bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Otologic symptoms and hearing thresholds among a cohort of call center operators in Lagos
Authors: Olagbemi Derek O. O. , Asoegwu Chinyere N. , Somefun Abayomi O. , Nwawolo Clement C.
Published: October 2022

Background

The call center operation jobs are becoming a global phenomenon. The use of headphones for 7 to 9 h daily with varying noise level exposure is quite common among call center operators. This can cause structural and/or functional changes in the auditory system. Researchers have arrived at different conclusions regarding the risks associated with prolonged headphone usage. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of hearing changes and the range of otologic symptoms among call center operators in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods

This is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out on 90 call center operators (customer service staff) and 90 administrative staff (controls) aged 18 to 40 years working in two call centers affiliated to different private establishments in Lagos State. Their biographic data, work information, and otologic/non-otologic symptoms developed with the commencement of the job were obtained with a self-administered structured questionnaire. After otoscopic examination, diagnostic pure tone audiometry (PTA) was carried out before and after the work shift.

Results

The most commonly reported symptoms among the call center operators were headache, tinnitus, and vertigo. Symptoms were noted as early as 3 months into the job in 20 (24.7%) call center operators. The pre-shift and post-shift mean PTA of the call center operators were normal bilaterally and comparable to the controls. There was an elevation of low frequency (500 Hz) mean PTA of > 30 dB in both the call center operators and the controls. The mean PTA average for the call center operators’ pre-shift and post-shift were 25.4 ± 8.2 and 25.6 ± 8.1 in the right ear, 24.8 ± 8.5 and 24.7 ± 8.9 in the left ear, 25.9 ± 7.8 and 24.7 ± 7.8 right and left ears for the control. There were no statistically significant differences between the call center operators’ pre-shift and the controls’ hearing thresholds, and the pre-shift and post-shift hearing thresholds of the call center operators at all frequencies and in both ears.

Conclusion

Otologic and non-otologic symptoms arise from prolonged headphones usage among call center operators. No hearing damage or headphone noise-induced hearing loss was recorded in the call center operators in this study.
Lipopolysaccharide alters CEBPβ signaling and reduces estradiol production in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Dickson Mackenzie J. , Sheldon I. Martin , Bromfield John J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Bacterial infection of the uterus in postpartum dairy cows limits ovarian follicle growth, reduces blood estradiol concentrations, and leads to accumulation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in ovarian follicular fluid. Although treating granulosa cells with LPS in vitro decreases the expression of the estradiol synthesis enzyme CYP19A1 and reduces estradiol secretion, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. The transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPβ) not only facilitates the transcription of LPS regulated cytokines, but also binds to the promoter region of CYP19A1 in humans, mice, and buffalo. We hypothesized that LPS alters CEBPβ signaling to reduce CYP19A1 expression, resulting in decreased estradiol secretion.

Methods

Bovine granulosa cells were isolated from small/medium or large follicles and treated with LPS in the presence of FSH and androstenedione for up to 24 h.

Results

Treatment with LPS increased CXCL8 and IL6 gene expression and reduced estradiol secretion in granulosa cells from both small/medium and large follicles. However, LPS only reduced CYP19A1 expression in granulosa cells from large follicles. Treatment with LPS increased CEBPB expression and reduced CEBPβ nuclear localization in granulosa cells from small/medium follicles, but not granulosa cells from large follicles.

Conclusions

Although LPS reduces estradiol synthesis in bovine granulosa cells, the effects of LPS on CYP19A1 and CEBPβ are dependent on follicle size.
Urban park design and children’s physical activity levels: an investigation of design characteristics of green areas and playgrounds
Authors: El-Kholy Shereen A. , Moustafa Yasser M. , Abou El-Ela Manal A. S.
Published: October 2022

Physical activity has a great impact on the development and overall health of children. Urban parks, which generally feature both green areas and playgrounds, offer children a wide range of opportunities to be physically active. However, previous studies have shown that a significant number of children are sedentary during park visits, rather than engaging in vigorous activities. In addition, children’s physical activities in urban parks have not been sufficiently studied in the Egyptian context. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the design characteristics of urban parks and children’s physical activity in the Egyptian context. To achieve its objective, the study relied on a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach to investigate six settings in a large urban park east of Cairo, three green areas, and three playgrounds. Methods of data collection included field documentation of the design characteristics of the six settings investigated, structured observations, behavioral mapping, and semi-structured interviews with 16 children. Study results show that the presence of both green areas and playgrounds is important in the design of parks. The study also identifies the design features that need to be considered in the design of parks to promote children’s vigorous activity. These features are the presence of wide-open green spaces, the presence and variety of vegetation, the presence of water bodies, the presence of challenging age-appropriate play equipment in playgrounds, the availability of pathways, the availability of shading, the variety and appropriate use of ground surface materials, and the variety in topography. Findings of the study can help designers and decision-makers in efforts to create urban parks that promote the active play of children.
Simultaneous source separation by shot collocation and strength variation
Authors: Dao Toan , Zhang Chao , van der Baan Mirko , Landrø Martin
Published: October 2022

Simultaneous shooting offers opportunities for significant cost savings in seismic data acquisitions. The most common strategy uses random delay shots where source separation is achieved during the processing stage, thereby doubling source densities. We have determined that the creation of a collocated source survey, where shots are repeated simultaneously at multiple positions, is a viable alternative strategy, with the additional benefit that it may increase source density even further while keeping the acquisition duration unchanged. Source separation is achieved using overcomplete independent component analysis by first by applying a directional wavelet transform to separate source signals with different slowness, then estimating the mixing matrix, followed by solving an optimization problem with an energy constraint combined with a sparseness inducing prior and obtaining the required waveforms. Synthetic tests find average reconstruction quality on the order of 22.1, 15.4, and 8.4 dB if, respectively, three, four, or five shots are acquired in two mixtures. Examination of the true versus obtained zero-offset sections also demonstrates the robustness of our signal recovery strategy. The advantage of shot collocation over conventional acquisitions is that it may triple or even quadruple the source density for unchanged acquisition durations with superior reconstruction results compared with dithered acquisitions using similar blending factors.
Weighted-average time-lapse seismic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Mardan Amir , Giroux Bernard , Fabien-Ouellet Gabriel
Published: October 2022

As seismic data can contain information over a large spatial area and are sensitive to changes in the properties of the subsurface, seismic imaging has become the standard geophysical monitoring method for many applications such as carbon capture and storage and reservoir monitoring. The availability of practical tools such as full-waveform inversion (FWI) makes time-lapse seismic FWI a promising method for monitoring subsurface changes. However, FWI is a highly ill-posed problem that can generate artifacts. Because the changes in the earth’s properties are typically small in terms of magnitude and spatial extent, discriminating the true time-lapse signature from noise can be challenging. Different strategies have been proposed to address these difficulties. In this study, we propose a weighted-average (WA) inversion to better control the effects of artifacts and differentiate them from the true 4D changes. We further compare five related strategies with synthetic tests on clean and noisy data. The effects of seawater velocity variation on different strategies also are studied as one of the main sources of nonrepeatability. We tested different strategies of time-lapse FWI (TL-FWI) using the Marmousi and the SEG Advanced Modeling time-lapse models. The results indicate that the WA method can provide the best compromise between accuracy and computation time. This method also provides a range of possible answers of other TL-FWI strategies.
MEANet: Magnitude estimation via physics-based features time series, an attention mechanism, and neural networks
Authors: Song Jindong , Zhu Jingbao , Li Shanyou
Published: October 2022

The traditional magnitude estimation method, which establishes a linear relationship between a single warning parameter and the magnitude, exhibits considerable scatter and underestimation. In addition, the extraction of features from raw waveforms by a deep learning network is a black box. To provide a more robust magnitude estimation and to construct a deep learning network with an interpretable input, in light of deep learning and earthquake rupture physics, we have established a magnitude estimation network model (MEANet) via the physics-based features time series, an attention mechanism, and neural networks. We use events with 4 ≤  M ≤ 7.5 that occur in Japan and the Sichuan-Yunnan region, China, to train and validate MEANet, and then use MEANet to test additional events. Our results find that MEANet has a more robust magnitude estimation than the traditional [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] methods, with a standard deviation of error of ±0.25 magnitude units at a single station with a 3 s P-wave time window. Within 10 s after the first station is triggered, based on the weighted average of the triggered stations, MEANet provides robust magnitude estimation without underestimation for events with 4 ≤  M ≤ 7.5. Our finding implies that the final magnitude is to some degree deterministic by the combination of deep learning and physics-based features. Meanwhile, MEANet might have potential for earthquake early warning.
The Claim of Holiness
Authors: Aronson Cole S.
Published: October 2022

I argue that God’s holiness as conceived in Hebrew Scripture grounds human obligations to obey divine commands. To disobey the commands of a holy God would disrespect a basic good, which we have decisive reason to avoid doing. God’s holiness may be a somewhat obscure property––though I propose transcendence and perfect morality as necessary conditions––but His omniscience and perfect morality guarantee that He would not command human beings to do things that His holiness would not ground His authority to command. I conclude by replying to objections.
A Dilemma for De Dicto Halakhic Motivation: Why Mitzvot Don’t Require Intention
Authors: Saadon Itamar Weinshtock
Published: October 2022

According to a prominent view in Jewish-Halakhic literature, “mitzvot (commandments) require intention.” That is, to fulfill one’s obligation in performing a commandment, one must intend to perform the act because it’s a mitzvah; one must take the fact that one’s act is a mitzvah as her reason for doing the action. I argue that thus understood, this Halakhic view faces a revised version of Thomas Hurka’s recent dilemma for structurally similar views in ethics: either it makes it a necessary condition for the act’s being a mitzvah that one has a false belief about the act’s Halakhic status, or it commits proponents of the “mitzvot require intention” view to a sort of rational failure in performing the mitzvot. The dilemma arises, however, only if we interpret this Halakhic view as requiring one to have a belief about her act’s Halakhic status in order for it to have this status. I suggest that the dilemma can be avoided by interpreting the intention requirement as requiring a make-belief, instead of a belief. Under this understanding, Halakha (or God) doesn’t care about why one performs an act of a mitzvah, but rather about how she does it; how she sees and experiences her action. This suggests another form of worship central to Judaism—worship via make-believing.
Introduction to Special Issue on Jewish Analytic Theology
Authors: Lebens Samuel , Segal Aaron
Published: October 2022

It is our pleasure to introduce this special issue, devoted to the topic of worship in Jewish analytic theology.  Many of the papers published here were presented at one of two summer workshops we ran as part of the John Templeton Foundation sponsored project, “Worship: A Jewish Philosophical Investigation”.
Discovery of the Sixth Ecumenical Council’s Trinitarian Theology
Authors: Williams Scott M.
Published: October 2022

For decades now some Christian theologians, and some philosophers of religion, have labored at distinguishing Social Trinitarianism and non-Social Trinitarianism. Many have revised their models of the Trinity in light of counter-arguments or counter-evidence. For Christian theologians, or philosophers of religion, what counts as a good counter-argument or counter-evidence may (but need not) depend on respected theological authorities. Recently, some focus has been paid to what is called Conciliar Trinitarianism, which is the name for whatever is endorsed by, or rejected by, the first seven ecumenical councils regarding the Trinity. For those who respect these ecumenical councils as authoritative (to some extent), it would be useful to get a clearer understanding of Conciliar Trinitarianism in order to assist in evaluating contemporary models of the Trinity. In what follows I argue that the Sixth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople III, in 680-681ce) made important contributions, and clarifications (for the contemporary reader), to Conciliar Trinitarianism. Surprisingly, there is no secondary literature regarding these contributions. So, the historical evidence given in this article is evidence that almost nobody has been aware of - apart from the editors of the critical edition of the Acts of Constantinople III. After having made the historical case, I discuss the implications of Constantinople III for (i) our understanding of the place of the Pseudo-Athanasian creed in Trinitarian speculation, (ii) standard narratives about the division between Greek and Latin Trinitarian theology, and (iii) contemporary models of the Trinity.
Can Analytic Theology be Phenomenological?
Authors: Nemes Steven
Published: October 2022

The present essay is concerned with the question of whether analytic theology can be properly phenomenological. Both analytic theology and phenomenology are defined by reference to leading practitioners of both, and responses are given to objections to both approaches. The critique of analytic theology recently proposed by Martin Westerholm is considered, as well the objections to phenomenology brought forth by Tom Sparrow. The compatibility of analytic theology and phenomenology is argued on the basis of the definitions provided. Four brief arguments are given for establishing why an analytic theologian might consider adopting a phenomenological method. The essay concludes with a demonstration of a properly phenomenological analytic-theological treatment of the question of the relationship between Scripture and ecclesial tradition in dialog with the canonical sola scriptura of Kevin Vanhoozer and John Peckham.
Taking Back the Narrative in Science and Public Health – The Challenge is Enormous (and Necessary)
Authors: McDermott Robert
Published: October 2022

Objective: My objective in this essay is to explore how scientists and non-scientists might better align their views, and thereby decrease the divide that separates these groups in the advancement, dissemination, and acceptance of knowledge. Methods: Various points of disagreement between scientists and the general public are presented, including how political affiliation and education level may influence beliefs. Results: Evidence is presented of a deepening gap between scientists and the general public on several key issues. Evidence is presented of a decline in science aspirations among youth and in educational achievement in general in the United States. If these events are accurate, they are ones that may widen the divide further. Conclusion: Some examples for improving the communication of science are presented. However, other views are invited so that the dialogue can be raised in both the science and general public communities.
Rural Cancer and the Opioid Epidemic: Are Screening Disparities Further Exacerbated?
Authors: Lee Minjee , Mueller-Luckey Georgia , Molina Yamile , Rose Jennifer , Bolinski Rebecca , Van Han Brent , Boakye Eric , Jenkins Wiley
Published: October 2022

Objective: Rural areas experience significant disparities in cancer incidence and mortality and are also disproportionately impacted by the drug use epidemic. People who use drugs (PWUDs) frequently experience healthcare-associated stigma sufficient to cause avoidance of all non-urgent care. Research associated with cancer risk and screening utilization among rural PWUDs is nearly nonexistent. Methods: We searched PubMed for articles describing rural healthcare access and cancer disparities, and drug use and healthcare-associated stigma. Results: Rural populations frequently experience increased rates of circumstances and behaviors associated with increased cancer risk, morbidity, and mortality, but also lesser access to and use of healthcare. Rural areas have been disproportionately impacted by many types of drug use, and the stigma PWUDs frequently encounter leads to deferred care and poorer health outcomes. The limited data suggest that PWUDs experience at least equal cancer risk as their non-PWUD peers but obtain screening less often. Whereas interventions to increase medical care engagement among PWUDs have succeeded, none has explored cancer risk and screening. Conclusions: Although there are mechanisms to increase cancer screening in rural areas, and methods to increase healthcare engagement for PWUDs, research should combine these evidence-based practices to explore implementation in this population with distinct risk profiles.
Will Social Behavior Have a Mediating Effect on the Relationship between Perfectionistic Tendencies and Athlete Burnout?
Authors: Oh Youngtaek
Published: October 2022

Objective: In this study, I investigated the mediating effect of social behavior on the relationship between perfectionistic tendencies and burnout in Taekwondo athletes. Methods: Overall, 239 university and professional athletes registered with the Korean Taekwondo Association in 2020 responded to a series of relevant scales. Results: Perfectionism striving mediated anti-social behavior and had a fully mediating effect on athlete burnout, while perfectionism concern mediated anti-social behavior and had a partial mediating effect on athlete burnout. Conclusions: Taekwondo athletes participating in sports experience various psychological factors that contribute to burnout or social behaviors that favorably influence sports performance. A greater understanding of perfectionist tendencies among Taekwondo athletes is needed to manage and prevent burnout.
Seed productivity of Linum usitatissimum L. in different ecological conditions of Uzbekistan
Authors: Mahmudov Azizbek V , Abduraimov Ozodbek S , Erdonov Sherzod B , Allamurotov Akmal L , Mamatqosimov Odilbek T , Gayibov Ulugbek G , Izotova Lidiya
Published: October 2022

The article reports influence of different environmental conditions on the productivity of Linum usitatissimum L. (flax or flaxseed) in Uzbekistan. Analyses of the plant productivity were carried out on the rainfed lands and in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. Phenological studies revealed differences in various phases of the growing period. Morphometric parameters that determine yield of L. usitatissimum seeds under different conditions were determined. The seed yield per plant on average in the Botanical Garden was 79.4 ± 4.00, and at various regions in the rich lands such as Malguzar 76,8±4,33, Pishagar 74,2±4,54 and Khatyrchi district was 76,5±4,28. The results of the studies can be used by farms in cultivating L. usitatissimum in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the heart of a diverse technology: Applying a realist evaluation methodology to a university live streaming programme
Authors: Bryant Mike , Simpson Colin , Whitelock Wainwright Alexander , Wood Trevor , Ryan Kris
Published: October 2022

Researching web-based lecture technologies in higher education is a complex undertaking (Morris, Swinnerton, & Coop, 2019), making experimental trials and summative evaluations impractical. The implications of existing literature in this area are therefore uncertain (Kay, 2012; O’Callaghan, Neumann, Jones, & Creed, 2017). In this paper we report on the use of an alternative research design, realistic evaluation (King, Dawson, Rothberg, & Batmaz, 2017; Pawson and Tilley, 1997), to gain insight into the impact of a university lecture live-streaming initiative. The initiative provided synchronous and asynchronous access to video of 129 weekly lectures using two different platforms. Surveys of 306 students and 49 staff, a focus group of five students, and an exploratory study of trace data of 359 students indicated that student access to the videos was lower and more idiosyncratic than expected. The ability to identify useful content, appropriate instructional methods, and participation by peers were reported to encourage students to become involved. Our results confirm the importance of specific contexts and forms of behaviour in encouraging beneficial lecture video use. We also show time of initial view to be a promising way to study students’ strategies for using lecture video content.
Learning business through digital simulation: An analysis of student reflections
Authors: Barker Sandra , Davy Michelle
Published: October 2022

The use of digital simulations is becoming more prominent in higher education to provide students with authentic learning environments in which they can apply their knowledge as well as develop enterprise skills. These enterprise skills are those qualities necessary for successful employment after graduation. This paper investigated ten years of data gathered through student reflective assessments that identified their perceived learning from the completion of a course which contained an embedded digital simulation. Student reflections were analysed to determine the themes which defined their key learning from the course. Content analysis was undertaken using nVivo to determine the themes from the students’ individual reflection assessment. Outcomes of the study revealed that students self- reported successful achievement of three of the four course learning outcomes. In addition, students identified improvement in their enterprise skills and better understanding of business practices for their future careers.
Exploring Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Educational Experience and Satisfaction in a Blended Learning Course
Authors: Ong Li Ya Sandy , Quek Choon Lang Gwendoline
Published: October 2022

This survey study aims to investigate nursing students’ perceptions of educational experience and satisfaction in a blended course. The modified Community of Inquiry (CoI) and satisfaction questionnaires consist of 5-point Likert scale items, were administered to 224 nursing students. Nursing students were found to have good educational experience (social, cognitive and teaching presences) and satisfaction in this blended course.
Defining Digital Literacy: A Case Study of Australian Universities
Authors: Press Nona , Arumugam Puvaneswari. P. , Ashford-Rowe Kevin
Published: October 2022

The contemporary appearance of the term “digital literacy” on university websites suggests institutional interests on digital literacy that focus not only on the development of technology skills but also cognitive and attitudinal aspects in student development. This paper presents an exploration of institutional conceptions of digital literacy based on document analysis of university published information online. The investigation involved universities located in Australia as embedded case studies (n=42). Evidence suggests variations in defining this term and shows that universities have diverse goals as espoused in their corresponding definitions of digital literacy, from developing technical skills of using and understanding technology, to possessing a set of capabilities for living, learning and working in an increasingly digital world. For universities who enumerated a coherent account of digital literacy, the results indicate that their practices of promoting the development of digital literacy are entrenched in their espoused intent of graduate outcomes. The paper concludes with curricular and pedagogical implications in preparing and assisting students for the challenges of 21st century living, learning and working.
Using business principles to provide education solutions: On-demand exams supported by the progression pipeline
Authors: Gregory Brent
Published: October 2022

This paper examines the journey from education literature to business principles to enable new ways for looking at an unsolved problem. This has resulted in the development of a highly scalable on-demand assessment model. Overall, results improved student acquisition of accounting skills as measured by grades.
Investigating lecturers’ reasons for adoption of mobile learning in higher education: A case study
Authors: Han Ivan
Published: October 2022

The usage of Mobile Learning (M-learning) has grown among Institutes of Higher Learning worldwide as mobile technologies benefit teaching and learning. Despite this interest, there is a lack of M-learning research in formal educational contexts and the reasons for lecturers to adopt M-learning in a Singapore private education institute have been limited. Furthermore, the Teaching and Learning Division (TLD) of the institution which looks after the professional development of lecturers and sponsors innovative technology-mediated learning initiatives like M-learning is keen to find out how lecturers can be supported to encourage a greater usage of M-learning. After interviewing 10 lecturers, the research found that the following five reasons influence lecturers’ adoption of M-learning from most important to the least: Usefulness in Teaching and Learning, Barriers to using M-Learning, Ease of use of mobile technology, Students’ Motivation and Service quality of the M-learning systems. From this, TLD can identify and develop strategies to support the successful integration of M-learning. The five support aspects considered when implementing M-learning are found to be the following in descending order of importance: Professional Development, Social, Organisational, Technical and Advanced features to support teaching and learning. This research has clarified the existing literature in M-learning especially in formal learning contexts where learning is intentional and recognises the role that lecturers play in the future adoption of M-learning.
Understanding pre-service teachers' experiences of a mixed reality simulation environment: An analysis of pre-service teachers’ perspectives on communicating with a simulated parent avatar
Authors: Rappa Natasha
Published: October 2022

The integration of simulation platforms in the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs enables pre-service teachers (PSTs) to experience a range of teaching scenarios that they might not otherwise encounter in real-world practicum contexts. Understanding PSTs’ perspectives of their experiences of these new learning spaces is critical in determining the role played by simulation platforms in the preparation for placements, their specific affordances for learning and how these platforms can be effectively integrated to support PSTs’ practices. This paper reports on a pilot study of PSTs’ participation in a simulated parent conference session with a parent avatar in SIMLabTM, a mixed reality simulation environment. SIMLabTM allows the facilitation of synchronous responses by a human interactor playing a virtual reality avatar to enhance the authenticity of the experience for PSTs. Based on data drawn from a cross- sectional survey design, the paper provides an analysis of PSTs’ perspectives on six possible affordances of SIMLabTM and describes emergent themes gleaned from PSTs’ comments on their learning experiences within and in relation to SIMLabTM. The findings inform the design and implementation of the simulation experience in ITE programs.
The evolution of a micro-credential
Authors: Ponte Frank , Saray Vicki
Published: October 2022

In 2017, key representatives from the University microcredentials team and the Library collaborated to develop, deliver and embed into curriculum, digital literacy micro-credentials in multiple course shells via the University’s new learning management system. The first microcredential delivered was Information Literacy. This credential aimed to address student needs to recognize when information was needed and strengthen their ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively (ALA Clearing House, 2017). Students who earned the microcredential were rewarded with a digital badge that outlined the achieved learning outcomes and recognition of this award was reflected on their official academic transcript. In addition, the badges were shared on social media platforms like LinkedIn as a way to demonstrate new skills and engage prospective employers. In 2019, the original credential was reviewed to ensure relevancy. A subsequent eight-week sprint process was initiated. The review process sought feedback from various stakeholders that included the RMIT Creds team learning designer, the subject matter experts (SMEs) from the Library and student reviewers. Results from the review process for the Information Literacy credential highlighted key changes to content and learning outcomes to reduce confusion for students and ensure learning outcomes addressed the module content directly. In addition, a shift away from a traditional educational context of information literacy to a broader professional context was also recommended to ensure relevancy to industry.
Supporting student writing with an intelligent tutoring system for assignment checking
Authors: Vitartas Peter , Midford Sarah , Kanjere Anastasia
Published: October 2022

In this paper we present the results of a prototype system designed as a draft assignment checker that students can use prior to the submission of their assignments. The tool was designed to provide descriptive timely feedback to students on their digitally submitted text- based assignments. This process allows students to submit draft versions of their assignments, obtain feedback and improve them before they make a final submission for marking. Students are able to access the results and descriptive feedback generated for the assignments they have uploaded and the software allows customisation of the evaluation measures based on the type of assignment and expectations of the academic staff. Findings from a survey of student feedback on the system are presented. Overall students found the system useful, but the tool needed to be incorporated into the assignment preparation process more closely to be effective.
A user-centred approach to understanding the support needs of university teachers using a Learning Management System: A Pilot study
Authors: Vogel Silvia , Schliephake Kirsten , Kotsanas George
Published: October 2022

Providing effective, timely and relevant Learning Management System (LMS) support to teaching staff working within the higher education context is challenging, yet essential in order to meet learning and teaching goals. Crucial to the success of an effective support model, is understanding the needs of teaching staff, together with their enablers and barriers to using technologies. This paper reports on the work-in-progress of a user-centred project initiated by a large university faculty located in Victoria, Australia. The aims of the project are to: 1) gain insights into the way teaching staff use and understand the LMS in their learning and teaching context; 2) use these insights to assist in developing a service support model which improves the experience of teachers using the LMS. The project adopts design thinking and thematic analysis methodologies. This paper reports on the first aim of the project.
An affordance based design framework for technology- enabled learning spaces
Authors: Wangyal Tsering , Liang Hong Poh
Published: October 2022

Educational institutions today are transforming their traditional learning spaces into technology-enabled learning spaces to facilitate innovation in pedagogy and enhance the teaching and learning experiences of its users. This transformation is driven by the changing needs of the 21st century educators and learners, and changes in pedagogical practices to meet these learning needs. The advent of digital technologies into the classroom has altered the traditional notions of teaching and learning. It has redefined the idea, design and implementation of learning activities and experiences. Learning spaces play an important role in the educational enterprise because it is the locus where educators and learners; pedagogy, content and technology; environment and experience converge. The various affordances integrated into its design play a critical role in defining the opportunities and constraints that it imposes on educators and learners using the space. However, due to the existence of diverse needs, contexts and use cases, the conceptualisation, design and implementation of such spaces vary from institution to institution. This paper discusses how the PECTS affordance framework was used to conceptualise the design of a technology-enabled learning space and how Education Design Research (EDR) was used as a developmental framework for the iterative design cycles.
Open to learning
Authors: Weeks Ruth , Bridgeman Adam
Published: October 2022

The Open Learning Environment (OLE) is a novel feature of the new curriculum at The University of Sydney, aimed at encouraging students to personalise their learning through a suite of short modules and fully interdisciplinary units.These units are designed to present students with opportunities to broaden their education, develop graduate qualities and upskill. Comprising an open market for students, the OLE provides fully flexible, online and fee-free units incorporating auto-marked assessments and credentialing using badges and blended for- credit units to develop skills or try new disciplines and areas of interest. Launched in 2018, overall enrolments are strong but vary hugely across available units. Satisfaction and performance similarly varies considerably with both higher failure rates and higher numbers of students receiving higher grades than in other units.
Data-informed advisories to support the adult learner in higher education
Authors: Wong Adam , Tang Yoke Wah , Chong Sylvia
Published: October 2022

Providing learners with continuous advisement and feedback is a key part of encouraging positive learning behaviours. This paper presents the development of data-informed learning advisories for the adult learner in higher education. As part of the university’s learning support, this set of data-driven advisories were designed and targeted to nudge the adult learners to improve course-taking and online learning behaviour. As many have to balance work, study and family commitments; the advisories are designed to encourage and share positive academic practices that are drawn from the data. The advisories also nudge struggling learners into awareness that their learning behaviour differs from that of more successful peers. Reminder nudges assist adult learners in their decision-making. The advisories take into account both the phrasing and mode of communications in order to clarify information, assist planning and increase engagement.
The Nature of Courage in Plato’s Laches
Authors: Sermamoglou-Soulmaidi Georgia
Published: October 2022

This paper argues against two commonly held views on the nature of courage and its relationship with virtue in Plato’s Laches. These views are the following: First, Laches’ and Nicias’ accounts of courage should be read as complementary, in the sense that each presents one of the two components of courage. Second, Socrates rejects the unity of virtue he defends in the Protagoras, endorsing instead the view that courage is only a part of virtue. In this paper, I aim to show that the reader of the Laches is invited to endorse Nicias’ unitary understanding of courage as knowledge of good and evil and, as a consequence of this, to grant the unity of virtue.
Global Politico-Economic Dynamics during a Local Conflict: Reciprocal Patterns of Cooperation and Sanctions
Authors: Weisser Reinhard A.
Published: October 2022

Employing global daily news coverage on interactions between stakeholders in G20 countries, this research offers a near-real-time analysis of changing interaction patterns between Russia and other G20 economies after the onset of open military conflict. Building on an event study over eight months, further analyses of reciprocal response dynamics point to potentially costly short-term consequences of sanctions, such as the breakdown and diversion of international cooperation amongst major economies in a broader sense. Once such a reciprocal cooperation decay has set in, re-establishing international cooperation between major societal actors may take considerable time.
Kelp nursery optimisation: density-dependent effects in early life-cycle stages of Ecklonia radiata (Laminariales)
Authors: Schwoerbel Jakop , Visch Wouter , Wright Jeffrey T. , Bellgrove Alecia , Sanderson J. Craig , MacLeod Catriona , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: October 2022

Kelp aquaculture is an emerging industry outside of Asia. To be successful, this industry requires a reliable production of seedstock, the optimisation of which greatly benefits from a detailed physiological understanding of the microscopic life-cycle stages of the cultured species. This study investigated the impact of six zoospore densities (10–278 mm−2) on the subsequent development of Ecklonia radiata gametophytes and sporophytes. The results showed that germination rates and sex ratio were unaffected by initial zoospore density, but there were significant effects on gametophyte size and sporophyte production. After two weeks, female gametophytes were largest at an initial zoospore density of 40 mm−2 while male gametophytes grew largest at densities below 40 mm−2, but after four weeks gametophyte size showed a negative relationship with initial zoospore density. Significantly more sporophytes developed at initial zoospore densities below 40 individuals mm−2 and no sporophytes were observed at the highest density (271 zoospores mm−2). These results clearly show the importance of initial zoospore density in optimising the nursery stage of kelp aquaculture.
Treatment of rat brain ischemia model by NSCs-polymer scaffold transplantation
Authors: Qi Yue , Wu Tao , Yan Dongdong , Li Manhui , Chen Baodong , Xiong Yi
Published: October 2022

Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. However, significant cell death after transplantation greatly limits its effectiveness. Poly (trimethylene carbonate)15-F127-poly (trimethylene carbonate)15(PTMC15-F127-PTMC15, PFP) is a biodegradable thermo-sensitive hydrogel biomaterial, which can control drug release and provide permissive substrates for donor NSCs. In our study, we seeded NSCs into PFP polymer scaffold loaded with three neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and Neurotrophin-3. And then we transplanted this NSCs-polymer scaffold in rat brains 14 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. ELISA assay showed that PFP polymer scaffold sustained releasing three neurotrophic factors for at least 14 days. Western Blot and fluorescence immunostaining revealed that NSCs-polymer scaffold transplantation significantly reduced apoptosis of ischemic penumbra and promoted differentiation of the transplanted NSCs into mature neurons. Furthermore, infarct size was reduced, and neurological performance of the animals were improved by the transplanted NSCs-polymer scaffold. These results demonstrate that PFP polymer scaffold loaded with neurotrophic factors can enhance the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation therapy, which provides a new way for cell transplantation therapy in ischemic stroke.
Hybrid renewable energy resources accuracy, techniques adopted, and the future scope abetted by the patent landscape – a conspicuous review
Authors: Mamidala Sreekanth , Mohan Govindarajalu , Veeramani Chelliah
Published: October 2022

Renewables always attract everything than other thrust research areas owing to the global warming issue caused by using the non-renewables therein which should be mitigated at the earliest possible time. The easiest and safest alternative is employing renewable energy resources for the generation of energy that is completely sustainable. Many countries started insisting to seek alternatives trying to terminate to the fullest extent. Even though all these measures are taken, it is very hard to mitigate the utilization of non-renewables, owing to efficacy lag in renewables. The simplest solution for this problem is hybrid usage of renewables to enhance the efficiency. This article took this as a factor, gathered data for hybrid RERs technique with its accuracy range for easy selection of techniques by the stakeholders, trending technology being adopted, and future scope abetted by the patent landscape.
Modelling and analysis of green hydrogen production by solar energy
Authors: Hassan Qusay , Abbas Majid K. , Tabar Vahid Sohrabi , Tohidi Sajjad , Jaszczur Marek , Abdulrahman Imad Saeed , Salman Hayder M.
Published: October 2022

In the article, the viability of adopting photovoltaic energy systems to convert solar energy into hydrogen in Iraqi four main cities are examined. A 22 kWp off-grid solar system, an 8 kW alkaline electrolyzer, a hydrogen compressor, and a hydrogen tank were modeled for an entire year in order to produce hydrogen. Using hourly experimental weather data from 2021 to 2030, MATLAB/Simulink is used to create a mathematical model of the recommended system behavior. The results revealed a range of annual hydrogen production from 1713.92 to 1891.12 kg, annual oxygen production from 1199.74 to 1323.78 kg, and annual water consumption from 7139.91 to 7877.29 L. Each kilogram of hydrogen costs $3.79. The results indicate that the optimal location for solar hydrogen production systems might be constructed in the central region of Iraq and in other regions with comparable climatic characteristics, particularly those with high radiation levels.
Down the paths to the past habitual: its historical connections with counterfactual pasts, future in the pasts, iteratives and lexical sources in Ancient Greek
Authors: la Roi Ezra
Published: October 2022

To complement existing synchronic typological studies of the marking strategies of (past) habituality, this paper details the diachronic paths leading to and from past habitual constructions. The rich corpus evidence from the diachrony of Ancient Greek demonstrates at least four source constructions: (1) past counterfactual mood (in optative and indicative), (2) futures in the past, (3) iteratives (with -sk) and (4) lexical sources with semantic affinity to habituality (volition, habit, love). It is argued that the former two acquire habitual meaning through an invited inference of epistemic certainty of the statement by the speaker: what certainly would have happened in the knowable past is implied to be characteristic of the past. The past forms with the so-called iterative -sk (3) suffix follow the cross-linguistically frequent evolution of pluractional constructions through a form of semantic bleaching: past iterative > frequentative > habitual > habitual imperfective. Lexical sources (4) first acquire habitual meaning in the present after which only the more heavily grammaticalized ones receive past habitual usage through semantic bleaching and generalization of usage (as reflected by host class expansions). The paper is concluded with a diachronic map of these paths into habituality and the paths leading from past habituality into other domains such as genericity.
Determining the targeting specificity of the selective peroxisomal targeting factor Pex9
Authors: Yifrach Eden , Rudowitz Markus , Cruz-Zaragoza Luis Daniel , Tirosh Asa , Gazi Zohar , Peleg Yoav , Kunze Markus , Eisenstein Miriam , Schliebs Wolfgang , Schuldiner Maya , Erdmann Ralf , Zalckvar Einat
Published: October 2022

Accurate and regulated protein targeting is crucial for cellular function and proteostasis. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, peroxisomal matrix proteins, which harboring a Peroxisomal Targeting Signal 1 (PTS1), can utilize two paralog targeting factors, Pex5 and Pex9, to target correctly. While both proteins are similar and recognize PTS1 signals, Pex9 targets only a subset of Pex5 cargo proteins. However, what defines this substrate selectivity remains uncovered. Here, we used unbiased screens alongside directed experiments to identify the properties underlying Pex9 targeting specificity. We find that the specificity of Pex9 is largely determined by the hydrophobic nature of the amino acid preceding the PTS1 tripeptide of its cargos. This is explained by structural modeling of the PTS1-binding cavities of the two factors showing differences in their surface hydrophobicity. Our work outlines the mechanism by which targeting specificity is achieved, enabling dynamic rewiring of the peroxisomal proteome in changing metabolic needs.
Detection of atypical response trajectories in biomedical longitudinal databases
Authors: Pantazis Lucio José , García Rafael Antonio
Published: October 2022

Many health care professionals and institutions manage longitudinal databases, involving follow-ups for different patients over time. Longitudinal data frequently manifest additional complexities such as high variability, correlated measurements and missing data. Mixed effects models have been widely used to overcome these difficulties. This work proposes the use of linear mixed effects models as a tool that allows to search conceptually different types of anomalies in the data simultaneously.