bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truncated Differential Attacks on Contracting Feistel Ciphers
Authors: Beyne Tim , Liu Yunwen
Published: June 2022

We improve truncated differential attacks on t-branch contracting Feistel ciphers with a domain size of Nt. Based on new truncated differentials, a generic distinguisher for t2 + t − 2 rounds using O(Nt−1) data and time is obtained. In addition, we obtain a key-recovery attack on t2 + 1 rounds with Õ(Nt−2) data and Õ(Nt−1) time. Compared to previous results by Guo et al. (ToSC 2016), our attacks cover more rounds with a lower data-complexity. Applications of the generic truncated differential to concrete ciphers include full-round attacks on some instances of GMiMC-crf, and the best-known key-recovery attack on 17 rounds of the Chinese block cipher standard SM4. In addition, we propose an automated search method for truncated differentials using SMT, which is effective even for trails with probability below the probability of the truncated differential for a random permutation.
Differential Trail Search in Cryptographic Primitives with Big-Circle Chi:
Authors: Mehrdad Alireza , Mella Silvia , Grassi Lorenzo , Daemen Joan
Published: June 2022

Proving upper bounds for the expected differential probability (DP) of differential trails is a standard requirement when proposing a new symmetric primitive. In the case of cryptographic primitives with a bit-oriented round function, such as Keccak, Xoodoo and Subterranean, computer assistance is required in order to prove strong upper bounds on the probability of differential trails. The techniques described in the literature make use of the fact that the non-linear step of the round function is an S-box layer. In the case of Keccak and Xoodoo, the S-boxes are instances of the chi mapping operating on l-bit circles with l equal to 5 and 3 respectively. In that case the differential propagation properties of the non-linear layer can be evaluated efficiently by the use of pre-computed difference distribution tables.Subterranean 2.0 is a recently proposed cipher suite that has exceptionally good energy-efficiency when implemented in hardware (ASIC and FPGA). The non-linear step of its round function is also based on the chi mapping, but operating on an l = 257-bit circle, comprising all the state bits. This making the brute-force approach proposed and used for Keccak and Xoodoo infeasible to apply. Difference propagation through the chi mapping from input to output can be treated using linear algebra thanks to the fact that chi has algebraic degree 2. However, difference propagation from output to input is problematic for big-circle chi. In this paper, we tackle this problem, and present new techniques for the analysis of difference propagation for big-circle chi.We implemented these techniques in a dedicated program to perform differential trail search in Subterranean. Thanks to this, we confirm the maximum DP of 3-round trails found by the designers, we determine the maximum DP of 4-round trails and we improve the upper bounds for the DP of trails over 5, 6, 7 and 8 rounds.
A study on Issues & Challenges of Fintechindustries in Indian
Authors: SrinivasaRao Dokku SrinivasaRao Dokku , Rajesh C. Jampala Rajesh C. Jampala , P. Adi Lakshmi P. Adi Lakshmi
Published: June 2022

Financial technology is a concept that has gained
rapid followers over the last few years. As usual,
Fintech stands for the use of emerging
technologies by financial services firms to expand,
automate and strengthen the delivery of their
services. There has been a gradual progression in
terms of integrating back-end services technology
more into customer-centric services to make the
overall process effective. After China, India is one
of the fastest growing fintech industries. Mobile
penetration in India has given more scope to the
expansion of fintech industries.This
paperdiscusses the growth of the fintech industry
and the top countries that are adopting the fintech
industry in the world. The paper covers the current
market of the fintech industries and analyzes the
growth of the industry in the future. It also
addresses the challenges and challenges of the
implementation of financial technology in India.
Design and Implementation of
IoT-Based Smart Shopping Dash Cart
Authors: Swetha K B Swetha K B , Abhishek G Abhishek G , Ruthvik T Ruthvik T , Meghana B N Meghana B N , Narasimha Reddy Gari Naresh Narasimha Reddy Gari Naresh
Published: June 2022

In the living world technology is evolving
day by day in different fields like artificial intelligent,
machine learning, virtual 1 reality, touch commerce,
internet of things and so on. The main motive of the paper
is focus to the customer needs and purpose because time is
more important to everyone in the real world. But the
people spend the more time in the supermarket. For
example, consumers purchase the number of items in the
supermarket using trolley. After purchasing they can face
some problems like waiting the long queue in billing
section and without knowing about the calculation of
purchased items. In this regard, the Internet of Things
(IoT) based Smart Shopping Cart is proposed which
consists of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensors,
Arduino microcontroller, Wifi module, and Mobile
application. RFID sensors depend on wireless
communication. One part is the RFID tag attached to each
product and the other is RFID reader that reads the product
information efficiently. After this, each product
information shows in the Mobile application. The
customer easily manages the shopping list in Mobile
application according to preferences. Then shopping
information sends to the server wirelessly and
automatically generates billing. This experimental
prototype is designed to eliminate time-consuming
shopping process and quality of services issues. The
proposed system can easily be implemented and tested at a
commercial scale under the real scenario in the future.
That is why the proposed model is more competitive as
compared to others.
A Case Study on Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic Eczema) w.s.r. to Vicharchika
Authors: Priya Pathak
Published: June 2022

Besides the miraculous achievement of modern medical science, humanity is passing through a horror of disease and drug phobia, particularly in developing countries like India, where poverty and illiteracy account for the man’s ignorance towards the principles of health care. Skin is one of the five ‘Gyanindriyas’ as described in Ayurvedic texts. It is responsible for ‘Sparsha Gyan’ or touch sensation; therefore it plays a great role in physical and mental well-being of any individual. The skin is highly complex organ which plays a vital role in the body’s general working. The unbroken skin is the nature’s dressing over the body’s it acts as an effective barrier against the entry of diseases and its damage results in a whole host problems. Approximately 15% of all patients who visits the doctors to do for care of the skin as the wise saying ‘skin patients never cured and never die. When a skin disorder occurs it is rooted in tissues like fat, blood etc. Skin disorders occur due to aggravated Pitta Dosha. The built up toxins due to imbalanced Pitta cause Pompholyx. Pompholyx is a type of eczema, in which intensely itchy blisters that develop on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms and soles of feet appear. It may be acute or chronic and it affects teenagers and adults. In the present case 42yrs old female patient, who presented with complaints of rash over palm of left hand associated with intense itching, deep seated oozing wound and burning sensation has been presented here. She was treated with Ayurvedic treatment regimen for 40 days and she recovered fully with no symptoms left.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Anatomo-Clinical Review. Update of Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors:   Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Guadalajara. Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Gabriela Pérez-Limón, Susana
Published: June 2022

Objective: carry out an anatomical-clinical review of updates on the diagnosis and treatment of SCT, comparing them and evaluating their advantages and disadvantages. Methods: a bibliographic review of original articles in English extracted from different databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was carried out. Books from the Access Medicine platform: Orthopedics, Diagnosis and Treatment, and a Medical Refresher Course were also used. Results: the surgical treatment is superior and the one of choice for the SCT, since it improves the quality of life of the patient. Conclusion: there are methods for the diagnosis of SCT such as electromyography or ultrasound, which provide valuable information. Although pharmacological or conservative treatment is considered a first-line therapy, it is important that it be individualized.
The Effect of the Adoption of Green Information Technologies on Manufacturing SMEs’ Performance in Aguascalientes, Mexico
Authors: Nieves Alvarez José Antonio , Pinzón Castro Sandra Yesenia , Guzmán Gonzalo Maldonado
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Green Information Technologies (GITs) are getting focus worldwide, particularly
with the current need to make production processes sustainable. At the beginning,
GITs were considered mostly a tool and all research on them were aimed at creating
either a framework or guidelines for its application. Recently, ITs have gained
importance in every company as their role is now present in every aspect of business.
That is why the proper use of GITs within companies provide the opportunity to
improve sustainability and performance. Therefore, the objective of this research is
to analyze and discuss the effect of the adoption of GITs on manufacturing SMEs
performance in the state of Aguascalientes, Mexico. A sample of 244 companies
was used and the data was analyzed through the use of the structural equations
model, applying the partial least squares technique (PLS-SEM). The results
obtained suggest that there is a positive and significant relationship between the
adoption of GITs and the performance of manufacturing SMEs. These results show
that when the adoption of GITs is implemented in manufacturing SMEs,
performance increases as well, while promoting a more sustainable production way.

JEL classification numbers: M21.
Keywords: Performance, Green Information Technologies, SMEs.
Meningkatkan Kemahiran Membaca dan Motivasi Murid Bukan Penutur Natif dalam Bahasa Melayu Melalui Kaedah Ekspres-I
Authors: Lee Ngiik Ting , Mydin Kutty Faridah
Published: June 2022

Kemahiran membaca merupakan salah satu kemahiran yang asas dan harus dikuasai oleh murid sekolah rendah. Namun, penguasaan kemahiran membaca bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa kedua menjadi lebih mencabar bagi murid yang bukan penutur natif. Kajian ini bertujuan menguji keberkesanan kaedah Ekspres-I meningkatkan kemahiran membaca dan motivasi murid bukan penutur natif dalam bahasa Melayu. Kaedah Ekspres-I ini merupakan integrasi antara Kaedah Gabungan Bunyi Kata dan kaedah didik hibur. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian tindakan yang melibatkan dua orang murid tahun empat yang mengalami masalah dalam kemahiran membaca perkataan bahasa Melayu dan kurang bermotivasi dalam pembelajaran bahasa Melayu. Kajian ini melibatkan ujian pra dan ujian pos, analisis dokumen latihan membaca, pemerhatian dan juga temu bual sebagai instrumen kajian. Data ujian pra dan pos serta analisis dokumen latihan membaca dianalisis secara perbandingan peningkatan peratus markah, manakala data pemerhatian dan temu bual dianalisis secara tematik. Analisis data menunjukkan bahawa kaedah Ekspres-I ini berkesan membantu responden meningkatkan pencapaian markah dalam kemahiran membaca dan memotivasikan responden dalam pembelajaran bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa kedua. Kesimpulannya, kaedah Ekspres-I ini berkesan dan dapat membantu murid yang bukan penutur natif dalam menguasai kemahiran membaca dan meningkatkan motivasi belajar bahasa Melayu. Peranan guru penting dalam mengaplikasikan kaedah pengajaran yang berpusatkan murid dan sesuai dengan tahap murid supaya menjamin berlakunya proses pembelajaran yang berkesan.
GESTÃO DE ESTOQUE COMO FATOR FUNDAMENTAL PARA A SOBREVIVÊNCIA NO MERCADO: ANÁLISES POR MEIO DA APLICAÇÃO DO PROKNOW-C
Authors: Santos André Luís Kimura , Servare Junior Marcos Wagner Jesus , Bernardina Fernanda Pecemilis Dalla
Published: June 2022

A pesquisa em tona, possui a finalidade de demonstrar que a metodologia ProKnow-C contribui para auxiliar na elaboração do portfólio bibliográfico consequentemente tornando-se mais eficiente e prático o estudo do pesquisador em relação ao tema pré-selecionado de forma objetiva. Passando por diversos processos de filtragens, leituras dos títulos, resumos e integrais dos artigos, fizeram com que o autor chegue em 12 artigos que compõem o portfólio bibliográfico. A pesquisa constatou o local dos artigos publicados, número de citações, ano publicado, principais métodos e ferramentas utilizados e aplicados e suas contribuições em relação aos resultados que cada artigo obteve para a melhoria, otimização dos processos e redução dos custos que o a má gestão de estoque estava causando.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EXPRESSION ACTIVITY OF SCOTS PINE SEEDLING GENES IN COLD STRESS CONDITIONS
Authors: Mozharovskaya L. V.
Published: June 2022

Based on the data of next generation sequencing of transcriptomes of Scots pine seedlings, the genes characterized by induced expression activity under cold stress conditions were identified: xth1, efla, sams, samdc, aqp, aaa+, crt, bi-1, act, a/b-tub, adf, ss/af and pr-3. The data obtained can be used to form a set of candidate genes for diagnosing both the physiological state and cold-tolerant genotypes of Scots pine at the seedling stage.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Receiving Metformin Therapy at HMC Hospital Peshawar
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Hussain , Khan Muhamamd Naeem , Khan Atta Muhammad , Abbass Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Khalid , Gul Wali , Zaib Shah
Published: June 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus is on the rise at an alarming rate, and it has now become a global issue. Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus is a disease characterized by disturbances in glucose, protein, and fat metabolism. Diabetes has been increasingly common in recent decades, causing significant socioeconomic burden, particularly in poorer countries.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in Type 2 diabetes patients taking metformin.

Methodology: This study was conducted on T2 diabetic patients in the Diabetic Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology HMC Hospital, Peshawar, for a year (10 February 2019 to 12 March 2020). The demographic data of the recruited patients was obtained after they gave their informed written consent. Patients inquired about their metformin use history, dosage, and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A 5cc venous blood sample was taken from the arm and kept at 4 degrees Celsius. Vitamin B12 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay assays after serum was withdrawn. ELISA was used to determine the Vitamin B12 level in serums.

Results: A total of 149 people were enrolled in this trial. The patients' average age was 55 years. In this study, there were 67 (38.8%) males and 82 (55.2%) females. The individuals had a 5.12-year history of diabetes mellitus. The average HbA1c level was 8.280.32. The individuals that were included have taken metformin for at least 4.8 years. There were 25 (22.6%) patients using 1000-1500 mg metformin daily, 76 (46.4%) receiving 1500-2000 mg metformin daily, and 48 (40.7%) taking greater than 2000 mg metformin daily. There were 44 patients with a normal BMI, 80 patients who were overweight, and 25 patients who were obese. The average B12 level in the blood was 223pg/ml. Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 96 (49.1%) of the patients. There was no vitamin B12 deficiency in 53 (45.4%) of the patients.

Recommendations: It is strongly advised based on the findings of this study that Serum cobalamin levels should be measured in Type II diabetes patients who are taking metformin, and patients should be given R.D.A (Recommended Dietary Allowance) multivitamins to avoid sequaela of cobalamin deficiency.
OS EFEITOS DO MICROAGULHAMENTO E LASER DE BAIXA INTENSIDADE NA ALOPECIA ANDROGÉNETICA MASCULINA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Morais Santana Ingrid Carolynny , Figueiredo Leão Karen Julyanna , Almeida de Lima e Silva Danielly Karoline de , Lima da Silva Luciane
Published: June 2022

A Alopecia Androgenética (AAG) é um processo de queda de cabelo progressiva, afetando assim pessoas com mais predisposição genéticas, a maioria sendo homens, trazendo em alguns casos, baixo autoestima, ansiedade e depressão. Tendo em vista toda a questão, o estudo vem trazendo como objetivo um novo tratamento para a AAG, sendo o microagulhamento associado ao laser de baixa intensidade. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizado com  buscas dos artigos científicos nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google Acadêmico, Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica (MEDLINE) e PubMed. Conclusão: Os resultados coletados na revisão integrativa da literatura foram satisfatórios, de forma onde mostra o processo de microagulhamento e o laser de baixa intensidade de forma segura e eficaz no tratamento da Alopecia Androgenética (AAG).
Upscaling Results from Optimum Salinity Waterflooding at the Core Scale to a 3D Dynamic Grid
Authors: ALAİGBA David , ONAİWU D. O. , OLAFUYİ Olalekan , MOHAMMED Ismaila
Published: June 2022

In order to fully quantify the volumes in place, capture the dynamics of fluid flow, production forecast and consequently economic potentials of oil and gas reservoirs, 3-dimensional (3D) models filled with relevant rock, fluid parameters and well information are built. This work carried out Optimum Salinity core flooding (OPTSWF) with progressive dilution of the invading brine at the laboratory scale. Next, the relative permeability curves for oil and water for the initial and final salinity conditions were obtained using Corey’s estimation. These curves were then loaded into a 3D dynamic model and the model was run under different salinity conditions to quantify the incremental oil recovery from Optimum Salinity Waterflooding and to visualize the process in 2D. Interestingly, the impact of optimizing the salinity was visibly seen in the 3D grid results and helped to visually explain the observed additional recovery from the OPSWF experiment.
TOWARDS A BETTER LAND GOVERNANCE IN IMO STATE
Authors:   Department of Estate Management, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Okoronkwo Chikezie , Kenneth Agwu ,   Department of Estate Management, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Jonathan Oghena ,   Department of Estate Management, Federal Polytechnic Nekede., Bose Okereke ,   Estate Management Research Group
Published: June 2022

Imo State was created in 1976 among other States of the Federation of Nigeria. Today 2021 almost forty (40) years after, the state of development of its land and land infrastructures can at best be categorized as deplorable and polarized with unregulated, uncoordinated and un-unified development thus giving room to leap-frogging and unprogressive development of land resources. This paper examined some of the key issues bordering on land governance. It reviewed actions and inactions of government hindering access to land for housing, farming and public assets in the State. Effort was made to examine the laws and statutes of the Federation as well as the edicts of the State on land. Data were collected from varied sources including government gazettes and white papers as well as citizens of the State. The paper concluded among others that the spate of land acquisition and exploitation in Imo State is gargantuan that government must check same or run the risk of losing control of development of land resources in the State.
LEGAL TERMINATION OF THE CUSTOMER BANKER RELATIONSHIP: AN OVERVIEW
Authors:   Associate Professor of Law School of Law, American University of Nigeria, Adamawa State Yola, Magaji Bello
Published: June 2022

Since a modem bank performs a variety of functions, it is difficult to give a conclusive and accurate definition for it. For example, savings banks generally do not issue cheque books but give passbooks and normally the customers deposit is drawn on application. For merchant banks or commercial banks, their main function is to facilitate trade and accordingly they are heavily engaged in discounting bills and opening letters of credit This thus explains why different statutes, cases and legal academic alike have offered varying definitions of the terms “bank” and “banker”. Some have defined it in its functional sense as a lender of money. This paper shall discuss the legal ways in which the bank and its customer relationship and lawfully terminated.
Antenna Array Miniaturization using a Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Kumar Shashi D. , Suganthi Sellakkutti
Published: June 2022

A novel Defected Ground Structure (DGS) is proposed to miniaturize a 2×2 Modified Corporate Feed Planar Antenna Array (M-CFPA) with a modified corporate feeding network. The DGS altered the surface current distribution and shifted the resonance frequency to the lower side. After running a parametric sweep of length and width of the patch antenna element, achieved the miniaturized antenna array resonating at 2.4 GHz frequency. The proposed antenna array is designed using Rogers/RT Duroid 5,880 ( ) substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm. The overall dimensions of the proposed Planar Array with DGS (PA-DGS) is 25.2723 % lesser than M-CFPA. The M-CFPA has a peak gain of 11.53 dB with a - 10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of 118 MHz. The proposed PA-DGS array exhibits a peak gain of 9.51 dB with 100 MHz -10 dB bandwidth.

HIGHLIGHTS

One of the major challenges faced in antenna array design is creating an efficient feed network

An optimum feed network is designed to miniaturize the antenna array

Metamaterial structures are deployed as defects in the ground plane to achieve further miniaturization

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
AI Based Self Learning Intelligent Information Leak Protection System for TI Companies using LSTM
Authors: K. Pazhanivel  , S. Sakthi  , R. Shilpa  , E. Mounika
Published: June 2022

Preventing the leak of sensitive information, also popularly known as data leak or data loss to an unauthorized recipient, is the primary goal of an organization's information security system. A data leak can occur through multiple channels. While it may not always be possible to prevent it entirely, measures can be taken to minimize the possibility of the occurrence. Like all other financial institutions, TI companies collect sensitive personal information of their customers for business purposes. This information is often categorized into three primary types; NPI, PII, and PI are the designated types in the descending order of sensitivity. The detection of sensitive documents and redaction of sensitive information is required if it is needed to be shared. Inspection of such digital documents to find any sensitive information is by far a human-driven process, and thus time-consuming and costly. An and costly. An intelligent and robust system is required where the content is analysed by state-of-the-art data mining, statistical and machine learning techniques from various data dimensions. An AI based self-learning Intelligent Information Leak Protection System using LSTM is proposed in the project that mines and extracts information and categorizes the document images, to SD or NSD, based on the presence of NPI and PII semantic signatures without any explicit rule configuration. The system is designed to be used proactively as an early warning system to tag the SD images while resting in the data store. It can also act as a real-time checkpoint for the information loss by the documents in transit or use. The proposed model prescribes an information loss protection mechanism using a binary classifier based on the state-of-the-art LSTM technique within the paradigm of Artificial Intelligence.
ECTS, workload, and quality of higher education
Authors: Rivadeneyra Jose Maria
Published: June 2022

The use of ECTS has facilitated student and graduate mobility within Europe and the comparison of study programs and courses. However, we have found thar the ECTS credit equivalence in hours, from 25 to 30, is oversized. We show that this workload associated with ECTS credit has a negative impact on the quality of education systems and on the health of students, and that it is a threat to the credibility of the ECTS system itself. We conclude that a review of the hours/credit ratio is necessary, and we propose this ratio to be 20.
Development of a Muon detector for educational purposes.
Authors: Nicolaidis Riccardo , Iuppa Roberto , Nozzoli Francesco , Ricci Leonardo
Published: June 2022

In the effort to communicate modern physics to a vast audience, the flux of cosmic ray muons is commonly mentioned as the most abundant, naturally available particle/radioactivity source. The detection of atmospheric muons can therefore make up a powerful workbench for educational purposes, allowing many laboratory experiences in different topics of modern physics like: special relativity, cosmic rays, statistics and particle detection. Unfortunately, a particle detector being suitable for cosmic ray muon identification is typically expensive, cumbersome and requires high voltage, thus preventing its widespread application in laboratory sessions based on cosmic ray muons, ex.gr. for undergraduate courses. Here we describe the project for a low-cost muon detector based on a plastic scintillator coupled with silicon photomultipliers, whose signals are acquired and preprocessed via a common FPGA evaluation board. Besides the detector, which was developed by supervised master students, we describe some possible physics measurements.
Universities’ Attractiveness and Grading Policies: A Spatial Competition Model
Authors: Lombardi Gabriele , Vicario Eugenio
Published: June 2022

This article compares two different views about universities’ attractiveness and grading policies. On the one side, inflating grades should be a suitable strategy in order to attract students to a certain university. On the other side, soft grading policies damage departments’ reputation, so discouraging students’ applications. From this perspective, students are really interested in the quality of courses and the socio-economic characteristics of the territories in which universities are settled. We propose a spatial competition model, showing that grading inflation is a reaction to adverse conditions, aimed at balancing the distortions generated by fees level and differences in the socio-economic characteristics of the locations.
High school mathematics knowledge level of technical university students
Authors: Pospíšil Lukáš , Dlouhá Dagmar , Dlouhá Karolina
Published: June 2022

The lack of knowledge of high school mathematics is one of the key problems for students at technical universities. They face this problem not only right after entering the university, but they fight with this handicap during their whole studies. In the first part of this paper, we introduce the results of the questionnaire survey among first-year students which consists of the comparison of their subjective opinion on the level of their knowledge with the true results of the entrance test. The second part of the paper is dedicated to our new online courses of high school mathematics for our students. We believe that our effort will become an effective way how to supply the students with the knowledge, which they should already have and which is expected for further extension in regular university courses.
SPOC and flexible language learning with Moodle: the experience at the University for Foreigners of Perugia
Authors: Sbardella Talia , Santucci Valentino , Spina Stefania
Published: June 2022

Engaging learners with targeted pathways in a language course can present many challenges in both selecting learning contents and assessing student skills. In this context, Learning Management Systems (LMSs) represents a big opportunity, by offering solutions capable of reaching a wide range of needs and characteristics. This paper describes some examples in creating a Small Private Online Course (SPOC) of Italian language for academic purposes at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, focusing on the tools available on the Moodle platform to help students to achieve their goals and to support teachers in gathering information on the learning dynamics and interventions to be implemented. The aim is to disclose perspectives on the developments of language education and on the potential of the Moodle LMS as a flexible learning environment, outlining some future lines of research. Keywords: SPOC; language learning; flexible learning; Moodle; Italian for academic purposes.
External assessors' reports – do they provide valid and useful information?
Authors: Cordina Maria , Cacciottolo Joseph M
Published: June 2022

The engagement of external assessors or examiners is one of the approaches which may contribute to overall quality assurance in institutions of higher learning . Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the quality of the reports received following an onsite visit, utilizing a purposefully designed template, and identify any significant shortcomings. Results: Only 90% of the expected reports were ever received, with 66% of reports being received unacceptably late. Just over 18% were deemed to be of excellent quality, while 32% were classified as being below average or poor demonstrating questionable academic professional responsibility of certain examiners. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the systems to ensure quality need to be audited on a regular basis to ensure that their purpose is being met.
The academic mobility in pandemic times: the impact on Sapienza University of Rome students’ lives
Authors: D'Ambrosio Gabriella
Published: June 2022

According to the European Commission statistics, taking a mobility period abroad may prove to be an important experience not only by an academic point of view but also by a personal perspective. In this sense, the impact of studying in another European and extra-European University can be seen in the increasing technical skills, individual competences and attitudes that, in most cases, helps students in finding their first-job more easily after the graduation. Following these premises, this case study research wants to explore, thanks to the availably of primary data collected in 2021, the impact of the academic mobility on Sapienza University of Rome students’ personal development. In this respect, data on the mobility impact will be analyzed taking into account the type of the mobility experienced by students. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic indeed, mobilities could also take place in virtual and blended modality.
Perception and confidence on weather forecasts among Spanish undergraduate students enrolled in different subjects related to physics
Authors: Gómez Igor , Valor Enric , Molina Sergio , Niclòs Raquel , Caselles Vicente
Published: June 2022

The current study focuses on Spanish undergraduate students enrolled in Meteorology-related subjects that would make use of weather forecasts in their future professional careers. The main aim of this study is twofold. Firstly, to evaluate the students’ confidence in the current weather forecasts. Secondly, to analyze the students’ perception and understanding of uncertainty associated with weather-related forecasts. To address these issues, a Google Form questionnaire was developed. A total of 101 students participated in the corresponding survey during the academic year 2018-2019. Results show that students have a well-founded opinion and a fairly solid knowledge of weather forecasts, both regarding confidence and in relation to the trend found in the current weather forecasts towards less accurate predictions for larger lead times. The results found in the current study are in line with previous research conducted in different specific contexts and should be taken into account to implement different learning strategies in the classroom.
Reaching out through the MOOC Introduction to Calculus
Authors: Easdown David
Published: June 2022

The MOOC Introduction to Calculus was launched in December 2018, in time for students, in transition from school, to use for satisfying mathematics prerequisites for tertiary-level degrees. The MOOC was conceived holistically, contributing towards improving diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for participants throughout the world, including those from regions suffering from political or economic instability. The MOOC facilitates pathways towards higher education through greater awareness of mathematics and its usefulness. This became acutely relevant for students facing disruptions from COVID-19 and forced into remote learning. Historical narratives permeate the MOOC, providing students with perspectives that they might not see in typical classrooms or textbooks. The MOOC alleviates frustration from students who have difficulty navigating online material or who have had negative experiences in learning mathematics. It uses a mastery model of learning and was designed using principles from the theory of threshold concepts and learning phases in the SOLO taxonomy.
Negotiation of Form and Its Effects in NS-NNSs Conversational Interaction
Authors: Zhang Hongwu
Published: June 2022

This article presents a study of corrective feedback and learner uptake in native speaker and non-native speakers (NS-NNSs) conversational interaction in foreign language classroom setting. Transcripts totaling 10.5 hours of NS-NNSs conversation were analyzed, using Lyster and Ranta’s error treatment model (1997), to investigate the feedback-uptake relationships in the context of NS-NNSs interaction. Results showed that the NS paid limited attention to the NNSs’ linguistic errors. Among the existing types of corrective feedback, recast was significantly preferred by the NS, and peer translation was widely used by the NNSs. Negotiation of form was scarcely used by the NS. As for learner uptake and self-correction, peer feedback gained the best effect, while recast had the lowest rate. Negotiation of form got a higher rate of uptake, but a lower rate of learner-generated repair. Finally the results were discussed from the perspective of noticing theory in cognitive psychology.
Introduction to bioethics through mobilization of critical thinking skills
Authors: Bodart Jean-François Laurent Henri , Canu Marie-Hélène , Dehennaut Vanessa , Dupont Erwan , Pauwels Maxime
Published: June 2022

A course design to ‘learn by doing’ and to encourage critical thinking and reflective abilities, was initiated in the context of bioethics teaching. Critical thinking is a process that transcends disciplines, committing students to be actors of their learning. The course design combines formal teaching sequences, group work sequences and interactions (or exchanges between students). The students are confronted with authentic cases bringing values into conflict, ​​which they will have to present. Using evaluation grids the students have designed, they can self-assess and assess their peers. They also benefit from teacher feedback between their oral presentations. The impact of the course design was assessed by analyzing student productions, using a questionnaire and performing group interviews. The data collected suggested that the students are particularly invested in their learning, while becoming aware of the objectives targeted by these teaching. Several strong points were raised and are discussed in this communication.
From project-based to problem-based learning in engineering disciplines: enhancing Cartography and Geomatics education
Authors: Gartner Georg , Binn Andrea , Gabela Jelena , Retscher Günther , Gikas Vassilis , Schmidt Manuela , Wang Wangshu
Published: June 2022

Engineering disciplines such as Cartography, Geomatics and Geodesy depend heavily on practical courses and “hands-on” education, both demand a strong “active” component of students and opportunities of systematic interaction loops between teachers and students. In this paper we discuss the enhancement of such classes through switching from a rather project-based learning focus on a problem-based learning mode. Experiences from several classes in this context, especially in the domain of Location-based Services, Cartography and Geomatics, are discussed and reasoning for further development of such a problem-based learning environment is given. The aim of “activating” students can be reached therefore.
BYOD as a gamification tool for improving learning of an experimental subject in Chemistry Degree
Authors: Ares Ana María , Toribio Laura , Nieto José Luis , De la Fuente Adrián , Bernal José
Published: June 2022

Given the impact of smartphones in all areas of society, the education at the university should not be conceived without the use of technological tools inside classrooms. The present study examines the use of “Bring Your Own Device-BYOD” using Kahoot! as a gamification tool to explore possible benefits in learning and continuous assessment of an experimental subject in the Degree of Chemistry. An empirical analytical methodology was used among different groups of students: one in which Kahoot! was used daily in laboratory lessons and other groups in which it was not employed as a training before final subject evaluation. The aim was to measure the extent to which the students´ knowledge had developed. The academic results has shown that the use of BYOD has had overall positive effects on the academic results. Thus, student’s learning and grades have been improved, particularly, those who have achieved a better score using Kahoot!
How to support cooperation in hybrid learning?
Authors: Uukkivi Anne , Labanova Oksana , Petjärv Britt , Nõuakas Kati
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to examine university students' view on the cooperation in hybrid learning and to find out the factors that influenced cooperation the most. The analysis revealed four main categories: communication, individuality, competences and cooperation settings. When talking about the importance of communication in cooperation, the learners emphasized the selection of communication channel and the importance of social interaction. In the category of individuality, two themes emerged: individual and group characteristics. Among the competencies, learners highlighted the pedagogical competence of the teacher and the students' self-regulation skills. The tools and environment was considered important when setting up cooperation. The results of the survey revealed that learners in the form of distance learning, learners with a higher level of digital competence and learners in study groups with a stronger team sense are more positive about cooperation in hybrid learning.
Combining subject-specific and subject-independent competencies in teaching Linguistics
Authors: Tragel Ilona , Komissarov Liisa-Maria
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, the concept of key competencies has become increasingly relevant in education, prompting universities to revise their curricula to make more room for subject-independent skills and knowledge. We argue that the best way to incorporate key competencies into the curriculum is teaching them through different subjects. In favour of this notion we present the case study of our course ‘Introduction to Linguistics’ at the University of Tartu (Estonia), which successfully combines subject-specific and subject-independent knowledge through a coursework which let the students write their own linguistic autobiography, combining their own unique experience with a scientific framework. In the process, the students mastered the linguistic concepts covered in lectures, while also practicing academic writing and application of scientific methods.
Use of Course-based undergraduate research experiences model to enhance research interest of Hong Kong health professional undergraduate students
Authors: Yau Yin Chun Mabel , Cheung Tsz Shan Edith , Chen Xiangyan Fiona , Wong Chi-Ming
Published: June 2022

It has been not easy to recruit postgraduate students from graduates of health professionals programmes in Hong Kong.  Recent studies show that Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) not only promote students’ acquisition of research abilities and collaboration skills, but also changes in their career choices and attitude. In this study, we attempted to offer CUREs to students of Medical Laboratory Science programme in our institute as extra-curricular activities to arouse their interest in scientific investigations.  They participated to learn research methods, laboratory techniques and get hands-on research experience.  The outcomes were evaluated with the CUREs Survey developed by Prof. David Lopatto of Grinnell College and focus group discussion.  Results of CUREs survey reveal students obtaining positive gains from the CUREs programme with the relevant learning experience.  Similar to previous studies, CUREs participants develop content knowledge, confidence, skills in research and confirm their interest in pursuing science-research related educational or career paths.
Teaching creativity to undergraduate engineering students
Authors: Dolmansley Tim , Prisutova Jevgenija , Tarnowski Keith , Mascareñas Garza Oscar
Published: June 2022

Over the recent years, it has become more and more apparent that creativityis a skill equally important for both technical and artistic careers. However,methods for teaching creativity that work for arts students are not alwaysappropriate for engineering students. The present study outlines theadaptation of a creativity development session from an artistic degreecurriculum (Mascarenas, 2019), to make it suitable for teaching toengineering students. The session was run three times with 1st and 2nd yearengineering students at a Russell Group university in the north of England,and both qualitative and quantitative feedback was collected from studentsafter the session. The main findings indicate the importance of a trustingrelationship between students and the educator, the need for balance betweendelivering a memorable experience and offering support, and the significanceof subsequent reflection.
Professional Development Module in University: Building a sense of belonging for first-year students
Authors: Dempsey Sylvia , VanceLee Ruth
Published: June 2022

Can a professional development module for first-year students help build a sense of belonging with their desired profession? In Munster Technological University (MTU) all first-year students undertake a Creativity, Innovation and Teamwork (CIT) module. For each degree programme, this module is tailored to the needs of its students. The objective of this module for first-year Accounting students is to build key skills, instill a sense of what it is to be accountants and help them envisage their pathways to becoming accountants. This paper introduces the teaching and learning techniques and assessment methods of the CIT module. It also presents Accounting students’ opinions on their professional development from this module. Findings report development of some of the key skills required of accountants in the workplace and increased knowledge of the accounting profession, thus building first-year Accounting students’ sense of belonging to their desired future profession.
Rebuilding our Toolkits for the future - How social science research educators changed their teaching in 2020 and 2021 to be fit for a digital future
Authors: Prandner Dimitri , Hasengruber Katrin
Published: June 2022

Adaptation to digital teaching during the COVID-19 crisis were not the same for all disciplines. Subject-specific pedagogical concepts were sometimes more or sometimes less easy to transfer to this new environment. In particular, teaching areas like social science research methods (SSRM) that on the one hand require personal interaction, practical application and individual support of students, and on the other hand have little previous standards and didactic know-how, with digital or virtual teaching elements, faced specific challenges. In a [COUNTRY] interview study, experiences of SSRM educators have been analyzed. Digitization related changes are less apparent on the content level, but pronounced at the didactic level. Main challenges are: encouraging students' attention and participation, providing opportunities for good collaboration on all levels. Chances for the future are seen in the newly expanded the pedagogical toolbox. Implementing tools supporting communication in the virtual space could free resources for direct support for students.
Integrating virtual simulation (MyDispense) for teaching Pharmacy curriculum
Authors: Exintaris Betty , Karunaratne Nilushi , Chen Annie , Wardan Rita , Chuang Sara , Mak Vivienne
Published: June 2022

MyDispense, a web-based pharmacy simulation program, allows students to assume the role of a pharmacist to evaluate, verify, and dispense a prescription in a virtual pharmacy setting. The aim of this study was to create MyDispense simulation activities to teach Pharmacy curriculum within a therapeutic unit and measure its effects on student perception and learning. Clinical Practitioners reviewed existing case-based teaching material and incorporated new elements to the cases, to simulate the identification, resolution and documentation of medication related problems. A secondary review was conducted and cases were built onto the MyDispense web-based platform. Cases were designed with a primary focus of teaching contraception and diabetes patient-centred management and counselling. In addition, a complex case was designed to include real-life complexities such as prioritisation of tasks, conflict resolution and patient-centred care to better simulate an authentic experience. Virtual simulations such as MyDispense, offer an authentic teaching tool for Pharmacy curriculum.
Teaching Data-Enabled Design: Student-led Data Collection in Design Education
Authors: Noortman Renee , Lovei Peter , Funk Mathias
Published: June 2022

Designers are increasingly engaging with data practices in their day-to-day work as design practice becomes increasingly connected. To facilitate this practice, design education needs to evolve and embrace data design. In this paper we introduce a Master-level elective course around the Data-enabled Design methodology. This challenge-based learning activity aims to teach how to use data as a creative material in addressing a real-life design challenge from selected industrial partners. In this article we demonstrate how our master students learn how to prototype, conduct data-enabled interviews, adapt their prototypes, and introduce design interventions via a multi-step approach, leveraging their growing knowledge and skills around contextual data. We share how we use a strong collaboration with our industrial partners and a predefined data infrastructure to help our students  use data for sharing valid research findings and presenting experiential interventions.
Examination of online education experiences from stakeholder perspective – a Hungarian case study
Authors: Buics László , Földesi Péter , Putz Orsolya , Varjú Zoltán , Horváth Zsolt Csaba , Eisingerné Boglárka Balassa
Published: June 2022

With the rise of Covid-19, higher education has undergone a major transformation. Prior to the pandemic, many universities offered online courses, but the majority of universities were characterized by face-to-face teaching. The goal of this research is to find out students' and teachers' opinions on the online education introduced in the first phase of Covid, with the help of a survey. As teachers had to react very quickly to the situation, the research would like to assess what worked well and what didn't during the online education period, what is in the focus of positive and negative opinions. The aim of this survey is to get feedback from students and faculty members regarding their experiences with online education during Covid.