bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial, Linguistic, and Economic Diversity Across Schools with Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Programs: Evidence from the Los Angeles Unified School District
Authors: Asson Sarah , Frankenberg Erica , Darriet Clémence , Santibañez Lucrecia , Cervantes-Soon Claudia , López Francesca
Published: January 2025

Two-way dual-language immersion (TWDL) programs aim to combine English speakers and speakers of a partner language in the same classroom to receive content instruction in both languages. Stated goals include bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence. In school districts aiming to reduce segregation, TWDL programs also can integrate students from diverse linguistic, racial, and economic backgrounds, although mounting evidence shows that equitable integration does not always happen. Using school-level enrollments and district data on TWDL program growth from 2000 to 2021, this paper describes enrollment and segregation patterns across the Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools with TWDL programs. We find that elementary schools with TWDL programs are enrolling increasing numbers of racially, linguistically, and economically marginalized students and are generally more diverse than schools without TWDL programs, although there appear to be limits on the potential of TWDL programs to foster diversity, especially in a segregated urban context.
Self-Management Practices Among Adults With Diabetes in the United States: An Analysis of the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Nguyen Tran Ha , Barefield Amanda , Chandler Lindsay , De Leo Gianluca
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which adults with diabetes engage in self-management practices to lower their blood glucose levels and determine factors associated with these engagements.

Methods

The study analyzed data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The sample included 1171 adults ages 20 and older with a laboratory A1C level of 6.5% or greater. The statistical analyses used included descriptive, chi-square, and logistic regression.

Results

The study revealed that 36% of participants used insulin, and 28% visited a diabetes specialist yearly. Additionally, 68% took medication to lower blood glucose, and 65% monitored their blood glucose daily. Although 86% checked their A1C level annually, only 14% adhered to a diabetes diet plan. A small percentage of respondents (11%) reported engaging in recreational activities at least 5 days a week. The engagement of American adults with diabetes in self-management practices is associated, to varying extents, with the type of diabetes diagnosis, diabetes status, and social determinants of health in adults with diabetes.

Conclusion

The recommended self-management practices among adults with diabetes in the United States are not fully embraced and are associated with several factors. Study findings also indicated that the numbers of undiagnosed and dated-diagnosed diabetes as prediabetes continue to be a problem.
Racism and racial discrimination in Scottish higher education: The power of storytelling for Nigerians in Scotland
Authors: Osae-Brown Funke
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how the creative power of storytelling through documentary film can contribute to the debate around racism and racial discrimination in Scottish Higher Education using the qualitative approach of filmed interviews with Nigerian migrants studying and working at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Using Critical Race Theory for data analysis, I argue that storytelling provides insights into the lived experiences of Nigerian migrants in Scotland at Scottish HEIs. The data collected for this study shows that they are not being supported or heard enough in schools based on their experiences of racism and racial discrimination and the Equality Act 2010 does not offer adequate protection for them.
Characterization of the Phenotypic Consequences of the Duffy-Null Genotype
Authors: Hysong Micah R , Shuey Megan , Huffman Jennifer E. , Auer Paul L. , Reiner Alexander P. , Raffield Laura M
Published: January 2025

A wealth of research focused on African American populations has connected rs2814778-CC ("Duffy-null") to decreased neutrophil (neutropenia) and leukocyte counts (leukopenia). While it has been proposed that this variant is benign, prior studies have shown that the misinterpretation of Duffy-null associated neutropenia and leukopenia can lead to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies, inequities in cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic treatment courses, under-enrollment in clinical trials, and other disparities. To investigate the phenotypic correlates of Duffy-null status, we conducted a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) across more than 1,400 clinical conditions in All of Us, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Biobank, and the Million Veteran Program. This reveals that Duffy-null status is only reproducibly associated with changes in white blood cell count and not with any disease outcomes. Moreover, we find that Duffy-null associated neutropenia is on average less severe than other neutropenia cases in All of Us. We also show that this genotype is present in considerable frequencies in All of Us populations that are genetically similar to African (68%) and Middle Eastern (14%) 1000Genomes/Human Genetic Diversity Panel (HGDP) reference populations as well as those who identify with more than one race (12%), as Pacific Islander (7%), and as Hispanic (5%). Further, we find that race is not an accurate predictor of Duffy-null status or associated benign neutropenia. Our research suggests that broad genetic screening of rs2814778 across all populations could provide a more robust and accurate understanding of white blood cell count and mitigate resulting health disparities.
Effect of tranexamic acid dissolved in warm, cold, and room-temperature irrigation fluid on complications during and after TURP surgery: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Salehi Masoomeh , Imani Behzad , Zandi Shirdel , Haghiabi Hamed , Souri Somayeh
Published: January 2025

Background

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery, as a common surgical technique for cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, can often lead to various complications during and after the procedure. Among these, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative shivering are highly prevalent. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare three combinations of tranexamic acid (TXA) dissolved in warm, cold, and room-temperature irrigation fluids to determine their greater effectiveness in reducing bleeding and postoperative complications, such as shivering, following TURP.

Methods

This prospective, double-blind clinical trial was conducted from April to November 2023 at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Alashtar, Iran. 100 patients scheduled for TURP were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned into four groups using a four-block and permutation design. The groups were as follows: Intervention Group A (TXA dissolved in cold irrigation fluid), Intervention Group B (TXA dissolved in room-temperature irrigation fluid), Intervention Group C (TXA dissolved in warm irrigation fluid), and the Control Group (room-temperature irrigation without TXA). Intraoperative bleeding was measured using a photometer, hemoglobin levels were assessed with the Cell-Dyn3200 hematology analyzer, and postoperative shivering was evaluated using the Crossley and Mahajan scale.

Results

Postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in Intervention Group A compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Hemoglobin levels decreased significantly over time (P < 0.05), but no significant inter-group differences in hemoglobin changes were observed (P > 0.05). Postoperative shivering was lowest in Intervention Group C and highest in Intervention Group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combining TXA in a cold irrigation fluid potentially reduces intraoperative bleeding, but is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative shivering than the other groups.
Integrating univariate and multivariate stability indices for breeding clime-resilient barley cultivars
Authors: Elakhdar Ammar , El-Naggar Ahmed A. , El-Wakeell Sally , Ahmed Anas H.
Published: January 2025

Studying genetic variability through the phenotypic performance of genotypes is crucial in the breeding program. Therefore, evaluating both yield performance and stability across diverse environments is essential in yield trials to identify high-yield potential and stable cultivars. In this study, we employed 12 univariate and 10 multivariate stability models to analyze how genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) affect the yield performance of 32 barley genotypes across 10 environments. The environmental main effect explained 81.3% of the total variation, compared to 18.6% for genotypes and G × E interaction effects. Using the GGE biplot ‘which-won-where’ polygon, we categorized environments into five groups and genotypes into six groups, identifying eight genotypes with mean grain yield (GY) superior to the overall mean (4.43 tons ha− 1). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between GY and various stability parameters such as linear regression coefficients (bi), Perkins and Jinks’s stability parameters (Bi), environmental variance (Sxi
2) and Tai’s environmental effects (αi), among others, as univariate stability measures. Additionally, nonparametric measures such as Nassar and Huhn’s (SI 6 and SI 3) and Thennarasu’s (NP I (3) and NP I (4)), TOP-rank stability and the yield stability index (YSI), showed significant correlations with GY. Both univariate and multivariate stability models highlighted genotypes G32, G1, and G27 as the most stable, exhibiting minimal yield variation across environments. Furthermore, G15, followed by G13, G7, and G9, demonstrated high stability based on multivariate measures. Accordingly, it might be safe to utilize the stability parameters of different groups concerning static and dynamic concepts of stability to avoid the possibility of estimating the same concept of stability. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing a combination of univariate and multivariate stability models to assess genotype stability comprehensively and select “ideal genotypes” that offer both high yield potential and stability.
Effect of ultrasonically-activated irrigation protocols used for regenerative endodontics on removal of dual species biofilm in a three-dimensionally printed tooth model: in vitro study
Authors: Mustafa Saeed , Meheissen Marwa A. , Moussa Sybel , ElBackly Rania
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Eradication of residual biofilm from root canal dentine is critical for the success of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs).

The aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of ultrasonically activated irrigants in concentrations used for REPs for removal of dual-species biofilm from three-dimensionally printed tooth models with attached dentine samples.

Methodology

Seventy-two three-dimensionally printed teeth models were fabricated with a standardized slot in the apical third of the root to ensure a precise fit with a human root dentine specimen. Dual-species biofilms (comprising Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans) were cultivated in the root canal for a period of three weeks. Models with dentine specimens were randomly assigned into 5 groups according to the irrigation protocol; G1(dis H2O): infected root canals irrigated with distilled water to serve as controls; G2(1.5% NaOCl): 1.5% NaOCl for five minutes; G3(1.5% NaOCl + PUI): 1.5% NaOCl + passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) for 30 s; G4(3% NaOCl): 3% NaOCl for five minutes; G5(3% NaOCl + PUI): 3% NaOCl + PUI for 30 s. Bacterial reduction was determined by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting (n = 12/G), whilst biofilms were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy in additional samples.

Results

The four experimental groups showed a significant reduction in CFU counts compared to the control group (p < 0.05). When compared with (dis H2O), the highest reduction in bacterial count was obtained in G5 (3% NaOCl + PUI) followed by G4 (3% NaOCl), then G3 (1.5% NaOCl + PUI), and finally G2 (1.5% NaOCl).

Conclusion

Results of the current study propose that a 3D-printed mature tooth model can be effectively used to analyze the antimicrobial effects of different irrigation protocols on dual-species biofilm. The use of NaOCl in concentrations used for regenerative endodontics can effectively remove bacterial biofilms. Furthermore, the use of PUI did not significantly enhance antibacterial effects of NaOCl.
Enhancing growing rabbit heat stress resilience through dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants
Authors: El-Ratel Ibrahim Talat , Mekawy Aml , Hassab Sara H.M. , Abdelnour Sameh
Published: January 2025

Animal husbandry development is influenced by various factors, with heat stress (HS) being a significant factor. The aim of this experiment was to explore the potential of natural antioxidants such as vitamin C (VITC), vitamin E (VITE), lycopene (LYC), and allicin (AL) in enhancing growth, immune function and maintaining the redox status of fattening rabbits under HS. Male weaning rabbits (n = 150, 5 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or supplemented with 40 mg of vitamin E (VE40), 5 mg of vitamin C (VC5), 150 mg of lycopene (LYC150), or 150 mg of allicin (AL150) per kg of diet, respectively, under summer Egyptian conditions. The overall temperature humidity index (THI) value was 29.76, indicating severe HS during the experimental period. The findings indicated that all dietary supplemented groups showed significant improvements in live body weight at 8 weeks (P < 0.0001) and 11 weeks (P < 0.05) of age compared to the control group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with all additives (P < 0.05), while feed intake and carcass traits were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). The AL group had the highest dressing percentage compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Feeding stressed rabbits with antioxidant supplements resulted in a higher hemoglobin concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Aspartate transaminase (AST), triglycerides, and creatinine levels were decreased with all additives as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Total protein and albumin were significantly higher in AL group than in other groups (P < 0.05). The serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was significantly increased, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were decreased by all feed additives (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) did not differ among all experimental groups (P > 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels were higher in all supplement groups compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). All dietary supplements significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues and blood serum compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Collectively, allicin emerged as a potent shield against heat stress, bettering lycopene and vitamins E and C in safeguarding the well-being of growing rabbits.
Shorter telomere length in COPD cases secondary to biomass-burning smoke exposure
Authors: Domínguez-de-Barros Angélica , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Gajate-Arenas Malena , Hernández-Zenteno Rafael , García-Carmona Salvador , Robles-Hernández Robinson , Ramírez-Díaz María E. , Cruz-Vicente Filiberto , Martínez-Gómez María L. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Córdoba-Lanús Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction and destruction of lung tissue, primarily attributed to tobacco smoking. However, other factors like biomass-burning smoke (BS) exposure are also implicated. COPD has been described as an accelerated aging disease, and telomere length is a biomarker of aging.

Methods

This study examined telomere length in 189 Mexican individuals, from which 93 developed COPD secondary to BS exposure (BE-COPD); the rest of the participants were exposed to BS but did not develop the disease. Lung function parameters were measured by spirometry, and relative telomere length (rTL) from peripheral blood DNA was determined using multiplex qPCR.

Results

Results showed rTL to inversely correlate with age (R2=-0.207, p = 0.006) and with the hours-a-day of BS exposure (R2=-0.297, p < 0.001). Within BE-COPD cases, rTL was associated with daily BS exposure, and BE-COPD individuals exhibited a reduced rTL compared to controls (1.39 ± 0.45 vs. 0.89 ± 0.50; p < 0.001). When compared by rTL length in BE-COPD cases, longer telomeres were associated with decreased COPD risk (β = 0.134, 95% CI = 0.053–0.339; p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between rTL and clinical or lung function parameters in the BE-COPD group.

Conclusions

This is the first study to document that individuals with COPD secondary to biomass smoke exposure present shorter telomeres than BS-exposed subjects who did not develop the disease.
Nucleotide sequence variants, gene expression and serum profile of immune and antioxidant markers associated with brucellosis resistance/susceptibility in Shami goat
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed A. , Sallam Ahmed M.
Published: January 2025

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic bacterial disease. It has considerable negative consequences on the animal production industry worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic and molecular variations in Shami goat susceptible to Brucella infection. Blood samples were collected from fifty mature Shami goats (30 Brucella-infected does and 20 non-infection). DNA was extracted and selected parts the immunity; solute carrier family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1), toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), SP110 nuclear body protein (SP110), the adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3), caspase activating recruitment domain 15 (CARD15) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and erythritol related transketolase (TKT), ribose 5-phosphate isomerase (RPIA) and Adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD) genes were sequenced. Likewise, the levels of gene expressions were investigated. The results identified polymorphic variants between healthy and infected does. Levels of gene expression of SLC11A1, TLR1, TLR9, SP110, ADORA3, CARD15, IRF3, HMOX1, TKT, RPIA and AMPD were significantly (P < 0.05) up regulated in the infected compared to the non-infected ones. On the other hand, GPX1, NOS, NQO1 and Nrf2 genes were significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the infected compared to the non-infected does. The results of serum profile indicated that there is a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activities of AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, ALP as well as serum level of globulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, MDA, NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, IgM, IgG, haptoglobin and amyloid A. On the other hand, there were significant reductions in the glucose, total protein albumin, urea, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, iron, TAC, GSH, SOD, GPx, IL-10 and fibrinogen in the infected compared to the non-infected does. Our results provide valuable information about the serum profile variations and putative genetic markers for Brucella infection in goats. This could be utilized in controlling goat brucellosis through selective breeding of natural resistant animals.
Review of sustainable temporary housing and reuse strategy for post-disaster architectures: current trends and strategic gaps
Authors: Kahvecioğlu Berkan , Selçuk Semra Arslan
Published: January 2025

Sustainable temporary architecture after a disaster includes temporary buildings designed to meet the emergency housing needs of disaster victims. This approach minimizes the use of waste and natural resources, reduces the environmental impact, and assumes an important responsibility to maintain the long-term ecological balance. Within the scope of this research, comprehensive and systematic results are presented by analyzing disaster issues with the “reuse” strategy, which has started to be frequently encountered in the current literature. The studies were scanned in the Web of Science and Scopus databases under the heading “Title/Abstract/Keywords,” and the data were analyzed in detail. The findings indicate research trends in the literature and gaps for future research. The results highlight the innovative approach for sustainable post-disaster temporary architecture in the context of reuse strategies and present the field’s challenges, limitations, and opportunities. This study is expected to help researchers, practitioners, experts, and politicians understand the evolutionary implications of disaster reuse strategies and develop other theoretical and practical initiatives that can be applied in this field.
Gaming Technologies As a Means of Career Guidance Work with Schoolchildren
Authors: Bezrodnaya Ekaterina , Shimlina Inna
Published: January 2025

The article discusses gaming technologies as a means of career guidance in school; features of the implementation of the board game, the concept of career guidance work, gaming technologies are identified, characteristics of the forms of career guidance are given, the work presents a game developed by the authors for schoolchildren, aimed at choosing a profession.
Pressure Drop Analysis of Turbine Housing Model with Circular Sliced Pipe for Micro Hydropower Generation
Authors: Abduh Moh , Orfa Lourina Evanale , Sulianto Sulianto , Iqbal Khairul
Published: January 2025

Energy independence is a government program aiming to meet society's energy needs evenly. Steps to increase energy independence in the new and renewable energy sector include hydro-energy generation. One of the important components of a hydro generator is the penstock pipe and turbine housing, which channels water and then pushes and drives (spins) the turbine with the flow of water to produce electrical energy. The turbine housing flow design innovation must provide a function as an optimal fluid conductor by minimizing the resistance that occurs when fluid flows towards the turbine housing and rotates the turbine optimally. The scope of this research includes analysis of the phenomenon of energy loss flowing in circular pipe slices in hydroelectric power plant turbine housings with influencing factors such as friction, turbulence, and flow resistance, as well as measuring the pressure drop in circular pipe slices. The model developed is a circular slice bend with angles of 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees, and 450 degrees, taking into account the optimal curvature ratio (R/D) of 3.5. Based on previous research, 90-degree wedge bends with many slices (n_(90-degree)) 4 to 6 or  4 and pressure drop coefficient (C_(pd-th)) obtained 180-degree (0.333 – 0.200), 270-degree (0.445 – 0.277), 360-degree (0.527¬ – 0.339), 450-degree (0.587 – 0.390) with a bend length L, an elevation reduction angle  and a 1.5D upstream-downstream elevation difference to avoid contact between the upstream and downstream bends. The results obtained from this research are the slice modules that can be used and the resistance coefficient values that arise from the slice modules. The more slices selected according to the angle of inclination chosen, the smoother the resulting circular bend shape and the lower the resistance value, but the work will be more difficult. The most optimal slice module is the number of slices that allow its implementation, and the resistance coefficient is small. By knowing the optimal resistance coefficient value, the resulting pressure drop can be predicted to maximize the thrust to rotate the turbine.
Recycling of Disposable Face Mask: Experimental Studies on Different Types of Polymer Mixture
Authors: Widiastuti Indah , Wijayanto Danar Susilo , Nabila Urfan
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impacts on the environment since the use of disposable face masks leads to the accumulation of plastic waste. In this study, a two-step extrusion and injection molding was performed to manufacture polymer blends consisting of 80% used face mask and 20% fraction of one of these recycled polymer mixtures: polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and PET. ASTM D256 standard was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the resulting polymer blend materials, while the physical performance was assessed by analyzing the shrinkage. It was found that adding other polymeric mixtures could not enhance the mechanical properties of pure disposable face masks, as measured by the impact strength. However, incorporating the recycled polymer into the face mask mixture is revealed to decrease shrinkage. Observation of the morphology surface of the fracture impact specimen using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) confirmed the less miscibility within the recycled polymer/face mask. The blend, which contains recycled PET, showed the lowest percentage of shrinkage. Taking advantage of its recyclability characteristic, this current work may provide an alternative approach for using the disposable face mask in low load-bearing applications.
Microplastics in Landfill Environments: Distribution, Characteristics, and Risks from Gampong Jawa, Indonesia
Authors: Silvia Ika , Saiful Saiful , Ichwana Ichwana
Published: January 2025

Landfills are generally considered the ultimate solution for waste management. However, the degradation process of plastic waste in landfills causes the release of microplastic particles into the surrounding environment and threatens human health. The distribution and properties of microplastics in four environment matrices, soil, leachate, river water, and well water surrounding the landfill, are examined in this study. Sampling was conducted at the inflow and outflow areas of the leachate ponds., The soil at the top (0–5 cm) and bottom (5–20 cm), upstream and downstream surface water adjacent to the landfill, and community wells within a radius of fewer than 700 meters from the landfill. Microplastic analysis used a gradual extraction method with saturated NaCl for density separation, 30% hydrogen peroxide for organic matter degradation, and 0.05 M FeSO4 as a catalyst. Physical character identification of microplastics using a microscope showed microplastic contamination at all study sites. The results showed an abundance of microplastics was found in well water samples (808 to 979 items/L), leachate (209 to 757 items/L), surface water (6.29 to 7.2 items/L), and soil (23,340 to 23,420 items/kg). Types of microplastics found consist of fragments, fibers, films, pellets, foam, and rods. The size of microplastics found ranged from 1.897 µm to 1,642.79 µm. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy examination identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic compounds in soil and leachate materials. The high concentration of microplastics in well water indicates potential groundwater contamination from landfill activities that may impact the surrounding community. This study provides preliminary insights into how landfills may contribute to environmental microplastic contamination. It paves the way for further research to develop mitigation strategies.
Youth volunteering in Greece: patterns of inequality in different types of volunteer organisations
Authors: Kalogeraki Stefania
Published: January 2025

Volunteering is particularly important for young people as it is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes. Despite the importance of volunteering for young people, there are relatively few empirical studies analysing possible patterns of inequality. The example of Greece is particularly interesting for the study of youth volunteering, as the Greek civil society sector was recently revitalised in the context of the recession and migrant crisis, with numerous volunteers supporting people in need. The article uses data from the EU-funded project EURYKA and applies an integrated theoretical approach of resource theory and the dominant status model to examine socio-economic inequalities in the volunteering of Greek young adults (18–34 years) in different types of volunteer organisations. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering the different types of volunteer organisations in related studies to understand potential patterns of inequality in youth volunteering.
Conceptualising social networking capabilities
Authors: Voigt Christian , Barker Sandra , King Sharron , Macfarlane Kit , Sawyer Tim , Scutter Sheila
Published: January 2025

The following paper discusses the implications of introducing social networking into a university teaching environment and suggests that further understanding and investigation into the role technology plays in such an environment is needed. In examining in-class technologies such as Clickers, online teaching tools such as Centra and Moodle and social networking sites such as Facebook, the paper considers the benefits for teachers and students, as well as examining the drawbacks that may need to be addressed for successful implementation in relation to learning outcomes. After discussing the growth of networking in an educational setting, the paper presents four major aspects that describe the working of networks, and then applies this discussion to specific examples of Facebook and Clickers. While the move towards technological implementation is supported, it is emphasised here that it cannot be done without in- depth examination of the position of both teachers and students in relation to technological innovation in the classroom.
Redundancy effect in multimedia learning
Authors: Toh Seong Chong , Munassar Waddah Ahmed Saleh , Yahaya Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan
Published: January 2025

The generally accepted assumption by most multimedia researchers is that learning is inhibited when on-screen text and narration containing the same information is presented simultaneously, rather than on-screen text or narration alone. This is known as the verbal redundancy effect. Are there situations where the reverse is true? This research was designed to investigate the reverse redundancy effect for non-native English speakers learning English reading comprehension, where two instructional modes were used - the redundant mode and the modality mode. In the redundant mode, static pictures and audio narration were presented with synchronized redundant on-screen text. In the modality mode, only static pictures and audio were presented. In both modes, learners were allowed to control the pacing of the lessons. Participants were 209 Yemeni learners in their first year of tertiary education. Examination of text comprehension scores indicated that those learners who were exposed to the redundancy mode performed significantly better than learners in the modality mode. They were also significantly more motivated than their counterparts in the modality mode. This finding has added an important modification to the redundancy effect. That is the reverse redundancy effect is true for multimedia learning of English as a foreign language for students where textual information was foreign to them. In such situations, the redundant synchronized on-screen text did not impede learning; rather it reduced the cognitive load and thereby enhanced learning.
Publishing and perishing
Authors: Reeves Thomas C. , McKenney Susan , Herrington Jan
Published: January 2025

The outcomes of educational systems continue to lag far behind expectations at all levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Meanwhile, the sheer amount of educational research published in refereed journals has expanded enormously. There is an obvious disconnect between the educational research papers published in professional journals or presented at academic conferences and any form of beneficial impact on the students, teachers, and other stakeholders in educational systems. This problem can be traced back to those professors and research supervisors engaged in the preparation of educational researchers who fail to convey to novice researchers important distinctions between the goals and methods of educational research. Educational design research provides a possibly viable alternative to educational research as it is commonly conducted in the field of educational technology. Educational design research has the twin objectives of the developing creative approaches to solving human teaching, learning, and performance problems while at the same time constructing a body of design principles that can guide future development efforts. The time for greater uptake of educational design research is now.
Designing, adapting and integrating e-portfolio technology as an assessment tool into the curriculum of an internship program
Authors: Parker Amanda
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a critically reflective evaluation of the pilot implementation of the Mahara e-portfolio system into the curriculum of an Internship Program at a Macquarie University in Sydney. Currently, at the half-way point of the pilot, the e-portfolio pilot project team is presented with the opportunity to evaluate their progress and make improvements in response to issues that have been identified for the following semester. Feedback was gathered from each of Brookfield’s four lenses using tools including a reflective journal, online student feedback survey, consultation with colleagues and a review of the literature to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Mahara e-portfolio in semester one, 2010. This investigation will form the first cycle of an action research process, where results from critical reflections in semester one will inform the next action research cycle to be undertaken during semester two, 2010. Implications for the Mahara e-portfolio trial in semester two include improvements to student feedback methods and usability, increased level of training and support and an enhanced blog and forum. These results suggest that in evaluating the effectiveness of the e-portfolio, as with any new curriculum innovation, it is important to focus on how the tool can support and enhance learning.
Constructionist principles in online teacher professional development
Authors: Ostashewski Nathaniel , Moisey Susan , Reid Doug
Published: January 2025

This report explores the first iteration of a teacher professional development Courselet grounded in constructionist theory and activities. A design-based research approach guided this continuing examination of online teacher professional development (oTPD) activities within an educator social networking site. The topic of the oTPD was “Robotics and Hands-on Learning in the Classroom” for teachers interested in integrating constructionist LEGO robotics-based pedagogies. The Courselet engaged teachers in just- in-time, ongoing TPD utilizing Web 2.0 tools. Key findings of the first delivery of the oTPD Courselet point to flexible access, sharing of resources, teacher discussions, and support for constructionist pedagogical activities as the PD value for participants.
Findings support the potential for an ongoing online community of practice around classroom robotics. The approach taken in this oTPD Courselet continues to inform a model of oTPD delivery within a social networking enabled environment. Further research is needed to determine the transfer of oTPD to classroom practice.
Using an educational game to learn
Authors: Ng Eugenia M. W.
Published: January 2025

This article discusses an exploratory study that aimed to examine the gender differences between female and male student teachers who played an educational game to learn programming concepts. In this study, we adopted a self-made educational game called “Simulator”. Eighteen females and fifteen males have finished playing a level of the Simulator. Female participants spent more time in the Simulator but their scores were lower. The findings call for larger and longer research studies and perhaps a re-design of the Simulator to make it more appealing to females when using an educational game to learn programming.
Animated storytelling about “My Special Place” to represent non-Aboriginal preservice teachers’ awareness of “relatedness to country”
Authors: McKnight Anthony , Hoban Garry , Nielsen Wendy
Published: January 2025

In this study, a group (N=15) of final year non-Aboriginal preservice teachers participated in an elective subject that aimed to raise their awareness about Aboriginal ways of knowing. A vital aspect of the course was developing the preservice teachers‘ awareness of 'relatedness to country' which is a key belief for Aboriginal people. The non-Aboriginal preservice teachers selected their own special place and then experienced Aboriginal ways of knowing throughout the course and visited local Aboriginal sites to hear and listen to stories shared by an Aboriginal Elder. At the end of the subject, the preservice teachers created their own animated story about their special place. The animation approach used is called 'Slowmation' (abbreviated from 'Slow Animation') which is a narrated stop-motion animation that is played slowly, at 2 photos/second, to tell a story. It is a simplified way for preservice teachers to make animations that integrates aspects of claymation, digital storytelling and object animation. To research this approach the preservice teachers were interviewed at the beginning and end of the course as well as submitting their animation for assessment. Data collected revealed that all the preservice teachers were able to make an animated story explaining their relationship to their 'special place‘ and most developed a deeper understanding of what a relational approach to country means. Getting the preservice teachers to make animated stories helped them to reflect upon their special place and was a creative way to develop their awareness of cultural diversity especially about Aboriginal ways of knowing.
Academic involvement with the LMS
Authors: Clark Ken , Beer Colin , Jones David
Published: January 2025

There is growing interest in the use of academic analytics however most of the reported work is being done at the level of institutions, and groupings of courses within those institutions. This study is an exploratory case study aimed at analyzing an academics' involvement with the Learning Management System, the student?s involvement with the LMS, and the links between the LMS, the academic, and the students.
Nurturing preservice teachers’ understanding of technology-enhanced pedagogy through reflection
Authors: Gao Ping , Tan Seng Chee , Wong Angela F.L. , Choy Doris , Wang Longlong
Published: January 2025

This paper reports the preliminary qualitative findings of the first-year phase from a two- year study, in which we aimed to investigate: 1) the preservice teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and use of Information Technology (ICT) for classroom teaching and learning, and 2) their learning from reflection upon their use of ICT throughout their two-year initial preparation program. The major first-year findings showed that all the 14 participants demonstrated a gain in ICT knowledge and skills and register positive changes in their beliefs in and attitudes toward using ICT for classroom teaching and learning. Their use of ICT, however, varied greatly from using ICT as a presentation tool to support their instruction to engaging their students in using ICT to work on the authentic tasks. The participants’ reflection reinforced their perceptions of using ICT for classroom teaching and learning. The recommendations for engaging preservice teachers in reflection are discussed.
Providing timely assignment feedback to large online student cohorts
Authors: Fleckhammer Lorraine , Wise Lisa
Published: January 2025

The strong market demand for psychology to be taught online has seen a rapid growth in enrolments in psychology units delivered by Open Universities Australia. Students studying in the online environment have expectations of a fast turnaround of their assignments along with an individual critique of their work. Such expectations can prove difficult to fulfill and the challenge will only be exacerbated as student numbers increase. This paper outlines four different models of assignment marking, adopted in an online Introductory Psychology unit with a high student enrolment and a correspondingly large teaching team. The first model of assignment marking focused on transitioning experienced on-campus teaching staff to the online environment. Subsequent models aimed to reduce inefficiencies in the assignment marking process, without a reduction in pedagogical effectiveness. The current model (Model 4) no longer includes the time- consuming process of annotating student?s assignments with embedded comments. This change, while originally motivated purely by efficiency and budgetary constraints, has proved to be pedagogically effective. The faster return of grades accompanied by a brief individual comment on the overall quality of the work (rather than more extensive comments embedded as annotations within the assignment document) meets student expectations with respect to feedback, and when used in conjunction with more focused 'feedforward' through use of tutor teams and stronger tutor-student relationships, appears to provide a more effective teaching and learning outcome.
Photo-imaging and tagging the act of studying
Authors: Enriquez Judith Guevarra
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to explore the study practices and places of learning as tagged and pictured in flickr.com. Digital imaging technologies and the Internet have recently expanded options for sharing text, photos, music and videos. Personal photography through the popular image-sharing site, flickr.com, allows this study to engage with the visible materials and visual orientation and representation of the act of studying. How is studying done becomes the focus to visualize the socio-technical relations that order university settings and literacy practices with photos tagged as studying in Flickr. Photo- imaging and tagging come together in ways that reveal how individuals represent themselves in self-portraits captured or pictured in the act of studying – which includes reading, writing, sitting; and in particular study places or spaces – in bedrooms, libraries, cafes and outdoors. It is informed by photographs taken and uploaded in Flickr. Photos assigned with the tag 'studying' and 'self' were analysed. Only 94 of the total 181 resulting items were considered for this paper. Additional tags that were associated to photos tagged as studying were searched further. The paper concludes with a discussion on how study practices pictured through Flickr remains to be centered around reading textbooks, writing notes and highlighting text, and seated at desks or tables where things could be spread out and not necessarily with a computer or a laptop or any other portable device in the 'photo-framed' self-portrait of studying in Flickr.
Improving marking of live performances involving multiple markers
Authors: Wren Julia , Campbell Alistair , Heyworth John , Bartlett Rachel
Published: January 2025

Assessment in the arts can be challenging. The problems associated with assessing student performances are that judgements are complex and even more so when they involve multiple markers (Campbell, 2005). It can be difficult to ensure assessment is fair, valid and reliable and that students are provided with clear feedback that is meaningful to them. This paper describes the development and trialling of an innovative, technology supported tool, designed to improve the confidence, efficiency and effectives of student performance- based assessment in arts education.
This project is a work in progress and early trials of the Internet based digital computer technology tool suggest that it reduces tutor anxiety, increases markers' confidence, improves the management of assessment and record keeping, facilitates easy and quick moderation, and provides explicit feedback to students to enhance ongoing learning. The perception by stakeholders is that this assessment is far more accessible and easy to use than previous methods.
The project was implemented in a Bachelor of Education course, with 170 third year pre-service teacher students. The performances were an end of semester assessment where groups of students were simultaneously assessed on short creative performances by each of their three tutors. Initial assessment was conducted online during the live performances and also online for one week afterwards, where tutors were able to review video clips of each performance and discuss marks via a confidential online tutor 'chat box'. The marked electronics rubrics with the video clips and tutor comments were emailed as pdf documents to students. The students' responses have been overwhelmingly positive. They have a preference for electronic assessment as this enables them to review and engage with their assessment multiple times. They felt that having the video clip of their performance side by side with the assessment clearly demonstrated learning.
Quantifying the benefits of narrated screen capture videos
Authors: Walker Lyndon
Published: January 2025

This article provides a quantitative analysis of student results for an Excel-based statistics assignment in a first year statistics course, before and after the implementation of narrated screen capture teaching videos as the primary method of teaching the statistical functions of Excel in the course. It describes the production of the videos and then examines how student performance changed after their implementation. A two-sample t-test found a significant difference between the mean assignment mark before and after the implementation of the videos. This was followed up with a multiple regression model which controlled for other factors that may have influenced the assignment marks. Once these factors were controlled for, the implementation of the videos still showed a positive effect on the assignment marks of the students.
Supporting beginning teachers’ case–based learning in a technology-mediated learning environment
Authors: Quek Choon Lang Gwendoline , Wang Qiyun
Published: January 2025

The current challenge faced by most beginning teachers is the disparity between the theories of classroom management exposed to in pre-service, and the practices in complex and ill-structured classroom situations. Such a theory-practice gap has led to the need to re-examine the existing instructional approach used in teacher learning and helping them develop deep understanding and meaningful learning for teachers. This proposed study explores case-based learning and related areas, beginning teachers’ case- based learning for self-analysis, discussion and reflection. It also explores how technology can be used to support teachers’ case-based learning. The affordances of technology and design of technology-mediated learning environment will also be presented.
Managing the transition from the classroom to the workplace
Authors: Cord Bonnie , Clements Mike
Published: January 2025

Industry is increasingly demanding graduates that are work ready. Preparing students that are not only technically competent but that also display the necessary soft skills for industry, presents a challenge for higher education. Experiential learning programs can offer students the opportunity to develop these skills and practice discipline knowledge, however for program sustainability higher education must meet the needs of its key stakeholders. This paper presents an intensive internship program that aims to supportively transition students into industry, while focusing on key stakeholder engagement. A beyond duty of care approach is presented through the design, structure and application of the program with emphasis on the student and industry partner.