bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding of death and related constructs in children with suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A review and future directions
Authors: Ortin-Peralta Ana , Hennefield Laura , Eichenbaum Marc , Espinosa-Polanco Mariana , Sheftall Arielle H.
Published: January 2025

Despite rising rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, little is known about best practices for conducting suicide risk assessments in this population. The acquisition of the concept of death occurs during childhood, and thoughts and preoccupation with death can be developmentally normative. This review highlights a critical gap in knowledge about how children with suicide ideation understand death—a foundational issue in assessing suicide risk. First, we provide an overview of studies that examined the concept of death and related constructs (e.g., preoccupation with death) among children who experienced suicidal ideation or attempted suicide, many of which date back to the 1970s and ’80s. We describe indirect methods of assessing death cognitions, such as the Death Implicit Association Test, representations of death/suicidal themes in play, and the role of exposure to these themes through screens (e.g., social media, videogames). Given the potential impact of sociocultural changes since the 1970s–1980s on how children understand death, gaining a contemporary perspective on how children think about death and its relationship to suicide risk is warranted. Guided by a developmental approach, we provide recommendations for future areas of research to advance this field and inform the design of developmentally appropriate risk assessments and interventions for children.
In-depth evaluation of physical properties of mycelium-based bio composites for use as facade insulation material
Authors: Ibuk Attila , Kotan Engin , Dehn Frank
Published: January 2025

With the aim of working toward the objective of nearly energy-neutral buildings by 2050, this study focuses on the development of mycelium-based insulation materials as a sustainable alternative to conventional insulation materials such as expanded and extruded polystyrene. To characterize the fundamental properties of such materials and propose strategies for precisely tuning key properties, organic waste products and inorganic additives were investigated as potential substrate addition, and various building physics parameters were analyzed using two different fungal species. The methodology involved the fabrication of samples from mycelium-based insulation materials in three steps: substrate preparation, growth phase, and drying. These samples were then comprehensively examined for their building-physical properties, including thermal conductivity, water vapor diffusion resistance, and capillary water absorption. The main findings indicate that the selection of additives significantly impacts the material properties. Samples with base substrate and hemp additive exhibited the best building physics properties in terms of thermal conductivity (λH = 0.046–0.050 W/(m K)) and water vapor diffusion resistance (µH = 3–4). These materials have the potential to be used as insulation materials in construction, although their physical properties are less favorable compared to conventional materials such as polystyrene and mineral wool. However, these materials stand out, particularly in their high degree of recyclability. This research innovatively applies Basidiomycota fungi for insulation production, exploring substrate compositions. It characterizes mycelium-based insulation and identifies optimization opportunities for construction, advancing sustainable building materials and modern physics. These findings propel mycelium insulation development, fostering a greener construction industry.
Oscillation Between Resist and to Not? Users’ Folk Theories and Resistance to Algorithmic Curation on Douyin
Authors: Lin Hui
Published: January 2025

An increasing number of users are aware of algorithmically driven content curation. Yet, while numerous studies have examined how people understand algorithmic power, there are insufficient numbers of studies about how people respond to and resist algorithmic curation in different sociocultural contexts. This article adopts a walk-through method and a diary-interview approach with 31 participants to investigate user resistance to algorithmic curation in different sociocultural circumstances. Drawing on the theoretical framework of folk theories and user resistance to algorithms, this study reveals a paradox in users’ algorithmic awareness and resistance behaviors: although respondents said they expressed annoyance with algorithmic simplification, commercial exploitation, and political agenda-setting, they often behaved in ways that contradict those claims with oscillated resistance to algorithmic curation. This study found that this paradox of resistance not only reflects users’ efforts to reconcile sociocultural needs with digital irritations caused by algorithmic mismatches but also arises from a sense of digital resignation in response to the platform’s strict regulations and censorship. Thus, this article argues that although people espouse folk theories as resources to resist algorithmic curation in different sociocultural contexts, most of their resistance behaviors remain constrained within the dominant use of technological affordances, which largely functions as a process of continuous negotiation rather than a subversive force capable of disrupting the ideological power relations embedded in algorithm-driven platforms.
Optimal Contract Choice in Sustainable Tourism Supply Chain When Environmental Consumers Exist
Authors: Du Fei , Zou Dejun , Hu Jianping
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of online tourism, a significant number of sustainable hotels have established cooperation with online travel agencies (OTAs) for room sales. This study introduces an analytical framework for a sustainable supply chain model, involving a sustainable hotel and an OTA. Utilizing Stackelberg game theory, we investigate the two parties’ decision-making processes as they consider contracts for reselling, cost sharing, and revenue sharing. Our analysis reveals that cost sharing and revenue sharing contracts are more effective in motivating the hotel to implement environmental effort than reselling contract. Furthermore, our findings indicate that revenue sharing contract performs best in alleviating double marginalization within the sustainable supply chain by lowering the price of sustainable products. Additionally, revenue sharing contract empowers the hotel and OTA to maximize their profits, making it an optimal choice for the two parties to achieve a win-win outcome.
The Influence of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Professional Identities of Health Care Workers
Authors: Naidoo Shushentha , Ruggunan Shaun Denvor
Published: January 2025

The professional identity of health care workers is in constant reconstruction. Since identity is fluid, it is easily influenced and the Covid-19 pandemic created change which affected the professional identity of health care workers. Based on structuration and positioning theories, the purpose of this paper is to answer the question: how has the Covid-19 pandemic influenced the professional identity of health care workers? The methodology applied was qualitative. Six individuals participated in 60-min semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged from this study. These themes are; professional strain and identity management, crisis and reconstruction and experiences of Covid-19. The study found that through the challenges of Covid-19, the professional identity of health care workers was strained. To support the professional identities of health care workers, it is recommended that policies on creating and promoting identities need to be guided.
Resting state EEG in young children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: associations with medications and seizures
Authors: Clements Caitlin C. , Engelstad Anne-Michelle , Wilkinson Carol L. , Hyde Carly , Hartney Megan , Simmons Alexandra , Tager-Flusberg Helen , Jeste Shafali , Nelson Charles A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic condition caused by mutation to TSC1 or TSC2 genes, with a population prevalence of 1/7000 births. TSC manifests behaviorally with features of autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. Resting state electroencephalography (EEG) offers a window into neural oscillatory activity and may serve as an intermediate biomarker between gene expression and behavioral manifestations. Such a biomarker could be useful in clinical trials as an endpoint or predictor of treatment response. However, seizures and antiepileptic medications also affect resting neural oscillatory activity and could undermine the utility of resting state EEG features as biomarkers in neurodevelopmental disorders such as TSC.

Methods

This paper compares resting state EEG features in a cross-sectional cohort of young children with TSC (n = 49, ages 12–37 months) to 49 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls. Within children with TSC, associations were examined between resting state EEG features, seizure severity composite score, and use of GABA agonists.

Results

Compared to matched typically developing children, children with TSC showed significantly greater beta power in permutation cluster analyses. Children with TSC also showed significantly greater aperiodic offset (reflecting nonoscillatory neuronal firing) after power spectra were parameterized using SpecParam into aperiodic and periodic components. Within children with TSC, both greater seizure severity and use of GABAergic antiepileptic medication were significantly and independently associated with increased periodic peak beta power.

Conclusions

The elevated peak beta power observed in children with TSC compared to matched typically developing controls may be driven by both seizures and GABA agonist use. It is recommended to collect seizure and medication data alongside EEG data for clinical trials. These results highlight the challenge of using resting state EEG features as biomarkers in trials with neurodevelopmental disabilities when epilepsy and anti-epileptic medication are common.
Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding vitamin D among adults in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kwabena Abraham Ameyaw , Appiah Benedicta , Danso Samuel Ankomah , Agomuo Samuel Kwame Sopuruchi , Kwarteng Samuel , Senu Ebenezer , Effah Alfred , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah
Published: January 2025

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health concern, affecting approximately half of the world's population, partly due to limited public knowledge about vitamin D sources. However, there is lack of data on awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vitamin D in high-risk countries like Ghana. We investigated vitamin D awareness, knowledge and its associated factors in the Ghanaian population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 515 adults from Jaman South Municipal between January and June 2024. Questionnaires were used to obtain data on demographics, clinical characteristics, awareness and knowledge, attitude and practices towards vitamin D. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of knowledge and practices regarding vitamin D. SPSS (version 26.0) was used for all statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice level towards vitamin D was 61%, 56.9%, 63.7% and 73.2% respectively. Aged between 18–24 yrs [(aOR = 4.106, 95% CI: (1.523–11.072); p = 0.005)], being single [(aOR = 0.243, 95% CI: (0.065–0.904); p = 0.035)], having basic [(aOR = 0.216, 95% CI: (0.068–0.685); p = 0.009)] or secondary education [(aOR = 0.151, 95% CI: (0.073–0.313); p < 0.001)] and speaking English [(aOR = 3.553, 95% CI: (1.519–8.313); p = 0.003)] were the independent predictors of adequate knowledge on vitamin D. Having basic [(aOR = 9.058, 95% CI: (2.449–33.509); p = 0.001)] or secondary education [(aOR = 5.252, 95% CI: (2.508–10.996); p < 0.001)] increased the likelihood of good practices.

Conclusion

There is high awareness but reduced knowledge on Vitamin D among the general public in Jaman South. Age, education, employment status, language were the factors associated with knowledge and practice regarding vitamin D. There is need for extensive health educational campaigns to the public to boost the knowledge levels on the importance of Vitamin D.
Parental psychosocial factors and children’s oral health-related quality of life: Data from a caries prevention study with phone-based support
Authors: Brännemo Ida , Levinsson Anna , Hasselblad Tove , Dahllöf Göran , Tsilingaridis Georgios
Published: January 2025

Background

Caries burden in children disproportionately affects minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Severe early childhood caries requiring general anesthesia (GA) is a significant concern, with high caries relapse rates in subsequent years.

Aim

To examine associations between parental psychosocial factors, children’s caries burden, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), including group differences, following a phone-based parental support intervention for children treated under GA for severe Early Childhood Caries (ECC).

Methods

Data were collected during a randomized controlled trial examining a phone-based parental support program. Parental stress was assessed using the Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ), dental fear was measured with the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and dental attitudes were evaluated using the Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS-R). Children’s OHRQoL was assessed using the Parental-Caregivers Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS). The Total Observed Caries Experience index was used to calculate the child’s cumulative caries burden. Unadjusted analyses were performed using t-tests, with effect sizes calculated as Cohen’s d. A two-step path analysis examined how parental factors, intervention, and baseline caries influenced caries burden at a one-year follow-up, while also assessing caries burdens impact on children's well-being.

Results

At the one-year follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly improved OHRQoL with lower mean scores on the P-CPQ and FIS compared to the control group, indicating fewer oral health issues and less impact on family life. No statistical differences were found in parental stress, dental fears, or dental beliefs between groups. Path analysis identified baseline caries and treatment group as significant predictors of caries burden, while intervention group predicted better OHRQoL outcomes. The model explained 86.2% of caries burden variance and 12.9% of OHRQoL variance.

Conclusion

A phone-based parental support program significantly improved children’s OHRQoL, even with a higher caries burden in the intervention group at the one-year follow-up. Parental stress, dental fears, and attitudes showed no differences and did not predict caries burden. Preventing early childhood caries in high-risk groups remains challenging, highlighting the importance of preventive initiatives that empower parents and foster collaboration with key stakeholders to reduce severe ECC.

Registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT02487043.
Cortisol regulates neonatal lung development via Smoothened
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Chen Yifei , Song Jiawen , Ren Liangliang , Du Jun , Shen Donglai , Peng Jiayin , Yin Yao , Li Xia , Wang Yuqing , Gao Yan , Han Siman , Jia Yichang , Zhao Yun , Wang Yizheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), one of the main causes of neonatal death, is clinically characterized by progressive dyspnea and cyanosis 1 to 2 h after birth. Corticosteroids are commonly used to prevent NRDS in clinical. However, the protective mechanism of the corticosteroids remains largely unclear.

Methods

In this study, the simulation of the molecular docking by Autodock, in vitro binding experiments, and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway examination in cells were performed to study the directly binding of cortisol to Smoothened (SMO). To explore the effect of cortisol action on the SHH pathway on neonatal lung development, we generated a genetic mouse, in which leucine 116 (L112 in human) of SMO was mutated to alanine 116 (L116A, Smo

a/a
) by the CRISPR-Cas9, based on sequence differences between human and mice. Then, we performed morphological analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on lung tissue and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

In this study, we reported that cortisol, the endogenous glucocorticoid, inhibited the sonic hedgehog (Shh)/SMO-mediated proliferation of lung fibroblasts to maintain the normal lung development. Specifically, cortisol competed with cholesterol for binding to the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) in SMO to inhibit the activation of Shh/SMO signaling, a critical signaling known for cell proliferation. Cortisol did not inhibit the activation of SMO when L112 in its CRD was mutated to A112. Moreover, Smo

a/a
(L116A) mice exhibited the immature lungs in which over-proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts and reduction in the surfactant protein were evident.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggested that cortisol regulated cholesterol stimulation of SMO by competitively binding to the CRD to regulate neonatal lung maturation in mice.
Diabetes mellitus risk in post-myocardial infarction patients: FINDRISC versus self-assessment—a cross sectional study
Authors: Nölken Karianne , Linseisen Jakob , Raake Philip , Meisinger Christine , Schmitz Timo
Published: January 2025

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between perceived and calculated diabetes risks among post-myocardial infarction (AMI) patients using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC).

Methods

The study population includes individuals from the Myocardial Infarction Registry in Augsburg, Germany, who had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes and who received a postal follow-up questionnaire after hospital discharge. A total of 466 participants completed the questionnaire, which collected information on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity, eating habits, use of antihypertensive medication, previous hyperglycemia, and family history of diabetes. These factors are components of the FINDRISC score, which estimates the likelihood of developing diabetes within the next 10 years. Furthermore, the participants were asked, how they would rate their personal risk to develop diabetes. The analysis focused on determining how many post-AMI patients correctly estimated their diabetes risk compared to the risk calculated by the FINDRISC score. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze determinants associated with risk underestimation.

Results

Results showed that a significant proportion of the AMI population (58%) underestimated their diabetes risk. This underestimation was significantly associated with older age, higher BMI, greater waist circumference, elevated blood glucose levels, use of antihypertensive medication and a family history of diabetes. Higher education contributed to more accurate risk perception.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the understanding of diabetes risk perception in AMI patients and highlights the need for improving diabetes risk awareness through targeted education and healthcare communication interventions. These efforts can help patients understand their health risks, which improves health outcomes and preventive care.
Bioprocess exploitation of microaerobic auto-induction using the example of rhamnolipid biosynthesis in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Grether Jakob , Dittmann Holger , Willems Leon , Schmiegelt Tabea , Benatto Perino Elvio Henrique , Hubel Philipp , Lilge Lars , Hausmann Rudolf
Published: January 2025

Background

In biomanufacturing of surface-active agents, such as rhamnolipids, excessive foaming is a significant obstacle for the development of high-performing bioprocesses. The exploitation of the inherent tolerance of Pseudomonas putida KT2440, an obligate aerobic bacterium, to microaerobic conditions has received little attention so far. Here low-oxygen inducible promoters were characterized in biosensor strains and exploited for process control under reduction of foam formation by low aeration and stirring rates during biosynthesis of rhamnolipids.

Results

In this study, homologous promoters of P. putida inducible under oxygen limitation were identified by non-targeted proteomic analyses and characterized by fluorometric methods. Proteomics indicated a remodeling of the respiratory chain and the regulation of stress-related proteins under oxygen limitation. Of the three promoters tested in fluorescent biosensor assays, the promoter of the oxygen-sensitive cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase gene showed high oxygen-dependent controllability. It was used to control the gene expression of a heterologous di-rhamnolipid synthesis operon in an auto-inducing microaerobic two-phase bioprocess. By limiting the oxygen supply via low aeration and stirring rates, the bioprocess was clearly divided into a growth and a production phase, and sources of foam formation were reduced. Accordingly, rhamnolipid synthesis did not have to be controlled externally, as the oxygen-sensitive promoter was autonomously activated as soon as the oxygen level reached microaerobic conditions. A critical threshold of about 20% oxygen saturation was determined.

Conclusions

Utilizing the inherent tolerance of P. putida to microaerobic conditions in combination with the application of homologous, low-oxygen inducible promoters is a novel and efficient strategy to control bioprocesses. Fermentation under microaerobic conditions enabled the induction of rhamnolipid production by low oxygen levels, while foam formation was limited by low aeration and stirring rates.
Multi-gate neuron-like transistors based on ensembles of aligned nanowires on flexible substrates
Authors: Neto João , Dahiya Abhishek Singh , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: January 2025

The intriguing way the receptors in biological skin encode the tactile data has inspired the development of electronic skins (e-skin) with brain-inspired or neuromorphic computing. Starting with local (near sensor) data processing, there is an inherent mechanism in play that helps to scale down the data. This is particularly attractive when one considers the huge data produced by large number of sensors expected in a large area e-skin such as the whole-body skin of a robot. This underlines the need for biological skin like processing in the e-skin. Herein, we present multi-gate field-effect transistors (v-FET) having capacitively coupled floating gate (FG) to mimic some of the neural functions. The v-FETs are obtained by deterministic assembly of ZnO nanowires on a flexible substrate using contactless dielectrophoresis method, followed metallization using conventional microfabrication steps. The spatial summation of two presynaptic inputs (applied at multiple control gates) of the transistor confirm their neuron-like response. The temporal summation (such as paired-pulse facilitation) by presented v-FETs further confirm their neuron-like mimicking with one presynaptic input. The temporal and spatial summation functions, demonstrated by the v-FET presented here, could open interesting new avenues for development of neuromorphic electronic skin (v-skin) with possibility of biological-skin like distributed computing.
Metabolic Effects of Glucagon Stimulations in Type 1 Diabetes and Healthy Controls
Authors: She Rui , Suvitaival Tommi , Andersen Henrik Ullits , Hommel Eva , Nørgaard Kirsten , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F P , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik
Published: January 2025

Context

Metabolic responses to glucagon beyond the promotion of endogenous glucose production in type 1 diabetes remains poorly explored.

Objective

Therefore, we aimed to investigate the metabolic responses to glucagon stimulation in type 1 diabetes and explore whether recent exposure to hypoglycemia would impact glucagon sensitivity.

Methods

Twenty-nine participants, 19 with type 1 diabetes and 10 healthy controls, underwent a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp with 5-stepwise ascending glucagon injections. Metabolic responses were assessed before and during each glucagon injection.

Results

During the glucagon injections, the series of the incremental area under the curve of plasma glucose concentration did not differ between the groups. However, during the first injection of 10 μg of glucagon, participants with type 1 diabetes produced a higher incremental area under the plasma glucose concentration curve than healthy controls. Plasma concentration of nonesterified fatty acids, glycerol, and metabolites from metabolomic analyses did not differ between the groups. In participants with type 1 diabetes, exposure to hypoglycemia did not impact the metabolic responses induced by glucagon.

Conclusion

Generally, metabolic responses to glucagon stimulation in type 1 diabetes are similar to healthy controls. However, elevated glucose production was observed following the lowest glucagon dose in participants with type 1 diabetes compared with healthy controls, indicating enhanced glucagon sensitivity to low-dose glucagon stimulations.
The Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers in Preterm Infants – A Literature Review
Authors: Bielecka Larysa
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Inflammation in fetuses and newborns, particularly in the population of preterm infants, is associated with increased mortality and adverse health outcomes. It has been shown that the placental transfer of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is limited in very preterm infants. Studies have demonstrated that low levels of PUFAs correlate with the severity of inflammation in infants' bodies. They are also associated with an increased incidence of diseases, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity. One of the beneficial effects of PUFA supplementation is its inhibitory action on inflammatory processes in the body.
Aim of the study
Supplements containing fatty acids are among the most popular complementary health interventions introduced in children.  Considering this potential benefit, we would like to present research studies that describe the relationship between the supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the levels of inflammatory markers in preterm infants.
Materials and MethodsA review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2020-2024 regarding the relationship between the supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the levels of inflammatory markers in preterm infants. Three studies meeting specific selection criteria were identified.
Results
All the studies discussed in our work demonstrate that supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids in preterm infants reduces the levels of inflammatory markers. Research consistently shows that PUFA supplementation lowers IL-6 levels, a cytokine considered a risk factor for sepsis in preterm infants.
Conclusion
Supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids holds potential for modulating inflammatory processes in preterm infants, with efficacy likely influenced by factors such as the specific type of fatty acid used, timing and form of administration, and individual variations in response.
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation for Skin Anti-Aging
Authors: Gliwa Anna , Kurowski Marek , Kuczapska Karolina , Ryglewicz Monika , Fabian Dariusz , Leszczynska-Knaga Elbieta , Jakubczyk Natalia , Rutkowska-Kawalec Weronika , Moczydłowski Paweł , Michhalczuk Karolina
Published: January 2025

In an era of an aging population with the rise of social media, both men and women are paying more and more attention to the healthy appearance of their skin and overall health.
Collagen is an essential component of the structure of the skin.With age, the amount of collagen in the skin decreases, there is a loss of elasticity as a result,wrinkles form and the appearance of the skin deteriorates. On the market there are more and more preparations both in the form of creams and means for oral application.One of the most popular dietary supplements that affect the quality of the skin and with tested bioavailability is hydrolyzed collagen .
One can find many studies showing the positive effects of collagen supplementation on improving the quality and alleviating the visible signs of skin aging. In this review paper, we aim to evaluate the current state of knowledge of the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin quality status. In order to investigate the efficacy and effects of hydrolyzed collagen for the skin, we need both preclinical studies, availability assessments and controlled clinical trials on a wide range of patients.
Overall, it can be concluded that as little as 12 weeks of hydrolyzed fish collagen supplementation improves the quality and appearance of skin in the aging population.Importantly, HC-containing formulations were found to be safe and well-tolerated. However, further large-scale randomized controlled studies taking into account factors such as excipients in the supplements, age range and general lifestyle of the subjects are needed to confirm these results.
Interaction of Growth Pole and Shannon’s Entropy in Banda Aceh City
Authors: Fadhly Noer , Rusdi Muhammad , Bulba Alfa Taras
Published: January 2025

The development of growth poles, urban activity centers, and service centers in Banda Aceh City has impacted the spread, a complex urban phenomenon challenging to measure due to urban sprawl. The increasing need for space in urban areas drives the development of suburban and random areas (urban sprawl). This is evident from the BPS Banda Aceh City data for 2024, where the population increased by 25.61% post-tsunami, affecting the density of each sub-district in Banda Aceh City. Research using Shannon’s Entropy Method and the Gravitational Model is necessary to prevent uneven growth in the city of Banda Aceh. The application of Shannon’s Entropy method in Banda Aceh City from 2010 to 2020 can be seen in the Relative Entropy Matrix, which shows that the linear spread pattern (Quadrant C) is more dominant in the districts of Banda Raya, Baiturrahman, Kuta Raja, Kuta Alam, Lueng Bata, and Syiah Kuala. The urban spread pattern of Banda Aceh tends to move towards the East, largely due to the landform factors that are very suitable for being developed into built-up areas. Meanwhile, the results of the gravity analysis show that the area of interaction with the most substantial interaction value as the growth pole is the interaction between Kuta Alam District and Baiturrahman District, with a value of 190,617,812.346 interactions. The results of identifying the factors influencing the development of urban sprawl, such as the distance to the CBD, the GRDP of Banda Aceh City, changes in land use, housing demand, and the availability of infrastructure facilities in the districts of Banda Aceh City, can be concluded that there is an influence of urban sprawl on the spatial structure and regional patterns in Banda Aceh City.
The Identification of River Flow Capacity using the HEC-RAS 1D Model: Case Study of Sringin River Downstreamdy of the Sringin River Downstream
Authors: Ikhwanudin . , Afifah Risdiana Cholifatul , Husodo Ibnu Toto , Yudaningrum Farida
Published: January 2025

The Sringin is a downstream river located in East Semarang. The Sringin River becomes the channel waste of the East Semarang district area. The  Sringin River bank is surrounded by the Terboyo industrial area and settlement. The flood occurred in both areas, especially at Ngilir village, Genuk subdistrict. It is caused by low-capacity sedimentation channels and buildings occupying the channel body. The study aims to estimate flood discharge during repeat period 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years on Sringin river downstream, analyze the capacity cross-section river, and identify the river water level profile when debit flowed with various period repeat flood. The hydrology calculation showed that flood discharge plans in the repeat period 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years are 12.42; 16.67; 19.81; 30.7; 31.6; 33.22 m 3 /s. At the same time, the flow river capacity is 2.95 m³/s in the upstream section and 15.52 m³/s in the downstream section. Thus, floods occurred in some places when large discharges flowed. In period 2, the water level is about 1.0 to 1.5 meters. In more repeat periods, the level is higher. The conclusion is that the Sringin River cannot flow with perfect discharge, which exceeds its flow capacity.
Transnational family dynamics in Europe: the need for taking the family perspective in migration
Authors: Iversen Sven
Published: January 2025

This article explores how an international network on transnational families, Transnational Family Dynamics in Europe (TraFaDy), which involves some of the authors of this special issue, can try to help deepen knowledge and joint action among different groups of stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations and researchers. It shows the current background that makes a down-to-earth and family-oriented approach to the migration debate very difficult. The societal context includes the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that deeply affected family life, the defensive spirit leading the debate on ‘migration waves’ and, contrary to this, the discussion on the need for skilled workers. The article takes a political and admittedly Western European-based approach to the challenges and opportunities that may arise; in particular, it refers to the recently adopted but still intensely debated new EU Asylum and Migration Pact.
The impact of political-demographic considerations on European attitudes towards parenting and adoption by same-sex couples
Authors: Szalma Ivett , Takács Judit
Published: January 2025

This study investigates attitudes towards the adoption rights and parenting skills of same-sex couples in 25 European countries using data from the European Social Survey and the European Values Study. The aim is to explore how political-demographic processes and various types of pronatalism intersect and shape attitudes towards same-sex parenting issues. Our hierarchical regression analysis reveals that similar social groups generally accept both same-sex adoption rights and parenting skills. Additionally, attitudes towards these issues are influenced by views on immigration and voluntary childlessness, along with macro-level factors like legal regulations, gender inequality and religiosity. The study enhances the understanding of European political-demographic processes and the concept of selective patriotic pronatalism – defined as a preference for the reproduction of certain social groups over others, framed as a national or patriotic duty – by highlighting that various forms of pronatalism can actually impede reproductive empowerment.
The future may have arrived, but engagement with ICTs is not equal among our diverse “net gen” learners
Authors: Wood Denise , Barnes Alan , Vivian Rebecca , Scutter Sheila , Stokes-Thompson Frederick
Published: January 2025

William Gibson (1999) once suggested that “The future has already arrived. It's just not evenly distributed yet”. This paper explores the diversity of student experiences in the use of current and emerging Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and challenges the popular rhetoric, which claims that “net generation” learners entering university are already equipped with skill in the use of a wide range of Web 2.0 applications such as wikis, social networking, blogging, podcasts and 3D gaming. While much has been written about the benefits of these technologies for facilitating learner engagement in activities that foster life long learning skills, much less is known about the diversity of experiences that students have in using such technologies. This paper reports the findings of a study conducted at the University of South Australia (UniSA), which involved surveying undergraduate and graduate students to gain greater insight into students' experiences and engagement using a range of ICTs. Consistent with the findings of Kennedy et al (2007, 2009), our results suggest that that there is much greater diversity in student experiences using these technologies than previously assumed. The findings challenge the assumption that so called “net gen” students are a homogenous group entering universities with pre-existing skills in the use of ICTs and raise important considerations for academics as they adapt their curricula and approaches using current and emerging technologies to engage a student population increasingly diverse in ICT skills.
Transforming assessment in higher education
Authors: Waycott Jenny , Gray Kathleen , Thompson Celia , Sheard Judithe , Clerehan Rosemary , Richardson Joan , Hamilton Margaret
Published: January 2025

Social web technologies, such as blogs, wikis, social networking and photo/video sharing sites, are increasingly being used in innovative learning activities in higher education. While there has been much discussion about the pedagogical rationale for using social web technologies in higher education, there has been little examination of the challenges involved in assessing the work students create or the activities they undertake using these tools. The transformation of academic authoring in a social web environment poses complex and urgent assessment-related challenges for policy-makers and educators alike. In this paper we describe the participatory approach we have taken in a project that aims to identify issues and support good assessment practices when students are asked to use social web technologies in medium to high-stakes assessment. In this paper, we outline the design rationale for the research, and describe the methods used in the three stages of this project: 1) documenting current practice through a nationwide survey and interviews; 2) initiating broad discussion across the sector about the issues raised; and 3) field-testing a draft good practice framework in 17 diverse teaching and learning settings. Our initial findings indicate that there are a range of complex student, teacher and institutional issues to consider. We conclude that bottom-up input from practitioners and students, combined with a policy-driven top-down approach is more likely to succeed in bringing about transformation and supporting good practice in the assessment of students’ social web activities.
Use of Vimeo on-line video sharing services as a reflective tool in higher educational settings
Authors: Sturges Marion , Reyna Jorge
Published: January 2025

Most students attending the School of Education, University of Western Sydney (UWS) have competing schedules due to the combination of work, family and study commitments which makes effective collaboration difficult. Dispersal within the Greater Western Sydney area further encumbers collaboration and this makes students interactions a difficult and demanding task. This is reflected in on-line scenarios, as academics at University of Western Sydney (UWS) note that many students do not contribute to on-line work (blogs, wikis or discussion forums). This could be further attributed to the lack of provision of on-line learning objects such as digital videos that triggers students learning and exploration. In this regard, we identified the potential of using online digital videos embedded in blogs within our e-learning system (Blackboard). Preliminary research was conducted using digital video embedded in blogs and measuring student?s participation. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used as students were asked to respond to on-line discussions and an on-line survey related to the video topic.
The concept was to allow the students the opportunity to reflect on the videos, by learning in a visually appealing and therefore constructive manner. Preliminary data shown the potential of these videos to increase students participation and promote reflective learning and on-line collaboration. Although we identified the need to conduct rigorous research, taking into account content analysis of the discussions, before drawing a firm conclusion, we believe that this strategy has the potential to become a powerful teaching and learning tool that will engage students in the use of e-learning resources within the School of Education at UWS.
New generation of student teachers "Are they really different?"
Authors: So Hyo-Jeong , Choi Hyungshin , Lim Weiying , Xiong Yao
Published: January 2025

During the past decade, both Korean and Singaporean governments have implemented several ICT policies in schools, and the ecology of classrooms was constantly changing with such policy impetus. Therefore, it is possible that the new generation of student teachers, who are the recipients of such policy initiatives, possess personal beliefs and knowledge about teaching and learning with technology, shaped and learned from their extended period of new experiences and observations as school students. However, we question are they really different in terms of their attitude and perspective about teaching and learning with technology? Hence, the purpose of this research is to examine the profile of the first-year student teachers in terms of past experiences, beliefs and attitude. Specifically, we examined the relationships of the following six variables: (1) past ICT experiences, (2) personal computer use, (3) constructivist belief, (4) computer efficacy, (5) attitude toward computer in education, and (6) prospective computer use. Participants include student teachers in the first year of teacher education programs in Korea (N=163) and Singapore (N=55). Survey findings indicate that participants in both countries had fairly negative or neutral ICT experiences in primary schools, while their experiences were better in secondary and post-secondary schools. In Korean data, past ICT experiences were significantly related to computer efficacy, attitude toward computer in education, and prospective use of computer while no significant relationships were found between past ICT experiences and other variables in the Singaporean data. Singaporean student teachers scored higher in all compared variables than Korean student teachers, and significant differences were found in two variables: past experience and attitude toward computer in education. We discuss implications of our findings and directions for future studies.
Technology enhanced learning
Authors: Price Linda , Kirkwood Adrian
Published: January 2025

This paper reports on a UK Higher Education Academy funded project investigating the use of technology to enhance student learning in higher education. It reviews the literature to explore what evidence exists to illustrate that technology enhances learning, and how this evidence changes the practice of teachers in higher education. The contested nature of evidence, and of enhancements in student learning are discussed. The findings indicate that while the use of technology may enhance learning, the evidence supporting these claims is tangential, as is the evidence illustrating changes in the practices of HE teachers.
Shades of Grey
Authors: Oldfield James D. , Slessor Andrew
Published: January 2025

Although the use of games in education is not new, the recent enhancements to game functionality through technology advancements have led to opportunities for significant changes to teaching and learning delivery methods and approaches. Shades of Grey is a technology-driven educational game designed to make learning fun whilst also encouraging collaboration between students and interaction with the instructor. The game makes use of web and mobile technologies to test student comprehension of ethical concepts in a team environment.
This paper reports on a research project that interrogated the effectiveness and impact of the Shades of Grey game on a group of students in an Advanced Management Accounting course. The project tested the students’ understanding of core course concepts before playing the game, and again afterwards. Students’ perceptions of the game were also tested in order to find out whether or not they felt it encouraged them to learn and added benefit to the course.
The Shades of Grey game received very possitive feedback from students who enjoyed the experience, felt they learned from it, and wanted to see games used more frequently in their courses. This project's findings have confirmed that further investment in the game's development will be highly worthwhile; importantly, the game can be repurposed to work in many different courses in different environments and discipline areas, making it a valuable and highly flexible teaching resource.
Minimising the distance, maximising the learning
Authors: Mowbray Lee , Kerr Thomas , Donald Jenny
Published: January 2025

Emerging online technologies are increasingly being evaluated to meet the needs of the expanding group of students who wish to balance education with their career and family commitments. This paper describes the collaboration between Educational Developers at Macquarie University Learning and Teaching Centre and the Department of Biological Sciences, to research effective new technologies to facilitate an improved learning environment for Distance Ed students. We detail the process, from the needs analysis and extensive research of possible solutions, to the ensuing procedure of trialling, demonstration, implementation, training and support. The criteria and steps in testing and trialling the nine possible solutions are described, in addition to the subsequent implementation process of the final solution, Scribblar, a free Web 2.0 online interactive whiteboard.
Technologies to transform assessment
Authors: McNeill Margot , Gosper Maree , Hedberg John
Published: January 2025

Emerging Web 2.0 technologies have frequently been touted as having the potential to transform learning and assessment, with their capacity to capture the processes and not just products of collaboration and creativity. While the literature is optimistic, questions emerge about the impact these tools have had on academic practice and the extent to which they have been able to rise to this challenge of changing assessment strategies and processes in universities.
This paper reports the findings from a survey of unit convenors in an Australian university, which explored how technologies were used to support assessment. The results suggest that while uptake of technologies for assessment may slowly be rising, the uses are frequently limited to assessing students? ability to understand or apply concepts or procedures. The potential of technologies to support assessment of the all-important higher order learning outcomes such as evaluation, creation and metacognition is still largely left untapped. For many of the technologies, the results suggest that rather than transformative tools, their uses are predominantly limited to perpetuating traditional practices.
Virtual tutor support using SMARTHINKING
Authors: McDonell Jennifer , Parkes Mitchell , Tynan Belinda
Published: January 2025

The University of New England (UNE) has been using a virtual tutoring service called SMARTHINKING since 2007. UNE explored the use of a "virtual tutor service" to support distance education students in their academic development; to reduce attrition; and to provide academic support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all students with access to a computer irrespective of geographical location. A cascading selection of units across different disciplinary areas and cohorts of students were targeted for the virtual tutorial support service over 6 semesters to provide rich data. A survey consisting of 20 questions was developed and implemented at the end of each teaching period. Preliminary analysis of data indicates that SMARTHINKING appears to be making a difference to student learning outcomes. However, while uptake tends to be low in all cohorts but where students select to use the service they are positive about its effects.