bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Physical Activity and Medicine Use in the Spanish Population
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Garcia-Gordillo Miguel Ángel , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Colmenarez-Mendoza Alexis , Adsuar-Sala José Carmelo
Published: October 2022

Health care costs in first world populations are rising, partly due to increased use of medicines. Sedentary lifestyles and global demographic ageing have contributed to this. A physically more active population could reduce the use of medicines. The aim is to analyse the relationships between physical activity level (PAL) and medication use in the Spanish population, by sexes and age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 17,199 participants, from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. A study of normality: Normality was studied using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterise the sample. Non-parametric statistical tests were used: chi-square statistics (ordinal variables) and a Mann–Whitney U test (continuous variables) to analyse intergroup differences. A correlation study was carried out—Spearman’s rho—between medication use and PAL. A multiple binary logistic regression was performed, taking medication use as the dependent variable and PAL, sex, age and social class, as independent variables. Two-sided p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Relationships were found between PAL and the use of medication (p < 0.001). Performing moderate and/or vigorous PA was related to a lower use of medication compared to just walking or being inactive (p < 0.05). Weak correlations were found between PAL and medication use (p < 0.001). People with a low physical activity level shown to be at higher risk of using medications. Conclusion: High levels of PA are related to lower medication use in the Spanish population. Among all population groups, physically inactive people had a higher prevalence of medication use. Future research is needed to establish causal relationships and to propose optimal physical activity doses for each population group.
Synchrotron Radiation Taking External Influences into Account
Authors: Zhukovsky Vladimir
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we demonstrate how various external forces influence the effect of the radiation of a charged particle. As a particular example, we obtained a solution to the Dirac equation for an electron in a constant homogeneous magnetic field and by taking into account the anomalous magnetic moment and influence of possible Lorentz invariance violation in minimal CPT-odd form. Based on the solution found, we calculated the synchrotron radiation (SR) characteristics and predicted possible observable effects attributable to the Lorentz invariance violation. As another example, we calculated the stimulated synchrotron radiation in the presence of the field of an electromagnetic wave and taking into account the inhomogeneity of an external magnetic field. Moreover, the superposition of two electromagnetic waves was also considered taking into account the properties of radiated electromagnetic waves. We also point out a way to use a corresponding semiclassical solution to the Dirac equation to obtain synchrotron radiation without approximating the radiative amplitudes themselves. This last way of calculating might be of use for studying SR in real circumstances of radiation in an astrophysical magnetic field and in electron accelerators, where electron trajectories are far from being circular.
On r-Regular Integers (mod nr)
Authors: Bu Zhengjin , Xu Zhefeng
Published: October 2022

Let ρr(nr) denote the number of positive r-regular integers (modnr) that are less than or equal to nr; in this paper, we investigate some arithmetic properties of certain functions related to r-regular integers (modnr). Then, we study the average orders and the extremal orders of ρr(nr) in connection with the divisor function and the generalized Dedekind function. Moreover, we also introduce an analogue of Cohen–Ramanujan’s sum with respect to r-regular integers (modnr) and show some basic properties of this function.
Statins and Male Fertility: Is There a Cause for Concern?
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Halabi Mouhammad Omar , Mubarak Maitha , Cyril Asha Caroline , Duvuru Ruthwik , Radhakrishnan Rajan , Du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: October 2022

The well-known 3-hydroxyl 3-methyl glutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, called statins, have been the main medication used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and some cases of cardiovascular diseases. The effectiveness of this drug in controlling cholesterol production is impeccable, however, patients often complain of a variety of side effects, such as myalgia, muscle atrophy, and in some cases, rhabdomyolysis. Not only has the use of statins caused the aforementioned side effects, but they are also shown to cause testicular discomfort, erectile dysfunction, altered semen parameters, and modified steroid hormone production. These reported adverse effects on male fertility are not generally agreed upon, as some have shown the use to be beneficial. Hence, this makes the aftermath effect of statin use on male fertility debatable and controversial. The negative effects have been associated with imbalanced or reduced steroid hormones, which are necessary for proper spermatogenesis and other sexual functions. Meanwhile, the beneficial effects are related to statin’s anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. These contradictory findings are in part due to the different age of users, concentrations of statins, the type and duration of treatment, and the underlying disease and/or comorbidities. Therefore, the current study aims to analyze the literature and gather evidence as to the effects of statin on male sexual health and reproductive parameters, and subsequently give recommendations for the direction of future studies.
Electric Vehicles Selection Based on Brčko District Taxi Service Demands, a Multi-Criteria Approach
Authors: Štilić Anđelka , Puška Adis , Đurić Aleksandar , Božanić Darko
Published: October 2022

Traditional fuel-powered vehicle emissions have long been recognized as a major barrier to a sustainable environment, and their minimization could ensure both economic support for the sustainable societal fundament and pollution prevention. Electrifying light-duty vehicle fleets, such as taxis, could provide a financial return as well as bring significant economic and environmental improvements. This paper offers a ranked selection of electric vehicles that are presently available on the market, as reviewed by taxi service representatives, as well as their own evaluation of the criteria that influence this selection. This paper provides stability and support when making decisions by deploying stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis and a modified standard deviation method for calculating the subjective and objective weights of the criteria, as well as performing sensitivity analysis to determine how a particular criterion affects the multi-attributive border approximation area. A comparison ranking of the alternatives discovered how a change in the weight value of one of the criteria affected the ranking of the electric vehicle alternatives. According to the research, led by the battery capacity criterion and its values, the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro has the best results and is the taxi of choice in the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, the research has demonstrated that the development of electric vehicles for taxi service purposes should strive to extend the range of these vehicles while reducing the battery charging time.
Characterization of Grapevine Fanleaf Virus Isolates in ‘Chardonnay’ Vines Exhibiting Severe and Mild Symptoms in Two Vineyards
Authors: Kubina Julie , Hily Jean-Michel , Mustin Pierre , Komar Véronique , Garcia Shahinez , Martin Isabelle Rachel , Poulicard Nils , Velt Amandine , Bonnet Véronique , Mercier Laurence , Lemaire Olivier , Vigne Emmanuelle
Published: October 2022

Fanleaf degeneration is a complex viral disease of Vitis spp. that detrimentally impacts fruit yield and reduces the productive lifespan of most vineyards worldwide. In France, its main causal agent is grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). In the past, field experiments were conducted to explore cross-protection as a management strategy of fanleaf degeneration, but results were unsatisfactory because the mild virus strain negatively impacted fruit yield. In order to select new mild GFLV isolates, we examined two old ‘Chardonnay’ parcels harbouring vines with distinct phenotypes. Symptoms and agronomic performances were monitored over the four-year study on 21 individual vines that were classified into three categories: asymptomatic GFLV-free vines, GFLV-infected vines severely diseased and GFLV-infected vines displaying mild symptoms. The complete coding genomic sequences of GFLV isolates in infected vines was determined by high-throughput sequencing. Most grapevines were infected with multiple genetically divergent variants. While no specific molecular features were apparent for GFLV isolates from vines displaying mild symptoms, a genetic differentiation of GFLV populations depending on the vineyard parcel was observed. The mild symptomatic grapevines identified during this study were established in a greenhouse to recover GFLV variants of potential interest for cross-protection studies.
Proinflammatory Innate Cytokines and Distinct Metabolomic Signatures Shape the T Cell Response in Active COVID-19
Authors: Binayke Akshay , Zaheer Aymaan , Dandotiya Jyotsna , Gupta Sonu Kumar , Mani Shailendra , Tripathy Manas Ranjan , Madan Upasna , Shrivastava Tripti , Kumar Yashwant , Pandey Anil Kumar , Rathore Deepak Kumar , Awasthi Amit
Published: October 2022

The underlying factors contributing to the evolution of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses during COVID-19 infection remain unidentified. To address this, we characterized innate and adaptive immune responses with metabolomic profiling longitudinally at three different time points (0–3, 7–9, and 14–16 days post-COVID-19 positivity) from young, mildly symptomatic, active COVID-19 patients infected during the first wave in mid-2020. We observed that anti-RBD IgG and viral neutralization are significantly reduced against the delta variant, compared to the ancestral strain. In contrast, compared to the ancestral strain, T cell responses remain preserved against the delta and omicron variants. We determined innate immune responses during the early stage of active infection, in response to TLR 3/7/8-mediated activation in PBMCs and serum metabolomic profiling. Correlation analysis indicated PBMCs-derived proinflammatory cytokines, IL-18, IL-1β, and IL-23, and the abundance of plasma metabolites involved in arginine biosynthesis were predictive of a robust SARS-CoV-2-specific Th1 response at a later stage (two weeks after PCR positivity). These observations may contribute to designing effective vaccines and adjuvants that promote innate immune responses and metabolites to induce a long-lasting anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response.
The nature and prevalence of threats to medical student placement capacity in primary care: a survey of East of England GP practices
Authors: Darnton Richard , Amey Sam , Brimicombe James
Published: October 2022

Background

GP practices deliver vital medical student teaching in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.

Aim

To understand the nature and scale of threats to medical student teaching capacity in primary care.

Design & setting

An electronic survey of a predefined population of 120 East of England GP practices that host medical student placements.

Method

The survey was completed on behalf of the practice by the GP lead for medical student teaching. They were asked to pick (from a list of 16) the four main challenges they faced delivering medical student teaching placements, then explain their selection and suggest solutions. Thematic analysis of free-text responses was undertaken from an activity theory perspective.

Results

Responses were received from 114 of the 120 practices in the study population (95% response rate). The most commonly selected challenges to delivering placements were clinical/practice workload (picked by 92 practices), and lack of space in the practice (picked by 63 practices). Thematic analysis produced a model whereby a practice’s decision to continue hosting students was influenced by level of motivation and burden of teaching, but only if a certain level of resource enablement is present. Analysis of free-text responses suggested that space pressures were perceived as being exacerbated by the need to accommodate more clinicians, especially advanced practitioners employed by primary care networks (PCNs) under the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS).

Conclusion

This study provides much-needed quantitative evidence to support the view that lack of space in GP premises is a major threat to the future of undergraduate general practice.
Effects of Unilateral Eyestalk Ablation on Growth in Juvenile Blue Crabs Portunus pelagicus(L.) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae)
Authors: GERMANO BERNARDITA P.
Published: October 2022

The effects of unilateral eyestalk ablation on growth in Portunus pelagicus were investigated using the physiological energy budget method and checked by means of actual growth performance and body condition indices. Unilateral eyestalk ablation significantly increased absorption efficiency and dry meat yield (% of dry weight) by 12.3% and 332%, respectively. It also accelerated molting by 3.4 days. The physiological mechanisms of growth enhancement are increased absorption efficiency and possi­bly also increased feeding rate and decreased energetic loss to carapace. The increased absorption efficiency, standard ammonia excretion rate, and low O:N ratio in ablated crabs indicate the need to determine optimal lipid and protein levels in the diet. Dry meat yield is suggested as a better gauge than whole wet weight for assessing growth response to eyestalk ablation since the reducing effect of ablation on carapace size tends to mask its weight gain enhancement effect.
Feeding Specializations in Adult Spiny Eel Mastacembelus armatus
Authors: SERAJUDDIN M. , MUSTAFA SALEEM
Published: October 2022

Adult Mastacembelus armatus are predators, preferring live aquatic crustaceans and insects. Well developed dentition, strongly built stomach and short intestine besides other characteristics are related to its dietary habit.
Comparison of Amplified RNA Gene Sequences From Microsporidian Parasites (Agmasoma or Thelohania) in Penaeus merguiensis and P. monodon
Authors: PASHARAWIPAS TIRASAK
Published: October 2022

The microsporidian parasites (Agmasoma or Thelohania sp) of Penaeus merguiensis and R monodon have identical morphology with the light and electron microscopes, suggesting that a single parasite species infects both shrimp. However, cross-infection studies to test this hypothesis have not been possible because the intermediate host required for disease transmission is unknown. This study compared DNA extracts from microsporidian spores of infected P. merguiensis and P. monodon to help answer the question of conspecificity. In these tests, a part of the Agmasoma small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene from each host was amplified by the PCR reaction using synthesized degenerate primers based on highly conserved sequences of the SSU rRNA gene from another microsporidian (Vairimorpha necatrix) and from Escherichia coli. After amplification, the fragments were inserted into the plasmid pGEM7Zf+ and amplified in £. coli JM109. The cloned fragments were verified as Agmasoma DNA by signal expression (Digoxigenin labelling) with Agmasoma DNA and by lack of expression with DNA from other or­ganisms including the two shrimp hosts and two marine fish. The two Agmasoma recombinant plasmids were then sequenced using a tag dye primer cyde sequencing kit. The amplified regions of the SSU rRNA gene from the two sources were identical for 722 base pairs. The results support the morphological data and strongly suggest that a single microsporidian parasite infects both of these penaeid shrimp.
Degradation of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride in Fresh- and Seawater
Authors: CHOO P.S.
Published: October 2022

The degradation or oxytetracycline hydrochloride in fresh- and seawater in plastic tanks placed in a hatchery was studied. Reverse phase HPLC technique was used for the detection of oxytetracycline. The half-life of oxytetracycline hydrochloride in freshwater (average pH 7.3, average temperature 27°C, under natural lighting) was 58 h, and in seawater (average pH 7.9, average temperature 27°C, under natural lighting) 298 h.
Effect of Dietary n-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Growth, Feed Efficiency and Fatty Acid Composition of Juvenile Silver Bream Rhabdosargus sarba (Sparidae)
Authors: LEU MING-YIH
Published: October 2022

An experiment was conducted to investigate the response of juvenile silver bream (Rhabdosargus sarba) to dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA). White fishmeal and casein were the protein sources with 7.0% soybean oil as the major lipid component in the basal diet. Different levels of n-3 HUFA (n-3 HUFA, 85%) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0% (at 0.5% increment) were supplemented to the basal diet to replace equivalent levels of soybean oil. Test diets were fed to silver bream in duplicate 500-1 fiberglass tanks for 8 weeks. Fish fed the basal diet exhibited the poorest weight gain (639.45%) and feed efficiency (91.93%). With increasing levels of dietary n-3 HUFA (0.61-1.64%), weight gain and feed efficiency improved (639.45-789.42% and 91.93- 104.60%, respectively); but, at 2.19% n-3 HUFA, weight gain and feed efficiency were slightly suppressed (739.75% and 92.97%, respectively). However, statistically, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in weight gain among 1.31, 1.64 and 2.19% dietary n-3 HUFA, and feed efficiency among 0.91, 1.31, 1.64 and 2.19% dietary n-3 HUFA. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in survival and condition factor among dietary treatments. Body lipid composition of fish was af­fected by dietary lipid composition. Feeding a diet low in the n-3 HUFA level resulted in an in­crease of 18:ln-9 and 18:2n-6. Elevation of dietary n-3 HUFA levels effectively reduced the 18:Jn-9 and 18:2n-6 levels and increased n-3 HUFA levels. This indicates that the dietary n-3 HUFA for juvenile silver bream should be above 1.31% in order to achieve better growth and feed efficiency.
Distinction of HPV-Type Viruses in Penaeus chinensis and Macrobrachium rosenbergii Using a DNA Probe
Authors: LIGHTNER D.V. , REDMAN R.M. , POULOS B.T. , MARI J.L. , BONAMI J.R. , SHARIFF M.
Published: October 2022

Histological sections of hepatopancreas tissue from postlarval Macrobrachium rosenbergii from Malaysia infected with an HPV-type (HPV-Mac) virus were tested for possible virus homology with a DNA probe developed from an HPV-type virus (HPV-Chin) of Penaeus chinensis from Ko­rea. No reaction of the HPV-Chin probe was observed with HPV-Mac intranuclear inclusion bodies or infected cells. These findings, along with distinctive cytopathological differences between cells infected with HPV-Chin and HPV-Mac, indicate that these are distinctly different viruses within the parvovirus family.
Literatura em tempos de pandemia: leitura e afeto em encontros literários
Authors: Pinheiro Alexandra Santos , Lottermann Clarice
Published: October 2022

A covid-19 esvaziou as salas de aula, isolou professores e estudantes e impulsionou uma reestruturação do processo ensino-aprendizagem. Neste artigo, promovemos um olhar para o lugar do texto literário neste novo cenário. Mais especificamente, analisamos como o uso da tecnologia, outrora acusada de desfavorecer a leitura, tornou-se um aliado para o processo de mediação da literatura. Para exemplificar o debate, destacamos dois grupos de Encontros literários online denominados “Literatura entre amigas” e “Mulheres e literatura”. O primeiro constituído por professoras e mães de diferentes cidades brasileiras; o segundo, por docentes da Educação Básica da cidade de Dourados-MS. Ao final, defendemos que a literatura tem permitido vivências literárias e trocas afetivas, demarcando um importante espaço de atuação em tempo de pandemia.
As potências do ato de ler: uma experiência extensionista
Authors: Rocha Helder Santos
Published: October 2022

Este relato apresenta reflexivamente uma proposta de extensão executada na modalidade curso online, durante os meses de novembro e dezembro de 2021, no Centro Multidisciplinar de Santa Maria da Vitória (UFOB), que objetivou difundir uma rotina de leituras coletivas, além de incentivar a reflexão sobre o próprio ato de ler. Com especial atenção à aspectos estéticos dos textos e às diferentes possibilidades de experiência leitora, conclui-se que é válido repensar a formação de leitores em ambientes extracurriculares, dialogando teorias, experimentações de leituras e possibilidades outras de significação. Baseando-se em pensamentos diversos, buscamos, coletivamente, compreender e praticar o ato de ler como deslizamento de sentidos (BARTHES), como um ato de experiência (ISER), como performance (ZUMTHOR) e como emancipação política (RANCIÈRE). Desejamos e defendemos a criação de espaços dialógicos plurais a fim de que os envolvidos possam ler, discutir, imaginar, repensar, questionar, ressignificar e experienciar outras perspectivas de mundo.
New Kids on the Block? Exploring technological preferences of a new generation
Authors: VAN WYK Brenda
Published: October 2022

Over the past decades, reported research have continuously alluded to the impact of “digital natives,” “millennials,” and a range of reported “generations,” and warned about the need to adapt across all spheres, including education, educational approaches and student support. Higher education akin to these demands. Contemporary trends in student styles indicate an ever-expanding preference in using digital options. In essence, the use and application of technology and expectations hereof are changing with the emergence of each new generation. This necessitates a deepening in understanding, of inter alia, developments and application of educational technology and instructional design. With the disruptive technological changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), a new entry-level student, characterised by an increased digital imprint and a marked preference to using only mobile technology, surfaced and is already coined in literature as “the phygital generation”. Phygital is the concept of using technology to bridge the digital world with the physical world with the purpose of providing a unique interactive experience for the user. The term has first been introduced by the marketing and consumer industries. Here, smart and mobile technologies enable interaction and experiences for increasingly daily needs such as online purchases, traveling, learning, communication. The question is: how does this new trend affect teaching and learning? Evidently, students from this generation prefers to learn from microcontent and they are averse to voluminous content. Is there an understanding of the nature of the phygital generation, with its focus on mobile technology? Will this exacerbate the digital divide in marginalised communities? Framed by Critical Pedagogy, this paper interrogates the knowledge that a group of lecturers and their support staff in a Higher Education Institution in South Africa must accommodate a new generation of students. Using an interpretive design, qualitative data were collected from a purposively selected group of educators and support staff. Semi-structured interviews were used in this case to gauge their awareness and readiness to accommodate this new generation in their teaching and learning ecosystem. Findings are that participants are aware of the change but are not prepared for contemporary trends. Informed by critical theory, the paper offers critical indicators to address the gap.
Haptic Technology in Digital Music Learning Context: A State-of-the-Art Analysis
Authors: Dörr Bianka , Norouzinia Farzaneh , Altmeyer Kristin , Werth Dirk
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Digital media have become increasingly established in learning contexts in recent decades, and it seems impossible to imagine education without them, especially in recent years. Various technological advances can be observed, such as developments in virtual reality and augmented reality. To give learners a realistic impression of the virtual world, as many sensory impressions as possible should be addressed. However, current developments have mainly addressed the visual and auditory modalities, which make up two of the five human senses. Research and developments for the use of the other senses are being made but at this stage they are not yet ready for mass use. Especially the sense of touch based on skin as the largest human sensory organ or tactile and haptic perception seem to be of interest. Particularly in manual or medical areas where motor skills are required, haptic technologies are declared to be supportive and beneficial. One area that has hardly focused on digital learning so far is the music sector. Learning a musical instrument in this context seems to be an interesting field of research, as it not only promotes motor skills, but also cognitive development in both children and adults.

To give an update on the technical developments in the field of digital teaching and learning in music, and especially to highlight the use of haptic technologies, we will briefly review the state of the art in this paper. It begins with a brief overview of the basics of digital learning and haptics, as well as previous work in this field. Using the method of a scoping review, the topic of haptic technologies in the field of music education will be researched, analysed, and summarised according to defined criteria to give a condensed overview of it. The selected database and appropriate search strings will be used to achieve the aim of the paper. The results help to shed light on current research gaps and give indications for future developments of haptic technology in the music learning context.
Flipping the Learning to Engage? Herts Route to Students’ Higher Levels of Learning
Authors: Du Xiangping , Pontier Maarten
Published: October 2022

This paper looks at the application of flipped learning as a pedagogy for student learning and its blended approach to the delivery of the learning and teaching materials. This paper is based on research conducted on the delivery of a Postgraduate Business Research Methods Module. The research indicates a specific structure and sequencing is to be followed in delivering the teaching materials of the Module, providing students the opportunity to learn to higher levels, using quizzes to test knowledge and subject understanding, case studies, practical applications and student-initiated discussions. The structured synchronous online flipped learning approach, known as SOFLA, is of great importance for large modules and a big teaching team, not only to ensure consistency of delivery but also for the educational experience of mainly international students. In addition, compassion pedagogy needs to be considered to create inclusion and engagement. Mid-module feedback and end-term student voice questionnaire datasets are used in the analysis of effectiveness and student learning of the Business Research Methods Module. The conclusions drawn are an excellently designed and managed Module, giving the required learning focus, with the realisation by students that their use of learning materials and engagement is open to improvement. Recommendations are made to seek solutions to enhance student engagement in the preparation for the Module’s learning materials, achieving higher learning.
Analysis of Individual Conversational Volatility in Tandem Telecollaboration for Second Language Learning
Authors: Smeaton Alan , Dey-Plissonneau Aparajita , Lee Hyowon , Liu Mingming , Scriney Michael
Published: October 2022

Second language (L2) learning can be enabled by tandem collaboration where students are grouped in video conference calls while learning the native language of other student(s) on the calls. This places students in an online environment where the more outgoing can actively contribute and engage in dialogue while those more shy and unsure of their second language language skills can sit back and coast through the calls. We have built and deployed the L2L system which records timings of conversational utterances from all participants in a call. We generate visualisations including participation rates and timelines for each student in each call and present these on a dashboard. Students can self-reflect and perhaps target improving their levels of engagement for subsequent calls. We have recently developed a measure called personal conversational volatility for how dynamic has been each student’s contribution to the dialogue in each call. This measures whether a student’s contribution was interactive with a mixture of interjections perhaps interrupting and agreeing with others combined with longer contributions, or whether it consisted of regular duration contributions with not much mixing. We present an analysis of conversational volatility measures of a sample of 19 individual English-speaking students from our University at lower intermediate-intermediate level (B1/B2) in their target language which was French, in each of 86 tandem telecollaboration calls over one teaching semester. Our analysis shows that students varied considerably in how their individual levels of engagement changed as their telecollaboration meetings progressed. Some students got more involved in the dialogue from one meeting to the next while others did not change their interaction levels at all.   The reasons for this are not clear from the data we have and point to a need for further investigation into the nature of online tandem telecollaboration meetings. In particular there is a need to look into the nature of the interactions and see if the choices of discussion topics were too difficult for some lower intermediate students and that may have influenced their engagement in some way.
Educational Development - Challenges, Opportunities, Tools and Techniques
Authors: Mozelius Peter , Bader Sebastian , Jaldemark Jimmy , Urbansson Patrik , Engström Alexis
Published: October 2022

: As pointed out by many researchers, the ongoing pandemic has been a catalyst for educational development. With the increasing need for reskilling and lifelong learning, the current model of technology-enhanced learning needs updating, and so does also the university programmes for bachelor's and master's students. This study is based on an online brainstorming session and submitted development plans in the HEaD (Higher Education and Digitalisation) project, a five-year initiative for technology-enhanced educational development. HEaD is a development project aimed at supporting university teachers to work with research and development in the field of technology-enhanced and lifelong learning. As the research strategy, an action research approach was used, with the purpose of improving the educational process where authors also have the roles of teachers and facilitators. The aim of the study is to describe and discuss pilot project members' perceptions of challenges, opportunities, tools and techniques in higher education development. Data gathered from workshop discussion summaries and project plans were thematically analysed. Ideas from the workshop sessions were written down and saved with the use of the digital notice board Padlet. Results from the thematic analysis have been grouped into the four predefined categories of challenges, opportunities, tools and techniques. Findings show that course participants and project members have interesting ideas that have the potential to reinforce the current educational model at the university. Several tools and techniques that could support synchronous as well as asynchronous online learning will be tested and evaluated. Both the workshop summaries and the project plans show a high degree of creativity, but on the other hand, the method descriptions were scarce and would need improvement. The conclusion is that the project has had a good start if seen as development, but that there is a need for improvement and more input to achieve the intended core idea of research and development.
From flipped to remote to hybrid: transformation of a game-based flipped classroom during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Algayres Muriel , Timcenko Olga , Triantafyllou Evangelia
Published: October 2022

Purpose – This research examines how students’ learning was affected by the transition from a flipped classroom model to remote learning during the Covid19 lockdown and hybrid learning after return to class. 

Methodology – This study features quantitative analysis of undergraduate students’ online interactions with the course material over two semesters with the same instructor, one completely online, the other in the form of hybrid learning imposed by Covid19 restrictions. Participation in the game-based quizzes before class, in-class multiplayer game sessions, and presence in the classroom or online during the lectures were measured, as well as the students’ score to the final exam. Students also took a survey at the end of each semester to provide feedback on the course. Finally, interviews were made with some of the students to document their detailed impression of the learning challenges of the period.

Findings – Results from this study identified four groups of students with different attitudes regarding learning and challenges during and after Covid19 restrictions. Some came back immediately in the physical class while others remained online or did both. Average scores correlate increased face-to-face time and regular online preparation before class with better results in the final exam. Qualitative data from students’ interviews confirm these changing attitudes to learning due to Covid19.

Practical implication – This study allows us to reflect on best practices for hybrid learning and opportunities to improve on the flipped classroom model under changing modes of delivery. Furthermore, it underlines strategic importance to engage different profiles and challenges for students with less time and opportunity to engage in face-to-face learning.

Interest – While research on flipped and hybrid classrooms is prevalent, little has been done in comparing the two models and their impact on students’ learning attitudes Furthermore, research on classroom adaption and adjustment during Covid19 is still at early stages. This study presents opportunities and challenges for the hybrid classroom moving forward.
Pre-service Mathematics Teachers’ lesson plans as a source of Information about their readiness to teach online
Authors: Slavíčková Mária , Novotná Jarmila
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a study of lesson plans created by pre-service mathematics teachers (PMTs) from two universities (Faculty of Education, Charles University in Prague, and Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava) in the course Didactics of Mathematics. The collaboration of the two research teams brought new perspectives on several questions that were come across in one or the other group of PMTs. The focus of the study was on lesson plans since the lesson plan is one of the significant parts of mathematics teacher education. The studied issues were the PMTs’ willingness to implement digital technologies (DT) in their lesson plans and the changes in their lesson plans that could be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. For data processing, a mixed research design was used. In the qualitative part of the research, the thematic analysis resulted in identification of several codes related to the hybrid mode of teaching. In the quantitative part, Statistical Implicative Analysis (C.H.I.C) was applied. Relations inside the groups of PMTs and among them are presented and discussed in the paper by interpreting the results from the implicative trees and graphs. We concluded that (i) PMTs from our sample are, to a limited extent, prepared for using DT in their teaching, (ii) PMTs used DT in their teaching mainly for testing and feedback collection, (iii) PMTs in our sample focused on the content and the choice of software (or application, applet, etc.) when preparing a lesson plan. Besides that, we found (by using C.H.I.C.) that not all codes identified in thematic analysis were connected to the others. The findings are of interest to teacher educators in general, researchers interested in teachers’ lesson planning, and in-service teachers in general. In this paper we focus on PMTs’ lesson plans. We plan to do a similar analysis of in-service teachers’ lesson plans in order to gain a deeper insight into the role of experience in the studied domain.
Applying low-cost sensors to improve students’ blended learning experience during the pandemic
Authors: Yang Hong
Published: October 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to global education. In particular, the laboratory and field teaching has been heavily affected by the pandemic due to the implementation of lockdown and social distance. Schools and universities had to take urgent and necessary measures to transform traditional face-to-face education to online or blended mode. Most of the measures are concentrated on tool-based pedagogy, and instructors use nearly all available tools, primarily digital tools, for example, Zoom and MS Teams, to maintain the continuation of education. The online learning, through lecturing and supervising of some processes, can build up students’ theoretical aspect (knowledge), but students’ practical skills have been little developed. Given the advantage of the Internet-of-Things (IoT), low-cost sensors have been increasingly used for direct measurement without laboratory support, while their application in teaching and learning has been little explored. In this case study, a low-cost air quality sensor, PlumeLabs Flow 2, was applied in blended learning of undergraduate Environmental Science/Engineering programmes. With some lectures on environmental pollution knowledge, students studied in teams (Team-Based Learning) using low-cost sensors to measure air quality and developed projects (Project-Based Learning) to mitigate environmental pollution. Survey and interviews were conducted to understand students’ learning experience and identify suggestions for further improvement of this kind of blended learning. The survey and interviews indicate that more than 90% of students praised the positive effects of this new technology-enhanced learning, including improvements in skills and employability. Especially, students emphasized the advantage of learning knowledge and developing practical skills without relying on laboratory, which was very difficult or impossible during the pandemic. One of the concerns of low-cost sensors is the possible bias of the measurement data. Thanks to the rapid advance during the pandemic, online and blended learning will continue to develop in the post COVID-19 era. Using low-cost sensors will be an important approach to compensate for the lack of training of practical skills in blended and online education.
The Impact on Learners’ Identities of Aligning Pedagogy, Design and Technologies With Theory in Online Courses
Authors: Charbonneau-Gowdy Paula , Galdames Caroline
Published: October 2022

In the past two decades, much of e-learning scholarship has reflected the tensions between what we as educators aspire to do, the theory we have to support what we do, and what we actually accomplish when it comes to technology supported learning. Some scholars are recognizing that inroads to resolving these tensions can be gained through a deeper understanding of the kinds of identities we promote in learners through our pedagogies, course designs and technologies. If our goals are to promote empowered, self-directed and life-long learners in our programs, then the practices, designs and technologies we employ must all be framed by theories that support such goals. Too often this is not the case. This study forms part of a larger longitudinal inquiry aimed at aligning these three components with 21st century goals and contemporary e-learning theory at a fully online higher education (HE) technical institution in Chile. An earlier pilot focussed on the reaction to this new alignment from the institution’s broad student body of working adults (n=2,300), the majority from socially and academically disadvantaged backgrounds. Narrowing the lens on a small cohort of students (n=14) entering the institution into a cross section of career disciplines, we adopted a qualitative case study approach to uncover a deeper understanding of the identities of these students on first arrival. Our objective was to determine how highly interactive group work-based teaching practices, learner-centred instructionally designed programs and social media-based technologies such as forums and live videoconferencing sessions, impacted their identities over the course of the first 5-month period. Data collection involved in-depth individual and focus group bi-weekly interviews, reflective feedback from routine student questionnaires, field notes, instructor observations and digital activity online. Findings indicated the crucial nature of this initial period for influencing student’s learning trajectories in terms of retention and for promoting the kinds of 21st century learner identities to which the institutional programs aspired. As a surge of institutions worldwide are more motivated than ever to finding effective e-learning solutions after experiencing challenges in their online programs during the pandemic, these results could provide empirical evidence of a viable pathway forward.
A Framework for Transitioning to Virtual Classes During Life-Threatening Pandemics Like COVID-19
Authors: Mutunhu Belinda , Dube Sibusisiwe , Dube Sinokubekezela Princess , Mpofu Sharon
Published: October 2022

This research explains the benefits and challenges of virtual classes as experienced by university students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The limited research on university students' experiences in virtual classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted physical classes and forced educational institutions to blindly switch from physical classes to virtual classes, served as the inspiration for this study. The absence of a framework for smoothly transitioning from physical classes to virtual classes challenged this process. Furthermore, relatively few studies have been done on the empirical context of a developing nation with distinct social and economic circumstances, concerning university students' experiences of virtual classrooms during COVID-19. Thus a quantitative study using a single case study of a university in Southern Africa was guided by the duality of structure in Giddens Structuration Theory, which explains students' experiences by highlighting both positive aspects—such as flexibility, collaboration, accessibility, and availability of course materials—and negative aspects—such as high costs, boredom, and a lack of resources and training. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and the findings also showed how, during the COVID-19 epidemic, structures of dominance, signification, and legitimacy formed as a result of behaviors related to leadership, resources, empowerment, and adoption, which both facilitated and hampered the smooth transition to virtual classrooms. The paper concluded by proposing a framework for transitioning to virtual classes during life-threatening situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Although not generalizable across all university contexts, these findings provide a foundation for understanding the university students’ experiences in virtual classes during COVID-19. These findings have both practical and theoretical implications since they both provide an explanation of experiences in virtual classes as well as propose a framework for guiding the process of moving away from physical classes towards virtual classes during life-threatening situations.
A Personalized Approach to Learning Across Time and Space
Authors: Fitzgerald Rachel , Rossiter Eliza , Thompson T.J.
Published: October 2022

In a higher education environment massively disrupted by the pandemic, the importance of exploring the efficacy of purposeful, flexible, online learning is essential. Research shows that blended approaches to learning can be active, flexible, and student-centred. However, this research suggests that without human intervention or a bespoke context, there can also be very poor engagement. As such, this study presents the successes and challenges of introducing a personalised mobile-learning resource in a supported, personalized environment. The resource was designed and developed in 2019 and integrated in 2020 and 2021 into a large (n=200+) communication design class at an Australian university. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the app using measures drawn from Abdullah & Ward’s (2016) take on the Technology Acceptance Model. Their model, GETAMEL (general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning) measures technology acceptance factors in eLearning such as enthusiasm, self-efficacy, and student enjoyment of technology in relation to contextual purpose. This paper also considers the value of self-directed learning and co-curricular activities in the context of additional learning to support core curriculum. This paper presents an evaluation of student experience drawn from a class-wide survey and analysis of usage data. We conclude that the use of a personalised app fosters an autonomously supportive experience that leads to intrinsic motivation and improves overall learning (Baker & Goodboy, 2018). The app provides additional support for students unable to attend tutorials and enabled students to remain engaged and abreast of the general topics each week and provided some additional prompts about self-directed learning activities they could engage in, that they wouldn’t have otherwise had. Enjoyment, as one of the key factors of the GETAMEL model, was explicitly mentioned by students.  While a personalised tool is labour intensive and expensive in cost and time, this study concludes that the rewards regarding student experience make it worthwhile.