bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Combined Versus Single-Mode Resistance and Repeated Sprint Training on Physical Fitness, Hematological Parameters, and Plasma Volume Variations in Highly Trained Soccer Players
Authors: Ben Abderrahman Abderraouf , Aloui Ali , Jebabli Nidhal , Salhi Iyed , Khalfoun Jihen , Omar Mohaned , Clark Cain C. T. , Ungurean Bogdan-Constantin , Granacher Urs , Zouhal Hassane
Published: October 2024

Objective: We examined the effects of eight weeks of single-mode resistance, repeated sprint training, and the combination of the two programs on selected measures of physical fitness (muscle power, speed, and body composition), hematological parameters, and plasma volume variations in highly trained soccer players. Sixty male soccer players from the Tunisian national Ligue were randomly allocated to a resistance training group (RTG), a repeated sprint training group (RSTG), a combined resistance and repeated sprint training group (CTG), or an active control group (CG, soccer training only). The training volumes were similar between groups. Before and after training, we examined body composition, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint 30 m (S30), repeated-sprint sequences (RSSs), hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean hemoglobin concentration (MHC), and plasma volume. Significant group-by-time interactions were recorded for the RSS indices, SJ, and S30 (p < 0.039], 0.1< ηp2 < 0.49]), as well as the hematological parameters (p = 0.0001–0.045, 0.11 < ηp2 < 0.46). In terms of physical fitness, using post hoc tests, the CTG showed significantly greater gains compared to the RSTG, RTG, and the CG on the best time index of the RSSs (p = 0.008; d = 4.1), SJ (p = 0.004; d = 4.18) and 30 m linear sprint time (p = 0.008; d = 3.84). Body fat percentage also decreased significantly in the CTG compared to all other groups (p < 0.005, 0.21 < d< 0.35). Regarding hematological parameters (i.e., hemoglobin and hematocrit), the CTG, RSTG, and RTG showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in their hemoglobin and hematocrit values compared to the CG (p < 0.05, 0.11 < d< 2.22]). Eight weeks of combined training compared to single-mode training was found to be more effective in improving fitness measures in highly trained soccer players. However, there appeared to be no consensus regarding the effect of single and combined repeated-sprint and resistance training on the hematological system.
Developing a Community-Based Carbon Footprint Questionnaire: Towards a Dynamic Understanding of How Personal Behaviour Interacts with Policy and Economic Change
Authors: Haynes Philip
Published: October 2024

Carbon footprint measures evidence the impact of organizations and individuals’ contribution to climate change. They can facilitate critical reflection. A community carbon footprint questionnaire is developed in cooperation with local people to enable them to reflect on how to reduce their personal carbon footprint in relation to their social and economic context. The instrument is operationalised in an Anglican church community who have stated an aim to reduce their footprint. It is designed to help participants make a self-assessment of where their behaviour change will make the most social impact. There are three components to the total score: (A) transportation, (B) accommodation energy use, and (C) consumer behaviour. Forty two participants respond. The average carbon footprint score is 5.8 tonnes per annum. Older and middle-aged people are more likely to have a higher footprint than younger adults. This is associated with them having a larger accommodation and being more dependent on private cars. Accommodation energy use contributes the most to the participants’ total scores. Living in smaller accommodation and sharing an accommodation reduces an individual’s carbon footprint. The second largest component is transportation, with the use of diesel- and petrol-fuelled cars contributing the biggest impact, especially where mileage is high. A minority are moving towards electric and hybrid cars. Finally, the smallest contributing component is consumer behaviour, where participants’ scores are the least dispersed in the sample compared to the other components and closer to the mean average. Participants are more likely to make commitments to changing consumer behaviour than changing transportation and domestic energy use and often focus on recycling, reducing the consumption of meat and new goods, and repairing older items. In contrast, when the results are located in the context of changes in policy, the simplest gains to reducing carbon footprints are related to changing behaviour in the purchase of household electricity to ensure the purchase of renewable power. Other important considerations are reducing the size and heated area of an individual’s accommodation space, or sharing an accommodation with more people, and moving away from the use of diesel- and petrol-fuelled private transportation, instead using public transport, cycling, and walking. More complex and expensive strategies for individuals are installing solar panels and heat pumps for accommodation energy generation, and switching personal transportation to electric cars. Policy analysis suggests that participants were largely unaware of new opportunities to change their consumption of electricity towards renewable generation by purchasing greener electricity options.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Heavy Metals in Lake and Reservoir Sediments in China: A Pollution Status and Risk Assessment
Authors: Sun Deyao , Yang Yue , Zang Shuying , Ren Xiuxiu , Xue Zhongcai , Wang Ye , Sun Li , Wu Caiwu , Li Jiandong , Liu Yuxuan , Ge Min , Ba Chaoqun
Published: October 2024

As ubiquitous pollutants, understanding the levels of contamination, eco-risks, and potential sources of heavy metals in lake and reservoir sediments is essential for the development of pollution control policies to ensure the ecological safety of the aquatic environment. However, large-scale studies of heavy metal elements in sediments face many limitations, and most of them are characterized as small and staged. Therefore, in order to evaluate the level of heavy metal contamination in lake and reservoir sediments in China and to explore the pattern of spatial distribution of heavy metals, this article systematically collected the concentrations of seven heavy metals, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, As, Zn, and Cu, in the sediments of the lakes and reservoirs in question since 2000, evaluated the calculation of the accumulation index and the assessment of health risk, analyzed the spatial and temporal variations, and conducted a preliminary investigation of the sources. The results of the study showed that the contents of the seven elements were higher than the national soil pollution control standards, and various elements were enriched to different degrees, among which Cd and Hg exceeded the standard more seriously. The overall pollution level of reservoir sediments was lower than that of lake sediments, and the pollution of reservoirs was relatively light; from the distribution characteristics, the pollution level and ecological risk of different heavy metal elements showed an obvious imbalance in distribution. The heavy metal concentration, ground accumulation index, and ecological risk in the southern region are overall high. There is a good agreement with the Hu Huanyong line; from the historical change characteristics, except for the average Igeo of Hg, which shows an obvious upward trend, the average Igeo of several other heavy metals basically shows a decreasing or stable trend; the sources of heavy metals are complex and extensive in terms of the national scale, and industry, transportation, and agriculture are the main sources.
Multicriteria Decision Making for Selecting Forecasting Electricity Demand Models
Authors: Koubaa Zainab , El-Amraoui Adnen , Frikha Ahmed , Delmotte François
Published: October 2024

Sustainable electricity consumption is considered a pivotal element in the effective governance and growth of any institution. Accurate electricity demand forecasting is essential for strategic planning and decision making. However, due to the numerous existing forecasting approaches, many forecasters find it challenging to select the best model. Currently, there is no robust approach for selecting the best forecasting model when considering conflicting error measures. This paper proposes a novel methodology using a multicriteria decision making (MCDM) approach to determine the most appropriate forecasting model for electricity demand, considering various interdependent error measures. The Analytical Network Process (ANP) was applied to determine the weights of evaluation criteria, while the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to select the best forecasting model. The proposed methodology was tested and validated with a real case study in Tunisia using the opinions of experts and stakeholders. The results show that multiple regression and exponential smoothing are the best alternatives and outperformed the other models. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is presented to test the robustness of the final ranking. This serves to assist decision makers to select the best forecasting model.
Nanotechnology-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Asamoah George Adu , Korsah Maame , Jeyasundar Parimala Gnana Soundari Arockiam , Ahmed Meraj , Lau Sie Yon , Danquah Michael K.
Published: October 2024

Conventional energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, lead–acid batteries, and compressed air energy storage (CAES), have been widely used for energy storage. However, these systems face significant limitations, including geographic constraints, high construction costs, low energy efficiency, and environmental challenges. Among these, lead–acid batteries, despite their widespread use, suffer from issues such as heavy weight, sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, low energy density, and limited depth of discharge. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative, offering portability, fast charging, long cycle life, and higher energy density. However, LIBs still face challenges related to limited lifespan, safety concerns (such as overheating), and environmental impact due to resource extraction and emissions. This review explores the introduction of nanotechnology as a transformative approach to enhance efficiency and overcome the limitations of LIBs. We provide an in-depth overview of various nanotechnology-based solutions for LIBs, focusing on their impact on energy density, cycle life, safety, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, we discuss advanced thermal analysis techniques used to assess and improve the performance of nanotechnology-enhanced LIBs. Finally, we examine the role of nanoparticles in the environmental remediation of LIBs, offering insights into how they can mitigate the ecological footprint of battery disposal and recycling. This review aims to highlight the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize energy storage systems and address the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
Research on Supply Chain Network Optimization of AH Company
Authors: Kong Yuehong , Zhang Liang , Pan Yuhan , Tang Decai
Published: October 2024

Since the onset of Supply chain management has gained maximum recognition, with many countries elevating supply chain levels at the strategic level. This article selects AH Company’s supply chain network as the research object, analyzes the main challenges faced by the company in the supply chain aspect, and evaluates its original supply chain network. It incorporates sustainable development factors into the current global supply chain management theme, taking into account four aspects: total supply chain cost, service level, corporate sustainable development vision (carbon emissions), and supply chain risks. The “Supply Chain Guru X (2022)” software is applied to propose optimization solutions for existing problems on the basis of the original supply chain network. Based on the existing data, a comprehensive comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various optimization schemes is implemented to select the current optimal supply chain network optimization scheme. In the process of optimizing the plan, the multi-objective optimization theory and big data processing technology were emphasized, and the corresponding technical theories were integrated into the “Supply Chain Guru X (2022)” software. By optimizing the supply chain network of AH Company, the overall operating costs of the company’s supply chain network have been significantly reduced while meeting customer needs. Concurrently, it can provide a good example for optimizing the supply chain network of similar enterprises.
Micro-CT Microcalcification Analysis: A Scoping Review of Current Applications and Future Potential in Breast Cancer Research
Authors: Brahimetaj Redona , Cornelis Jan , Jansen Bart
Published: October 2024

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a non-destructive imaging technique that offers highly detailed, 3D visualizations of a target specimen. In the context of breast cancer, micro-CT has emerged as a promising tool for analyzing microcalcifications (MCs), tiny calcium deposits that can indicate at an early stage the presence of cancer. This review aimed to explore the current applications of micro-CT in analyzing breast MCs (ex vivo, animal models, and phantoms) and to identify potential avenues in scientific research. We followed PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, yielding 18 studies that met our criteria. The studies varied in their purposes: feasibility and optimization of micro-CT for breast cancer imaging and MC analysis/diagnosis, comparison with other imaging modalities, development of micro-CT scanners and processing algorithms, enhancement of MC detection through contrast agents, etc. In conclusion, micro-CT offers superior image quality and detailed visualization of breast tissue (especially tumor masses and MCs), surpassing traditional methods like mammography and approaching the level of detail of histology. It holds great potential to enhance our understanding of MC characteristics and breast pathologies when used as a supplementary tool. Further research will solidify its role in clinical practice and potentially expand its applications in breast cancer studies.
Recent Progress in Molecular Oxygen Activation by Iron-Based Materials: Prospects for Nano-Enabled In Situ Remediation of Organic-Contaminated Sites
Authors: He Fangru , Xu Lianrui , Wang Hongyang , Jiang Chuanjia
Published: October 2024

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is commonly used for the remediation of contaminated sites, and molecular oxygen (O2) after activation by aquifer constituents and artificial remediation agents has displayed potential for efficient and selective removal of soil and groundwater contaminants via ISCO. In particular, Fe-based materials are actively investigated for O2 activation due to their prominent catalytic performance, wide availability, and environmental compatibility. This review provides a timely overview on O2 activation by Fe-based materials (including zero-valent iron-based materials, iron sulfides, iron (oxyhydr)oxides, and Fe-containing clay minerals) for degradation of organic pollutants. The mechanisms of O2 activation are systematically summarized, including the electron transfer pathways, reactive oxygen species formation, and the transformation of the materials during O2 activation, highlighting the effects of the coordination state of Fe atoms on the capability of the materials to activate O2. In addition, the key factors influencing the O2 activation process are analyzed, particularly the effects of organic ligands. This review deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of O2 activation by Fe-based materials and provides further insights into the application of this process for in situ remediation of organic-contaminated sites.
IgG Antibody Titers Against Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercolaris, and Toxocara canis in Venezuelan Patients with Asthma or COPD
Authors: De Sanctis Juan Bautista , Moreno Dolores , Larocca Nancy , Garmendia Jenny Valentina
Published: October 2024

It has been suggested that parasitic infections, common in Latin American populations, may amplify the inflammatory response of the airways. There are several reports of atopic and asthmatic patients but few reports of parasitic infection in COPD patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in COPD patients compared with atopic and asthmatic patients attending the Institute of Immunology outpatient clinics and the pneumology service of the University hospital. A case-control study was conducted compising 100 patients with bronchial asthma, 100 patients with COPD, 100 individuals with atopy without respiratory symptoms, and 100 healthy individuals. Serum-specific IgG antibodies against the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides (Al), Strongyloides stercolaris (Ss), and Toxocara canis (Tc) were measured by ELISA. IgE levels were used as an indirect indicator of atopy. Positive IgG for Al was observed in all groups, predominantly in the atopic cohort; Ss positiveness was recorded only in four COPD patients, and Tc positiveness was observed in all groups except in controls. Significant correlations exist between the values of Al and IgE in controls, atopic, and asthmatic patients without COPD. No correlation was found for Tc. IgE levels and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) correlate only in atopic and asthmatic patients. Parasitic infections are common in atopic patients and moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients. Anti-inflammatory treatment may be responsible for the increased frequency of infection in moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients.
Tick-Borne Diseases and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review Evaluating Pregnancy Complications Caused by Tick-Borne Diseases
Authors: Curtis Michael W. , Lopez Job E.
Published: October 2024

Ticks are vectors of public health concern because the pathogens they transmit can cause detrimental diseases in humans. Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis are some of the most common diseases caused by the pathogens transmitted by ticks. The overlap between human activities and tick habitats is growing, contributing to an increase in tick-borne disease cases. Unfortunately, pregnancy as a risk factor for tick-borne diseases is largely ignored. In this narrative review we use case reports, epidemiological studies, and animal studies to evaluate the maternal, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes caused by Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis during pregnancy.
Re-Evaluation and Retrospective Comparison of Serum Neutralization Induced by Three Different Types of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Authors: Jiang Weiyu , Wu Jianbo , He Jiaying , Xia Anqi , Wu Wei , Gao Yidan , Zhang Qianqian , Peng Xiaofang , Jiang Qiaochu , Xue Song , Wang Qiao
Published: October 2024

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, three different types of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, namely BBIBP-CorV, WIBP-CorV and CoronaVac, were manufactured and used for vaccination in China. However, as far as we know, no comparison of their induced serum neutralization has been carried out so far, possibly due to the regional difference in vaccine distribution, the difficulty in undertaking a comprehensive evaluation, and the intention to avoid unnecessary bias in populations for a certain type of inactivated vaccine.Methods: Since all three of these inactivated vaccines are no longer produced and used for vaccination, here, we retrospectively compared the serum neutralizing activities induced by these three different types of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Results: Compared with unvaccinated uninfected control donors, primary inactivated vaccination (232 donors) induced increased serum neutralizing titers against wildtype SARS-CoV-2 in around 70% of donors during the first 100 days. However, the neutralization effect waned quickly after 100 days, and significantly diminished against Delta and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. Moreover, the newly emerged Omicron variants, such as BA.2.75, BA.4/5, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB, almost fully evaded the induced serum neutralization activity. Conclusions: These three distinct types of inactivated vaccines, namely BBIBP-CorV, WIBP-CorV, and CoronaVac, induced serum neutralization in most vaccinated populations but in a short-term and variant-evaded manner with no significant difference among these inactivated vaccines.
Pharmacokinetics of Meloxicam in Different Animal Species: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: de la Puente Raul , Diez Raquel , Diez M. Jose , Fernandez Nelida , Sahagun Ana M. , Rodriguez Jose M. , Garcia Juan J. , Lopez Cristina
Published: October 2024

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in the oxicam group. It has been extensively used in human and veterinary medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities. Meloxicam has shown high therapeutic potential for disorders such as osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorder, acute respiratory infection, puerperal septicemia, mastitis and mastitis–metritis–agalactia syndrome. Although meloxicam pharmacokinetic has been described for numerous species, no paper summarizes the existing literature on this field. Thus, the aim of this review was to carry out a review of the literature on the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in different animal species and gather the data in a single review article. A comprehensive review of the available literature in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. Meloxicam shows good bioavailability after oral and parenteral administration in most animal species (85–95%), with the lowest values in sheep after oral administration. It presents a rapid distribution with a small volume of distribution, which can be attributed to relatively high ionization state of meloxicam at physiological pH and its high plasma protein binding (close to 99%). It is extensively metabolized in the liver in several inactive polar metabolites, which are excreted, like unchanged meloxicam in urine and feces. Meloxicam also shows a long elimination half-life and low clearance.
Assessment of standardization systems of partner states for trade and economic cooperation
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Kalachev S. L. , Zhirkova E. V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Polozhishnikova M. A. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Raikova E. Yu. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
Published: October 2024

The regulatory legal documents regulating mandatory requirements for technically complex goods in China, Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran, India, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have been studied. A comparative analysis with the requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has been carried out. Similarities and differences have been established, and the need for harmonization and removal of technical barriers in mutual trade has been noted.
What is the relationship between the volume and type of appointments in general practice and patient experience? An observational study of general practice in England
Authors: Burch Patrick , Whittaker William , Lau Yiu-Shing
Published: October 2024

Background Patient satisfaction is a significant dimension of quality in general practice and has notably declined post-COVID. Understanding the dynamics between practice activities, practice characteristics and patient experience is vital for improving care quality. Aim This study investigates the relationship between the volume, modality (telephone or face-to-face) and practitioner type of general practice appointments and patient experience. Design and Setting An observational study of general practices in England. Method Data from the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) were merged with NHS Digital's practice level appointment data, covering August 2022 to March 2023. We estimate ordinary least squares regressions of patient satisfaction with access, general satisfaction, preference for a specific GP, and support for managing long-term conditions (dependent variables) against appointment volume, modality (telephone or face-to-face), and practitioner type. Results Analysis of 5,278 practices showed that a higher volume of appointments, especially face-to-face with GPs, was significantly (p<0.001) associated with increased patient satisfaction. Practices having a greater proportion of same-day appointments was significantly correlated with lower patient satisfaction. Conclusion Patient satisfaction and ability to have health needs met is associated with face-to-face access to GPs as well as the total volume of appointments available. The results suggest that patients' perceptions of access involve more than immediate availability of appointments or that patients may struggle to get appointments at practices offering more same day appointments. Initiatives to improve access to and satisfaction with general practice should prioritise expanding face-to-face GP appointments.
CLASS PLANS AND MATH EDUCATION: WHAT DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TEACH US?
Authors: De Abreu Pestana dos Santos Douglas Manoel Antonio
Published: October 2024

In recent years, Math Education has gained prominence in the production of scientific knowledge and its continual updating within the educational process. Investigating the methods, procedures, and techniques used by pedagogue teachers in the early years to teach Mathematics contributes to constructing a theoretical-methodological framework. This framework aids in understanding the intrinsic aspects of each teaching group or network and formulating new proposals for developing educational devices that enhance the quality of learning and teaching processes. This article presents a case study involving five pedagogue teachers from different municipal education networks in the State of São Paulo. The study focuses on their understanding of planning and evaluation during and after the pandemic, as evidenced by lesson plans produced in a continuing education course in 2020. The analysis methodology used was discourse analysis from the French perspective, which allowed for the investigation of the ideological bases of discursive formations on the conceptions, as expressed by the teachers in their written discourses. The study revealed: (i) categorical enunciation of evaluative forms during the pandemic, (ii) the use of constructivist teaching perspectives as an ideological basis for teaching, and (iii) a lack of procedural description of methodological and evaluative devices for the planned teaching process.
Keywords: Pedagogue, Elementary education, Lesson plans, Math education, Pandemic.
Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Generative Tools on Research in Higher Education Institutions: A Perspective from Portugal
Authors: Rolland Sobral Sónia , Ferreira Maria João , Santos Pereira Carla , Durão Natércia , Moreira Fernando
Published: October 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) generative tools have emerged as transformative instruments in various domains, including research and academia. It is important to see what is positive and what is not. This study focuses on the integration of GAI in Portuguese higher education institutions and explores its multifaceted implications and potential. Our research was conducted through a comprehensive survey between April and June 2023, garnering 77 responses. To this purpose, the analysis will have several insights into the research process, namely, to assess the frequency of use and objectives of using generative AI for higher education research and to explore possible trends and future directions in the adoption and application of generative AI in this field.
Using Continuous Online Assessment of Learning Outcomes for Grading: A Case Study
Authors: Zivic Djurovic Marijana , Durovic Gordan , Holenko Dlab Martina
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the problem of the number of students enrolled in STEM courses falling below the minimum required to carry out the courses has worsened. This situation, which used to occur primarily in degree programs at the end of their life cycle, is increasingly happening in active STEM degree programs as well. The declining attractiveness of traditional STEM degree programs and negative demographic trends are seen as the main causes of this problem. To assist students and their teachers in this situation, a novel approach to grading student work based on the level at which students achieve learning outcomes in an online system was explored. Since the focus was on STEM students, math-based tasks were used to assess student knowledge within the online system. In addition to the accuracy of the final results of the tasks, the accuracy of the intermediate results was also monitored. Each result was linked to the corresponding concepts, which in turn were linked to the corresponding learning outcomes. By entering correct intermediate and final results, the online system was able to monitor student success in mastering concepts and learning outcomes. The implemented online system utilizes fuzzy inference to calculate the levels at which students have achieved the learning outcomes. These levels are continuously recalculated during the semester and presented to the students through generated recommendations after each solved task. The proposed approach has positively impacted students’ motivation to learn during the semester, as confirmed by an anonymous questionnaire. Additionally, the results have shown that the final level at which students have achieved the learning outcomes within the online system, calculated at the end of the semester, can be used for grading and is comparable to the grades students would achieve in traditional midterm and final exams, thus helping teachers with their workload.
Examining the Views of non-e-Tutoring Students on Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Incorporating e-Tutoring into Their Learning Experience
Authors: Enwereji Prince , Van Rooyen Annelien
Published: October 2024

In recent years, technology integration in education has transformed the learning environment in online institutions. One technological advancement that has gained popularity is e-tutoring which offers personalised academic support to students through online platforms. While e-tutoring has become well-known and has been adopted to promote collaborative learning, there are still students who do not use these services for various reasons. This study explored the perspectives of students who do not utilize e-tutoring services in online education settings, shedding light on their perceptions. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive design was adopted to gather and analyse data on the perspectives of non-e-tutoring students. Online questionnaires were employed as the primary data collection method, allowing for the efficient collection of data from many respondents. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Ethical concepts such as informed consent, anonymity of responses and protection of respondents against harm were maintained. Findings indicate that non-e-tutoring students perceive a sense of control over their own pace of learning, suggesting a preference for self-directed learning and the ability to tailor their educational experience to their individual needs and learning styles. They also perceive a lack of clarity in the roles of e-tutors, leading to uncertainty about their responsibilities.  In terms of communication, students feel overwhelmed by the volume of announcements and find repetitive information frustrating. Additionally, some students face challenges with their internet connection and associated cost, which can hinder their participation in online activities. Notably, a desire for peer interactions, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in a community highlights the importance of social aspects in online learning. This study recommends that students seek alternate support systems by contacting academics and facilitators for guidance and clarification. Developing self-directed learning skills is essential, empowering students to take charge of their learning through setting objectives, creating their study plans, and utilising resources. For higher education institutions (HEIs), it was recommended that they ensure that a variety of support services are available to cater to the needs of all students, including non-e-tutoring students.
Student Learning Performance Evaluation: Mitigating the Challenges of Generative AI Chatbot Misuse in Student Assessments
Authors: Tang Chun Meng , Chaw Lee Yen
Published: October 2024

Since the launch of ChatGPT, a growing number of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have entered the market. Although chatbots have the potential to help students learn, misusing them to complete assessments raises questions about the authenticity of the work and puts students at risk of academic misconduct. Given the crucial role of assessments in evaluating students’ learning performance, uncertainties about the authenticity of the work call into question the extent to which students have achieved the intended learning outcomes. This study conducted a thematic analysis to provide an overview of the challenges that chatbot misuse may pose to student learning performance evaluation, followed by the various mitigation strategies to overcome these challenges. This study searched the Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC) database for peer-reviewed articles published in scholarly journals after 30 November 2022 (the launch date of ChatGPT, as this study focuses on generative AI rather than other types of AI) and until 30 April 2024. The thematic analysis of 17 articles identified five major themes (and respective sub-themes) in the discussions of these articles, i.e., reasons students use chatbots for assessments, challenges that chatbots may pose to student learning performance evaluation, mitigation strategies, detection strategies, and counter-detection strategies. As chatbots become more prevalent and powerful, the study's findings provide education stakeholders with insightful information on the implications of students misusing chatbots for assessments and how this affects their learning performance evaluation.
Microlearning: Innovative Digital Learning for Various Educational Contexts and Groups
Authors: Zavodna Magdalena , Mrazova Michaela , Poruba Jakub , Javorcik Tomas , Guncaga Jan , Havlaskova Tatiana , Tran Daniel , Kostolanyova Katerina
Published: October 2024

Microlearning brings a number of advantages that make it an attractive tool for education. Short and clear lessons minimize the risk of information overload, promote better understanding of the material, and enable quick and easy retention of information. The relevance of microlearning lies in its ability to respond to current educational needs and trends. Microlearning is considered to be a flexible, effective and innovative approach to learning that can be successfully applied in different learning environments, for different learning content and to different target groups. The aim of the research is to describe the impact of microlearning modules on the level of learning outcomes and perceived effectiveness in different target groups. Our research focuses on examining the effectiveness of microlearning on lower secondary school pupils, secondary school students and librarians. In the context of lower secondary schools, specific microlearning units thematically focused on programming and working in Scratch will be presented. This part of the research was carried out using an experiment and a questionnaire survey. In the experiment, the effectiveness of this type of teaching and digital learning materials was investigated. The experiment was conducted in parallel classes of a lower secondary school, and the participants were pupils aged 11 to 12 years old. The aim of the questionnaire survey was to find out the probands' opinions about microlearning. In the context of secondary schools and learning librarians, we conducted a survey of available materials and microlearning modules. In this paper we will introduce general concepts and strategies, with more detailed descriptions of specific modules to be published later. This paper aims to contribute to the growing awareness of the importance of microlearning as an effective educational tool and highlights its potential in different educational settings, especially lower secondary schools, thus providing useful material and inspiration for educators. The results suggest that the implementation of microlearning in lower secondary school settings has led to improved student learning outcomes.
Bucco-kid®, an Innovative Tool for Learning Oral Hygiene at School
Authors: Jager Stéphanie , Maria DENAMI  , Athmani Sana , Dinet Jérôme
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies have shown that socio-economic background, parents' professional status and geographical location are determining factors in access to oral health care and awareness of its importance. In view of the significant social and territorial disparities observed in children's oral health (Anastasio, Laventhal & Amadon, 2022), schools are an ideal place to take action and reduce these inequalities (Ministry of Education, 2021). Indeed, schools enable us to reach all pupils, whatever their socio-economic background. On that perspective, Bucco-kid® project was conceived, drawing on the advantages offered by e-digital technologies. Bucco-Kid® platform provides elementary school teachers with a set of scripted teaching resources, constantly updated by oral health professionals (dentists). These resources, in line with school curricula, cover the key points of oral hygiene, such as discovering the mouth, nutrition, brushing, the role of the dentist and trauma management. They enable teachers to carry out a complete 5-step awareness-raising program with their pupils. The aim of this study is to analyze the usability of the platform from the point of view of teachers' user experience (UX), and actual use of the tool in classroom situations. Data are very positive about its implementation and democratization on the studied context.
A Probability-Based Model for Course Completion Prediction in Online Asynchronous Learning
Authors: Kankanamge Pavindya Methsara
Published: October 2024

The sheer scale of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), presents a significant challenge in delivering personalized learning experiences and effective student support. With vast participation numbers, it becomes difficult for instructors to track individual progress, pinpoint specific areas where students struggle, and understand the underlying reasons for failure to complete the course. This lack of individualized attention can lead to disengagement and higher dropout rates. A probability-based analysis offers a solution by generating student-specific predictions about their likelihood of completion. This empowers educators to proactively identify those at risk, tailor interventions, optimize resource allocation, and potentially improve the overall learning experience within the MOOC environment. This study focuses on developing a robust predictive framework to accurately estimate the probability of students completing an introductory programming course offered on the Open Learning Platform of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.  The approach began with a classification model to determine the likelihood of course completion.  Building upon this, a regression model was developed to generate a specific probability percentage representing the chance of a student successfully completing the course within a designated time frame. Initial findings suggested that predictions from the classification model achieved the highest accuracy when students have completed approximately 42.8% of the course materials. It is  anticipated that further refinements to the methodology will improve the reliability of the predictions. A crucial aspect of this research involves determining the optimal percentage of course progress needed to yield reliable probability predictions. This is investigated through systematic analysis and experimentations including incremental model testing. The dataset encompasses diverse demographic and educational variables, enabling the identification of influential factors affecting course completion. This study provides insights on developing personalized learning strategies, intervention tactics and academic planning within online asynchronous education.
A Model for Collaborative Immersive Classroom Management Development Using Multi-user Virtual Reality
Authors: Paulsen Lucas , Davidsen Jacob
Published: October 2024

Classroom management has been ­­identified as a key challenge in becoming a teacher, as newly qualified teachers are overwhelmed by the complexity of professional teaching practice. This paper explores the transformative potential of immersive technologies in fostering a collaborative reflection and problem-solving space for the continued development of newly qualified teachers’ classroom management competencies – allowing newly qualified teachers to become better prepared for facing the unexpected, local, and situated challenges of becoming a teaching professional. Through iterative cycles of design-based research, we have developed a model of immersive collaborative classroom management training using multi-user Virtual Reality. The model consists of four phases: (1) 360-degree video recording, creating an immersive version of the classroom and the complex interactions that occur within it. (2) clip selection, giving teachers the ability to select clips that are relevant for them and their practice. (3) Multi-user Virtual Reality training, allowing teachers to get feedback on their selected clips and construct actionable knowledge together with local teaching supervisors (4) Debriefing, for ensuring the joint understanding and transfer of knowledge to practice. Through analysing teacher’s and supervisors’ meaning making processes of 18 selected video clips across five multi-user Virtual Reality training sessions, we uncover three main phases: Analysis, Abstraction, and Actionability. By being able to collaboratively watch, re-watch, and discuss selected video clips and moving between these three main phases, teachers and supervisors co-create actionable knowledge, creating an improved understanding of current practices, and supporting the ability to transform future practices. These findings contribute both theoretical insights and practical implications for educators and learning designers, emphasising the importance of creating social immersive reflective spaces in which real situations may be revisited in order to examine the intricacies of classroom practices, allowing newly qualified teachers to better engage with their profession.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Email Prompts to Online Asynchronous Course Participants
Authors: Ranasinghe Eshana , Thoradeniya Dilini , Nanayakkara Vishaka , Jayathilaka Gaindu Saranga , Ranasinghe Malik
Published: October 2024

A persistent problem in asynchronous online courses is low user retention. Compared to conventional courses, participants require some form of reward or intrinsic motivation to complete these courses which do not have set deadlines or timetables. To remedy this, many online course platforms will send email reminders to participants registered in the course to prompt them to continue their participation. This study is focused on understanding the efficacy of such practices in motivating students to continue a course they would otherwise neglect or drop. This study focuses on selected courses on the online asynchronous learning platform open.uom.lk. The participants of an online asynchronous Project Management course who had enrolled but not completed the course were separated into two groups; students who enrolled but have not started the course and students who started the course but have stopped for over a month. The students of each group were divided into test and control groups, where the test group was sent prompts by email to continue the course which included a link to the course page Using user activity data from the platform the progress of students over the month prompts were sent, and the month after were analysed, and the efficacy of sending email prompts was calculated. 4.45% of the students from the test group began participating in the course again as compared to 2% of the students in the test group. 32 students (0.7%) completed the course in the weeks during and after the email prompts were sent while none of the students in the control group completed the course. This shows sending email prompts has a positive impact on increasing participation in the course.
E-learning Supporting Infrastructure Investment in South Africa: Perspective of a Developing Economy
Authors: Mabasa Dumisani Godfrey
Published: October 2024

South Africa is one of the developing economies. Most of its provinces are in rural areas and have poor or lack of reliable critical infrastructure to enable development as in the case of urban areas. Infrastructure refers to physical structures that serve as the underlying foundation for the functioning of an economy. It includes physical facilities such as communication systems (telephone lines, broadband), and power supply systems (electrical grids, dams, etc.). The focus of the study is on information communication technological infrastructure (ICT) such as telephone and broadband networks and electricity infrastructure that support the adoption of e-learning. Many schools in South Africa are in rural areas and are attended by the majority of learners. These learners should perform the same way as learners in urban schools. Urban schools have better access to ICT infrastructure. Due to a lack of equitable ICT infrastructure, many education institutions back-tracked from the hybrid teaching mode implemented during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown to the traditional class/lecture-room mode of teaching. It is revealed in the study that South Africa struggles in the area of infrastructure development. These affect the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) which are heavily dependent on infrastructure, including education. E-learning offers a better advantage compared to traditional class/lecture-room-based education. ICT infrastructure that supports the provision of e-learning is not equitably distributed, and those that are available are not enough and reliable. South Africa is reported to need R4.8 trillion to achieve its critical infrastructure goals, indicating a dire need for infrastructure investment. Under-investment in infrastructure affects all sectors of the economy, including the education sector.
Deconstructing the AI Myth: Fallacies and Harms of Algorithmification
Authors: Monett Dagmar , Grigorescu Bogdan
Published: October 2024

We are experiencing a massive and volatile expansion of AI-based products and services. The current intermeshing of digital technologies, people, and society is shaping how we live and bringing algorithms to the forefront of decision making. The algorithmification of society and the narratives used to make it appear inevitable serve specific interests, mostly profitable for and controlled by few actors. It is not AI in itself, but the utilitarian sophistication of optimisation mechanisms and the power structures behind them that profit from controlling all that we do, when and how we do it, our behaviours, and even ourselves. In education, this is of serious concern as academia is gradually moving to uncertain dependencies on corporate interests. This paper calls for radical changes in dealing with the AI narratives that have monopolised recent public debates and discussions. It sheds light on the key terminology surrounding today’s AI algorithms and the technological background that makes them possible. It shows examples of the negative impacts and the implications of not addressing or ignoring certain issues, especially in education. This paper also suggests good practices through consistent advocacy, grounded materials, and critical work on digital literacy, particularly AI literacy.