bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing stability of standalone hybrid solar-wind power systems using TID controllers with fuzzy logic optimization
Authors: Bahri Ahmed , Mezhoud Nabil , Bechouat Mohcene , Abdelkrim Thameur , Ayachi Bilel
Published: December 2024

In recent years, hybrid solar-wind power systems incorporating photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines (WT) have been employed to mitigate the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. This study proposes enhanced control strategies using Tilt Integral Derivative (TID) controllers to manage a standalone hybrid energy system comprising solar photovoltaics, wind generators, and a Battery Energy Storage system (BES) across varying weather conditions. To improve the efficiency of energy supplied to AC loads, a three-level NPC inverter is integrated. Fluctuations in solar radiation or AC loads can lead to power imbalances, affecting the DC link voltage. To address this, a buck-boost converter is installed between the DC link and BES, facilitating bidirectional energy transfer. The parameters of the TID controller are determined using a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), leveraging a previously modeled capacitor transfer function to predict DC link voltage behavior. Results indicate that the proposed TID controller ensures a stable DC bus with minimal chattering, effectively handling rapid changes in irradiation and load conditions.
Optimizing heliostat pylon design for solar energy in southern Algeria
Authors: Merarda Hakim , Boutelhig Azzedine
Published: December 2024

The pylon is a fundamental component of a heliostat, as it supports both the reflective surface and withstands wind loads, making it essential for the heliostat's structural integrity. This study focuses on optimizing the pylon size for heliostats, considering wind load resistance and cost reduction. A heliostat with an initial reflective area of 1.44 m² and a 1-meter axis elevation was used in a mini solar power tower test facility at the Applied Research Unit for Renewable Energies (URAER) in Ghardaia, Algeria. The reflective area was expanded to 2.56 m², and wind loads were calculated using wind velocity measurements and established wind load coefficients from the literature. The optimization process aimed to reduce the pylon's weight and material usage while maintaining its stability under wind stress. The results showed that the optimized pylon design achieved a weight reduction of approximately 3.44 kg, with reduced dimensions (88.9 mm outer diameter and 2 mm thickness). The findings indicate that optimization of the pylon can lead to significant improvements in heliostat performance, contributing to the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar power tower systems in regions such as southern Algeria.
Goodness-of-fit tests for a Bi-Weibull competing risks model
Authors: Bouaziz Asma , Chouia Sana , Seddik-Ameur Nacira
Published: December 2024

Recently, the interest of researchers in creating statistical models has increased in the absence of critical values that play a fundamental role in the statistical analysis of the proposed model. In this paper, we are interested in proposing critical values for a very interesting model in the statistical literature. It is particularly useful when the data represents two distinct phases of risk, each of which can be modeled by a different Weibull distribution, called the bi-Weibull competing risks model. For this purpose, we employed the standard goodness-of-fit tests based on the empirical distribution functions (EDF) where determine the differences between the theoretical and empirical hypothesized distributions. We aim to build for different sample sizes, tables of critical values of Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic, Anderson-Darling statistic, Cramer-Von Mises statistic, that's using the maximum likelihood estimation, Monte Carlo method with R software. The power of these statistics is studied using some alternatives such as the Bertholon competing risks distribution and the Weibull distribution.
Proteolysis and physicochemical characterisation of traditional 'Klila and Jben' cheeses of cow and goat milk
Authors: Medjoudj Hacène , Gökçe Yasemin , Kaya Büşra , Kanmaz Hilal , Derouiche Meriem , Grama Borhane Samir , Hayaloglu Ali Adnan
Published: December 2024

The study aims to characterise the physicochemical parameters of Algerian traditional cheeses, Jben and Klila, and investigate proteolysis using urea-PAGE, and RP-HPLC for peptide profile. The findings indicate that Klila pH was more acidic than that of Jben, while Jben titratable acidity was higher than Klila in both species. Klila has a lower rate of dry matter than Jben. Jben was classified as a low-fat, soft cheese, while Klila was classified as a mid-fat soft cheese, and dried Klila as a low-fat hard cheese. The WSN/TN % and TCASN 12%/TN % indicate a medium to high proteolysis in Jben and Klila compared to the Bouhezza. The insoluble and soluble fractions were respectively analysed by urea-PAGE and RP-HPLC, indicating proteolysis on electrophoresis gel migration of casein fractions. The chromatogram revealed the separation of peptide fractions. These fractions exhibited peptide profiles with high apparent peaks due to enzymes action, resulting from the coagulant and lactic acid bacteria enzymes. This provides consumer benefits such as aromatic scents and essential nutrient molecules.
INTEGRAÇÃO DA CULTURA MAKER NO ENSINO DE MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Martins Hevelynn Franco , França Filho Francisco Rodrigues de , Ribeiro Gleick Cruz , Oliveira Ismael dos Santos , Costa Iza Maria Monteiro da Silva , Costa Jessé Marques Lima , Teixeira Maria Lúcia Lima Diógenes , Oliveira Nathani Souza Borges de
Published: December 2024

Este estudo investigou a integração da cultura maker no ensino de matemática, com foco em sua aplicação, desafios e impactos no desempenho acadêmico dos alunos. O objetivo geral foi analisar como a cultura maker pode ser utilizada para melhorar o ensino de matemática e promover um aprendizado interativo e prático. A metodologia adotada foi uma revisão bibliográfica, com a análise de estudos que abordam a aplicação de metodologias ativas e ferramentas tecnológicas no contexto do ensino de matemática. Os resultados indicaram que a cultura maker contribui para o engajamento dos alunos e facilita a compreensão de conceitos matemáticos complexos, por meio do uso de tecnologias como impressoras 3D e softwares de modelagem. A pesquisa também revelou desafios, como a falta de recursos adequados e a necessidade de capacitação dos professores, além da resistência de algumas instituições à adoção de novas metodologias pedagógicas. As considerações finais apontaram que, embora a cultura maker apresente benefícios significativos, é necessário superar obstáculos estruturais e educacionais para sua implementação efetiva. Conclui-se que a cultura maker tem grande potencial para transformar o ensino de matemática, mas que a continuidade da pesquisa e o apoio institucional são essenciais para ampliar sua aplicação nas escolas.
Borderline Personality Disorder in Older Adults: A Review of the Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemma
Authors: Dawuda Ali Sabior , Abdul Aziz  , Fichadia Palak Atul , Shah Darshini B. , Sarangi Ashish
Published: December 2024

A borderline personality disorder is one of the most common personality disorders encountered in psychiatric practice and medicine overall, yet it is poorly understood. Emotional lability, impulsivity, unstable relationships, and chronic emptiness are just some of the symptoms of this complex disorder. This review aims to understand the diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder in older individuals. Based on our review, we have noticed that diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder in older individuals can be particularly challenging, but a combination of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and pharmacotherapy, especially antidepressants, has been shown to be effective for most individuals.This topic is vastly misunderstood and understudied. By bringing together various articles as a part of this review, we have attempted to bridge this gap to a certain degree.
Longitudinal Effects of Escitalopram on Quality of Life in Drug-Naive Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients: A Six-Month Prospective Study
Authors: Choudhary Chetan , Tripathi Rishabh , Joseph Jishi Joshi , Gaur Kalpesh , Jeenger Jitendra
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The objective was to enlist individuals new to treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and assess their self-reported quality of life with the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life brief version Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF). The study also aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) measures pre- and post-treatment.Methods: A six-month interventional study monitored 60 participants who had never received treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria at a tertiary private hospital’s outpatient psychiatry department in Udaipur. Using the Hamilton anxiety rating scale, the severity of GAD was measured. Participants were included based on their existing prescription for escitalopram, administered as a 10 mg once-daily dose. Four weeks post-prescription, the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire was employed to assess any shifts in quality of life.Results: The study comprised 60 initial-treatment individuals with confirmed GAD diagnoses. The starting average WHOQoL-BREF score was 217.48. After four weeks of treatment with escitalopram, the average quality of life scores rose significantly to 276.48, indicating an average increase of 59 points and evidencing a marked improvement following treatment.Conclusion: Escitalopram treatment was associated with significant QoL improvement in GAD patients. These outcomes underscore the necessity for effective treatment approaches for this disorder.
Deepening Sino-Singapore International Relations under the Belt and Road Initiative: Synergistic Mechanisms in Multilateral Governance, Policy Innovation, and Public Administration
Authors: Wu Zelin
Published: December 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has not only facilitated deeper global economic integration but also fostered extensive cooperation among participating countries in governance, policy design, and innovation. As a global financial hub and a key strategic node in Southeast Asia, Singapore, with its advanced governance practices, robust financial system, and strategic geographic position, has established a close collaborative relationship with China under the BRI. From the perspectives of multilateral governance theory, new institutionalism, and digital public policy innovation, this study systematically explores the synergistic effects between China and Singapore in the fields of international relations, government governance, financial innovation, green development, and the digital economy. Through theoretical analysis and case studies, this paper not only unveils innovative practices in policy interactions between the two nations but also identifies challenges within the cooperation framework. Based on these findings, it proposes strategies to promote the sustainable development of BRI projects in the future.
Comparative Analysis of Pre-packaged Food Labeling Regulations Between China, the European Union and the United States
Authors: Huang Heqing
Published: December 2024

Food labeling is essential for informing consumers about the contents and safety of the food they purchase, significantly impacting both public health and international trade. This paper provides a comparative analysis of pre-packaged food labeling regulations in China, the United States, as well as the European Union. As major players in the global food market, these regions or countries have distinct regulatory approaches. Specifically, it examines key aspects of food labeling, such as ingredient listing, nutritional information, and allergen labeling. It refers to regulatory guidelines such as the Codex Alimentarius (FAO & WHO), A Food Labeling Guide (U.S.), Regulation (EU) No 1924/2006, and Chinas national standards. By analyzing the differences between these countries' regulations, the article identifies areas for improvement in China's food labeling policies, particularly in nutrition and allergen labeling. The findings and recommendations presented in this study are expected to enhance transparency in food safety for domestic consumers and improve the competitiveness of Chinese pre-packaged food products in the global market.
Filial Piety and Soul Beliefs in Contemporary Rural Funeral Rituals: A Case Study of Gansu Lingyang Ceremony
Authors: Kou Zishi
Published: December 2024

This paper explores filial piety and soul beliefs in contemporary rural funeral rituals, specifically focusing on the "Lingyang" ceremony in the Gansu region. Here, "Ling" means "to receive and connect," and "Yang" refers to "sheep." This ceremony holds unique and significant cultural symbolism in local funeral customs. Since ancient times, sheep have played an important role in Chinese traditional culture and ritual practices, symbolizing gratitude, loyalty, and virtue. In ancient times, being one of the three most important sacrificial animals, sheep were not only key offerings in rituals dedicated to heaven, ancestors, and deities but also embodied the relationship between humans and the divine. The "Lingyang" ceremony is a modern continuation of this cultural tradition within Gansu's funeral rituals. The ceremony is a core element of local funeral practices, where family members interpret the sheeps reactions to determine whether the deceaseds soul is at peace or has unfulfilled wishes. The sheeps reactions are seen as a means of communication with the deceaseds spirit and serve as a symbolic evaluation of the family members filial behavior. This ceremony reinforces the ethical order within the family and reflects local beliefs in the immortality of the soul and the continuation of Confucian filial piety. Through an analysis of the origins, procedures, and cultural significance of the "Lingyang" ceremony, this paper highlights its crucial role in Gansus rural funeral traditions. The ceremony not only commemorates the deceased but also functions as a social mechanism to monitor the moral conduct of the living. This paper aims to reveal how the values of filial piety and soul beliefs are preserved and practiced through this unique funeral ritual.
Research on the Relationship Between Family Economic Capital and Students Psychological Development
Authors: Shi Ziyi
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the influence of family economic capital on students' psychological development, with a particular focus on families from high and low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. With rising rates of mental health issues among students, including depression, family capital has become a crucial factor influencing psychological well-being and academic performance. While previous studies highlight the impact of SES on student development, this research delves deeper into the mechanisms through which family economic capital affects students' mental health. Using data from the China National Mental Health Development Report (2019-2020) and existing literature, this study analyzes the psychological development of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The study employs theoretical frameworks such as psychological capital, growth mindset, parental involvement, and the family stress model. It further draws on the Abecedarian Project as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of early interventions for students from low-SES families, providing empirical evidence on the role of family economic capital in shaping socio-emotional skills. The results indicate that high-SES families foster greater self-efficacy, resilience, and socio-emotional abilities in students, while low-SES students face challenges due to limited resources. However, targeted interventions, such as parental involvement and educational support, can significantly mitigate these disadvantages and promote equitable psychological development.
The Rise and Assimilation of Western Queer Cinema: Resistance and Dilemma in the Mainstream
Authors: Zhu Yitian
Published: December 2024

Queer cinema has risen to prominence in recent years, frequently featured at major international film festivals and gaining a foothold in the global market. As an extension of queer theory, which highlights the fluidity of gender and sexuality, queer cinema initially aimed to challenge traditional gender norms and heteronormativity through radical narrative structures and visual expressions. Early queer films often subverted mainstream narratives, offering an alternative, politically charged lens to explore marginalized identities. However, as queer cinema has increasingly entered the mainstream market, it has been subjected to assimilation and commodification pressures. This has led to a dilution of its radical and subversive elements, as the narratives are increasingly shaped to fit within heteronormative frameworks. Queer characters, once at the centre of challenging societal norms, are now often marginalized or simplified to meet the expectations of broader, more mainstream audiences. This paper examines how capitalism and patriarchy have contributed to the assimilation and marginalization of queer cinema, limiting its political expression and cultural impact. While Russo highlights how Hollywood perpetuates lazy stereotypes of queer characters, White suggests that cinema, as a tool of capitalist and patriarchal power, helps maintain normative gender and sexual roles. Despite these challenges, queer cinema remains an important cultural tool for breaking down stereotypes and resisting the dominance of heteronormativity. To maintain its relevance and continue its political and cultural resistance, queer cinema must resist commodification and strive for more diverse, authentic representations of queer identities.
Design of AIGC Commercial Digital Human Video Generation Link
Authors: Huang Yingyin , Ye Yunzhen
Published: December 2024

This study aims to explore and analyze the application of AIGC technology in digital human video creation, in order to achieve the goal of efficient conversion generation and personalized content production. This study adopted a systematic analysis method to integrate and apply various technologies of AIGC. On this basis, an innovative digital human video generation link was designed by combining deep learning technology and multimodal data fusion methods. Taking commercial digital human image videos as an example, this study combines the digital human image features favored by target users with AIGC technology to create generative digital human images, and summarizes an innovative digital human video generation chain. The design and application of the AIGC digital human video generation chain provide new impetus for the development of the digital human industry. By continuously exploring and optimizing the application of AIGC technology in digital human video creation, designers will create richer, more vivid, and personalized digital human video content in the future, promoting the further development and application of digital human technology in commercial promotion and media communication.
The Impact of Air Quality and Investor Sentiment on Rate of Return on the Stock in China
Authors: Ji Jiaxun
Published: December 2024

For a long time, the impact of environmental factors on stock returns has always been a hot topic. An unfavorable environment for investors affects investors' emotions and causes them to have negative emotions, which leads to changes in investors' purchase preferences and thus affects stock returns. This paper uses the daily stock return data of the daily return rate of all outstanding A- shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China in 2014, the local daily AQI data of 363 cities in 2014, and other control variable data to explore the effect of air quality on stock return through panel regression. The reasons for the effect of air quality on stock returns will be explained in this paper from the perspective of investor emotions. The results show that the worse the air quality is, the lower the stock return will be. This result still holds when controlling for city fixed effects and month fixed effects. Moreover, the interference of other control variables such as circulation market value and market risk premium on the results is excluded, indicating that investors' sentiment does affect stock returns.
Digital Inclusive Financial Popularization and China's SME Financing Constraints
Authors: Chen Zihan
Published: December 2024

The problem of financing constraints has always been an important factor restricting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and digital inclusive finance has also been increasingly developed to become a powerful helper in alleviating the financing constraints of the enterprises. Based on the provincial panel data of digital inclusive finance from 2011 to 2020, the paper focuses on analyzing the improvement of SMEs' financing constraints by the development of digital inclusive finance and its secondary indicators covering depth, breadth, and digitization degree, specifically from the nature of the enterprise's shareholding and the economic location of the province where the enterprise operates to perform the heterogeneity analysis. The empirical results show that the development of digital inclusive finance can significantly improve the problem of SME financing constraints, especially for non-state-owned enterprises and enterprises located in the eastern provinces, the mitigating effect is the strongest, and the degree of digitization of digital inclusive finance has the best effect on the improvement of enterprise financing constraints among the three secondary indicators. Therefore, this paper suggests that digital inclusive finance should continue to strengthen the universality, strengthen the digitization degree of digital inclusive finance as well as the guiding role of the government policy, and promote the various types of enterprises in all regions of China to broaden the financing channels and improve the source of funds, so as to promote the benign development of China's enterprises and economic prosperity.
Research on the Interrelationship Between Carbon Markets Based on the Method of Wavelet Coherence
Authors: Lyu Tianqi
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the excessive use of fossil fuels has led to global warming and a series of environmental crises. Carbon emissions trading, as a market-based mechanism to reduce carbon emissions, has received widespread attention and application. This paper investigates the dynamic dependency and causal interrelationships between Chinese pilot city carbon markets and the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Using the wavelet analysis method, this paper empirically examines the data of various cities' carbon markets in China and the EU ETS from June 2014 to February 2023. Significant differences are found in the relationships between Chinese city carbon markets and the EU ETS. The study indicates that, with the exception of Shenzhen, the dynamic interactions between Chinese city carbon markets are weak in the short term but gradually strengthen in the long term. Not all city carbon markets in China have strong correlations, but they are closely related to factors such as local policies, economies, and industrial structures. There is no stable lead-lag relationship among the prices of carbon markets in different Chinese cities. After 2022, there is a trend of positive lag relationship of carbon market prices in Chinese cities (such as Guangdong, Shanghai, Chongqing) with those in the EU ETS. This paper summarizes the relationship between Chinese city carbon markets and the EU ETS and puts forward suggestions for the development of Chinese carbon market construction, including improving institutional systems, strengthening market supervision, promoting technological innovation, and implementing policies to stabilize price fluctuations.
The Impact of Executives' Overseas Backgrounds on the Digital Transformation of Enterprises
Authors: Zhang Yiqing
Published: December 2024

With the emergence of the "wave of returning to China" and the continuous introduction of a series of talent introduction policies by the country, talents with overseas backgrounds have begun to hold key positions in the top management of enterprises, and their impact on the development of Chinese enterprises has received widespread attention.This article selects A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2007 to 2021 as samples to empirically examine the impact of overseas backgrounds of executives on digital transformation of enterprises. Research has found that executives with overseas backgrounds can promote digital transformation in enterprises. Mechanism testing found that executives with overseas backgrounds promote digital transformation of enterprises by enhancing their innovation capabilities and reducing agency costs. Expanded research has found that the promoting effect of overseas executives on digital transformation of enterprises is more pronounced in state-owned, low information asymmetry, and small and medium-sized enterprises.The conclusion of this article not only enriches the influencing factors on the driving force of enterprise digital transformation, but also provides valuable evidence for enterprises on how to accurately position and attract management elites, as well as plan future development.
An Enhanced U-Net Model for Segmenting CT Images of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Shen Zhengyao
Published: December 2024

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, medical imaging technology has played a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Accurate segmentation of lesion areas in CT images is critical for assessing the condition and formulating treatment plans. This paper first outlines the importance of medical image segmentation. It then delves into the main challenges faced in image segmentation for COVID-19 diagnosis, including the diversity of lesions, inconsistencies in image quality, and the need for real-time processing. Following this discussion, the paper reviews existing medical image segmentation models, encompassing traditional methods such as watershed and threshold segmentation, as well as advanced deep learning models like U-Net and RCNN. Building on this foundation, the paper proposes an improved image segmentation framework aimed at enhancing the accuracy and processing speed of lesion area segmentation. The goal is to provide a more reliable decision support tool for clinical practice.
Big Data-Driven Analysis of Music Learning Behavior: Personalized Teaching Recommendations and Learning Strategy Optimization
Authors: Hou Xiaonan
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses how big data analytics could revolutionize music education by suggesting pedagogic ideas and shaping learning experiences based on student profiles. Through a combination of practice records, teacher-student dialogue and qualitative feedback, this study builds detailed portraits of music students to inform adaptive, data-informed teaching. It includes collecting, processing and analyzing the data, and applying clustering to classify the learner into Fast Learners, Methodical Learners and Emotionally Driven Learners. Each profile gets personalized practice schedules, feedback, and incentives for improved engagement and skill acquisition. Findings demonstrate that personalized methods deliver considerable improvements in learning and achievement. It also uses adaptive learning pathways and gamification to enhance student progress. Adapting to the new realities through feedback loops and constantly updated adjustments, this big data approach holds the promise of a fresh and flexible music education model. This study not only suggests how big data can drive personalized learning but offers a template for future educational data mining in music and beyond.
Data-Driven Supply Chain Performance Optimization Through Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Zidu
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses the use of predictive analytics and machine learning techniques like the LSTM neural network in order to enhance supply chain effectiveness. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), JIT, and linear programming are well known for their supply chain optimization approaches, but they rarely take the challenge of an evolving supply chain into account. Such methods ignore real-time information and the non-linear dynamics of supply chain variables. Instead, the LSTM model takes historical and real-time data and calculates demand with high precision, making it easier to manage your inventory, avoid stockouts, and improve customer experience. As shown in the paper, LSTM provides an accuracy rate of 91% for forecasting demand, which is superior to the use of other conventional statistical methods like Moving Averages and Exponential Smoothing. The impact of this advanced machine learning technology for optimizing supply chain performance is huge, it reduces the operating cost, optimizes the use of resources, and delivers the best service. This work demonstrates how predictive analytics and machine learning can enable supply chain management to be flexible, effective and adaptable to market shifts.
ChatGPT's Impact on Data Science Students Learning Performance: A Systematic Review and Prospects
Authors: Feng Tianbinhuo
Published: December 2024

This paper systematically studies the effect of ChatGPT on the academic performance of data science students. Through the many articles reviewed, ChatGPT has a significant role to play in the field of data science education. Since ChatGPT can provide students with immediate feedback and personalized support, especially in helping with coding, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding, this feature shows great help and potential in improving the learning outcomes of data science education. However, over-reliance on AI tools may negatively affect students' ability to think critically and solve problems independently. We highlight the importance of using ChatGPT in a balanced way, using ChatGPT as an adjunct resource rather than a primary resource, and highlight opportunities for future research into how AI tools affect long-term learning outcomes.
Choosing NVivo to support phenomenographic research in networked learning
Authors: Asensio Mireia
Published: December 2024

This poster will describe the rationale for choosing QSR NUD*IST Vivo (NVivo) as a software package to support the management and analysis of data generated from the JISC/CALT-funded 'Networked Learning in Higher Education' project at CSALT, Lancaster University. This project aims primarily at understanding the student's experiences of participating in a networked learning course. The basis of this research is phenomenographic and draws on individual interviews and observations. It is complemented by a survey based study of students' approaches to learning in networked learning environments. The rationale for choosing NVivo was thus aligned to the aims of the project, the characteristics of phenomenography and the type of data that the research is generating. Our experience of NVivo is still at a formative stage and with this poster we hope to initiate a dialogue among researchers, on the implications and experiences of using this type of software to support research in networked learning.
The Costs of Networked Learning - An interactive workshop
Authors: Ash Charlotte , Bacsich Paul
Published: December 2024

This workshop will be based heavily on the ongoing Costs of Networked Learning work undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University. Phase one of the study, which ran from January to June 1999, proposed a planning document and financial schema that together would accurately record the costs of networked learning. During phase one a number of issues were raised both by the study team and by other stakeholders. These issues need to be resolved during phase two of the project, starting later this spring, so that the framework offers the most acceptable solution to its potential users.
Institutional Readiness for Implementing Network Technology
Authors: Black Aidan , Derbyshire Hazel , O'Keefe Jackie Knowles , Poole Phil , Riu Merce Rius , Shen Jie
Published: December 2024

Experience from TLTP and FDTL projects increasingly indicates that the institutional change associated with the integration of learning technologies requires leadership, vision and a clear sense of direction from all levels of senior management. The embedding of technologies within an institutional framework is also characterised by a high degree of ownership of that change by the department directly responsible for the teaching (Mayer, 1997). Whilst developments need to meet the immediate needs of staff or departments they should at the same time should be ' top down' and demonstrate a clear vision of the role of JCT within the institutions strategic plan.
Teaching and learning computing skills via an intranet-based course
Authors: Friday Adrian , Parkes Alan , Nichols David
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses a non-majorable first year University Computing course that provides novice users with fundamental computer skills. This paper-less course, now in its second year, uses combined lecture/practical sessions in addition to the Departmental intranet and the Web. The paper focuses on key issues relating to the experience of teachers and learners in this environment.
Activating the Web as a Virtual and Dynamic Learning Environment
Authors: Fryer Colin
Published: December 2024

In some subject areas the fusing of theory and practice can only be accomplished by demonstrating fundamental principles and their application via laboratory experiments. Although the benefits of underpinning the key conceptual and theoretical aspects with laboratory work have long been recognised, the practical and logistical problems associated with organising laboratories often results in students not fully engaging in the educational process. Unfortunately, many traditional laboratory experiments lose their impact if students are not fully prepared or appreciate the value of experimentation as an essential component in the learning process.
The advent of the WWW provides a tremendous opportunity to address some of these issues through the provision of 'virtual' laboratories where students are able to access the facilities at any time. However, the design of these information rich environments requires web authors to 'activate the Internet' through the inclusion of a range of dynamic features if the on-line learning resources are not to be static and unchanging. These tools and technologies offer unlimited possibilities in the design of virtual worlds and the development of interactive Web sites. Through the use of a case study, this paper will discuss the design of a virtual laboratory and present a range of strategies for developing dynamic and active learning material for transmission over the Internet.
Changing Concepts of the Boundaries within ODL
Authors: Hodgson Vivien
Published: December 2024

This paper takes as its starting point the work of such authors as John Coffey (1977), who distinguishes between the removal of educational and/or administrative constraints to learning, and Richard Boot and Vivien Hodgson, (1987) who describe two main orientations to open learning. a dissemination orientation and a development orientation. The assumption is that like most conventional education ODL has., until now, taken a primarily dissemination orientation and has been concerned with the removal of mostly the administrative constraints that learners are often confronted with in conventional classroom based educational provision. It is, however, recognised that in recent times there has been a growing interest in so called constructionist approaches to education, which, together with the development of ever more information and media rich learning environments has led to a greater concern in removing educational as well as administrative constraints to learning. This has led to a much greater examination of the role of both teachers and learners, as well as examining in more detail the boundaries created due to such aspects as cultural and language differences, existing educational traditions and from gender and racial biases in educational practices.
The paper examines the work of primarily three ODL Socrates projects that will present as part of a focus group on changing concepts of the boundaries within ODL.
Equal Opportunities for Networked Learners
Authors: Howell Barbara
Published: December 2024

Research has been conducted on the relationship between gender and dialogue content in computer mediated environments. This paper, however, focuses on establishing possible and plausible links between gender and Learning styles in a Networked Learning (NL) environment. The findings of a questionnaire distributed to M.Sc. Networked Information Engineering (NIE) students show some significant differences between male and female respondents. In particular, the results illustrating communication processes highlight interesting and perhaps unusual differences between. the genders. These findings may facilitate practitioners to focus on the relationship between. gender and the range of modalities available in the NL experience. Furthermore, 1he potential to promote equal learning opportunities.
Networked Learning in Virtual Environments
Authors: Koubek Anni , Kober Sandra
Published: December 2024

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can support very well the learning process. However, one major drawback remains: the social dimension of learning can only be very poorely developed in a networked environment. The practical consequences of this fact are that most efficient learning strategies involve substantial time, where people meet physically in order to enable social learning processes. If this is geographically feasible, it definitly provides a solution for the problem. However, such meetings often involve substantial travel costs if learners are dispersed over countries or continents.
The quest for new generation technologies is to eliminate this drawback of ICT and support social learning processes.
Organizational Change and Networked Learning
Authors: Marshall Stewart , Gregor Shirley
Published: December 2024

What structure and processes are needed to allow a university to exist and prosper in an age of globalization and rapid changes in the information technology underlying networked learning?
This paper presents a model based on the structurational theory of information technology (Orlikowski and Robey, 1991). This model posits four relationships: (I) information technology is a product of human action; (2) information technology is an influence on human action; (3) organizational properties are an influence on human interactions with information technology; and, (4) information technology is an influence on the organization. The model is extended to include the market, technical and societal influences from the external environment that affect an organization.
As an example of a university in Australia that is responding to the challenge of networked learning on a national and international basis, we examine Central Queensland University (CQU). It has been a distance education and on-campus education provider since 1974 and is now Australia's fastest growing university. Inherent in all CQU's operations is a model in which the organization, its members and its partners are all constituents of a network of learning facilitators.
Learning Using Virtual Shared Workspaces
Authors: Moënne Gerardo , Barnes Sally , Sutherland Rosamund
Published: December 2024

New technologies arc rapidly being introduced into the market and with them come social and political pressure to introduce them into schools. Every new technology is expected to change dramatically the whole learning process therefore their effects tend to be studied in isolation from other tools already in use. Nevertheless, in practice, no single tool has shown itself capable of making a revolutionary change and every new tool is used in conjunction with existing tools. Hence, we believe that every new technology is a gateway to new teaching and learning possibilities and its use is affected by, and affects, the use of tools already in use. Therefore, research should take an holistic look at the whole range of tools, and their use, rather than exploring single tools in isolation.
We consider video communication and the ability to share an application to be two of the emerging technologies that, in the near future, will be massively adopted by schools and education programmes. We have reason to believe that providing these new possibilities, for students and teachers, who are already overwhelmed by the set of alternatives, will not be as smooth as with other technologies (Cifuentes, Beller, & Portela, 1999).
'Empowering Online ESL Learners'
Authors: Noakes Nick
Published: December 2024

This project focused on the design and delivery of an existing elective course in Advanced Reading and Writing in English for ESL learners for final-year BBA undergraduates at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). I am the curriculum designer, materials writer and the course coordinator for this course (LANG 304 – see http://Jc.ust.hk/-coun;cs/304/ for the course description and objectives).
Networked Learning in Applied Science Education
Authors: Pauschenwein Jutta , Koubek Anni
Published: December 2024

In addition to traditional universities. within the last 5 years a number of applied science tertiary education programs ("Fachhochschulen") have been developed in Austria. The reason for this development was to install programs which are targeted co specific industrial needs and provide shorter, more targeted education. The courses are industry-oriented, compact and integrate theoretical knowledge with practical know-how.
The didactical framework differs quite substantially from traditional university courses. The cooperation with industry accompanies the student through the whole study course. The majority of lecturers are working in industry and teach only part time. Projects in cooperation with industry, often including several subjects, arc posed in a group oriented approach, starting from the very first year. The complexity and professionality of such projects increases during the study time. Also each student works at least half a year with a company. This practical work is an integrated part of the courses and followed up by the teaching staff.
Currently the FH Joanneum offers 9 study courses, all in very specialised, technologically oriented fields, such as automotive engineering, industrial design or construction planing and management.
Tackling the Issue of Student Motivation Through Educational Technology
Authors: Steel John , Holden Graham
Published: December 2024

As part of broader research at Sheffield Hallam University which seeks to explore student and tutors perceptions and experiences of networked learning and educational technologies (Steel and Hudson, 2000), this paper presents findings that focus more narrowly on specific issues around the learning and teaching experience of one member of staff and his students. Following an action research model (Kemmis, 1997), this paper explores the process of change within the restructuring of a level one unit in which problems of student attainment and motivation were identified.
This paper explores both the lecturer's understanding of learning technologies with regard to how such technologies might help solve the problems of poor attainment and motivation; and the students own perceptions of how networked learning and the use of educational technologies might contribute to an 'enriched learning experience' for them. The first part of the paper will outline the lecturers expectations, experiences and process of reflection (Schon, 1987) relative to his engagement with networked learning technologies; particularly in relation to the notion of increasing the quality of the student learning experience thus tackling the problem of attendance and retention. The second part of the paper will explore the student perspective of this process, particularly in relation to their perceptions and experiences of networked learning and educational technologies within their course of study, but also within higher education in general.
In providing an insight into the perceptions and experiences of the lecturer and his students within this context, we provide an example of a methodological framework that seeks to be proactive in engaging staff and students in exploring ways to enhance and enrich their learning and teaching experience, thus providing a remedy to the problems noted above. In addition, we offer an account of an innovative use of learning technology with which practitioners may be able to draw from within their own learning and teaching contexts.
Participants' Perceptions of using Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) as Part of a Distance Master's Programme in Educational Technology and English Language Teaching
Authors: Teague Joanna
Published: December 2024

Throughout 1999 a cohort of English language teachers participated in both collaborative and independent learning activities as part of a fully distance part-time Master's programme in Educational Technology and English Language Teaching. The Master's programme was run by The University of Manchester and the participants were located in different European countries and in Mexico. The distance students and tutors used both real-time (i.e. MOO, IRC, Conferencing) and asynchronous (e.g. email) telecommunications tools to communicate with each other.
Research in this area (Bates 1995, Hiltz 1995, Naidu 1997, Hall 1997, Kay 1989, Harasim 1989, 1995, Nipper 1989, Paulsen 1998) suggests that given worthwhile reasons to participate in collaborative on-line tasks, adult distance learners can benefit from a Constructivist approach to education as they use CmC with their peers and tutors to negotiate, present, discuss and further clarify and develop their understanding of ideas and skills introduced in their distance course.
This poster reports the findings from qualitative research into the distance students' and the principle distance tutor's perceptions of the use of synchronous and asynchronous CmC as part of a Master's programme.
On The Nihilism Of The Turкish Authorities Regarding The “Van Rebellion” In 1915
Authors: Harutyunyan Avetis
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the traditional statement of Turkish official historiography according to which the self-defense struggle of Western Armenians and especially the heroic battle of April 1915 in Van, as “rebellion”, i.e. a treason of Armenians, that was one of the main motives for the implementation of the Armenian Genocide. Based upon numerous primary sources, the author concludes that contrary to the Turkish government’s official self-justification attempt, the struggle of Van Armenians for existence started only when the Turks had already started their extermination policy and began to massacre all Armenians of Van province. Armenians resorted to arms only to defend themselves against the Turkish perception that any kind of organized rebellion against the ruling order was synonymous with rebellion against the state.