bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on students' screen time, learning, lifestyle, and well-being
Authors: Porozovs Juris , Veliks Viktors , Kļaviņa Aija , Zuša Anna
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has changed the lifestyle of people and learning process of students in different countries. The aim of the study was to find out the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on Latvia students' screen time, learning peculiarities, lifestyle, and well-being. The electronic survey of the basic school, secondary school and University of Latvia students was carried out in different regions of Latvia. The results of the survey suggest that the screen time of students and the time spent by students doing study home-works during COVID-19 pandemic crisis have increased. However, many students prefer to study on-line over face-to-face studies. The time spent on physical activities for majority of students during COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly changed. The well-being for many Latvia students during COVID-19 pandemic crisis has decreased.
‘Face-to-Face vs. Distance Learning’: analysis of the training of musicians during Covid-19
Authors: Borodovskaya Liliya Zelimkhanovna , Leontieva Tatiana , Yavgildina Ziliya , Turumbaeva Cholpon , Baiulov Gani
Published: June 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the introduction and expansion of forms of distance learning around the world. However, there are still some areas of learning that require direct interaction between the teacher and the student – like «face to face». Teaching of music (solo and choral singing, playing musical instruments) requires constant personal control of the teacher during the lesson. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the quality of distance and mixed learning for students of musical specialties at three humanitarian universities of Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Students answered to 32 questions of an online questionnaire on the using of various digital technologies in the process of distance learning during the pandemic. The authors come to the conclusion that the most promising is the mixed model of music education, in which digital technologies serve as an additional means for the development of professional skills.
A Campus Huaka‘i: Weaving Geological, Historical & Cultural Perspectives in Hawai‘i
Authors: Bruno Barbara Cabezal , Tachera Diamond , Engels Jennifer , Rowland Scott K
Published: June 2022

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is striving to become a Native Hawaiian place of learning. As part of this effort, we developed a huaka‘i (fieldtrip) to explore the intertwined geological, historical, and cultural influences on our campus. Our purpose is two-fold: (1) to showcase an example of how science can be taught in ways that honor Hawaiian culture and history; and (2) to stimulate interest and collaborations among faculty to develop additional place-based curricula offerings that draw connections between Hawaiian culture and Western science. Evaluations of a pilot fieldtrip generated considerable positive and constructive feedback, which was used to significantly improve the fieldtrip. In this paper, we share an abbreviated version of the current fieldtrip, and sincerely welcome any additional comments and suggestions.
Hands-on learning at a world-class telescope
Authors: Lusso Elisabeta , Casetti Lapo , Pancrazzi Maurizio , Romoli Marco
Published: June 2022

For the first time, an Italian University has the possibility to perform a multi-year observing campaign at a world-class telescope. This hands-on experience had a significant impact on the students' university path: from learning specific observing techniques on-site to teamwork and collaboration. In this paper we present the results of an observing campaign carried out at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) located in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) by undergraduate students of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, at the University of Firenze.
Willingness to Enhance Employability
Authors: Kiss Eszter , Cotler Jami , Afrifa-Yamoah Eben
Published: June 2022

This exploratory study was conducted across two different institutions in the United States and in Australia. The online surveys applied two instruments: the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale to investigate the correlations between the constructs of employability, emotional intelligence, and motivation. The results showed a positive significant relationship between campus program internship and perceived employability. Further, emotional intelligence was significantly positively correlated with motivation. These results may reinforce institutions in their effort to design or refresh teaching intervention programs improving students’ employability. Beyond focusing on skills acquisition, these programs could also aim for enhancing students’ emotional intelligence.
Critical Thinking in Information Literacy Pedagogical Strategies: new dynamics for Higher Education throughout librarians’ vision
Authors: Sanches Tatiana , Lopes Carlos , Antunes Maria Luz
Published: June 2022

This work explores the articulation of Information Literacy and Critical Thinking, throughout a preliminary study on the pedagogical strategies used by academic librarians in lecturing information literacy courses. A theoretical reflection is presented about students’ skills in Information Literacy, enhanced by Critical Thinking, to acquire the ability to move autonomously in printed and digital information environments, based on their reflective thinking, to transform information into new knowledge. The study aims to compare information literacy pedagogical practices in different subject areas. As such, psychology, education, and health sciences were the ecosystems in which the strategies were explored and applied to analyze common approaches, and ultimately detect and share good practices for pedagogical improvements. The present work results from a qualitative study, based on the interviews regarding the vision of three higher education librarians, framed by seven major parameters: metacognition, reflection, analysis, evaluation, inference, and use, as well as dispositions, applied to information management. The objective was to evaluate what kind of strategies were adopted by each librarian and if the pedagogical practices are effective in fulfilling the learning objectives. Overall, all three librarians agreed that libraries have an important role in promoting critical thinking in higher education students.
Validation of a High-Stakes Test: GA IESOL Listening Unit
Authors: Mitrovic Snezana , Botta Emanuela , Castellana Giusi
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is the validation of the GA Classic IESOL examination at CEFR level B2 (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking), as a criterion-referenced achievement test, using the multi-trait, multi-method approach. The data analysed at the moment pertain to the Listening unit and have been studied to examine the content validity, reliability of the scores and unidimensionality of the construct. The Listening unit consists of three tasks (22 items) in four different versions (D-E-F-G). Four separate statistical analyses were performed and all revealed excellent values of internal consistency. As for unidimensionality of the construct, excellent values were revealed for versions E, F and G and acceptable for version D. Similar analyses on the reading test are planned, with the aim of reaching a multitrait-multimethod analysis of the examination as a whole.Further steps of the study will be the IRT equating procedure of the four versions.
Let Others Shine: Key Competencies in European Research Infrastructures and Core Facilities
Authors: Prandner Dimitri , Sinner Philip Caspar
Published: June 2022

Research Infrastructures and Core Facilities belong to the First Pillar “Excellence in Science” of the European funding schemes, making them a key compentent in research education. Therefore, the European Commission aims to establish a European School for RI management and to develop pan-European curricula. Accordingly, the [Project Title] project persues to develop evidence-based recommendations for key competencies to be enhanced. We applied a mixed-method approach, combining a quantitative online-survey among 330 members of Research Infrastructures and Core Facilities with 17 qualitative guided interviews among managers from eight structurally selected countries. The results of both sub-studies can be grouped into three overarching categories of required competencies: communication skills on different levels, organisational leadership & staff management, and academic excellence & deeper knowledge of the respective field of science. To ensure future success of RIs and CFs this needs to be an integral part in the field of scientific and research education.
Some Practical Insights on Teaching FL to Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Pomarolli Giorgia /
Published: June 2022

This paper aims at discussing pedagogical practices within the area of inclusive and accessible language education, with a particular focus on visual impairment. Accessible education cuts across all aspects of education: physical and technological infrastructures, instructional modes, teaching strategies, learning materials, and assessment. The success in creating an inclusive learning environment depends on teacher training and professional development. After a brief clarification of the notion of accessibility in educational settings, the paper offers practical recommendations which address any instructor who is committed to planning and teaching an accessible foreign language course for visually impaired students within a mainstream university setting.
Distance learning experiences at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Towards a hybrid model
Authors: Gutierrez Moreno Patricia , Becerra Peña Diana Lizette , Cabrera Reynoso Sandra Berenice
Published: June 2022

The recent health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as the COVID-19 virus, disrupted essential areas of the economy and led to the implementation of new forms of teaching and learning in education. At the University of Guadalajara (UDG), Jalisco, Mexico, practical distance learning tools were adapted, and teaching staff was trained to use them; however, areas of opportunity were left visible beyond the work of universities. With the data resulting from a survey of students at the University Center for Economic and Administrative Sciences (CUCEA), we concluded that the strategy implemented by the university was successful; however, the outcome of the learning process was not wholly successful there were significant shortcomings.
A case of an assessment module in Distance Education at the University of Pretoria
Authors: Mihai Maryke Anneke
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the study was to investigate the teaching and learning experiences of students and tutors in an assessment Distance Education module. The study looked at the students’ and tutors’ experiences of the pedagogy (like the contact sessions) the technology used (the Blackbaoard LMS) and the content and assessment of the module. The methodology followed was a descriptive qualitative case study, using semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires. Responses were obtained from the academic supporter, three tutors and 22 students. The learning management system, Blackboard, is easy to use and user-friendly. Students make use of the discussion board to communicate with each other and lecturers. They also find the contact sessions organised on Blackboard Collaborate useful and use the recordings of the sessions if they cannot attend virtually. They experience the assessment module as very relevant to their teaching practice and believe the content to be well planned.Keywords: assessment; Blackboard; content; Distance Education; pedagogy; technology
When technology meets educational sciences: Combining virtual reality and microteaching to train pre-service teachers’ kindergarten classroom management strategies.
Authors: Mouw Jolien , Fokkens-Bruinsma Marjon
Published: June 2022

In our study, we asked 19 pre-service teachers (PSTs) about their experiences with and perceptions of a microteaching-supported virtual reality (VR) kindergarten classroom where they practiced and experimented with different classroom management strategies (CMS). We analyzed quantitative and qualitative responses to gain insight into the perceived usefulness of this learning environment for CMS development and transfer to internship practices. The quantitative results show that practicing in the VR classroom supported mastery of CMS and helped PSTs to manage behaviors at their internships. The qualitative data suggest that the microteaching approach can support transfer of CMS practiced in the VR-kindergarten classroom to in-situ classroom management situations, possibly because of the opportunity to collaboratively engage in reflexive practices. Moreover, PSTs raised valuable suggestions to further improve the microteaching structure to strengthen the effect of peer feedback. The results of this study underline the importance of purposefully grounding VR applications in proven instructional theories.
Making international mobility student-friendly: a linguistically embedded assessment of higher education internationalisation strategies
Authors: Bercuci Loredana , Ivan Oana-Roxana , Chitez Madalina , Rogobete Roxana , Dinca Andreea
Published: June 2022

Internationalisation is a desired goal for contemporary universities, which are increasingly using concepts like cultural diversity or globalism as selling points to attract students. However, these concepts are not always clearly defined in terms of underlying values and lived experience. We used a corpus linguistics approach to extract university descriptors of the term ‘internationalisation’. For that purpose, we compiled the INTER corpus (Corpus of Internationalisation Terminology in Higher Education Institutions in Europe), which includes texts extracted from the websites of 50 European Universities. We analyse the lexical profile of the tokens semantically connected to the concept of ‘internationalisation’. To verify whether the advertised concepts of internationalisation match the lived experience of the students, we use a second corpus, LIVIT (Corpus of Lived Internationalisation Experiences), which includes 300 testimonies of student mobility. All data and analyses capture the pre-COVID situation and are intended to inform the post-COVID university policymaking.
CAPuS e-learning platform for the Conservation of Art in Public Spaces
Authors: Lasala Tina , Vindigni Floriana , Scalarone Dominique , Gulmini Monica , Croveri Paola , Ricci Chiara , Scarcella Arianna
Published: June 2022

The educational platform is among the most significant products of the CAPuS - Conservation of Art in Public Spaces project, co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliances Programme (www.capusproject.eu). The three-year project, which closed in June 2021, was inspired by the lack of specific actions aimed at the conservation of street art/urban art and the lack of dedicated academic teaching modules and training activities. An "alliance" of 17 partners has developed a research methodology and conservation guidelines, which have been the basis for the design and implementation of the teaching platform. Two online open courses are currently offered: one, self-learning, is addressed to students in conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage and to professionals and operators in the sector; the other is addressed to lecturers and provides materials, resources and strategies to prepare engaging and innovative lessons on the themes of the project.
The International System and the Transformation of Democracy in the 21st Century: Reflecting on a Virtual Exchange Module between Italy and the United States during COVID
Authors: Quinney Kimber M , Quarenghi Alessandro
Published: June 2022

In the Spring of 2021, the authors of this paper collaborated on a co-taught Virtual Exchange (or Collaborative Online International Learning, COIL) module titled “The International System and the Transformation of Democracy in the 21st Century”. Students in Italy and in the United States were brought together virtually to explore the changing international order of the post-Cold War era, and to investigate ways in which 21st century democratic institutions of the United States and Italy are affected. This paper describes the qualitative experiences of the professors and their students in this virtual exchange and argues that the practice can offer a unique learning environment which – despite not being a substitute for international mobility – enhances, to a certain degree, students’ intercultural awareness and flexibility, organizational and collaborative skills, and ability to learn and operate in diverse environments using an array of technological tools.
A case study of hybrid learning in higher education using quantitative research design
Authors: La Rosa Angela Daniela , Mavroudi Anna
Published: June 2022

There is currently limited work on synchronous forms of hybrid education although it has become the norm in university education. In addition, there is a gab on empirical studies that are focusing on quantitative measures (such as student performance data) in this particular setting. To compensate for this gab in the literature, the paper presents a case study of hybrid teaching in the context of higher education that revolves around a quasi-experimental design with student performance data. The results were analysed quantitatively and they indicate that there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups in their performance in the final exams (with a large size effect).  That finding is somewhat surprising since there is research indicating that the learning experience and performance of the students that attend a hybrid learning course remotely are not equally good as in the case of the students that participate in-class/on-site.
Relationships in teaching for critical thinking dispositions and skills
Authors: Walker Susan K , LeBoeuf Samantha
Published: June 2022

As follow up to research that identified critical thinking evident in an undergraduate course on Technology in the Family (Walker & Brown, 2020), this study explored the role of the social context in critical thinking acquisition (e.g., Brookfield, 2020). Qualitative analysis of student responses to an end of semester survey in fall 2021 (n=46) identified the roles of learner relationships (who, how) as learning influences. A focus group of representative class students validated and deepened insights from the analysis. Results indicate how the instructor and teaching assistant created the classroom dynamic of comfort and trust, small groups encouraged gaining new perspectives, and personal relationships beyond the class facilitated application and sharing for deeper understanding. Relationship building offers important dimensions for student mental health and critical thinking skills in higher education.
Fostering Key Competencies for Sustainability: Development of a Higher Education Teaching Format based on Service Design
Authors: Bustamante Silke , Martinovic Martina , Afflerbach Thomas
Published: June 2022

Against the background of severe global sustainability challenges, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are called to integrate sustainability aspects into research and teaching, hereby supporting the development of sustainability competencies of students (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2017). Within this context, a new teaching format, that applies the Service Design methodology to tackle sustainability-related real-world challenges, was designed and conducted at a German University of Applied Sciences in autumn/winter 2021. The teaching format was evaluated by participating students respective its contribution to the fostering of their sustainability key competencies. This paper describes the developed format and outlines how and why it helped students to develop key competencies. It thereby contributes to a highly relevant and increasingly considered research stream dealing with teaching effectiveness and the impact of pedagogical approaches on sustainability-related competencies (Cebrián, Junyent, & Mulà, 2020).
Build an Assessment Rubric of Student Creativity in Higher Education
Authors: Xu Weiping , Tognolini James
Published: June 2022

Attention to student creativity has triggered a number of educational transformations in higher education. However, widespread measures of creativity in higher education are primary based on norm-referenced assessment, which provide minimal information of student performance against the learning development in creativity. In reponse to the lack of effective measures and criteria to link assessment with instruction in creativity education, this article discusses the process of building an assessment rubric of creativity based on the standards-referenced model. It is intended to help teachers and students better understand the learning objectives related to creativity, as well as to monitor and guide the development of student creativity.
Learning ecology theory as a tool to support student digital competences in higher education
Authors: Stone Suzanne , Lowney Rob
Published: June 2022

The need for digitally competent graduates is well established, and articulated in the New Skills Agenda for Europe (European Commission, 2016) and the European Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 (European Commission, 2021). The Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning (EDTL) project seeks to enhance graduate digital attributes by providing professional development to academics to embed digital technologies across the curriculum (Flynn et al., 2020). The lack of data on the competencies required in the workplace in Ireland, and the lack of clarity around how best to support students to develop digital competences were identified as two key challenges to this work. This paper considers these challenges by presenting data from a small-scale study exploring the digital competences most important to graduates and employers, followed by an examination of the contexts in which higher education institutions can support students developing digital competencies through the lens of learning ecology theory.
Postgraduate Supervision Practices in low regulated University System in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: KONDO Akuélé Radha , Heitz-Tokpa Kathrin , Bonfoh Bassirou , Akindes Francis
Published: June 2022

Postgraduate supervision is paramount to empower the next generation of researchers. However, time spent to graduation and knowledge gain are of great concern regarding the completion of postgraduate studies. In most African universities, the main reason is the lack of guidelines to frame student-supervisors’ relationship and theirs responsibilities. Study aims at analysing how supervision practices in health research in Côte d’Ivoire hinder or promote the swift completion. Drawing on a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 postgraduate students and 17 supervisors. We selected purposively informants in health research based at public universities of Côte d’Ivoire. Results revealed two models with different supervisors’ styles, poorly standardised guidelines, and student’s coping strategies in the context of low regulation. We conclude that the absence of formal documents and clear regulations for student’s-supervisor’s roles, as well as the lack of monitoring system by the administration are factors that delay postgraduate study completion. Keywords: Postgraduate supervision; Practices; Models; Regulation; Guideline; Côte d’Ivoire.
Learning Analytics for Measuring Engagement and Academic Performance: A Case Study from an Irish University
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an analysis of various metrics of student engagement and academic performance, based on data extracted from a virtual learning environment (VLE) and other supporting technologies. The level of student activity on the VLE, as measured by hours and count of accesses to content areas, was found to be a strong indicator of engagement and impacted the level of performance. Participation in self-regulated optional learning activities was also found to be a strong indicator of engagement, which again impacted students’ scores. As regards gender comparisons, males and females demonstrated different study approaches but there was no difference in performance. Senior (final year) students out-performed sophomore (second year) students, and students on programmes with higher entry bars fared better. Interestingly, students who adopted a steady approach with consistent levels of activity through the semester achieved higher scores than those who procrastinated. The paper concludes with some recommendations on where learning analytics technologies need to go to truly be useful for teachers and students in higher education.
Structuring knowledge as a strategy and tool for learning and evaluation in engineering education
Authors: Bravo-Torres Jack Fernando , Fernández-Pérez María Dolores , Cevallos-Ludeña Cinthya María , Ordoñez-Morales Esteban Fernando , Bravo-Torres Wilson Daniel
Published: June 2022

In this proposal, the evaluation activities together with the structuring of knowledge in conceptual maps are considered as dynamic elements to promote the gradual development of a higher level of understanding. The results achieved in this formative experience show us that the use of evaluation and feedback as part of the formative process, and not only as an appendix of measurement, allows students to adjust their training actions to meet course requirements.
Centro de referência de atendimento à mulher (CRAM) e a segurança da mulher: Um relato de experiência
Authors: Sousa Ana Letícia Alves Tomé de , Veras Antonia Hannastacya Nascimento , Alves Emanuel Marcos dos Santos , Araújo Ana Priscila Barroso
Published: June 2022

Introdução: A violência contra a mulher é uma problemática que tem várias implicações em suas manifestações e sinais, que antecedem o próprio ato de agressão física. O Centro de Referência de Atendimento à Mulher – CRAM, é um equipamento voltado para a proteção e a promoção do bem-estar de mulheres que foram vítimas de violência. Objetivo: O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir como a violência contra a mulher é percebida pelos profissionais de psicologia nos espaços de acolhimento, bem como sobre as intervenções realizadas nestes espaços. Metodologia: Para alcançar esse objetivo, realizou-se uma revisão narrativa da literatura de artigos de revistas, livros e cartilhas técnicas, bem como de observações realizadas em um CRAM de uma cidade no interior do Ceará. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que a violência doméstica pode ser associada com a violência de gênero, definida como uma possível relação de poder entre o homem que desempenha um papel de autoridade, e a mulher como sendo submissa a esse suposto dominador. O machismo é um fenômeno que, muitas vezes, acontecem em atendimentos de equipamentos voltados para a segurança da mulher, sendo manifestado através de atitudes discriminatórias que julgam a credibilidade da fala de mulheres. Conclusão: Conclui-se que é importante que o CRAM tenha uma estrutura adequada e profissionais capacitados, para que os atendimentos sejam feitos e realizados com eficácia, possibilitando um espaço agradável e acolhedor, para as vítimas que buscam um atendimento no equipamento
Promoting Storytelling in Enhancing Health Vocational Students’ Speaking Achievement
Authors: Istanto Wisnu , Candra Diah Arumita , Heryani Heni
Published: June 2022

Soft skills development requires the use of education media and forums. While storytelling may be used in competitions, media classes do not use it as a teaching media. Storytelling in the classroom hasn't been used to its fullest potential. English language proficiency can be improved through the use of digital storytelling, specifically on YouTube, by students. The study is intended to achieve similarities and discrepancies in the importance of the English-language achievement with general English and the implementation of digital storytelling. This study may be graded as an experimental investigation and classroom action research. This study employed cross-sectional research with independent speaking pre-test and post-test for experimental and control group design. Talking with storytelling therapy triggering different strategies is advised in experimental classes. It uses intervention research to change people's "talking," "doing" and "related practices". For the control group data combined with T-tests findings, a value of 0.417 has been achieved with an average value of -10.97436. In achieving speaking test outcomes, one may interpret that the treatment group has a more important meaning than the control group. The outcome of this study show that storytelling learning can help students at vocational health Level 2, more than the general English learning, achieve the high speaking achievement.

Keywords: Promoting Storytelling, Speaking Achievement, Speaking Skill
Das Maßregel- und Maßnahmenrecht in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Ein Überblick und Rechtsvergleich
Authors: Sackl Sophie , Baur Alexander , Sautner Lyane , Urwyler Thierry
Published: June 2022

The criminal sanction systems of Germany, Austria and Switzerland share an essential structural principle with the separation of repressive criminal penalties and special preventive measures. If we take a closer look at the legal structure of the sanction systems, we find, as expected, great parallels. However, differences in the details are also surprising and revealing. The following article aims to shed light on the similarities and differences between the laws on measures in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. To this end, the legal requirements for the law of measures in the three countries will first be outlined with a focus on the law of custodial measures. Alexander Baur did this for Germany, Thierry Urwyler for Switzerland; Sophie Sackl and Lyane Sautner prepared the country report for Austria. The authors are jointly responsible for the comparative law conclusion of the article; Sophie Sackl was in charge.
Von der Risikoeinschätzung zur Risikokommunikation
Authors: Rossegger Astrid , Endrass Jérôme , Singh Jay P. , Graf Marc
Published: June 2022

The field of risk assessment was long dominated by the view that the scientific focus should be on the analysis of accuracy. The methods under investigation were considered valid if they succeeded in distinguishing recidivists from non-recidivists with a sufficient degree of accuracy. The forensic risk assessment process is part of a more complex event that has implications for different parties. The result of the risk assessment must be communicated to different audiences. Forensic risk assessment is thus the basis of forensic risk communication, which in turn is the basis of forensic intervention or risk management. We recommend that forensic risk communication be guided by Fischhoff's (1995) model. This is a seven-stage model to which we add reference literature from forensic research. Key questions are provided to facilitate the application of the model to practical work.
The pass-through effect of unconventional monetary policy to net interest income
structure of European banks
Authors: Ercegovac Roberto , Tolj Ante , Piplica Damir
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Financial banking intermediaries are sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The volatility of market interest rates affects the level of bank net interest income and determines the bank interest rate policy. Banks are actively managing structural interest rate risks to mitigate the negative effects of changes in market interest rates. The post-crisis period is characterised by unconventional monetary policy, and one of the basic objectives of the monetary instrument is a negative interest rate policy. This paper researches the effects on the bank net interest income structure with an impact on bank performance indicators. The basic research hypothesis is that during the financial crisis and a negative interest rate policy, the movement of bank interest income does not converge compared to a bank interest expense. Methodology: According to the characteristics of the dataset, which includes 32 listed banks from Great Britain, Switzerland and the European Union for the period 2002-2019, panel data analysis is applied. To analyse the effect of the interest rate level on total interest income and total interest expense, we formed two models. Fixed-effects models were used for parameter estimation. Results: A bank interest expense is more sensitive to unconventional macroeconomic policy than bank interest income. Conclusion: The traditional interest earning customer related business can enable banks to stabilise the bank performance indicator during market disruption.
The attitude of academic staff towards Bitcoin
Authors: Karabulut Turgut , Sari Salim Sercan
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Bitcoin, the most prominent among cryptocurrencies, is a peer-to-peer (“P2P”) electronic currency and payment system used based on mutual trust. The study aims to measure awareness of Bitcoin, which has recently become popular among investors with its rapidly increasing use. To this end, a questionnaire was applied to the participants to evaluate their opinions and preferences regarding Bitcoin. With this purpose in mind, a questionnaire was applied to the academics of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University in Turkey. Methodology: In the process of analysing the obtained data, frequency analysis and the chi-square test method were used by using the SPSS 26.0 software package. Results: According to the results of the study, it was observed that 51.6% of the academics (159 persons) had knowledge of Bitcoin, and while 31.5% of the academics participating in the study (97 persons) considered they would buy Bitcoin within five years, 57% (176 persons) conceived the use of Bitcoin would increase within ten years. Despite all these positive attitudes, it was also observed that 45.5% (140 people) considered Bitcoin as unreliable and 51.6% (159 persons) would prefer gold instead of using Bitcoin. As for the opinion of academics, it was concluded that gold and other different investment tools would be preferred instead of Bitcoin despite its increasing use. Conclusion: This research is important as it is the first research study in the field, which means that no similar study has been conducted in Turkey before, and it is thus expected to greatly contribute to the literature within the context of the importance and originality of the study.
ViTeach: Artificial Intelligence Algorithms to Improve E-learning through Virtual Teachers
Authors: VARZARU Irina M. , NICA Bianca E. , TOMA Antonela
Published: June 2022

As digital academic systems have lately gained in popularity, this paper will mainly focus on introducing a virtual “teacher” with access to a very broad knowledge base, ranging from grade school level to college, as a means of improving the standard of learning.
eConsult for Provider-to-Provider Consultation
Authors: Peprah Kwakye , Walter Melissa
Published: June 2022

The main cost considerations related to electric consultation (eConsult) can be grouped as start-up or infrastructure costs (e.g., equipment, developing electronic forms, creating workflows, and web page design), remunerations, (e.g., for primary care providers, specialist, and auxiliary staff), and societal cost (e.g., productivity loss, time spent travelling, cost of fuel to travel).

Considerations for a successful integration of eConsult models into clinical workflows may be broadly categorized into pre-implementation factors (e.g., appropriate training for staff, anticipating and addressing potential barriers or concerns, and having contingency plans for technological failures), implementation factors (e.g., ensuring availability of appropriate data collection and processing devices and software, defining appropriateness of eConsult, building efficiency into the design by using standardized data capture forms, maximizing auto-populating data fields to reduce documentation time, ensuring appropriate confidential documentation, and emphasizing critical information).

There were limitations in that no papers were identified to address the questions regarding ethical and professional considerations for the collection, use, and disclosure of protected health information, or the strengths and limitations of a standalone eConsult versus an eConsult platform integrated within an electronic medical records system. Furthermore, although the included studies contained some useful answers, they were not designed to address any of the research questions. Thus, well-designed studies focusing on the individual questions may be necessary for more comprehensive answers.
Sperm viability of FUNAAB-alpha chicken at refrigeration and freezing
Authors: Ndubuisi-ogbonna L. C. , Daramola J. O. , Akintunde A. O. , Wheto M. , Ojo S. T. , Oyewumi S. O. , Abdullahi A. R.
Published: June 2022

Artificial insemination is a critical component of animal breeding programs. The effectiveness of artificial insemination, on the other hand, is highly dependent on the consistency of the sperm. As a result, sperm preservation is critical for the storage and protection of animal genetic resources. Several experiments on the cryopreservation of chickens have failed miserably, but there is no evidence of such a research being conducted with FUNAAB alpha chickens. This experiment used 30 FUNAAB-alpha chickens of 25-30 weeks old. Semen samples were diluted in a Tris-based extender and stored in an electric freezer for 24 hours in refrigeration and freezing. The experiment was set up in a 3x2 factorial arrangement. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data. As compared to the freezing protocol, the results showed that semen samples subjected to refrigeration protocols had higher (p<0.05) percentages in motility, livability, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and recovery rates. Refrigeration decreased sperm abnormality (p<0.05) as compared to freezing. When compared to refrigeration, freezing resulted in lower leukocyte and MDA levels (p<0.05). The study found that refrigerated spermatozoa had higher sperm viability than those frozen.

 

 

 

L'insémination artificielle est une composante essentielle des programmes d'élevage des animaux. L'efficacité de l'insémination artificielle, d'autre part, dépend fortement de la consistance du sperme. En conséquence, la préservation du sperme est essentielle pour le stockage et la protection des ressources génétiques animales. Plusieurs expériences sur la cryoconservation des poulets ont échoué lamentablement, mais il n'y a aucune preuve d'une telle recherche menée avec des poulets alpha de FUNNAB. Cette expérience a utilisé 30 poulets alpha de FUNAAB de 25-30 semaines. Des échantillons de sperme ont été dilués dans une extension à base de tris et stockés dans un congélateur électrique pendant 24 heures en réfrigération et en gel. L'expérience a été mise en place dans un arrangement 3x2 factoriel. L'ANOVA à sens unique a été utilisée pour analyser les données. Par rapport au protocole de congélation, les résultats ont montré que les échantillons de sperme soumis à des protocoles de réfrigération étaient plus élevés (p <0,05) pour les pourcentages de la motilité, de la vie privilégiable, de l'intégrité acrosomère, de l'intégrité de la membrane et des taux de récupération. La réfrigération a diminué d'anomalie de sperme (p <0,05) par rapport au gel. Par rapport à la réfrigération, la congélation a abouti à des niveaux de leucocyte inférieur et de MDA (P <0,05). L'étude a révélé que les spermatozoïdes réfrigérants avaient une viabilité de sperme plus élevée que celles gelées.
Not All Types of Secondary Organic Aerosol Mix: Two Phases Observed When Mixing Different Secondary Organic Aerosol Types
Authors: Mahrt Fabian , Peng Long , Zaks Julia , Huang Yuanzhou , Ohno Paul E. , Smith Natalie R. , Gregson Florence K. A. , Qin Yiming , Faiola Celia L. , Martin Scot T. , Nizkorodov Sergey A. , Ammann Markus , Bertram Allan K.
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) constitutes a large fraction of atmospheric aerosol. To assess its impacts on cli-mate and air pollution, knowledge of the number of phases in internal mixtures of different SOA types is required. Atmospheric models often assumed that different SOA types form a single phase when mixed. Here, we present visual observations of the number of phases formed after mixing different anthropogenic and biogenic SOA types. Mixing SOA types generated in environmental chambers with oxygen-to-carbon (O / C) ratios between 0.34 to 1.05, we found six out of fifteen mixtures of two SOA types to result in two phase particles. We demonstrate that the number of phases depends on the difference in the average O / C ratio between the two SOA types (Δ(O / C)). Using a threshold Δ(O / C) of 0.47, we can predict the phase behavior of over 90 % of our mixtures, with one- and two-phase particles predicted for Δ(O / C) < 0.47 and Δ(O / C) ≥ 0.47, respectively. This Δ(O / C) threshold further allows to predict if mixtures of fresh and aged SOA form one- or two-phase particles in the atmos-phere. In addition, we show that phase separated SOA particles form when mixtures of volatile organic compounds emitted from real trees are oxidized.
"Landmark Route": A Comparison to the Shortest Route
Authors: Nuhn Eva , König Franziska , Timpf Sabine
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Most navigation systems for pedestrians output the shortest route. However, there are findings that travellers do not use the shortest route when free to choose. One alternative to minimising spatial distance is the incorporation of landmark information in a shortest route algorithm. Yet, we do not know whether pedestrians prefer such a landmark route over the shortest route. Therefore, we perform a survey and show participants videos of a shortest and a landmark route. We let participants answer questions concerning navigation satisfaction, route communication, and route comparison. Our findings show that the landmark route is more favourable.
GeoXTag: Relative Spatial Information Extraction and Tagging of Unstructured Text
Authors: Syed Mehtab Alam , Arsevska Elena , Roche Mathieu , Teisseire Maguelonne
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Spatial information has gained more attention in natural language processing tasks in different interdisciplinary domains. Moreover, the spatial information is available in two forms: Absolute Spatial Information (ASI) e.g., Paris, London, and Germany and Relative Spatial Information (RSI) e.g., south of Paris, north Madrid and 80 km from Rome. Therefore, it is challenging to extract RSI from textual data and compute its geotagging. This paper presents two strategies and the associated prototypes to address the following tasks: 1) extraction of relative spatial information from textual data and 2) geotagging of this relative spatial information. Experiments show promising results for RSI extraction and tagging.
A method to produce metadata describing and assessing the quality of spatial landmark datasets in mountain area
Authors: Van Damme Marie-Dominique , Olteanu-Raimond Ana-Maria
Published: June 2022

Abstract. The increase of recreational activities in the mountains and a growing amount of websites proposing geographic data, offer new opportunities for societal needs such as mountain rescue, biodiversity monitoring, outdoor activities. However, the main issue with the websites data is the lack of metadata that minimizes its reuse outside the community that produced the data. The goal of this paper is to study and generate quality and descriptive metadata using ISO standards. To this end, we propose a method based on a common vocabulary such as an ontology and a data matching process. The first one allows to associate to each type of feature from an available geographic dataset an ontology class that will facilitate data matching, reproducibility of results and minimize semantic heterogeneity. The second one allows to define matching links between features representing the same entity in the real world and compute quality indicators based on the validated links. Finally, at the end of this process, we are able to generate descriptive and quality metadata. By following ISO standards and using the QualityML dictionary for measures, the metadata is serialized to XML and can finally be published as open source. Our approach was applied to five different landmark datasets in the French Alps region. New insights were acquired regarding positional accuracy and semantic granularity.
Traffic Regulation Recognition using Crowd-Sensed GPS and Map Data: a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Zourlidou Stefania , Golze Jens , Sester Monika
Published: June 2022

Abstract. This article presents a method for traffic control recognition at junctions (traffic lights, stop, priority and right of way rule) using crowd-sensed GPS data (vehicle trajectories), as well as features extracted from OpenStreetMap. Traffic regulators are not mapped in most maps, although the way they regulate traffic at intersections affects the traffic flow and therefore the vehicle idle time at intersections, the fuel consumption, the CO2 emissions, and the arrival time at a destination. Because of the controlled interaction that road users have with each other at intersections, driving safety or assistance applications can be enabled if intersection regulators are mapped. In order to verify the proposed method two sets of trajectories were used, one of which is an open dataset, from two different cities, Hannover and Chicago. Two classification methods were tested, random forest and gradient boosting, using exclusively either dynamic features (trajectories), or static (only data from OSM) or a combination of the dynamic and static features (hybrid model). The results show that the gradient boosting classification with hybrid features can predict traffic regulations with high accuracy (93% in Chicago and 94% in Hannover), outperforming the other detection models (static and dynamic). At the end directions for further research on this topic are proposed.
Modeling the Effect of Congestion Charge and Parking Pricing on Urban Traffic: Example of Jerusalem
Authors: Ben-Dor Golan , Ogulenko Aleksey , Klein Ido , Benenson Itzhak
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Transportation Network Companies (TNC), like Uber, Lyft, and VIA, started their activities a decade ago with a far-reaching hope that Mobility-On-Demand (MOD) transportation services would decelerate or even stop the ever-growing congestion. However, it didn't happen; the negative incentives, like congestion charges and higher parking prices, seem to be the only policy tools for influencing congestion and associated negative externalities like pollution and noise. The question is whether we can establish socially acceptable congestion charges and parking prices that will effectively reduce the arrivals and traffic in highly congested areas and become the background for the future MOD arrangement? We employ the MATSim agent-based simulation model (Horni et al., 2016) of multi-modal traffic in Jerusalem Metropolitan Area (JMA) to address this problem. We investigate whether the combination of congestion and parking prices can force drivers to use Public Transport (PT), thus reducing arrivals with the private cars into the center of the city. The model study demonstrates that a reasonable charge of 7–12€ for entering the city center could decrease arrivals by 25%. From the transport policy point of view, the effects of congestion charges and parking prices are different – the increase in the congestion charges decreases arrivals. In contrast, the increase in parking prices decreases the dwell time. We discuss the policy consequences of employing each of the two mechanisms.