bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategically maintaining online learning community in a postgraduate writing program
Authors: Andrew Martin
Published: January 2025

Building and maintaining online learning communities (OLCs) among learners of postgraduate writing is crucial to these students‘ investments in creating effective texts for assessment and possible publication. Well-facilitated OLCs becomes sites of identity negotiation and construction for postgraduate writers, as they create authentic texts and apply industry-focused, text preparation skills for the 'unknown future‘ Barnett (2004) characterises as a key feature of early 21st century Higher Education. This study uses social constructivist, situated pedagogical theories of building and maintaining e-communities to situate a discussion of strategies experienced tutors use to develop and maintain effective e- communities for writers. The context of the study is a core first-year unit 'Critical friends‘ in an online Master of Arts (Writing) taught from Melbourne, Australia. This unit aims to socialise groups of distance learners into quasi-communities of practice (CoPs) by exploiting the possibilities for primarily asynchronous discussion within the Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) of the Learning Management System (LMS) Blackboard. The strategies offer support between facilitators and the OLC and among participant members. Establishment and maintenance of OLCs can help to break down feelings of marginalisation, offer insider support, harness common goals, encourage shared discourse and promote 'belongingness‘. This involves facilitating participants‘ individual and collective learning and providing contexts where it might continue temporally and spatially in real and imagined communities beyond the group.
Teaching developmental psychology using online video
Authors: Wong Wai Yat , Howie Pauline
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the use of an interactive online Educational Video platform with collaborative temporal Annotation (EVA), with the aim to develop undergraduate psychology students’ competence in assessing and understanding cognitive development. Two videos were developed, showing children being assessed on cognitive tests. One video was shown in a tutorial and actively guided by a teacher. The other was available online via the EVA platform with peer feedback as a voluntary supplement to the tutorial; the aim is to facilitate collaborative peer supported learning, scaffolded by pre-set prompts from teachers. Low level online users were compared with active users. Overall, students gave positive evaluations of the peer supported online learning especially among the active users. However, students in general preferred the classroom tutorial experience largely because of the presence of active teacher guidance and facilitation. Given that the online learning activities were voluntary and delivered in a competitive learning environment with minimal guidance, we believe that collaborative peer supported online learning has demonstrated educational potential in a range of contexts. We discuss factors that may facilitate greater student participation, elicit better learning outcomes, and promote learning satisfaction in an online peer learning environment.
Knowledge building in 21st century
Authors: Rourke Arianne , Coleman Kathryn
Published: January 2025

The integration of the Internet and mobile learning devices in blended and face-to-face (f2f) teaching and learning is not a 21st century invention. For many decades teachers and instructors have sought the best technologies for their students in order to offer enriched learning pedagogies with the most recent forms of technology. Recent literature on the so- called millenials purports that Generation Y prefers mobile learning and VLE to f2f learning and teaching methods because they have grown up learning and living with them (Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005; Howe & Strauss 2003; Lancaster & Stillman 2002). It has also been noted in the research about the 'new' higher education student that they seek to learn anywhere, any time to fit learning into their schedules (McLoughlin & Lee, 2009). This led to discourse into the digital divide and Prensky's (2001) reference to the 'digital native'.
This current generation of undergraduates in the western capitalist world has grown up with the Internet, digital technologies and second and third generation mobile phones. Many have however, only been introduced to this technology as a learning device when they entered university, only in the last few years have they experienced Learning Management Systems (LMS) in schools. This paper will argue however that despite the increase of technology into the daily lives of Generation Y, many students in higher education may not be as widely supportive of the idea of integrating this technology including their social networking systems into the f2f classroom as has been recently presumed.
OT’s Collaborating in IT
Authors: Olney Ian , Bye Rosalind , Coxon Kristy , Coe Rachelle , Bissett Michelle
Published: January 2025

Staff development is often conducted away from the workplace and in a hit and miss way where academic staff are given a „dose of development? and then required to go back to their School or Faculty and be confident and comfortable in being able to enhance their learning and teaching activities with the new 'medicine. Often these are 'one off sessions and upon returning to the workplace the academic feels isolated and swamped by the pressures of day-to-day activities. This paper describes a team approach at a university between the occupational therapy (OT) academic staff and an e-learning educational specialist whose role it was to provide ongoing support to academic staff for the gradual implementation of an institution wide initiative to improve basic standards of online environments. This specialist worked one day per week in the School in which the occupational therapy program was taught. The process of working side-by-side overtime sparked a willingness by the occupational therapy team to explore and trial other technological components that would engage their students. This paper highlights the collaborative process and staged implementation of this initiative, outlines key examples of e-learning initiatives trialled by the OT team, and presents the outcomes of the project as perceived by all parties.
Learning in the first-person
Authors: Lynch Kathy , Downer Tereasa , Hitchen-Holmes Deborah
Published: January 2025

In Australia, as in most other developed countries, the days of the didactic teaching practices of yesteryear are disappearing, being replaced by immersive and engaging pedagogies. Underpinning these pedagogies is a shift towards the acceptance that learning in an authentic manner results in a positive learning experience resulting in deeper learning. Together with the ever-changing digital technologies is the interplay they have with pedagogy.
This paper reports on a work-in-progress study investigating the hypothesis that learning in the first-person, in an experiential learning context, results in deep learning. The first stage of the study investigates the development of learning content presented in a first-person view on mobile phone. Nurse educators participated in the development of a prototype learning object of an intricate task that is best learnt if the learner sees what the nurse sees, and is available when they need it. Preliminary findings show that content choice, situation and environment for the creation of the task are critical to the using a first-person view in the development of content to be viewed in the first-person.
Using online scenario-based learning modules to assist NESB students studying Corporations Law
Authors: Landrigan Brian
Published: January 2025

The focus of this paper is to highlight one aspect of a larger project seeking to identify and address the difficulties international students are experiencing in a core unit of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of New England. Academic developers at the Teaching and Learning Centre, in consultation with the unit coordinator, decided to incorporate into the unit a set of online scenario-based learning modules to assist students with the IRAC (Issues, Rule, Application and Conclusion) law methodology. The modules presented a workplace scenario that emphasised finding, understanding and using information. They were designed to help students acquire the skills that underpin success in the assessment tasks and develop strategies to deal with the subject-specific discourse. The first module was made available online and two compulsory workshops were given to familiarise the students with the content. The students were then able to revisit the online module in their own time. This module was designed to assist the students in identifying the issues that are relevant to a particular client of a local law firm. The second module continued the workplace scenario and supported students in developing their skills of identifying the rule, applying their findings and preparing a conclusion based on the evidence. Both these modules form part of a larger, ongoing project that has included focus group sessions and online surveys to determine what difficulties international students face in the unit and how support should be provided.
What value assessment rubrics in shaping students’ engagement in asynchronous online discussions?
Authors: Jackson Kel
Published: January 2025

In recognition of the power of a rubric as an assessment tool, a range of rubrics for assessing asynchronous online discussions have emerged in the literature over recent years. The assessment criteria used may have as their basis an underlying conceptual model of online discourse, or they may have emerged more pragmatically. Irrespective, one intention of the rubrics is to make explicit and transparent the sorts of engagement expected of students in discussions, in the hope that students will take on board the advice and act accordingly. This paper explores the purported value of rubrics in the light of research into factors that influence students’ engagement in online discussions, in particular students’ conceptions of the place of discussions in their learning. Value would seem to be there, but that value is qualified by considerations of fundamental course design.
Aiming for systemic change through an embedded continuing professional development initiative
Authors: Doherty Iain
Published: January 2025

We will show how we have tried to drive systemic change in the teaching culture of a Faculty through the provision of online continuing professional development resources firmly embedded in the University’s reward and recognition processes. Technology will be presented as an enabler in the context of a transformation strategy that engaged academic staff, academic managers and members of the Staffing Committee in the change process. We will detail the launch plan for this initiative and present data on visits to the online continuing professional development modules since the launch. Finally, measurements for the success of this project will be discussed.
From paste-up to power-up
Authors: Cohen Ayelet , McDonald Jenny
Published: January 2025

This paper describes the evaluation of a single teaching intervention, a poster design seminar, facilitated by a professional designer, for a 2nd year undergraduate ecology class. We provide some evidence that the intervention enhances students' understanding and practice of visualisation skills. We also recommend the use of readily available and accessible tools (such as PowerPoint) to reduce the amount of time needed for technical support. Our experience leads us to suggest that including the teaching of visualisation skills in the undergraduate science curriculum may be a simple strategy to help future scientists to become more effective and independent visual communicators.
Designing an online problem representation engine with scaffoldings for effective teaching and learning (PRES-on)
Authors: Lee Chwee Beng , Ling Keck Voon , Nguyen Si Thong
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we describe the web-based scaffolded dynamic simulation system (PRES- on) designed for pre-service teachers. PRES-on will act as a cognitive tool for learners to identify and articulate their thought processes in representing and solving problems using a set of building block icons (stocks, flows, converters, and connecters). It is a generic tool that is capable of supporting multidisciplinary learning which is highly important in today’s context. PRES-on is designed to be used in an open learning environment that seeks to promote and cultivate divergent thinking and in situations where multiple perspectives are valued. The mathematical component of PRES-on will simulate the dynamic behaviour of the problem representation and capture complex patterns of such behaviours. In addition, as a web-based engine, learners can readily build and share their problem representation with their peers. Being one of the first initiatives to develop a web-based scaffolded dynamic simulation system for problem solving purpose, PRES-on will inform our understanding on how new technological development could enhance learning in environments that involve multidisciplinary problem solving. This project forms part of the continuing effort to bridge theory and practice as we aim to advance the pedagogical application of PRES-on through design experiment.
The wiki factor
Authors: Brack Charlotte , Van Damme Marie-Paule
Published: January 2025

We have used Web 2.0 technology to transform undergraduate group work, in higher education, preparing students for ways in which people will work together in the future. This was implemented within Leapfrog Biology, an intensive four week online program developed for students who have not completed year 12 biology and who are entering first year medical studies. We used wikis to facilitate both the process and the product of online collaboration. This paper presents the evolution of the educational design of the online environment and the underlying pedagogy with a focus on online group work and the scaffolding of collaborative learning. Student activity in group wikis, assessed from edit trails and discussion posts, was analysed quantitatively in terms of participation and qualitatively in terms of the nature of student contributions. Scaffolding of learning in groups and ways groups were selected are described and related to student activity.
Technological innovation in action
Authors: Bavaro Tina
Published: January 2025

This paper commences to unpack the possibilities for the question: how can technologies transform the learning for our future regional teachers? Videoconference and interactive whiteboards are not new. Yet, the innovation of these technologies has resulted in a new way of thinking to enhance the learning experiences for regional students who often feel disconnected when studying from a distance (Moore, 1997; Knipe & Lee, 2002; Saw et al., 2008; Worthy, Arul & Brickell, 2008). The advancement arises when a shared digital canvas is created using networked interactive whiteboards in conjunction with the videoconference for video and audio communication to provide two-way distance learning. The Networked Solutions Project is an exemplar of such technologies being developed to improve the learning landscape for regional pre-service teachers at the University of Wollongong (UOW). The new infrastructure, technologies and evidence-based research of multi-location delivery attempts to address issues of: fragmentation; duplication; inconsistency and in-equitability as identified by Winchester and Sterk (2006) in their Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit for regional universities.
This paper is a work in progress; it explores multi-location delivery of the Graduate Diploma of Education (GDE), the pilot program for the project. Data collection will occur throughout the year, concluding in December, 2010. Arising from the completion of this research in 2011 will be the strengths, challenges and affordances of multi-location delivery. Initial findings have commenced to establish a picture of participant perceptions and experiences. Further to this, more research is necessary to better understand the effectiveness of the networked interactive whiteboards (NIWB) technologies in tertiary institutions (Dawson, 2010).
Why the student voice?
Authors: Andrews Trish , Tynan Belinda
Published: January 2025

In recent years the student experience of higher education in general and distance education in particular has been strongly influenced by wide scale uptake of internet based learning approaches, internationalisation and an expanding distance education market, amongst many other trends. As competition within the sector increases because of access to the WWW and other in-country socio-political influences, the push to attract and retain students is becoming a key issue for institutions. Understanding the distance student’s voice in relation to these trends and developing appropriate responses to ensure a satisfactory learning experience is becoming of critical importance. This paper reports on a work in progress. It discusses some of the trends influencing students’ learning in our increasingly borderless world and outlines a rationale for investigating the student voice to meet the unique needs of the distance learner. It describes approaches that will be adopted by a consortium of Australian and New Zealand distance education providers to undertake this work.
A new vision for teaching ophthalmology in the medical curriculum
Authors: Succar Tony , Grigg John
Published: January 2025

The Virtual Ophthalmology Clinic (VOC) is an innovative Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) module, on which students can sharpen their history taking and clinical reasoning skills by formulating a diagnosis and management plan on virtual patients with simulated eye conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the VOC module, traditional modes of teaching, or some combination of the two is of greater educational effectiveness. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with The University of Sydney medical students attending their clinical ophthalmology rotation. Students were randomly divided and assigned into either an experimental or control group. Students in both groups underwent the traditional ophthalmology teaching, in addition, students in the experimental group were given access to VOC. A twenty-item multiple choice ophthalmic knowledge based pre- and post-test and student satisfaction questionnaire was administered. The results demonstrated that the pre- and post-test mean scores increased significantly in both the intervention and control groups, however, a greater improvement was seen in the intervention group. The within subject change (Post-Pre) was highly significant with the change observed in the intervention group being significantly larger than that observed in the control group. The VOC module was highly regarded and enthusiastically received. Based on a statistically significant improvement in academic performance and highly positive student feedback, the implementation of VOC in the revised ophthalmology curriculum may provide the most effective and efficient teaching within the University of Sydney Medical Program.
Have podcasts lived up to expectations?
Authors: Robinson Kathy , Kazlauskas Alanah
Published: January 2025

In the 21st century learning environment emerging technologies such as lecture podcasts have been made widely available to tertiary students. However, few studies have looked at how students are using these tools and whether or not they are improving learning. This two-semester investigation examines podcast uptake by undergraduate students enrolled in two very different cognitively challenging subjects in the second year of the Nursing program and in the first year of a Business program. Regardless of the semester, the different content being studied and the statistically significant demographic differences between the Nursing and Business cohorts, strikingly similar study behaviours emerged.
Despite the flexibility and mobile learning opportunities afforded by podcasts significant numbers of students did not use them. The greatest uptake was in the week following the introduction of podcasts. However, once the novelty value wore off, many students returned to their previous study behaviours. While many students claimed to like the fact that podcasts were available as back up they exhibited a strong preference for face-to-face learning environments and accessed the podcasts infrequently. In addition, podcasts did not appear to live up to their “mobile” potential with most students who used them preferring to do so on a computer in their regular study environments. Contrary to expectations, students engaged in longer hours of paid work used podcasts least. Comments indicated that they did not represent an efficient or necessary use of their limited study time. Thus podcasts have not been as effective an addition to the learning environment as anticipated.
The WOW factor
Authors: Mitchell Maxine
Published: January 2025

In response to the shifting landscape of higher education, a small regional university has implemented a project-based strategic initiative to enhance the student learning experience by building institutional eLearning density to advance flexible and blended design and delivery of courses and programs. A surprising and unexpected side-effect of the initiative has been the impact of the project?s purpose re-fitted learning space on reinvigorating academic's engagement in professional development activities and increasing their enjoyment of their professional practice. This poster scopes the educational literature on authentic, technology-enabled learning spaces to enrich the student learning experience and applies these theoretical concepts to the professional development context.
Second Life™ and the novice user
Authors: Masters Yvonne
Published: January 2025

With more and more universities developing online modes of teaching and learning and embracing a range of technologies including web 2.0 and social networking tools, virtual worlds are becoming more common as learning spaces and many universities have a virtual presence, particularly in Second Life™. Over the last 18 months two pilot studies have been conducted into the efficacy of Second Life™ as a learning environment with teacher education students at the author's institution. These studies were shared research between an expert user of this particular virtual environment and an academic who was 'old' in teaching, but who was a novice in terms of using virtual worlds and who had only just been introduced to Second Life™. This paper discusses the experience of the novice user as she became familiar enough with Second Life™ to teach there and provides a commentary on the journey undertaken. It explores some of the instrumental areas for consideration if higher education institutions wish to explore the possibility of academics transforming their teaching and learning environments and routinely using Second Life™ within their repertoire of e-teaching.
Design of an adaptive learner directed model for e-learning
Authors: Lee Stella , Kumar Vivek , Barker Trevor
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how and to what extent an adaptive system can aid learners to be effectively self-directed and self-regulated for online studies both at domain knowledge level and meta knowledge level in the subject of computer science. We will provide an overview of two learning theories - self-regulated learning theory (SRL) and experiential learning theory (ELT), - and show how these theories act as an interlaced framework underpinning the adaptive model. In addition, this paper outlines the initial design for the model.
Entry into Valhalla
Authors: Butler Des
Published: January 2025

Traditional approaches to teaching legal ethics which focus primarily on the content of the professional rules lack the essential problem solving aspect essential to a proper appreciation of professional responsibility in practice. They are also non responsive to the needs and expectations of modern students. This presentation showcases the Entry into Valhalla multimedia program, which utilises cost effective technology, including Second Life machinima, to transform traditional legal ethics curricula. It contextualises otherwise abstract principles and facilitates a problem solving approach based on real world-type contexts that closely resemble the kinds of dilemmas that students may encounter when they enter legal practice.
Deep learning application for stellar parameter determination: III-denoising procedure
Authors: Gebran Marwan , Bentley Ian , Brienza Rose , Paletou Frédéric
Published: January 2025

In this third article in a series, we investigate the need of spectra denoising for the derivation of stellar parameters. We have used two distinct datasets for this work. The first one contains spectra in the range of 4,450–5,400 Å at a resolution of 42,000, and the second in the range of 8,400–8,800 Å at a resolution of 11,500. We constructed two denoising techniques, an autoencoder, and a principal component analysis. Using random Gaussian noise added to synthetic spectra, we have trained a neural network to derive the stellar parameters

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, and [M/H] of the denoised spectra. We find that, independently of the denoising technique, the accuracy values of stellar parameters do not improve once we denoise the synthetic spectra. This is true with and without applying data augmentation to the stellar parameters neural network.
The influence of storing mineral wool on its thermal conductivity in an open space
Authors: Noszczyk Paweł , Schabowicz Krzysztof , Tunkiewicz Maria
Published: January 2025

In engineering practice, a common problem is the lack of space on the construction site for the proper storage of building materials. The consequence of this is that building materials are stored in open spaces, where they are exposed to external atmospheric factors. This study analyses the effect of storing mineral wool for 18 months under the external conditions of moderate climate occurring in Poland on its thermal conductivity. Thirty-five samples were non-destructively tested in terms of maintaining the thermal conductivity coefficient declared by the manufacturer. The tests were performed for material with a thickness of 50 and 80 mm, and the effect of wrapping pallets in foils in maintaining thermal conductivity was also examined. The thermal conductivity coefficient was measured in standard non-destructive tests using the FOX314 plate apparatus. Despite the impact of the external environment on the mineral wool for a period of 18 months, the tests confirmed that there was no significant effect of atmospheric conditions on the thermal conductivity coefficient. The measured parameter was within the limit values specified by the manufacturer and included in the technical data sheets of the products.
Relating production and perception in two Raglai dialects at different stages of registrogenesis
Authors: Đinh Lư Giang , Brunelle Marc , Tạ Thành Tấn
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the perception of two diachronically related and mutually intelligible phonological oppositions, the onset voicing contrast of Northern Raglai and the register contrast of Southern Raglai. It is the continuation of a previous acoustic study that revealed that Northern Raglai onset stops maintain a voicing distinction accompanied by weak formant and voice quality modulations on following vowels, while Southern Raglai has transphonologized this voicing contrast into a register contrast marked by vowel and voice quality distinctions. Our findings indicate that the two dialects partially differ in their use of identification cues, Northern Raglai listeners using both voicing and F1 as major cues while Southern Raglai listeners largely focus on F1. Production and perception are thus not perfectly aligned in Northern Raglai, because F1 plays a stronger role in perception than production in this dialect. We conclude that mutual intelligibility between dialects is possible because they both use F1 for identification.
ОЦЕНКА НЕСУЩЕЙ СПОСОБНОСТИ ТЮБИНГОВОЙ КРЕПИ ШАХТНОГО СТВОЛА В СОЛЯНЫХ ПОРОДАХ
Authors: ТАРАСОВ В.В. , АПТУКОВ В.Н. , ИВАНОВ О.В. , НИКОЛАЕВ П.В.
Published: January 2025

Представлены результаты расчетов развития во времени напряженно-деформированного состояния системы “тюбинговая крепь - бетонная крепь - породный массив”, выполненные с помощью разработанной численной трехмерной модели. Верификация модели осуществлена на основе данных лазерного сканирования тюбинговой колонны двух стволов. Получены коэффициенты запаса прочности по предельным сжимающим напряжениям и деформациям. Сделаны рекомендации по применению тюбингов определенных размеров при использовании в стволах диаметром 7 и 8 м на разной глубине.

The article describes the calculated temporal development of the stress-strain behavior for the tubing support-concrete lining-rock mass using a finished 3D numerical model. The model passed verification with the help of laser scanning data on tubing support in two shafts. The factors of safety are obtained in terms of compressive stresses and strains. The authors make recommendations on using tubing of certain sizes in shafts 7 and 8 m in diameter at different depths.
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ВЯЗКОСТИ ИЗМЕЛЬЧЕННЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТОВ НА ОДНООСНОЕ СЖАТИЕ
Authors: СТАРИКОВ Г.П. , МЕЛЬНИК Т.Н. , ШАТОХИН С.В.
Published: January 2025

В качестве основы взяты теоретические модели Бриджмена и Фарбмана по определению вязкости порошков. Приведены результаты экспериментов по одноосному сжатию измельченных материалов. Даны примеры расчетов вязкости для угля, кварца, песчаника, песчаного сланца.

The framework of the research are Bridgmen’s and Farbman’s models for viscosity of powders. The article reports the uniaxial compression test data for ground materials. The authors give examples of calculation of viscosity for coal, quartz, sandstone and sandy shale.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ РАЗРУШЕНИЯ ПРИ СДВИГОВОЙ ПОЛЗУЧЕСТИ МЯГКИХ ТРЕЩИНОВАТЫХ ПОРОД
Authors: ЧЖАО Х. , ВАН Х. , ЛЮ Ш. , ЧЕН Х. , ЧЕН Ч.
Published: January 2025

Установление механизма разрушения при сдвиговой ползучести мягких трещиноватых пород является крайне актуальным вопросом в горнотехнической инженерной практике. С помощью метода дискретных элементов построена численная модель мягких трещиноватых пород, которая имитирует сдвиговую ползучесть массива при различных значениях коэффициента шероховатости трещины (JRC), нормального напряжения и направления сдвига. Выполнен анализ влияния этих факторов на деформацию ползучести мягких пород. Результаты показали, что деформация ползучести значительно снижается при увеличении шероховатости трещины, а также при увеличении нормального напряжения. Влияние направления сдвига на деформацию ползучести относительно небольшое.

The shear creep failure mechanism of jointed soft rocks is a critical issue in geotechnical engineering. Using the discrete element method, a numerical model of jointed soft rocks was constructed to simulate shear creep under varying joint roughness, normal stress and shear directions. The effects of multiple factors on the creep deformation of soft rocks were then analyzed. Results indicate that the amount of creep deformation in soft rocks significantly decreases with an increase in joint roughness and with an increase in normal stress. However, the influence of shear direction on creep deformation is relatively minor. This study lays a foundation for further research into the creep behavior of soft rocks.
Stratégies publicitaires et traductologiques dans le retitrage cinématographique, par MARIBEL PEÑALVER VICEA
Authors: Dotoli Giovanni
Published: January 2025

MARIBEL PEÑALVER VICEA, Stratégies publicitaires et traductologiques dans le retitrage cinématographique, Paris, L’Harmattan, « Champs Visuels », 2024, 156 p.
Green spaces. A necessity for the health and well-being of hospitalized children ‒ Case CHU Batna, Algeria
Authors: Chebbah Amina , Alkama Djamel
Published: January 2025

This article tackles the topic of the health spaces and well-being of children hospitalized at the pediatric care in Chu Banta, Algeria, with a focus on the therapeutic garden based on the model of health architecture. In hospital therapeutic gardens, patient health and well-being are crucial, particularly in children’s hospitals because children are often more vulnerable than adults. The aim of this research was to examine the opinions and preferences of children and therapists on the components that should be considered when designing a therapeutic garden for children in hospitals, taking into account factors such as age, disease, and mental health. To do this, 50 hospital therapists employed by the hospital and 200 sick children looked at 100 simulated images and answered questions. The results showed that there was no discernible difference between the therapists’ and patients’ preferences for a children’s hospital environment. The children in the hospital preferred cartoon characters, animal motifs, and geometric designs. They also enjoyed crying trees and called for furniture in plant forms. The hospital garden has flower beds and water fountains installed. Outside the service, this study has demonstrated that therapists are capable of becoming experts in identifying children’s preferences for wellbeing in the therapy garden. These results can also be applied to studies on children’s preferences in situations where it is more difficult to assess the preferences of the subjects’ directly. Therefore, these results may aid architects and designers to create more child-friendly hospital environments.
Algorithmic image analysis ‒ building detection in aerial photos
Authors: Budkowski Szczepan , Basak Agata
Published: January 2025

The article presents the results of research comparing edge detection methods in digital images and verifying their usefulness in the context of the automatic vectorization process. As part of the experiment, well-known edge detection algorithms based on the analysis of derivatives of image quality functions (Sobel, Canny, Kirch) were implemented. The research problems of the article in the case of building detection basically boil down to the identification of homogeneous areas, the detection of edges or points in a digital image. The original program developed in the Matlab environment made it possible to obtain a description of the edges and their approximation with straight lines, as well as to analyze the quality of the obtained results. In addition, the validity of using neural networks was also analyzed in this context. The neural networks used an algorithm obtained from the GitHub hosting website and implemented as a plug-in for QGIS 3.26. Another attempt at algorithmic image analysis was based on the use of the GAN technique, i.e. the use of a generative network architecture that acts as an algorithm using the potential of two mutually opposed networks whose task is to generate a synthetic result. Under this assumption, one network is the so-called data generator and the other is the discriminator, critically assessing the generating network for authenticity. For each algorithm, the accuracy of vectorization of the detected edges was calculated. The most promising in this respect was an artificial intelligence algorithm using the technique of generative adversarial networks.
Ukrainian Military Chaplaincy in War
Authors: Grimell Jan
Published: January 2025

This article is the second in a two-part series on military chaplaincy in war-torn Ukraine. While the first article (Grimell, 2024a) provided background informa­tion, including empirical interview data on military chaplaincy in Ukraine, this second article focuses on the lessons learned by Ukrainian military chaplains (MCs). Both articles are based on a recent qualitative interview study exploring the roles, practices and insights of Ukrainian MCs during wartime, addressing a significant gap in exist­ing research. Twelve male MCs (n = 12) participated in the study, with most having served on the frontlines since the onset of the war in 2014. The interview data were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. This article (Part 2) covers the insights and lessons learned by Ukrainian MCs, detailing their work in morality, ethics and character formation, their supportive presence within military units and the essential role of confidentiality as a release valve for military personnel. The analy­sis also examines complex spiritual and existential challenges faced by MCs, the per­sonal impacts of the war on them and their methods for sustaining spiritual resilience and well-being. Findings highlight the critical, adaptable support that MCs provide to military personnel under extreme conditions, and they reveal how the wartime con­text has shaped their collaboration with mental health providers. The study also iden­tifies desired qualities in wartime MCs and underscores the importance of church and religious organizations in supporting grieving families, and in facilitating social and charitable activities. This research provides unique insights into the chaplaincy work of some of the most experienced wartime MCs in Ukraine.
Adaptive Event-Driven Integration Pattern: Context-Aware Orchestration Gateway
Authors:   Principal Engineer, Discover Financial Services, Houston, TX, USA, Kommera Adisheshu Reddy
Published: January 2025

The Context-Aware Orchestration Gateway introduces an innovative integration pattern that merges
event-driven architecture with real-time contextual decision-making and policy-driven orchestration. By dynamically
adapting workflows based on enriched metadata, predefined policies, and machine learning insights, this gateway offers
unmatched flexibility and intelligence. Its applications span industries, enhancing fraud detection in payments,
personalizing customer experiences in e-commerce, improving emergency response in healthcare, optimizing traffic in
smart cities, and streamlining manufacturing processes through predictive maintenance. Key capabilities include
dynamic contextual adaptation, real-time decision-making, policy-driven governance, scalability, and self-learning
optimization. Leveraging technologies like Apache Kafka, Redis, AWS Lambda, and TensorFlow, the gateway ensures
compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA while maintaining high scalability and low latency. This
integration model addresses modern industry challenges, enabling organizations to achieve efficiency, enhanced
customer satisfaction, and robust security. It represents a paradigm shift in real-time workflow management across
diverse sectors.
Morphological and Genetic Evidence for the Stigmatodon goniorachis Complex (Tillandsioideae, Bromeliaceae) Reveals a New Species on Inselbergs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: da Cunha Manhães Vitor , Couto Dayvid Rodrigues , Salgueiro Fabiano , da Costa Andrea Ferreira
Published: January 2025

Abstract— This study evaluated the morphological variation and genetic structure of seven natural populations of the Stigmatodon goniorachis complex (Bromeliaceae) endemic to vertical faces of inselbergs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. A cluster analysis and
principal component analysis (PCA) corroborated the existence of four clearly separated species, S. brassicoides, S. costae, S. francae, and S. goniorachis, and unveiled two distinct morphological groups in the S. goniorachis populations. The main components of variation
revealed by PCA analysis were: inflorescence peduncle diameter, floral bract length, and hypanthium length. Bayesian population structure analysis based on nuclear microsatellites performed on 145 individuals from six populations initially identified as S. costae, S. francae, and S.
goniorachis revealed four genetic clusters (k = 4), two of which consisted of specimens initially identified as S. goniorachis. This result was supported by other genetic analyses including AMOVA, population pairwise genetic distances, and UPGMA analysis. Both morphological and
genetic analyses indicated two distinct groups among the four populations initially identified as S. goniorachis, which led to the recognition of a new species described here, Stigmatodon carioca. This new species is morphologically distinct, particularly in the distribution
of leaf trichomes and the position of the leaf blade, which occurs in the revolute form. Besides the description of the new species, we present a comparative study that allows the morphological differentiation of the five species.
Phylogenomics Of Boraginaceae and Boraginales Using Lineage-Specific and Angiosperms353 Loci
Authors: Cohen James I.
Published: January 2025

Abstract— During the past 20 yr, the phylogenetics of Boraginaceae has taken shape using plastid DNA regions and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), but these regions only reflect a limited understanding of the evolutionary history of the
family. Using hybridization-enrichment sequencing, 531 nuclear regions from lineage-specific and Angiosperms353 loci were sequenced and aligned for 49 species from across Boraginaceae. Additionally, the Angiosperms353 loci were incorporated with a broader dataset of the same loci from 115
accessions of Boraginales and relatives. Based on multiple phylogenetic approaches and datasets, the resolved phylogenies of Boraginaceae were quite similar to our current understanding, yet multiple taxa were recognized in different positions. These included: 1) Echiochiloideae as sister
to Cynoglossoideae instead of to the rest of the entire family, 2) Moritzinae as nested within Boragininae, and 3) Lasiocaryeae and Trichodesmeae not resolved as sisters. These different positions recovered, via different methods, using hundreds of nuclear loci suggest that incomplete lineage
sorting, hybridization, and lineage-specific shifts in substitution rates may have occurred during the early origin of the family. In analyses of Boraginales, Namaceae was resolved as non-monophyletic, providing evidence that a broader Hydrophyllaceae may again be appropriate, and Lennoaceae
was nested in Ehretiaceae. While both sets of loci allowed for a well-resolved and well-supported phylogeny to be reconstructed, the lineage-specific loci recovered some of the more intriguing phylogenetic relationships in part because these loci appear to be less conserved than those from
Angiosperms353. The two sets of loci provide an interesting complement for understanding patterns of evolution within the family and order.
Utilizing Design Thinking to integrate Project-Based Learning in addressing Real-Life Challenges
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, ANURAG University, Hyderabad, Thaduri Anuhya , Anantha Muni Tanuja ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, ANURAG University, Hyderabad, Kolluri Srinivasa Chalapathi ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, ANURAG University, Hyderabad, Pyatla Saritha ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, ANURAG University, Hyderabad
Published: January 2025

Abstract — This paper discusses about the transformative teaching learning methodology inculcating Design Thinking and Project based learning (DT-PBL). The work initiates by outlining the fundamental tenets of DT-PBL, highlighting their individual merits and applicability within educational environment. Through the utilization of case studies, it delves into how these approaches enhance student involvement, foster the acquisition of future competencies, and nurture an environment conducive to innovative thinking. The approach transforms the role of educators as facilitators of inquiry, collaboration, and reflection in both methodologies, emphasizing the importance of students and empowerment in the learning process. A problem related to challenges encountered by Tourists in Locating Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products is discussed in detail. Creating a travel kit, aimed at environmental protection represents a tangible application of design thinking and project-based learning (PBL) methodologies. Further the paper explains the practical implementation of DT-PBL in educational settings offering insights into curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and assessment practices.

Keywords— Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning (DTPBL); Eco-Friendly Products; Innovative Thinking; Pedagogical Strategies; Travel Kit.
Using JIGSAW in Engineering Courses to Practice collaboration in Class room
Authors:   KG Reddy College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, Bhavani G Lakshmi , Sandhya Tuti ,   KG Reddy College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad
Published: January 2025

Abstract— In contemporary engineering education, collaborative techniques have been shown to create more substantial and enduring knowledge among students. The shift from solitary learning to group-based learning has posed a significant challenge, especially when individuals need to effectively communicate and collaborate with their peers in both industrial and social contexts. This paper delves into a practical, collaborative activity implemented within the undergraduate Power Systems course in the Electrical Engineering curriculum, employing the Jigsaw method. It provides a comprehensive overview of the activity, detailing the challenges encountered and the solutions and recommendations devised to address these issues in both small and large classroom settings. The case study conducted demonstrates how the Jigsaw technique enhances students' understanding and retention of the course material, thereby improving overall learning outcomes.

Keywords- Collaborative learning, Jigsaw, Group activity, Engineering Education