bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of Universe - Sat Raj Tam In Sankhya Yog are Causal Body Subtle Body and Gross Body, Each With 5 Elements - Review
Authors: Aarti Shukla  , Gaurav Shukla
Published: June 2022

Does Universe has a creator? There are two schools of thought, yes (Aastik), no (Nastik). This Aastik and Nastik form a view point called Darshan (philosophy). Aastik Darshan Shastra (6) are a key to creation of universe by creator. Learning about the creator and its properties-Guna lead to the development of the universe. Each Darshan had different way of looking resulting into diversity of thought as well as confusion. Yog professes only one Guna. Sankhya says 3 (Sat, Raj and Tam), Vaisheshik says 24 Guna and Nyaaya says 16 Guna, Mimansa is application of Guna (development of subjects like Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda and Arthashastra) and Vedant says everything is a Guna. Sankhya Darshan professes how many are holding the universe and its reasons of approach - Why? This gives the theory of Sat being causal body or Kaaran Sharir, Raj being Sukshma Sharir or subtle body and Tam being Sthool Sharir or gross body and each body is with 5 elements as स(ष) त म र ज. These three Guna of divine were often misunderstood or misinterpreted. One area of the application of Darshan leads to the development of Ayurveda. A logical structure is presented in the form of 3 Sharir represented by Sat, Raj and Tam professed by Sankhya Darshan and its application to Ayurveda. The study endeavours at the application of Sankhya yog on Ayurveda and opens the doors for further study in relation to Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda and Arthashastra.
INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES ON QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Mwaniki Wilson , Ogola Martin , Nyerere Jackline
Published: June 2022

Statement of the Research Problem: Instructional resources play an important role in supplementing teachers’ classroom pedagogy and thus realization of quality education in public secondary schools. However, in Murang’a County, many public secondary schools registering a low quality of education.  

Purpose of the Study: This study aimed at assessing the influence of instructional resources on quality of education in public secondary schools in Murang’a County, Kenya.

Methodology: The study adopted a correlation research design. This study targeted 292 principals and 3206 teachers totaling 3498 from which a sample of 360 respondents (10.3%) was determined using Yamane’s Formula. Using stratified sampling, eight strata considering sub-counties were created. From every sub-county, three principals were selected using purposive sampling. However, from each sub-county, 42 teachers (14 teachers per school) were selected using simple random sampling to avoid bias. Questionnaires were used to gather information from principals and teachers whereas a documentary checklist guide was used by the researcher. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) and presented by using tables.

Research Findings: The study established that students’ academic performance in national examinations (KCSE) is low, students’ completion rates with quality grades (C+ and above) are on a decreasing trend and levels and frequency of participation in co-curricular activities are low. From the study, despite the efforts by the government and other stakeholders in secondary education, levels of provision of instructional resources, facilities and teaching staff are still low, which has compromised the quality of secondary education.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study affirms the theoretical perspectives of the Education Production Function Theory since it revealed that there is a correlation between instruction resources and quality of education. Thus, as a practice, teachers should constantly utilize variety of instructional resources owing to their contribution to the quality of teaching offered to students. As a policy, the government should enforce full implementation of adequate provision of instructional resources as a solution to low levels of educational quality in public secondary schools.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE MENINGOKOCCAL POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS IN THE PREVACCINAL PERIOD
Authors: Kharkhal H. N. , Titov L. P.
Published: June 2022

Meningococci circulating among the population of the Republic of Belarus during the observed pre-vaccination interepidemic period (2006–2019) is characterized by dynamism. A change in the serogroup structure was noted with a decrease of meningococci serogroup A and non-grouped strains; an increase of meningococci serogroups B and Z. Elimination of MenE and the emergence of MenW were observed. “Belarusian” meningococci are part of 13 known clonal complexes. CC-103 is represented by endemic ST and is associated with MenB and MenW; CC-41/44 evenly included serogroups B and C. CC-11 is responsible for the outbreak of meningococcal infection in 2016-2018 caused

by ST-11 MenW. CC-18 was characterized by the proliferation of serogroups B and C. Clonal complexes CC-53, CC-174 and CC-1136 represented by various meningococcal serogroups in the world population were associated in the territory of Belarus with MenB, MenC and MenA respectively. Among the ST CC-103 and CC-41/44 registered in the world, “Belarusian” meningococci are phylogenetically represented as a separate cluster.
Urinary Tract Infection and Its Risk Factors in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Akram Jehanzeb , Aslam Muhammad Hammad Ur Rehman , Ain Qurat Ul , Khan Tayyab Mumtaz , Mumtaz Madeeha , Bibi Somia
Published: June 2022

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common health issue all over the world and several factors predispose the people to urinary tract infection.

Objective: The study aimed at determining the incidence of Urinary tract infection and factors associated with it.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 205 patients in a tertiary care hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Simple convenient sampling and an established inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to select the participants. After obtaining the informed consent from all participants, data was acquired via a self-designed proforma. Data analysis was carried out through SPSS version 25. Chi square test was applied to check the association between urinary tract infection and predisposing factors. The p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: The incidence of urinary tract infection was 12.68%. Urinary tract infection was significantly associated age group (p=0.003), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.004), educational status (p=0.0001), socioeconomic status (p=0.005), previous history of UTI (p=0.0002), family history of UTI (p=0.0004), history of stone in urinary tract (p=0.003), history of recent use of antibiotics (p=0.04), history of catheterization (p=0.001), hygienic condition of external genitalia (p=0.0005), frequency of intercourse (p=0.04),  history of diabetes mellitus (p=0.002), and hydration status (p=0.0007), whereas, association of urinary tract infection with holding urine was insignificant (p=0.05).

Conclusion: The incidence of urinary tract infection was high among research population. Risk factors that could lead to UTI were young age, female gender, married marital status, lower educational status, lower socioeconomic status, previous history of UTI, family history of UTI, history of stone in urinary tract, history of recent use of antibiotics, history of catheterization, poor hygienic condition of external genitalia, high frequency of intercourse, history of diabetes mellitus, and dehydration.

Recommendations: People should be educated about the UTI and its causes and prevention. People should also take special care when they are on antibiotics or when they are diabetics, to prevent UTI. People should maintain hygiene when they are catheterized and during intercourse. People should stay hydrated.
Demanding Supply or Supplying Demand? An Analysis of ASEAN Economic Community-Building (1977-2015)
Authors: P. Katigbak Jovito Jose
Published: June 2022

This paper reviews ASEAN’s initiative of realizing economic integration and opens the discussion on the probability of its success using a theoretical lens espoused by Walter Mattli in his book The Logic of Regional Integration: Europe and Beyond. Due to the dichotomous nature of the traditional theoretical approaches, this study utilizes Mattli’s demand-supply approach to reconcile the role played by market factors and politics, specifically actors and institutions, for seeking deeper integration. Mattli contends that the demand condition is mainly supported by market players and big businesses with larger economic interests while the supply condition is provided by an ‘undisputed leader’ and “commitment institutions”. He underscored that the combination of these two sets of conditions will mainly contribute to a successful regional integration process. However, this paper argues that ASEAN’s inability to satisfy both conditions does not automatically translate to the region’s eventual failure in seeking deeper levels of integration.
EDUCAÇÃO EM CONTEXTO: ESTILOS DE APRENDIZAGEM E USO DAS TECNOLOGIAS
Authors: Lichtenfels Elisiane , Silva Iego Assis da , Alves Guimarães Ueudison
Published: June 2022

A teoria proposta de estilos e modelos de aprendizagem visa compreender os fatores que influenciam a aprendizagem, os meios para facilitar a aprendizagem e as formas preferidas pelas quais os alunos processam a informação e aplicam a aprendizagem. A pesquisa sobre estilos de aprendizagem mostra como os alunos aprendem, quais são as técnicas e alternativas de ensino mais eficazes e como os educadores podem aprimorar seus métodos para melhorar o desempenho individual. Diante do exposto, este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar os estilos de aprendizagem e o uso da tecnologia. Como metodologia, foi utilizada para construção do artigo: pesquisas bibliográficas, internet, revistas, artigos e livros de grande relevância para construção do estudo.
Suez Canal and Ottoman-European Relations
Authors: ABDELGALİL Ashraf Nabih
Published: June 2022

عند افتتاح القناة للملاحة في السابع عشر من نوفمبر عام 1869، كان طولها 164 كيلو مترا، وعرضها عند مستوى سطح المياه 52 مترا وعمقها 7 أمتار ونصف متر، وكان غاطس السفن المسموح به للعبور لا يزيد عن 22,5 قدما ، وكانت الملاحة لا تتم في القناة إلا نهارا فقط.

واستمرت الملاحة نهارا في قناة السويس طوال 18 عاما متصلة، حتى أدخلت شركة القناة نظام الملاحة الليلية في اليوم الأول من مارس 1887.

أما الآن فإن طول القناة وصل الى 193.30 كم متر، وعمقها 24 متر، وعرضها من 205 الى 225 متر في بعض الأماكن وغاطس السفن 66 قدما.

ومنذ افتتاحها للعمل في عام 1869م وحتى الآن وهي تؤدي دورها في خدمة الملاحة العالمية، ولذلك كانت هدفا لأطماع القوى الاستعمارية الكبرى طوال تاريخها ، والذي انتهى بسيطرة بريطانيا عليها بعد احتلالها مصر سنة 1882م ، وحتى تأميمها بقرار من الرئيس المصري جمال عبد الناصر في 26يوليو 1956م ، وإنهاء عقد الامتياز الممنوح للشركة العالمية لقناة السويس بمقتضى فرمان 1854. كما كانت القناة مسرحا للحربين العالميتين الأولى والثانية، ثم العدوان الثلاثي على مصر سنة 1956م والعدوان الإسرائيلي سنة 1967م ؛ الذي تسبب في وقف القناة عن العمل حتى أعاد الرئيس المصري أنور السادات تشغيلها مرة ثانية بعد نصر أكتوبر سنة 1973م.

وفي هذا البحث أسلط الضوء على قناة السويس وتأثيرها في العلاقات العثمانية الأوروبية ، والهدف من حفرها ، ودوافع القوى الاوربية الاستعمارية للسيطرة عليها، وهل كانت القناة من أسباب تكالب القوى الأوروبية على الدولة العثمانية لإسقاطها ، حيث كانت مصر لفترة كبيرة من الزمن امتدت نحو أربعة قرون ولاية عثمانية ، وفي فتر ضعف الدولة العثمانية دار صراعا كبيرا بين بريطانيا وفرنسا للسيطرة عليها منذ مطلع القرن التاسع عشر.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON THE NIGERIAN DEVELOPMENT: AN EMERGENT THEME IN NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
Authors:   Department of Theatre Arts Education, School of Arts and Social Sciences Federal College of Education (Technical) P.M.B 11 Omoku, Onelga, Rivers State, Nigeria, Amiriheobu Frank , Okoh Onum ,   Department of Primary Education, School of Early-Childhood Care and Primary Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) P.M.B 11 Omoku, Onelga, Rivers State, Nigeria, Watts Ekperi ,   Department of Music Education School of Arts and Social Sciences Federal College of Education (Technical), P.M.B 11 Omoku, Onelga, Rivers State, Nigeria, Felix Nwookocha ,   Department of Education Foundation, School of Education,  Federal College of Education (Technical) P.M.B 11 Omoku, Onelga, Rivers State, Nigeria
Published: June 2022

The study aims at identifying the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the Nigeria development in the recent time. COVID-19, as a cankerworm has positioned as major menace that is plaguing the economic cum political strata of world nations, thus, has malicious effects which assert pervasive, albeit, negative influences on the Nigerian development. It’s presence in the Nigerian society resulted to an unconditional nationwide lockdown; unprecedented shutting of seaports, railways, airports and boarders; and restriction of social, religious and personal activities. It thereafter, asserts and effectuates hardship, pain, suffering, hunger, sickness and death of the people and threatens the existence of the Nigerian state. This decadence has maliciously and heinously increased the level of corruption, nepotism, favouratism and tribalism, that for long have positioned as the greatest enemy of the Nigerian state; thus, is envisaged through the unpatriotic activities of greedy and sleazy administrators that are charged with the responsibilities of allocating palliatives and monetary obligations to the most vulnerable and thereafter, contain the noble pandemic and ameliorate pain and suffering in the Nigerian society. The gargantuan effects of these copious activities are an increase in theft, armed robbery, pick pocketing, shop breaking, kidnapping, and total breakdown of law and order. With Discourse Theory and Analytical Methodology, the study interrogates the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the Nigeria economy in the 21st century. Amongst the major recommendations, the study suggests that cognitive measures should be employed by governments at all level towards developing the Nigerian state even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
A Computational Alanine Scanning of Heptapeptide RRRSAGM Targeting Dengue NS2B/NS3 Protease
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Ghazali , Abdalrazaq Nadeem Abdalsatar , Mohd Rawi Mohd Faizul Ridzal , Mohamad Suriani , Wahab Habibah A. , Kamarulzaman Ezatul Ezleen
Published: June 2022

The pathogenic dengue virus (DV) transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease and became a serious threat to global health issue in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The clinical symptoms ranging from mild to a fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, characterized by failure of the circulation system that may lead to death. There are still no drugs or vaccines available in the market to prevent or treat dengue infections. Hence, the development of successful drugs that are safe and offer a long-lasting protection against dengue viruses is needed. Recently, the discovery of peptides with high specificity, selectivity, and efficacy; and relatively safer than small-molecule drugs have become a promising agent for a new drug. Previously, a molecular dynamic simulation reported that peptide NRRRRSAGMI from the capsid’s cleavage region had the most hydrogen bonds with NS2B/NS3 protease, thus it leads into a starting linear heptapeptide R(P3)-R(P2)-R(P1)-S(P1’)-A(P2’)-G(P3’)-M(P4’). This study aimed to investigate the importance and specificity of individual amino acid residue of the heptapeptide substrate on the binding affinity and interaction to NS2B/NS3 dengue protease through computational alanine scanning. It showed that the changing of P1 and P2 arginine to alanine resulted to higher values of binding affinity. Thus, the arginine is an important residue at the P1 and P2 positions for the binding of the substrate peptide to DENV NS2B/NS3 protease, hence the amino acid residues which are essential for the enzyme-substrate interactions can be predicted through computational alanine scanning.

HIGHLIGHTS

Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted virus cause of arthropod-borne viral disease

The discovery of peptides became a potential agent for dengue virus and previously peptide NRRRRSAGMI has been reported as starting linear heptapeptide RRRSAGM

A computational alanine scanning based on the peptide RRRSAGM has been performed

S1 and S2 pockets show strong preferences for basic amino acids, whereas the S3 pocket is less selective for basic residue

The arginine at P1 and P2 positions of the heptapeptide substrate contribute significantly to the substrate binding affinity

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Analyses of Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trends of Temperature and Its Extremes over Nigeria using Climate Indices
Authors: Audu Moses Owoicho , Okeke Francisca Nnekka , Igbawua Tertsea
Published: June 2022

Climate change and its associated extreme climate and extreme events are threat to man and his environment. Over the years, climatic parameters have been used as climate change indicators to study climate change. In order to access extreme climate due to climate change in Nigeria, this paper attempt to evaluate spatial distribution and temporal trends of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria for 35 years (1979 - 2013). Daily temperature data used were obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Lagos. The data was subjected to quality checked and homogenization. Climate extreme indices developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) was adopted in this study. The data were analysed employing Sen’s slope estimator and Mann-Kendall test. Results revealed that spatial distribution of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria varied across the country, increasing/decreasing mostly towards the northern or the coastal regions. Significant increase was observed at p < 0.05 in the temporal trends of averages of yearly maximum and minimum temperature and hot temperature indices in all the regions in line with the global warming trend. The increase in warm days and warm nights doubled the rate at which cold days and cold nights decreased in most of the study areas. The annual and decadal changes in temperature and its extremes as well as the period under investigation (35 years) were determined. Our findings depict that the country is trending towards a drier and warmer climate which are clear evidence of climate change. The results further suggest that the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert which control the atmospheric condition of the country may be promoter of the observed extreme events caused by climate change in Nigeria. This study discussed contemporary issues in our society which are useful to the general populace, researchers, and policy makers among others.

HIGHLIGHTS

Spatial distribution of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria varied across the country from one region to another

Maximum and minimum temperature and hot temperature indices increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the regions in line with the global warming trend

The increase in warm days/nights doubled the rate at which cold days/cold nights decreased in most of the regions

Our findings suggest that Atlantic Ocean and Sahara Desert which control the atmospheric conditions of Nigeria may promote extreme events caused by climate change in Nigeria

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Factors Associated with Stress among Nursing Students at Boromrajonani Colleges of Nursing in Thailand Northern Region under the Jurisdiction of Ministry of Public Health
Authors: Tantalanukul Seubtrakul , Wongsawat Pramot
Published: June 2022

The stress of studying the nursing profession is recognized as one of the most important issues in the modern world. Educating nursing students often face challenges from their studies and learning abilities, which can be stressful. This research aimed to examine stress and factors related to stress among nursing students at Boromrajonani Colleges of Nursing in Thailand northern region under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Public Health. The samples were 840 of the 1st to 4th year nursing students in academic year of 2019. The research instruments included questionnaires about the factors associated with stress, and Stress Test Questionnaire (ST-5). The statistical analyses in this study were performed with frequency, percentage, mean scores, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and multi regression analysis. The research findings revealed that almost half of the nursing students had stress at a low level (49.70 %), a good proportion had stress at a medium level (36.80), and a small minority at high and highest level (13.40 %); and  the factors that could predict about the stress of the nursing students (p < 0.05) included attitude toward nursing profession  (β = –0.199, p < 0.001), sufficient sleep and rest  (β = –0.205, p < 0.001),  self-esteem  (β = 0.152, p < 0.001), and the student services provided by the colleges (β = –0.145, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the factor of grade point average, monthly income, interpersonal relationship, and teaching and learning management of the colleges were those which could not predict the stress of the nursing students.
Synthesis, Charaterization and Bioactivities of Fused Pyrimidobenzothiazol-4-one
Authors: Mr. Towseef Ahmad Padder  , Dr. Rekha Israni  , Mohd Waseem Wani
Published: June 2022

Heterocyclic compounds are an important class of basic building blocks, being used by chemists to create compounds of biological or medical relevance. Various heterocyclic building blocks are used in medicinal research, agriculture, and medication discoveries. Considering the significance of heterocyclic ring-containing molecules, 2-amino-6-cyanobenzothiazole is combined with ethylacetoacetate in the presence of polyphosphoric acid to form 8-cyano-2-methyl-4H-pyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazol-4-one. The structure of the produced chemical is characterised using H1NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry and The synthesized compound successfully showed Biochemical activity against E.Coli, as well as antifungal efficacy against Bacillus subtilis species.
A Secure Decentralized Data Storage Framework Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Ganesh J  , Priyadharshini R  , Swetha K  , Vaishnavi G
Published: June 2022

Cloud storage is one of the leading options to store massive data, however, the centralized storage approach of cloud computing is not secure. On the other hand, Blockchain is a decentralized data storage system that ensures data security. Any computing node connected to the internet can join and form peers network thereby maximizing resource utilization. Blockchain is a distributed peer to peer system where each node in the network stores a copy of blockchain thus making it immutable. In the proposed system, the user’s file is encrypted and stored across multiple peers in the network using the IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) protocol. IPFS creates hash value. The hash value indicates the path of the file and is stored in the blockchain. This paper focuses on decentralized secure data storage, high availability of data, and efficient utilization of storage resources. Here is our take on using Block Chain technology as a decentralized data storage system. Wherein we use resiliency attacks to display the benefits of Block chain based decentralized data storage by performing key operations on our proposed decentralized structure.
Machine Oiling Automation
Authors: Disha Satyan Dahanukar  , Durva Sanjay Shelke  , Mrs. Prachi Arora
Published: June 2022

Manufacturing industry has always been well-known for the frequent use of heavy machineries. To facilitate easy functioning and to use the machines to its fullest potential, lubrication is performed which increases the precision of the final product. In today’s world, lubricants may have many uses, but its primary function is to reduce friction between two mechanical parts. This decreases wear and tear, lowers operating temperatures, prevents metal surface corrosion, and ensures smooth operation. This frequently neglected important job by technicians, if automated using IoT, will ensure the timely care of machines for a longer lifespan. Scheduling the operation of machine oiling as and when required by using Raspberry Pi for the same will help us achieve this goal.
A Critical Reflection Framework Developing Teachers’ Growth Competence
Authors: El Souefi Nevine Mahmoud Fayek
Published: June 2022

Although there are a variety of perspectives and conceptualisations by different researchers of what it means to reflect critically about teaching (Poblete, 1999), there is an agreement that critical reflection entails higher, more complicated level that challenges the educator (Lucas, 2012). This paper is discussing critical reflection frameworks available in literature and suggesting a new framework that is able to capture a complete picture of what critical reflection entails. The framework has five levels of reflection; reacting, recalling, realising, reconsidering, and reflecting. Those levels stimulate accessing teachers’ thoughts and feelings taking them though a thought and action process that helps them discover; what is happening, why what is happening is happening, how it can change, and ensures continuouity of this process.  The framework forms a reflective spiral of self-construction of learning that transforms the teacher’s behavior and leads to growth competence.
Online team working with emerging technologies in a university math class
Authors: Brunetto Domenico , Cangiotti Nicolò
Published: June 2022

This work presents a new approach devoted to recreating a team working situation in a STEAM university mathematics class by using Engageli, an e-learning platform for real-time online higher education courses. A particular experience is considered, in order to understand the core tenets to construct a fruitful online group activity in mathematics. The success of such an activity depends on both the usage of an intuitive software user-friendly and the creation of suitable and stimulating learning paths. The analysis is based on the well-known SWOT analysis concerning the students’ comments, integrated by the answers of four multiple choice questions and the analytics provided by Engageli. The outcome of the work suggests that the online experience has potential, but further improvements are needed.
Team Formation and Project Assignment − the dilemma of assigning students to project groups
Authors: Pfennig Anja , Siegeris Juliane
Published: June 2022

To meet the needs of globalization and change in higher education group work projects are increasingly used. However, there is many methods mentioned in literature to assign student teams but little guidance on how best to allocate students to groups with reference to the project itself.The experience over a decade of teaching an IT project course is shared with different team composition methods in the context of various project settings: first: teams and projects are self-selected, second: randomly assigned groups select the projects, and third: projects are selected individually followed by assigned team formation. The different methodologies are outlined in detail and the impact of the composition and assignment method on project results and individual learning progress and success is discussed.
Empowering effective language learners: An innovative course addressing language learning challenges in one Australian university
Authors: Eisenchlas Susana A. , Shoecraft Kelly
Published: June 2022

Language programs in Australian universities face the challenges of attracting and retaining students.  Most Australian university students are unaware of the benefits of learning an additional language.  When they do enrol, they lack adequate skills for effective language learning, resulting in high levels of attrition. This paper describes a course designed to address these challenges. Inspired by transformative learning, activities and materials were selected to increase awareness of processes involved in language learning, debunk preconceptions, and foster self-directed, independent learning. Preliminary findings based on students’ reflections show the significant impact the course had on students’ perceptions of language learning, their abilities to reflect on their own application of strategies and increased confidence in developing a plan to continue applying these new understandings and strategies in their language learning courses and beyond. Thus, the course facilitated students’ transition from passive recipients of ‘language injections’, to self-directed, motivated, independent learners.
An art-based approach to teaching English language speaking skills
Authors: Al-Busaidi Saleh , Al-Amri Mohammed , Al-Dhuhli Wafa
Published: June 2022

Learning to speak in a foreign language can be a very challenging task for learners. This could be due to the way speaking is taught, the lack of motivation or limited opportunities to practice the foreign language. Visual art has been found to provide a creative and imaginative platform for communication that can stimulate learner involvement and motivation. This study attempted to measure the impact of an art-based approach on teaching English language speaking skills to intensive English language program students at Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman. The researchers used the one-group pretest and posttest research design. The themes of the art work were based around the 17 sustainable development goals. The results showed a significant improvement in students' speaking ability. In addition, the learners were enthusiastically involved in the language learning process. The findings of the study assert the positive impact of visual art on speaking.
Team-Teaching in a Matrix Style: Addressing wicked-problems of MNEs in the context of sustainability
Authors: Lehmann Tine , Schwarzkopf Julia
Published: June 2022

While developing a new module on applied sustainability at a German University of Applied Sciences, in the study program Bachelor International Business as an elective, our planning was interrupted by the pandemic and we took this as a chance to adapt our teaching approach accorcingly. As sustainability management is a complex and multidimensional field we decided to implement a virtual team teaching approach, with three lecturers bringing in distinct knowledge. We developed a matrix team structure across students and lecturers. The aim of our approach was to equip students with knowledge from different sub-disciplines related to sustainability and to foster problem-solving competencies through both a team-oriented assignment and team-teaching. We demonstrate our approach and students’ evaluation on it. We show that working in a matrix is a challenge for some students, which encourages us to continue with this approach in order to foster students employability.
Designing a Novel Interprofessional and Inter-University Education Session for Healthcare Trainees to Improve Interprofessional Practice
Authors: Hamilton Justine , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini , Shackel Linnéa , MacPhee Heather
Published: June 2022

Interprofessional education is widely acknowledged as critical for training successful clinicians, however logistical challenges often interfere with its implementation. The aim of this paper is to describe the procedures developed to enable students in different health professional programs in different geographic regions within the same country to learn about each other’s professions and apply this knowledge to optimize outcomes for patients. Principles from the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System and Universal Design for Learning were combined to design an efficient and effective virtual approach to achieving interprofessional knowledge and collaborative skill outcomes. Application of these principles resulted in a 3-stage approach combining synchronous and asynchronous learning as well as didactic and problem-based learning. This paper describes the design and implementation for speech-language pathology and pharmacy students learning about swallowing disorders, but the procedures are applicable to a broad range of professions and academic content when interprofessional education is the goal.
A review of tertiary formative assessment using digital technology in the past decade: what has been facilitated?
Authors: Liang Li , Tognolini James , Hendry Graham , Mantai Lilia
Published: June 2022

Assessments serve a pivotal component of any teaching and learning system, especially when they motivate and enhance better teaching and learning. Together with the seamless permeation of digital technology in universities, formative assessment(FA) using digital technology has been increasingly used at the tertiary level of educaiton in recent years. FA using digital technology plays an important role in the quality assurance of teaching and learning (and hence assessment) in nuniversities. How has the emerging digital technology efficiently served and enhance the formative teaching and learning in universities in the past decade? This study explores this issue by conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed empirical papers on formative assessment using digital technology in universitites over the past decade. It is found that mainly four major aspects of FA has been facilitated by the emerging digital technology applied in higher education in past ten years. Keywords: formative assessment; digital technology; higher education
Use of engineering cases as alternative assessments in material characterization course
Authors: Tao Hong
Published: June 2022

Materials Characterization is a Year-4 level undergraduate course introducing both fundamental principles and applications of various characterization techniques. In order to effectively achieve the learning objectives and enhance the competitiveness of undergraduate students in their career choices and in further advanced study, we have introduced engineering cases as alternative assessment methods. This paper has discussed how the engineering cases are designed and constructed for students to apply the acquired knowledge and techniques to tackle practical problems, as well as the benefits of adoption of this pedagogical approach. Components of engineering case are described and the mapping between the components and course contents is also elaborated. Effectiveness of engineering cases is reported.
Employers’ perception of the role of higher education in Portugal: The varying solutions for skill problems
Authors: Suleman Abdul , Suleman Fátima
Published: June 2022

Higher education is under great pressure to provide skills that smooth graduates’ transition into the labour market, prepare them for the world of work and, ultimately, contribute to their employability. This supply-side perspective does not, per se, reflect employers’ view of the mission of higher education. Our research provides empirical evidence on how employers in Portugal perceive the role of higher education. It relies on data gathered in 2020 through an original online survey applied to N = 162 employers in Portugal. A k-means clustering distinguishes three groups of employers: those that acknowledge the autonomy of higher education; those who prefer to train their workforce; and those that blame higher education for their skill problems. The latter employers report skill shortages and propose different answers to mitigate them. Ultimately, the findings indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for skill problems; firms have agency in finding appropriate solutions.
Game-based learning to promote student engagement: an escape room on databases
Authors: Cerverón-Lleó Vicente , De Ves Cuenca Esther
Published: June 2022

The use of game dynamics in the academic environment has proven to be highly motivating for students. This paper focuses on an Escape Room game developed in a database subject to cover several objectives: to integrate contents in a single activity, to encourage group work, to increase student engagement and to promote a playful environment for proficiency testing.The experience is evaluated by means of a survey in which students are asked about the degree of achievement of different objectives such as the improvement of learning, reflection on their own learning (metacognition) or their engagement and motivation. The analysis of the data collected reveals a high degree of acceptance of the activity among the students, so another objective of the work is to describe the implementation of the activity as well as to provide some tips that can be useful to adapt this type of game to other university subjects.
EXITrun – A Lecture as a Virtual Educational Escape Game
Authors: Wolf Martin R. , Köhler Klemens
Published: June 2022

Using gamification approaches in Higher Education is an appropriate way to increase student’s engagement especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Escape Games which could be either used as physical experience of a group in a room, or - more virtually - as several puzzles that need to be solved with the target to solve one overarching mystery, are well known tools that can be used in an educational environment as well. However, despite of existing frameworks and manifold examples it remains difficult to set up a Virtual Educational Escape Game (VEEG) with the proven positive effect on successful learning. This study presents some factors that support successful learning when using a VEEG and compares cost-benefit-ratios for manually versus automatically run VEEGs.
Do universities have a distinctive brand personality? The case of ECIU Universities
Authors: Estima Ana , Guimarães Cristina
Published: June 2022

Brands increasingly adopt human qualities as a way to attract consumers. Brands must be physically attractive, intellectually persuasive, socially involved, and emotionally appealing, all while demonstrating a strong personality and moral foundation. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are no exception, seeking their audiences through a distinctive and attractive brand personality. The main purpose of this paper is to identify the main brand personality traits of European universities, based on content analysis of institutional websites. Twelve universities from the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) were studied. The results indicate the existence of HEIs with distinctive brand personalities while others present weak personality dimensions. The main conclusions point to the need for a focus on strategic brand management that includes a robust identity definition. The brand personality, an integral part of the institution's identity, must be communicated consistently across all points of contact and communication channels.
A Framework for Facilitating Acquisition and Improvement of Negotiation Skills by Business Students
Authors: McGuire Stephen J.J. , Drost Ellen A.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a framework for facilitating the acquisition and improvement of a certain type of skill critical for success in business management: negotiation skill.   We then proceed to provide evidence of the effectiveness of our framework, with data from a large public university’s business program.  We examined the performance of negotiators in dyads on negotiation exercises.  Results indicate that the framework we used for training was associated with “getting to yes,” as well as the quality of negotiated agreements, when comparing a randomly selected sample of trained business student dyads with a separate, comparable sample of dyads without formal training.
Assessment criteria for work-integrated learning in a generalist postgraduate university programme
Authors: Bjorvatn Torbjorn
Published: June 2022

Work-integrated learning (WIL) such as placements and internships are becoming increasingly common in generalist (i.e. not profession-oriented) postgraduate university programmes. Nevertheless, the justification for work-integrated learning in such programmes is not obvious. While various purposes have been proposed, this paper draws on the university’s traditional role in producing and disseminating research-based knowledge. The paper suggests that in generalist study programmes, learning objectives and, hence,  assessment of work-integrated learning can profitably be molded on time-tested practices in academic scholarship. Central in this respect is the ability to reflect on the relationship between theory and practice. Adopting this ability as an intended learning outcome (ILO), the paper argues that generalist programmes should embrace work-integrated learning. Specifically, the paper advances a set of assessment criteria that offer a flexible yet rigorous basis for assessing work-integrated learning in generalist postgraduate university programmes.
A case study comparing the flipped hybrid classroom and traditional classroom in a post-graduate chemical pathology module
Authors: Punchoo Rivak , Bhoora Sachin , Wolvaardt Liz
Published: June 2022

This case study compared student performance and experiences in a flipped hybrid classroom (FHC) and a traditional classroom (TC) in a post-graduate chemical pathology programme. Nine students participated in the study. The final summative grades based on clinical case vignettes assessing high cognitive domains were 55.83% (26.94) and 60.61% (36.02) for the FHC and TC, respectively. Students obtained higher scores in the synthesis domain in the FHC compared to the TC. In contrast, higher scores were obtained in evaluating pathophysiology and biochemical test results in the TC.  The thematic analysis of the open-ended questions identified three themes: (1) flipping is fun and informative; (2) TC is better with a bit of flip;  and (3) we know what we like.This study showed that the TC showed slightly better summative assessment performance, and that students are positive about flipped approaches but have their own preferences.
Immersive Learning as a Pedagogical Method in Higher Education
Authors: Mangion Margaret , Curmi Franco
Published: June 2022

Student engagement has long been a topic of discussion amongst scholars and parctitioners alike. This paper aims to address this issue through the introduction of a novel method of imparting knowledge on a marketing course. An exercise using the reflective cycle by Gibbs (1988) as a guiding framework lead to the emergence of the creative thinking model of experiential learning. The proposed model entails the expansion of Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning model. Prominence is given to the relevance of creative thinking during the experiential learning process.
Contextualization courses for engineering students based on sociotechnical thinking
Authors: Rojas-Alvarez Jorge , Jiménez Becerra Javier , Bustamante Salamanca Mónica
Published: June 2022

Engineering education faces grand challenges to contextualize societal issues for students. This paper evaluates the contribution of contextualization courses for engineering students based on sociotechnical thinking. Sociotechnical thinking articulates engineering work with social concerns, explicit engineers positionality, and diverse human and non-human actors perspectives. The courses are inspired by a worldwide effort of Engineering, Technology and Society Education. Focus groups based on students reported contributions to understand technology as a human phenomenon, a social constructed system and a dynamic relationship between artifacts, organization, and culture. These courses improve argumentative tools and analytical capacity linked to a wider perspective for design and management technology, and made it possible to enhance situated knowledge on the practice of engineering with conscious social impact.
Enhancing student engagement in reflecting on professional skills development using digital tools for data collection and distribution
Authors: Huizing Klaas Jan
Published: June 2022

Tutors at NHL Stenden University in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands were challenged to enhance student participation in reflecting on professional skills development e.g collaborating. Using the living labs method, researchers set up research together with tutors and students. The living labs process consists of iterative design and evaluation cycles, involves endusers in all phases, and has evaluations carried out in real-life settings. In four iterations, we found that digital tools for collecting, merging and distributing data enhances student participation. Google Workspace for Education and Autocrat was used in this paper, a similar tool is Microsoft Office and Power Automate. Privacy of student data turned out to be one of the critical key elements and needs further discussion.
Anti-Disciplinary Works, Speculative Words. A Teaching Experience of Communication Design Based on Tinkering and Speculation
Authors: Guida Francesco E. , Tranti Claudia
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to present and discuss how the teaching of visual identity and experience design in Communication Design education may be developed within a speculative design framework. By assuming this approach, students can experience the ethics of design practice and explore alternative design values, forms, and representations. They can acquire the idea of design as a problem-seeking and problem-finding practice, and that encourages the development of concepts, scenarios and results without any predetermined function. The development of each project is based on the principle of learning by doing, which consists of tinkering, making mistakes and trying over and over again to improve the results and acquire competencies and skills. By the analysis of selected students’ work, tested design process and implications of an anti-disciplinary approach, the aim is to inquire how such framing may both highlight the critical issues of conservative methods and the benefits of non-regulatory practices.
Open Educational Resources for Social Science Research Methods – A Case Study from the D-A-CH-Region
Authors: Prandner Dimitri
Published: June 2022

The D-A-CH region has traditionally been sceptic towards OER materials. Despite a very active open science community the three German speaking countries in Europe did not embrace wide reaching OER policies. This can be seen in the field of social science research materials as well. With national initiatives missing it falls to individual universities, organizations and persons to provide free online education materials. Most of those do not match the OER criteria and have limited application scenarios. If the region wants to truly embrace an open science policy, it needs to strengthen OER in the future.
Towards a framework for interdisciplinary collaborative online learning spaces
Authors: Van den Berg Carolina Lucia , Verster Belinda
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the findings from a longitudinal, inter-institutional Design-Based Research (DBR) study that commenced in 2020 with a focus on developing design principles for interdisciplinary collaborative online learning. The draft design principles as presented at HEAd’21 were further refined during the first iteration of the project and an updated framework is presented in this paper. The conceptual framework draws on elements of Future Learning Spaces (FLS) and sociomateriality to better understand and contextualise the design principles as it applies to pedagogy, space-time activities and technology. The Interdisciplinary Collaborative online Learning (ICoL) framework focuses attention not only on the practical decisions made by academics in the learning space but also maps the underlying theoretical decisions that influence and shape the learning experience.