learned by means of the custom VR components developed, reporting the adjunct course materials substantially helped learners in understanding otherwise difficult to grasp concepts of the course.
Assessment of Environmental Literacy
Authors: Vicente Henrique , Dias Alexandre , Figueiredo Margarida , Chaves Humberto , Neves José
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the issues related with environment preservation assume an increasing importance. Progressively, more sustainable solutions/techniques are being developed to combat environmental destruction. The decision to include themes related to the environment in the curriculum of technological courses in higher education aims to promote more sustainable behaviors and in an indirect way, increase the environmental literacy of the population. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the environmental literacy focusing on four topics, i.e., air pollution, water pollution, global warming, and energy resources. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed and applied to a convenience sample, formed by individuals of both genders, aged between 20 and 81 years old. The questionnaire intended to collect data to characterize the sample and assess the literacy regarding environmental issues. In order to carry out the environmental literacy assessment, the respondents were asked to express their degree of agreement with some statements related with the environmental themes mentioned above. The data collected was analyzed using data mining tools. The results suggest that the population’s literacy is satisfactory in relation to some issues, but insufficient in relation to others, equally important, but less disseminated.
Reverse Metadesign: Pedagogy And Learning Tools For Teaching The Fashion Collection Design Process Online
Authors: Casciani Daria , Colombi Chiara , Vacca Federica
Published: July 2021

The present article discusses the experience of redesigning the pedagogy and learning tools of a pillar course at the School of Design of XXX, the Metadesign studio course.  Metadesign is a design methodology that leads to the concept definition of a new product or service, through a research process that synthesizes design goals, technological and productive constraints, market context and consumption trends for a consumers’ group of reference. It represents a unique methodological approach characterizing the design education as it provides a consolidated research practice able to support the design process. The course structure foresees the reconstruction in phases and successive elaborations of all the elements of context that come into relation with the object of the design process (product, space, service, communication artifact…) influencing its characteristics and creating the “abacus” of elements that make its development possible. In line with the ever-increasing need to reshape the whole education system through the paradigms of digital transformation, and due the acceleration the COVID-19 emergency pushed to the request for on-distance courses, the article presents a renewed reverse course structure, highlighting strengths and opportunities for further improvements that represent a solid base for innovating a fashion design education.