bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous blood collection systems using evacuated tubes: a systematic review focusing on safety, efficacy and economic implications of integrated vs. combined systems
Authors: Rigoni Marta , Tessarolo Francesco
Published: June 2024

Venous blood collection systems (VBCSs) are combinations of in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices, usually available as integrated set. However, purchasing and using a combination of devices from different sets is considered by clinical laboratories as an option to achieve specific sampling tasks or reduce costs. This systematic review aimed to retrieve available evidence regarding safety, efficacy, and economic aspects of VBCSs, focusing on differences between integrated and combined systems. The literature review was carried out in PubMed. Cited documents and resources made available by scientific organisations were also screened. Extracted evidence was clustered according to Quality/Efficacy/Performance, Safety, and Costs/Procurement domains and discussed in the current European regulatory framework. Twenty documents published between 2010 and 2021 were included. There was no evidence to suggest equivalence between combined and integrated VBCSs in terms of safety and efficacy. Scientific society’s consensus documents and product standards report that combined VBCS can impact operators’ and patients’ safety. Analytical performances and overall efficacy of combined VBCSs are not guaranteed without whole system validation and verification. EU regulatory framework clearly allocates responsibilities for the validation and verification of an integrated VBCS, but not for combined VBCSs, lacking information about the management of product nonconformities and post-market surveillance. Laboratory validation of combined VBCS demands risk-benefit and cost-benefit analyses, a non-negligible organisational and economic burden, and investment in knowledge acquisition. Implications in terms of laboratory responsibility and legal liability should be part of a comprehensive assessment of safety, efficacy, and cost carried out during device procurement.
IoT based solar power forecasting using SSA-ELM technique
Authors: Borgohain Santanu , Dalai Sumant K. , Peesapati Rangababu , Panda Gayadhar
Published: June 2024

The optimizing of renewable energy use and grid integration relies on accurate solar power predictions. In order to predict the amount of power that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems would produce inside an IoT framework, this study suggests a new method that integrates Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) with Extreme Learning Machine technology. The SSA algorithm makes sense of solar power data by separating it into its component parts, such as trend, seasonality, and noise. The ELM model, a quick and effective feedforward neural network with a single hidden layer, takes these broken-down parts as input characteristics. In order to enhance the accuracy of solar power forecasts, the suggested strategy combines the decomposition skills of SSA with the predictive capability of ELM. Data acquired by solar PV sensors is input into the IoT-based forecasting model, which then undergoes preprocessing with SSA, feature extraction, model training with ELM, and performance evaluation. The SSA-ELM methodology has been successfully tested on real solar power data and has shown promising results in terms of accuracy measures such as low mean absolute error and mean absolute percentage error. By implementing the suggested method, accurate projections of solar output can be made, leading to better energy management, lower costs, and the smooth incorporation of renewables into smart grids. A dependable and computationally efficient method for solar forecasting in Internet of Things applications is provided by the combination of SSA and ELM.
RANS study of surface roughness effects on ship resistance
Authors: Ali Zainab , Bognár Gabriella
Published: June 2024

In marine engineering, optimizing the performance of vessels is a key issue, particularly in increasing fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs, and minimizing environmental impact. One of the most critical determinants of vessel efficiency is hull resistance, which directly affects fuel consumption, power requirements, and cruising speed. We aim to investigate how surface roughness affects hull flow resistance, to quantify the drag variation at different surface roughness levels using special wall functions that reproduce boundary layer dynamics. This approach involves the complex interaction between the intricate complexity of roughness and the nonlinear pressure drag effects on the hull. The KVLCC2 ship model is used as a representative prototype in the CFD analysis based on the RANS equations and the k-omega SST model to independently evaluate the roughness effects on individual ship sections. The comparative analysis with empirical data reveals the complex relationship between surface roughness and ship resistance and provides insights for ship design and operational improvement. The study investigates the interaction between drag coefficient and vessel performance to improve hydrodynamic efficiency.
Review on nanocellulose composites and CNFs assembled microfiber toward automotive applications
Authors: Tu Wenqiong , Wang Shuaijun , Deng Qiaoyun , Li Dagang , Zhang Yao , Wang Qianqian , Jiang Haobin
Published: June 2024

Nanocellulose derived from plant cell wall, due to its unlimited sources, is regarded as a next-generation green material for the automotive industry because of its high tensile strength (≥3 GPa), high elasticity modulus (110–220 GPa), and low density (1.6 g/cm3). This study first introduces the structural characteristics, preparation techniques, and mechanical properties of nanocellulose. Then, three types of nanocellulose composites, including nanocellulose directly reinforced polymers, hybrid fiber-cellulose composites, and all cellulose composites (ACCs), are reviewed. The corresponding preparation techniques, material properties, reinforcement mechanisms of nanocellulose, and application limitations are discussed in detail. To overcome the insufficient mechanical properties of nanocellulose directly reinforced polymers and ACCs toward the manufacture of automobile structural components, self-assembly techniques prove to be effective to prepare macroscopic fibers by first aligning nanocellulose and then assembling them into continuous micro-size fibers. We reviewed different self-assembly techniques and multiscale modeling techniques of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) assembled microfibers. Furthermore, we proposed a finite element or finite volume technique-based micromechanics framework to predict the homogenized responses of CNFs assembled microfibers, which serve as a fundamental layer to construct a multiscale modeling strategy toward CNFs assembled microfiber-based composite structures. The proposed multiscale modeling strategy is expected to greatly facilitate the development of CNFs assembled microfiber-based composite structures and significantly advance the application of nanocellulose in automotive structural applications.
The significance of quadratic thermal radiative scrutinization of a nanofluid flow across a microchannel with thermophoretic particle deposition effects
Authors: Nimmy Pullare , Naveen Kumar Rangaswamy , Madhukesh Javali Kotresh , Khan Umair , Ishak Anuar , Nagaraja Kallur Venkat , Kumar Raman , Muhammad Taseer , Seddek Laila F. , Abed Ahmed M.
Published: June 2024

The investigation of thermal radiation and thermophoretic impacts on nano-based liquid circulation in a microchannel has a significant impact on the cooling of microscale equipment, microliquid devices, and many more. These miniature systems can benefit from the improved heat transfer efficiency made possible by the use of nanofluids, which are designed to consist of colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles in a carrier liquid. Understanding and precisely modeling the thermophoretic deposition (TPD) of nanoparticles on the channel surfaces is of utmost importance since it can greatly affect the heat transmission properties. This work examines the complex interaction between quadratic thermal radiation, magnetohydrodynamics, and TPD in a permeable microchannel. It aims to solve a significant knowledge gap in microfluidics and thermal and mass transport. The governing equations are simplified by applying suitable similarity restrictions, and computing solutions to the resulting equations is done using the Runge‒Kutta Fehlberg fourth‒fifth-order scheme. The results are shown using graphs, and significant engineering metrics are analyzed. The outcomes show that increased Eckert number, magnetic, and porous factors will improve the thermal distribution. Quadratic thermal radiation shows the greater thermal distribution in the presence of these parameters, while Linear thermal radiation shows the least thermal distribution. The rate of thermal distribution is higher in the linear thermal distribution case and least in the nonlinear thermal radiation case in the presence of radiation and solid fraction factors. The outcomes of the present research are helpful in improving the thermal performance in microscale devices, electronic devices cooling, health care equipment, and other microfluidic applications.
Assessment of the recurrent mutagenesis efficacy of sesame crosses followed by isolation and evaluation of promising genetic resources for use in future breeding programs
Authors: Kar Rajesh Kumar , Mishra Tapash Kumar , Pradhan Banshidhar , Behera Debasis , Das Subhashree , Swain Deepak Kumar , Behera Srikrushna , Pandey Ritu Kumari , Jena Monalisha , Padhiary Aditya Kiran , Dip Lingaraj , Pattanayak Sarthak , Monalisa SP , Pradhan Poonam Preeti , Sarangi Debendra Nath , Mohanty Mihir Ranjan , Lenka Biswajit , Rout Rajendra Kumar , Moharana Nutan , Sahu Dibyabharati , Patel Manas Kumar , Tripathy Barsha , Dash Sasmita Priyadarshini , Pradhan Rojalin , Mishra Rashmi Prabha , Sahoo Biswanath , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Hossain Akbar
Published: June 2024

The primary causes of low sesame production are a lack of high-yielding varieties, an inability to adjust to environmental challenges, and a poor response to enhanced crop management. The potential for improving sesame has been investigated using a variety of breeding approaches, including mutation and recombination breeding; however, these methods have only produced a minor increase in productivity. Recombination and mutant breeding have recently been proposed as novel, cutting-edge approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional breeding practices. This study was conducted to assess the recurrent mutagenesis efficacy of sesame crosses, followed by the isolation and evaluation of superior breeding lines that could be released as varieties in the future. In the F4M4 generation, the populations were grown in a randomized block design (RBD), and the efficacy of recurrent mutagenesis was assessed in terms of variability parameters such as the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. During the F5M5 generation, the materials were grown in three separate trials in Compact Family Block Design to evaluate the between-family and within-family variations, followed by the isolation of improved breeding lines based on per se performance. The improved breeding lines were further advanced to the F6M6 generation for evaluation in three separate trials in an RBD. In the F6M6 generation, ANOVA, correlation, regression, path coefficient, and Mahalanobis’s D
2 analysis were computed, followed by the construction of selection indices to select superior lines. The results showed the importance of three or four EMS treatment cycles for sesame improvement in the F4M4 generation. Twenty of the top lines based on per se performance (with a selection intensity of 27%) from each category in the F5M5 generation were carried forward to the F6M6 generation. In the F6M6 generation, the top six breeding lines (with a selection intensity of 30%) from each category, for a total of 18 breeding lines, were chosen based on these index scores. These high-yielding micromutant lines could be subsequently released as varieties through multiplication trials with standard checks. After a thorough evaluation, these lines have the potential to replace the current varieties and increase production, productivity, and adoption of sesame in India.
Mariano Fortuny y la virtualización del espacio escénico: electricidad, patrimonio e imaginario
Authors: Díaz-Emparanza Almoguera Miguel , P.Arregui Juan
Published: June 2024

Introducción: La dimensión visual del teatro centró desde muy pronto la atención de Mariano Fortuny, cuyos principios de reconsideración estructural del espacio escenográfico van a dirigirse en su proceso experimentador hacia dos frentes inseparablemente ligados entre sí: la concepción física del espacio escenográfico y la iluminación de escena, tanto en lo relativo al reajuste de los problemas derivados del uso de la nueva luz eléctrica como a la radical reforma de sus sistemas de proyección. Metodología: Revisionismo crítico a la luz de los postulados de la teatrología, la escenología o los Performance Studies, de tipo transversal y no experimental. Resultados y discusión: La relación entre texto, ambientación histórica y evocación estilística o libre abstracción ha constituido el desarrollo de la figuración teatral del último siglo. En este contexto, Marino Fortuny aporta múltiples implicaciones expresivas proporcionadas por las nuevas posibilidades de este tipo de luz que concurrieron con un replanteamiento sustancial de las bases del realismo naturalista, según el cual el diseño escenográfico se desvinculaba progresivamente de la adherencia mimética a la realidad en aras de su interpretación creativa. Conclusiones: La escenografía da un paso más hacia la llamada “espaciografía” y la luminotecnia se convierte en instrumento dramático, narrativo, locativo y diegético a instancias del acontecer espectacular, vector dramatúrgico y sustancial de la escenificación.
The KIT ligand KITLG promotes portal vein tumor thrombosis by up-regulating COL4A1 through STAT3-SMAD2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mao Feifei , Cheng Yuqiang , Wang Kang , Chai Zongtao , Guo Lei , Xu Yanyan , Chen Xue , Shi Jie , Guo Weixing , Liu Junling , Cheng Shuqun
Published: June 2024

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), a severe complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), markedly influences patient prognosis by fostering a hypercoagulable state. However, its molecular underpinnings remain largely unexplored. This study sheds light on the critical role of the KIT ligand (KITLG) in modulating expression of the collagen gene COL4A1 via the STAT3-SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby influencing platelet activation and PVTT development. Extensive analysis of PVTT tissue samples, alongside in vitro and in vivo experiments including cell-platelet interaction assays and PVTT animal models, revealed the mechanism through which KITLG regulates COL4A1 expression, as well as its downstream effects on platelet behavior and the coagulation cascade. Our findings revealed that marked upregulation of COL4A1 expression, mediated by KITLG through the STAT3-SMAD2 pathway, led to increased platelet activation and PVTT formation. KITLG and COL4A1 expression was markedly higher in PVTT tissues than primary HCC tissues, thus highlighting their critical role in the pathophysiological trajectory leading to thrombosis. The finding that the KITLG-COL4A1 signaling axis is a crucial mediator in PVTT development may offer promising new directions for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study underscores the importance of the KITLG-COL4A1 axis in PVTT formation and its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC treatment protocols.
Control, inner topicalisation, and focus fronting in Mandarin Chinese: modelling in parallel constraint-based grammatical architecture
Authors: Lam Chit-Fung
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a formal analysis of two displacement phenomena in Mandarin Chinese, namely inner topicalisation and focus fronting, capturing their correlational relationships with control and complementation. It examines a range of relevant data, including corpus examples, to derive empirical generalisations. Acceptability-judgment tasks, followed by mixed-effects statistical models, were conducted to provide additional evidence. This paper presents a constraint-based lexicalist proposal that is couched in the framework of Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG). The lexicon plays an important role in regulating the behaviour of complementation verbs as they participate in the displacement phenomena. Unlike previous analyses that cast inner topicalisation and focus fronting as restructuring phenomena, this lexicalist proposal does not rely on hypothesised clause-size differences. It captures the empirical properties more accurately and accounts for a wider range of empirical patterns. Adopting the formally explicit framework of LFG, this proposal uses constraints that have mathematical precision. The constraints are computationally implemented using the grammar engineering tool Xerox Linguistic Environment, safeguarding their precision.
Spatial Distribution of Nematodes in the Forest Ecosystem of the Mezin National Nature Park, Ukraine
Authors: Zhylina T. M. , Shevchenko V. L.
Published: June 2024

Nematode communities were investigated in the soil, litter and epiphytic moss of natural mesophilic broad-leaved forest in the Mezin National Natural Park. A total of 75 species belonging to 55 genera, 32 families and 10 orders were identified. Results showed that taxonomic diversity of the nematode fauna in the soil was higher than in the litter and epiphytic moss. Soil-inhabiting nematodes were 53 species (43 genera, 27 families), litter nematodes — 42 species (32 genera, 19 families), whereas moss nematodes belonged to 25 species (23 genera, 16 families). The lowest value of Shannon diversity index was recorded in the moss (2.17), while it was the highest in the soil (3.25). In contrast, the abundance in nematode communities was the highest in epiphytic moss (mean value 4621.55 ind./100 g). The lowest nematode abundance (450.12 ind./100 g) was found in the forest soil. Rhabditis filiformis Bütschli, 1873 was recorded in the eudominant group in the forest soil (proportion in the community 14.83 %). Aphelenchoides composticola Franklin, 1957 (17.79 %), Mesodorylaimus bastiani Bütschli, 1873 (13.91 %) and Plectus cirratus Bastian, 1865 (15.8 %) were eudominants in the litter, and Aporcelaimellus paracentrocercus (de Coninck, 1935) (11.75 %), P. cirratus (20.1 %), Tylencholaimus teres Thorne, 1939 (35.21 %) in epiphytic moss.
New Spider Species of Cnephalocotes and Peponocranium (Aranei, Linyphiidae) from the North-East of Ukraine
Authors: Gnelitsa V. A
Published: June 2024

Two species of the genera Cnephalocotes Simon, 1884 and Peponocranium Simon, 1884: Cnephalocotes similis sp. n. and Peponocranium fallax sp. n. (Linyphiidae) from the north-eastern Ukraine are described and illustrated.
Two New Aphaenogaster Species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Baltic Amber
Authors: Radchenko A. G. , Gröhn C. , Ribbecke H.-W.
Published: June 2024

Aphaenogaster groehni Radchenko, sp. n. and A. ribbeckei Radchenko, sp. n., are described from the Late Eocene Baltic amber, each based on the holotype worker. Aphaenogaster groehni Radchenko, sp. n. differs from previously described species from the Late Eocene European ambers by a distinctly narrowed posteriorly head without pronounced occipital corners and a longer antennal scape, and A. ribbeckei Radchenko, sp. n. differs by a more slender mesosoma. The taxonomic position of the new species is discussed.
On the Study of Fauna (Macroinvertebrates, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals) of the Lower Course of Shokhdara River Valley in Pamir, Mountain Bodakhshan, Tajikistan
Authors: Afanasyev S. A. , Marushchak O. Yu. , Lietytska O. M. , Abdulnazarov A. , Golub O. O. , Domashevsky S. V. , Gavrys G. G.
Published: June 2024

This paper contains information on the records of bottom macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals collected during a field expedition to the valley of the Shokhdara River (in the vicinities of town of Khorog city) near its mouth and confluence with Panj River in autumn 2019 – spring 2020. According to the results of the study, 3 fish species (Actinopterigii) were found inhabiting Shokhdara River with 1 additional species being confirmed by locals. The taxonomic composition of the registered fish species is as follows: Cyprinidae – 2, Nemacheilidae – 1. 5 species of reptiles (Squamata: Colubridae – 2, Viperidae – 1, Agamidae – 1, Gekkonidae - 1), and 1 species of amphibians (Anura: Bufonidae – 1) were registered within the investigated area. 24 taxonomic groups of water macroinvertebrates were spotted (89,7% - Insecta): Simuliidae - 35,8%, Ephemeroptera – 18,7%, Chironomidae – 18%, Trichoptera – 10,5%, Oligochaeta – 6,5%, Plecoptera – 2,8%, Diptera – 2,5%, Gastropoda – 2,5%. Nematoda, Turbilaria, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Сyclops, Sphaerium, Araneida, Acarina, Odonata, Heteroptera, Colleoptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera and Megaloptera in total counted as only 2,7% of all registered macroinvertebrates. A total of 99 bird species (48% of the avifauna of the studied region) were registered during autumn/spring research. Among Mammalia class such valuable and rare internationally protected species as Asian otter, snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear were confirmed to inhabit the areas adjacent to the studies river valley.
A Study on the Feeding Biology of Soil Oribatid Mite Papillacarus (Papillacarus) elongatus (Acari, Lohmanniidae)
Authors: Praveena K. K. , Sobha T. R.
Published: June 2024

The feeding biology of lohmanniid mite Papillacarus (Papillacarus) elongatus Xavier, 2007 was investigated under laboratory conditions (relative humidity 80 ± 2 % and temperature 27 ± 2˚C) using appropriate feeding preference tests. Different microfungi and semi-degraded leaves were provided as food items. To validate feeding biology, the gut enzymes and structural morphology of mouth parts of P. (P.) elongatus were also examined. The results demonstrated that the P. (P.) elongatus are panphytophages, and could feed on both higher and lower plant elements. These alternative feeding guilds might enable these mites to coexist with other soil organisms; moreover, they can be directly involved in the biodegradation of leaf litter and indirectly influence the microbial activity in the soil ecosystem.
Body Size and Ectoparasitic Infestations in the Mediterranean Pond Turtle Mauremys leprosa (Testudines, Geoemydidae) in Majen Belahriti Pond (North-Eastern Algeria)
Authors: Ramdani K. , Ziane N. , Younsi M. , Ben Krinah C. , Bouchahdane I. , Rouag R.
Published: June 2024

Morphological parameters were measured on a population of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in Majen Belahriti pond in the region of Guelma (North-east of Algeria). Females exhibited a longer carapace length (CL) at 177 ± 23.85 mm, surpassing that of males (151.45 ± 31.12 mm), and they also displayed a higher body weight (BW) at 756.52 ± 243.91 g, which was notably greater than that of males (453.09 ± 224.42 g). Placobdella nabeulensis Ben Ahmed, Gajda, Utevsky, Kwist & Świątek, 2023 (Hirudinida, Glossiphoniidae) was identified as the only ectoparasite affecting M. leprosa, with an average body length and width of 11 ± 5.83 mm and 5.1 ± 2.89 mm respectively. The intensity, represented by the average number of leeches per turtle, was calculated to be 2.21 ± 1.31 for this specific population and a prevalence rate of 21.17 %. The tail region showed the highest parasite load, indicating its increased susceptibility compared to other body parts.
Ceramic Implant Rehabilitation: Consensus Statements from Joint Congress for Ceramic Implantology: Consensus Statements on Ceramic Implant
Authors: Schnurr Etyene , Sperlich Mathias , Sones Amerian , Romanos George E. , Rutkowski J. L. , Duddeck Dirk U. , Neugebauer Jörg , Att Wael , Sperlich Markus , Volz Karl Ulrich , Ghanaati Shahram
Published: June 2024

The objectives of the study group focused on the following main topics related to the performance of 1- and 2-piece ceramic implants: defining bone-implant-contact percentages and its measurement methods, evaluating the pink esthetic score as an esthetic outcome parameter after immediate implantation, recognizing the different results of ceramic implant designs as redefined by the German Association of Oral Implantology, incorporating the patient report outcome measure to include satisfaction and improvement in oral health–related quality of life, and conducting preclinical studies to address existing gaps in ceramic implants. During the Joint Congress for Ceramic Implantology (2022), the study group evaluated 17 clinical trials published between 2015 and 2021. After extensive discussions and multiple closed sessions, consensus statements and recommendations were developed, incorporating all approved modifications. A 1-piece implant design features a coronal part that is fused to the implant body or interfaces with the postabutment restoration platform, undergoing transmucosal healing. Long-term evaluations of this implant design are supported by established favorable clinical evidence. Inaccuracies in the pink esthetic score and bone-implant-contact percentages were managed by establishing control groups for preclinical studies and randomizing clinical trials. The patient-reported outcome measures were adjusted to include an individual visual analog scale, collected from each clinical study, that quantified improved oral health and quality of life. Preclinical investigations should focus on examining the spread of ceramic debris and the impact of heat generation on tissue and cellular levels during drilling. Further technical advancements should prioritize wound management and developing safe drilling protocols.
Secondary Students Learning Mathematics Through Digital Game Building: A Study Of The Effects And Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Li Qing , Vandermeiden Elise , Lemieux Collette , Nathoo Shahista
Published: June 2024

This study explored secondary students’ learning experiences in mathematics through digital game building. In this study, students were asked to become designers and builders in order to coauthor their own mathematics learning. Grounded in enactivism, this study examined the
impact of game building on students’ achievement. In addition, it explored students’ perceptions about their game building experience. Forty secondary students participated either in a treatment or control group. Results showed that the treatment group experienced significant achievement
gains. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed that the students perceived that game building experiences afforded them a chance to see math in a new light: math learning became fun, exciting, creative, and contextualized shared actions. Further discussion and implications are detailed.
Using Online Professional Learning Communities to Encourage Dialogue in University/College Mathematics
Authors: Bond Valleri
Published: June 2024

Technology integration in the post-secondary level mathematics classroom has been slow and notoriously difficult. The teacher-as-authority model has long been the standard. Politically motivated influence mandating usage of technology in the classroom has escalated the level of debate
in mathematics departments. The result has been a perception of attack resulting in departmental fracture. Causes of faculty resistance are not adequately addressed by typical faculty development sessions. One possible remedy is the introduction of online professional learning communities.
Online professional learning communities (OPLC) will allow faculty to investigate and discuss advantages and shortcomings of proposed technology in a less volatile environment. Seeing the success of peers, learning how technology is currently being used, and doing this at a convenient time
and location has the potential to lessen distrust and encourage dialogue. An additional benefit to the OPLC model is that it will allow faculty who lack in the competency for successful technology integration the chance to experiment and learn in private while still allowing open communication
with peers.
Mathematicians’ Perspectives on the Utility of Software
Authors: Quinlan James
Published: June 2024

In this study, we examine mathematicians’ perspectives of the utility of software in mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. In particular, we report findings from a survey questioning 422 mathematicians with respect to their beliefs regarding the usefulness of software
in mathematics research, teaching, and learning; recommended software titles; courses best-suited for technology use; and concerns regarding the use of technology. Results indicate that a majority of participants agree that software is important in mathematics but less important in teaching
and learning mathematics. In addition, participants identified which software they feel has the most utility to college students. Results also show that the perceived benefits of technology use in mathematics education at all levels remains divided, in particular while some suggested more
fully integrating technology into the curriculum, others express concern for overuse and reliance.
Redesigning Task Sequences to Support Instrumental Genesis in the Use of Movable Points and Slider Bars
Authors: Fahlgren Maria
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the process of instrumental genesis through which students develop their proficiency in making use of movable points and slider bars – two tools that dynamic mathematics software provides for working with variable coordinates and parameters in the field
of functions. The paper analyses students’ responses to task sequences designed to support a planned instrumental genesis and then examines how features of these task sequences might be modified accordingly to improve such support. Evidence about student responses was collected during
the first iteration of a design based research study conducted in collaboration with four upper secondary school teachers. Three task sequences were trialed with four 10th grade classes, involving a total of 85 students. Orchestration and examination of the instrumental genesis
were guided by the identification of key elements – both conceptual and technical – of the instrumented action schemes involved.
The Use of Software in Academic Stream High School Mathematics Teaching
Authors: Clay Simon , Fotou Nikolaos , Monaghan John
Published: June 2024

This paper reports on classroom observations of senior high school mathematics lessons with a focus on the use of digital technology. The observations were of teachers enrolled in an in-service course Teaching Advanced Mathematics. The paper reports selected results and comments
on: software that was observed to have been used; the use (or not) of software for specific topics; who used the software and for what purpose; and implications for teacher development programmes.
The Impact of Computer use on Learning of Quadratic Functions
Authors: Pihlap Sirje
Published: June 2024

Studies of the impact of various types of computer use on the results of learning and student motivation have indicated that the use of computers can increase learning motivation, and that computers can have a positive effect, a negative effect, or no effect at all on learning outcomes.
Some results indicate that it is not computer use itself that has a positive or negative effect on the achievement of students, but the way in which computers are used. This study explores the impact of computer use on learning quadratic functions in the ninth grade. The study involves five
classes where computers are used alongside traditional methods and five classes with only traditional forms of learning. There are no significant differences in learning outcomes between the students who use computers and those who do not; the students who use computers have higher motivation
for learning functions compared with those who do not use computers.
Learning and Teaching Numerical Methods with a System for Automatic Assessment
Authors: Jerše Gregor , Lokar Matija
Published: June 2024

The emphasis in several courses at technical faculties is on using a computer to perform numerical methods. Instead of focusing on mathematical rigorousness such courses usually concentrate on demonstrating the practical usage of numerical mathematical methods to the students. The
practical usage of numerical methods is best learned by exposing the students to a large set of exercises, which they have to solve. The process of solving problems has to be supervised in order to provide the students with a swift feedback about the quality of their solutions. The following
paper presents a web system for automatic assessment called Projekt Tomo, which was developed as a support tool for teaching programming and numerical methods oriented classes.
Searching for Loci using GeoGebra
Authors: Blažek Jiří , Pech Pavel
Published: June 2024

Searching for loci belongs to classical topics of school curricula at schools of different levels all over the world. In the text investigation of loci by GeoGebra using the command LocusEquation, the tool which has recently been implemented into GeoGebra and which brings a new approach
in searching for loci of points, is given. This approach is based on automatic discovery, the part of the theory of automated theorem proving, which enables to determine the locus equation on the basis of drawing a diagram. The use of the command LocusEquation is demonstrated on one concrete
example, where besides strengths of the software some problems which cannot be solved in the current state of the program are given. At the end of the article, a classical solution of the given problem is presented.
Potential of Maple as a tool for improving financial education of future teachers
Authors: Rosa Přemysl , Petrášková Vladimíra
Published: June 2024

In the Czech Republic one of the key tasks of an education system is to ensure the financial literacy of citizens. Scarcely any topic of the school curricula is undergoing such rapid and frequent changes as the topic of financial issues. Therefore, its teaching requires new approaches
that would dynamically respond to the current situation. This paper deals with an original collection of educational materials developed by the authors to support the financial education of future teachers at the Faculty of Education at the University of South Bohemia. In addition to the usual
computer means of financial computation such as spreadsheet and online calculators the authors discovered the utilisation of the computer algebra system Maple to be beneficial. Maple enables the user to create interactive “smart documents”, whose interactivity consists of the implementation
of a simple user interface beyond the framework of the usual document. This fact enables the user to influence the computation result by a change in input parameters and thus de facto to simulate an inexhaustible number of situations. These documents can be extended by executable applications
programmed directly in the program Maple, maplets. The main benefit of these applications is that even if they utilise the whole computation potential of the program Maple, their user environment can be limited to required functions and thus it is possible to reach a close specialisation of
particular applications.
Parametrization of Curves and Line Integrals with a CAS
Authors: Aguilera-Venegas Gabriel , Galán-García José L. , Galán-García María Á. , Lobillo-Mora Gema , Martínez-del-Castillo Javier , Merino-Córdoba Salvador , Padilla-Domínguez Yolanda , Rodríguez-Cielos Pedro , Rodríguez-Cielos Ricardo
Published: June 2024

Programming with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) has become an important tool as a support in Computer lectures in Mathematics subjects aimed at Engineering degrees. In this paper, the authors present their teaching experience within the concept “Line Integration” with
the help of two specific CAS: DERIVE and MAXIMA. When introducing the new concept of Line Integration to students, one of their most common problems is related to the concept of curve of integration. For this reason, in this paper, the authors introduce programming with CAS to ease the understanding
of the classical curves. Throughout the execution of these programs, together with the graphical capabilities of CAS, the students can check easier the main properties involving the curves. Different alternatives to compute Line Integral are also introduced by means of programming with CAS.
Examples of use of these programs are presented together with a discussion on the advantages, disadvantages and differences of both CAS. Finally, the conclusions obtained after using both CAS with our students and some related future work are stated.
Grouping Mathematical Contents Using Network Analysis Software. An Application to the Spanish Secondary Education Case
Authors: Martínez-Zarzuelo Angélica , Roanes-Lozano Eugenio , Fernández-Díaz María José
Published: June 2024

The educational laws establish an organization and a grouping of the contents of the educational system they rule. As far as we know, the set of experts who design it neither follow precise objective criteria nor use computer tools. That is why they are not usually rotund. We consider
that defining precise objective criteria is the key to develop alternative ways of organizing and grouping contents in a technically sound way. To achieve this, we propose to base the research in the meaningful learning theory. We have therefore designed and implemented a proposal that has
been applied to the mathematical contents of the compulsory Secondary Education of the Spanish educational system. A modelling using graphs and a cluster analysis using software specialized in network analysis have determined an alternative grouping to the one proposed by the Spanish educational
law.
Enhancing Student Learning of Differential Equations through Technology
Authors: Seshaiyer Padmanabhan , Solin Pavel
Published: June 2024

In this work, we review and share some useful technology for mathematics educators that can help to enhance their pedagogical practices to motivate students to improve their further understanding of differential equations after an initial exposure to the topic in an undergraduate
class. In particular, we present some innovative ways to employ technology tools to motivate the learning of students and their appreciation of the applications of differential equations to real-world problems. The objective is to engage the students in exploration to solve differential equations
using technology. This work presents a benchmark example involving modelling epidemics as a real-world problem and how to engage students who have basic familiarity with differential equations through literate programming. Visualization of the results using graphical user interface is also
presented. The readers are also exposed to a novel free network computing laboratory called NCLab which is applied to a variety of applications involving differential equations.
Polynomial interpolation of functions: Introducing Chebyshev polynomials in a CAS laboratory
Authors: Kidron Ivy
Published: June 2024

In this paper I analyze students’ conceptual understanding of the quality of polynomial approximation. In particular, I analyze to what extent the interactive play with various methods of interpolation enables the students to build visual pictures that help understanding the
formal mathematical statements. The role of the Mathematica software in enabling the students to visualize the theory is investigated as well as the importance of accompanying visual intuitions with the formal statement of the theory.
The Evaluation of a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher’s TPACK: A Case of 3D Shapes with GeoGebra
Authors: Saralar İpek , Işıksal-Bostan Mine , Akyüz Didem
Published: June 2024

This paper describes a pre-service mathematics teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) during her school experience. This study focuses on how the participant taught different views of three-dimensional objects in a private middle school. It is a descriptive
case study in which the data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, lesson plans and corresponding GeoGebra files. The data analysis showed that there is an increase in the technological pedagogical content knowledge of the participant during the practicum. In other
words, the findings of the study reveal that there was an observable development in the participant’s skills in teaching with technology during the school experience course which helped the improvement of her TPACK. It is proposed that the school experience helped her develop her knowledge
of teaching in dynamic geometry-integrated mathematics classrooms. This claim and resulting implications for practice are unpacked in further detail.
Using Automated Reasoning Tools in GeoGebra in the Teaching and Learning of Proving in Geometry
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Recio Tomás , Pilar Vélez M.
Published: June 2024

This document introduces, describes and exemplifies the technical features of some recently implemented automated reasoning tools in the dynamic mathematics software GeoGebra. The new tools are based on symbolic computation algorithms, allowing the automatic and rigorous proving
and discovery of theorems on constructed geometric figures. Some examples of the use in the classroom of such commands are provided, including one describing how intuitive handling of GeoGebra automated reasoning tools may result in unexpected outputs. In all cases the emphasis is made in
the potential utility of these tools as a guiding stick to foster student activities (exploration, reasoning) in the learning of elementary geometry. Moreover, a collection of appendices describing other, more sophisticated, low-level GeoGebra tools (Prove, ProveDetails), as well as instructions
on how to obtain the translation of GeoGebra commands into other languages, and details about debugging, are included.
Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Use of Web Resources
Authors: Caniglia Joanne , Meadows Michelle
Published: June 2024

The internet is used by teachers to help find resources to integrate technology into their classrooms in a variety of ways (Handal, Campbell, Cavanagh, Petocz, & Kelly, 2013). The purpose of this study was to investigate the websites preservice teachers (PSTs) used during their
field experiences in secondary mathematics. To address the purpose of this study, the researchers collected survey data, lesson plans, and PST’s work. The Technological, Pedagogical, Content Knowledge (TPACK) Framework and the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition
(SAMR) model both served important roles within a pre-service methods course. Implications of this study suggest PSTs may benefit from learning how to assess the quality of resources, learn proper implementation of website resources, and address the variety of ways resources can be used to
integrate technology into their mathematics curriculum.
Ariadne – A Digital Topology Learning Environment
Authors: Sümmermann Moritz L.
Published: June 2024

Ariadne is a touch-based program for the learning of homotopies of paths, without the use of formalism, by building mental models. Using Ariadne, the user can construct points, paths by dragging points and homotopies by dragging paths as well as compute winding numbers of paths,
all on a variety of surfaces, through touch gestures. Ariadne provides surfaces in two and three dimensions and an optional number of punctures. This environment enables the user to tackle questions regarding the equivalence of points by paths or paths by homotopies, because it allows only
mathematically valid operations, i.e., paths and homotopies cannot pass through punctures on the surface. Ariadne is designed to let students of all ages and prior states of knowledge approach problems ranging from the construction of a path connecting points to the classification of all paths
up to homotopy on a punctured plane, effectively calculating the fundamental group of a sphere.
An Interesting Dynamic Investigation of a Sangaku Problem, and What Else Can Be Asked, as a Research Activity
Authors: Stupel Moshe , Sigler Avi , Tal Idan
Published: June 2024

An interesting Sangaku problem was chosen and a multidirectional study was performed, which included finding the locus of a circle’s center moving while being tangent to two circles. It also included finding the radius of that circle given the datum that it is also tangent
to the side of an isosceles triangle. Two different proofs are presented of the conserved property of the problem. To exploit the value of the problem from the methodological point of view and to enrich the mathematical knowledge, the problem was expanded by adding a few questions in the style
of what else can be asked about the problem? As part of the study of the problem, dynamic geometric software was used to enable hypothesizing and testing the hypotheses as a basis for writing formal proofs.
Non-Euclidean Geometry with Art by Means of GeoGebra
Authors: Ferrarello Daniela , Mammana Maria Flavia , Taranto Eugenia
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a teaching path on non-Euclidean geometry focused on the Poincaré-disk model, and its connection with art is shown. We consider as artistic contents the Escher’s hyperbolic art and some paradoxes on Magritte’s work. The mathematical aspects are illustrated
thanks to a Dynamic Geometry System (GeoGebra) implemented with a laboratory methodology in a Vygotskijan perspective. The use of the artefact (the DGS) is crucial to build mathematical concepts starting by artistic objects. The path was experimented with inmates in a high security prison
and with University students. Some comments on the first experimentation are given.
A Formative Path in Tertiary Education through GeoGebra Supporting the Students’ Learning Assessment and Awareness
Authors: Alessio Francesca G. , Demeio Lucio , Telloni Agnese Ilaria
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present a “route of activities” mainly addressed to first and second year engineering students attending the basic mathematics courses. These activities are intended to be a tool both for students and teachers. On the one hand, they should help the students
to acquire a deeper understanding of the mathematical ideas and increase their awareness about the learning progress; on the other hand, they should be useful to the teachers in adjusting their educational strategies by synchronizing them with the students’ outcomes. The activities are
based on working with coordination of multiple representations of sets in the plane; the motivation for this choice is given by the difficulties encountered by the students in the calculations of double integrals, either in the Calculus courses or in the Mechanics courses. We describe the
design and the aims of the activities and analyze the tasks with regard to the mathematical competencies and the feedback given to the students. The tasks have been designed and implemented with GeoGebra and submitted to the students by using a Moodle platform.
Surprising Geometrical Properties – Their Investigation, Proof and Generalization
Authors: Stupel Moshe , Sigler Avi , Tal Idan
Published: June 2024

We perform dynamic investigation of two surprising geometrical properties, each of which involves additional properties. In the first task the property belongs to two regular polygons with the same number of sides and with one common vertex. It is found that all the straight lines
that connect corresponding vertices of the two polygons intersect at a single point. This point the second point of intersection of the circumcircles of the polygons. In the second task the property concerns the situation in which there are two disjoint circles which are tangent to the sides
of an angle, with an isosceles triangle between them which is tangent to the two circles, so that its base lies on one angle side and its head vertex lies on the second side – the sum of the radii of the circles equals the altitude of the triangle.