bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of garlic against malathion induced oxidative stress in male albino rats
Authors: Kotb Gamila A. M. , Gh Farag A.A. , Ramadan Kholoud S , Farid Hoda E.A.
Published: May 2016

The garlic has been widely used as medicinal plant for its therapeutic properties This study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant role of garlic (G) against oxidative stress induced by malathion (M) in male albino rats. After experimental period (28 days), the study investigated some biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in plasma rats. The results revealed that, malathion induced significant increase in plasma Tri-iodothyronine (T3), Thyroxin (T4), glucose values and malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative stress marker was noticed. However, significant decrease was recorded in cholesterol, total protein (T. Protein) contents and in defense system biomarker total SH- protein. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited by malathion treatment and cause alteration in non-specific esterase and protein pattern. Finally, these results concluded that garlic has significant protection against malathion intoxication demonstrated inhibition in acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity and reduced in cholesterol, T. protein and total SH- protein. Further studies are necessary to investigate the significant effect of garlic on thyroid gland, brain and neurotransmitters.
Digit Sucking, Age, Sex, and Socioeconomic Status as Determinants of Oral Hygiene Status and Gingival Health of Children in Suburban Nigeria
Authors: Agbaje Hakeem O. , Kolawole Kikelomo A. , Folayan Morenike O. , Onyejaka Nneka K. , Oziegbe Elizabeth O. , Oyedele Titus A. , Chukwumah Nneka M. , Oshomoji Olusegun V.
Published: May 2016

Background: This study determines prevalence of digit sucking and gingivitis, and association among age, sex, socioeconomic status, presence of digit‐sucking habits, oral hygiene status (OHS), and gingivitis among a group of Nigerian children.

Methods: Data of 992 children aged 1 to 12 years recruited through a household survey conducted in Osun State, Nigeria were analyzed. Information on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and history of digit‐sucking habits were collected. Children were assessed for OHS and severity of gingivitis using the simplified oral hygiene index and the gingival index, respectively. Predictors of presence of gingivitis and poor oral hygiene were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: One (0.2%) and 454 (93.0%) children aged 1 to 5 years had poor oral hygiene and mild gingivitis, respectively. Twenty‐two (4.4%) and 361 (72.9%) children aged 6 to 12 years had poor oral hygiene and mild gingivitis, respectively. The odds of having poor oral hygiene (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20 to 0.35; P <0.001) and gingivitis (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.31; P <0.001) was significantly reduced for children aged 1 to 5 years. The odds of having gingivitis was increased in children with low socioeconomic status (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.31; P = 0.002). There was no significant relationship among sex, digit sucking, OHS, and presence of gingivitis.

Conclusions: A digit‐sucking habit did not increase chances of having poor oral hygiene and gingivitis. Increasing age and low socioeconomic status were factors that significantly increased chances of having poor oral hygiene and gingivitis.
Aplicações tecnológicas da Modelagem Molecular
Authors: Oliveira Anselmo E. de
Published: May 2016

Modelos matemáticos têm sido usados não apenas para validar hipóteses obtidas a partir de dados experimentais, mas também no desenvolvimento de novos materiais. Em processos químicos tecnologicamente importantes, a qualidade do produto é determinada tanto no nível micro quanto nanométrico. Um produto com uma determinada propriedade deve ser inverstigado por métodos de modelagem molecular com o fi m de uma melhor compreensão na relação estrutura-propriedade. Áreas como polímeros, nanomaterias e catálise já empregam, há muito tempo, metodologias teóricas, baseadas na mecânica quântica, para o desenvolvimento de tecnologia de ponta.
Estudo teórico químico-quântico das propriedades geométricas e físico-químicas das Ftalocianinas de Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Fe, Sc, Ti, VO
Authors: Camargo Ademir J. , Napolitano Hamilton B. , Oliveira Solemar S.
Published: May 2016

As ftalocianinas constituem uma importante classe de materiais orgânicos com interessantes propriedades eletroativas e fotoativas, as quais são intensamente utilizadas como pigmentos na coloração de plásticos e tecidos, catalisadores, no desenvolvimento de sensores de gases e na terapia fotodinâmica. Neste artigo, são discutidos os resultados dos cálculos teóricos usando a teoria do funcional da densidade (DFT) e o método semiempírco INDO/s para os complexos for CoPc, CrPc, CuPc, MnPc, NiPc, FePc, ScPc1+, TiOPc, VOPc and CuTBP. Os cálculos das freqüências vibracionais, juntamente com os respectivos assinalamentos, foram realizados usando o nível de teoria DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* com o programa g98. A análise populacional e os espectros de UV/visível foram obtidos com o método semiempírico INDO/s implementado no programa ZINDO.
Fenološke faze dreves na ploskvah intenzivnega monitoringa gozdnih ekosistemov v Sloveniji
Authors: Vilhar Urša , Skudnik Mitja , Simončič Primož
Published: May 2016

Study of developmental stages of forest trees in a long time series is of increasing importance for determination of interdependence between meteorological variables and the associated biological responses. In our study we analyzed the needle appearance and leaf unfolding of conifers and deciduous trees and the autumn colouring for broad-leaved tree species. We considered the phenological phases for oak (Quercus robur L.) in research plots Krakovski gozd and Murska šuma, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in research plots Lontovž, Temenjak, Borovec, Fondek, Gorica; spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in research plots Kladje and Krucmanove Konte; Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the research plot Brdo, black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in the research plot Gropajski bori. On average, the needle appearance (BGS) of spruce started on the 166th Julian day. BGS of Scotch pine started on the 128th Julian Day, BGS of black pine on the 149th Julian day, respectively. The leaf unfolding (BGS) for beech started, on average, on the 128th Julian day and BGS for oak on the 117th Julian day, respectively. The autumn colouring(EGS) for beech, on average, started on the 297th Julian day, for oak on the 308th Julian day. It was assessed that BGS possibly commenced earlier for spruce, Scotch pine and black pine in all research plots during the 2004 to 2011 period. However, earlier BGS for beech and oak was noticed only in limited number of pots. Later EGS for beech could be confirmed in only two plots (Borovec in Gorica), whereas changes in EGS for oak were later only in plot Murska Šuma. There was a large variability of LGS for beech and oak over the years. Prolonged growing season (LGS) of beech was statistically significant for 3 plots (Fondek, Borovec in Gorica) during the 2004 to 2011 period. For oak prolonged LGS was not statistically significant during the observation period.
Les Banove hiše v Artičah kot zgodovinski arhiv
Authors: Čufar Katarina , Strgar Dušan , Merela Maks , Brus Robert
Published: May 2016

We conducted a survey of wood and performed dendrochronological dating of beams from the external walls of the old Banʼs House in the village of Artiče near Brežice. The logs were made of different wood species, with different oaks among them, i.e. sessile oak (Quercus petraea), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), as well as sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Based on dendrochronological dating of the outermost tree-rings, the beams were divided into groups having the end dates of 1535 (2 beams - Turkey oak and pedunculate / sessile oak), 1563-1592 (8 logs - 5 Turkey oak and 3 pedunculate / sessile oak), 1613-1720 (3 logs - pedunculate / sessile oak), 1779-1792 (7 logs - 4 pedunculate / sessile oak and 3 chestnuts) and Ž 1913 (10 spruce logs). The beams of different wood species and with different end dates were mixed across the walls, indicating that the house had been rebuilt several times and that the timber from the same house or other buildings was re-used. Our assessments concerning different end dates and selection of several wood species were supplemented with information from forestry sources. They showed that the wood was very likely of local origin.
Zanesljivost volumenskih funkcij na primeru drevesne vrste smreke v Sloveniji
Authors: Kušar Gal , Hladnik David , Hočevar Milan
Published: May 2016

Various volume functions used for tree volume estimations were compared by the authors. Using section measurements (Newtonʼs method), they calculated the real tree volumes of 88 felled spruce trees on the Pokljuka plateau. The real tree volumes were used to form regional three-entry volume functions, (two-entry) volume tables, and tariff functions. The standard error of the average tree volume estimation is the lowest for three-entry volume functions (5.0%), then for volume tables (11.7%), and the highest for tariffs (15.1%). The reliability and applicability of the developed regional and other volume functions was verified on two one-hectare research plots. It was established that by applying the adapted German volume tables, the measured spruce volumes were too high. As the volumes measured in this manner are used when determining the adapted tariffs in Slovenia, this procedure results in a tariff class of at least 5% too high tree volumes.
Assessment of organic matter changes in the soil of the Brdo plot under different climate change scenarios through the Yasso07 model application
Authors: Kobal Milan , Eler Klemen , Simončič Primož , Kraigher Hojka
Published: May 2016

The forest soil can act as an important sink for CO2 and in that respect also appears in the national Kyoto reports, where a distinction is made between carbon accumulated in litter and organic soil horizons and carbon accumulated in mineral soil layers. There is a multitude of dynamic models of organic carbon (Corg) change in the soil particularly due to different environmental and anthropogenic factors. The purpose of this paper is the Yasso07 model application on the “Brdo” plot, which is part of the ICP Forest Level II plots of Slovenia. The Yasso07 model describes the decomposition of organic matter in the forest soil by dividing litter inputs into different components with varying decomposition rates. Here, the temporal change of soil Corg in various scenarios of future climate change (increase in air temperature, change in precipitation) was predicted. The difference between the measured amount and the model-predicted amount of Corg in the soil for the current climate on the Brdo plot is 6.4 t C ha-1 (88.6 t C ha-1 measured vs. 95.0 t C ha-1 predicted). Taking into consideration the climate change scenarios for Slovenia, Corg stock is expected to decrease in the future according to Yasso07 projections in all scenarios of climate change. The estimate of 100-year decrease of Corg is the largest for scenario, when large increase of both temperature and precipitation is expected (18.2%) and smallest when small temperature increase and precipitation decrease are predicted (9.3%). Assuming stable litter input, larger influence on Corg decrease was predicted for the temperature change compared to precipitation change. However, many uncertainties are included in model estimates ranging from litter input estimates, climate change uncertainties, climate-litter production feedbacks, starting value estimates, etc. The determination of the uncertainty of model calculations is a requirement for conducting simulations and their interpretation.
Causes, consequences, and the future of forest mortality due to climate change
Authors: McDowell Nate , Levanič Tom
Published: May 2016

Mortality of forest trees is growing at an accelerating rate due in part to increasing severity and frequency of droughts. The consequences of increasing forest mortality range from impacts on timber and tourism revenue, reductions in fuelwood availability and carbon storage, and feedbacks that accelerate climate changes. Unfortunately, our understanding of where, when, and how forests die is extremely limited, precluding us from forecasting future changes in forest composition and services. Here we review the state of current knowledge regarding mortality processes, and highlight the urgent scientific challenges that must be overcome if we are to adequately plan for future changes in forest survival and mortality. We suggest that forest monitoring through inventory networks and newly emerging remote sensing techniques should be a high priority for maintenance and development, because only through these observations can we determine what regions and species are most vulnerable to climate change. These datasets are also critical for evaluation of regional to global models of forest dynamics. Without accurate models, forecasts of future forest composition cannot be considered reliable. Furthermore, experimental tests of how the dominant global forest species die are needed to enable models to simulate mortality correctly. Lastly, experimental tests of forest management strategies that can alleviate stress under the novel climate regimes the globe is now experiencing are essential to allow planning for mitigation options in the forestry sector. Increasing forest mortality is now inevitable given the global energy portfolio; however, the ability of science and forestry to quantify, understand, predict, and mitigate impacts on forests remains a viable option to allow planning for future forest management to minimize impacts on the Earth’s forests.
Ocena potencialnega obroda samoniklih tržnih vrst gob v slovenskih gozdovih
Authors: Ogris Nikica , Piltaver Andrej , Jurc Dušan
Published: May 2016

Commercial value of non-wood forest products is increasing and in some cases can be equal or may even surpass the commercial value of timber. Therefore, an initiative for assessing the potential yield of commercial wild mushrooms in Slovenia arose. We developed empirical spatial models for 27 commercial wild mushrooms. The spatial models have a resolution of 1 × 1 km, assessment for potential production is given in kg × year–1. We verified model accuracy with data from central database of fungi in Slovenia, Boletus informaticus. The accuracy of models range from 60.6% to 99.2%. Estimated potential yield of studied commercial wild mushrooms was 2,869–37,800 tons/year, on average 12,169 tons/year. Potential commercial value of wild mushrooms is estimated at 263–527 €/ha, while overall commercial value of commercial wild mushrooms is estimated at 91–182 million €/year on average. Possible improvements of models for assessing the potential yield of wild mushrooms are discussed.
The role of economics in forest planning and policy evaluation in Slovenia
Authors: Hodges Donald
Published: May 2016

This paper explores the current status of the forest sectors in Slovenia, identifies potential issues in the management and use of the forests, and discusses a means by which policy makers can identify opportunities to enhance the role played by forests and their related goods and services in Slovenia. Specifically, a framework is proposed to assess the relationships between the economic, social, and ecological aspects of Slovenia%s forests; effects of changes in economic conditions on forest demands and uses; economic impacts of ecological, social, and business conditions; effects of current or proposed policies; and opportunities for the sustainable economic development of wood-based and forest-dependent enterprises. Such a framework is critical for managing Slovenia's forests and forestry sector in such a manner to optimize the ecological and economic potential.
Stabilnost gozdnih površin v Sloveniji kot kriterij krajinske pestrosti in obstojnosti
Authors: Pirnat Janez , Kobler Andrej
Published: May 2016

The stability of forest core areas is an important indicator of biotic diversity on a landscape level in the process of deciding whether certain forests could be cleared. Consequently, we decided to estimate the stability of forest core areas in Slovenia between 1975 and 2012, as we are in possession of sufficiently accurate data to make a comparison of forest cover for these 38 years. Four types of changes in forest coverage (stable non-forest, deforestations, overgrowing and stable forest) are explained with an empiric model designed as a decision tree, which takes into account the altitude, the slope of the terrain, ground type, the distance of each cell on a raster map from the forest edge in the base year and the distance of each cell on a raster map from the nearest settlement in the base year. Explanatory models were built using the method of machine learning (Quinlan, 1986) using See5 (www.rulequest.com). The accuracy of the chosen model was 74.65%. In 2012, stable forests covered 53 % of Slovenia; their coverage has remained unchanged since 1975. From all the variables, land-use changes are best explained by the initial distance from the forest edge and partially by the slope of the terrain. The distance from settlements and the altitude, on the other hand, do not play a significant role.
Influence of meteorological conditions and crown defoliation on tree phenology in intensive forest monitoring plots in Slovenia
Authors: Vilhar Urša , Skudnik Mitja , Ferlan Mitja , Simončič Primož
Published: May 2016

Data from the forest monitoring programme in Slovenia were used to assess the relationship between tree phenology, crown defoliation and meteorological conditions in Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Picea abies forests in the 2004-2013 period. We hypothesized a species-specific response of first leaf unfolding, general leaf colouring, the length of the growing season to crown defoliation, air temperature, precipitation and soil water. In accordance with the hypothesis, we found a high sensitivity of first leaf unfolding to air temperature and precipitation for all species, exhibiting contrasting responses. We observed strong sensitivity of beech defoliation to precipitation and soil water conditions. Oak crown defoliation and next-year phenology were correlated, with higher crown defoliation contributing to earlier leaf unfolding, later autumn leaf colouring and longer growing season of oak in next year. Correlation between crown defoliation and phenology was found neither for beech nor spruce.
Review of Recent Water-Related Disasters and Scientific Activities in Southeast Asia: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Kure Shuichi ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan, Tebakari Taichi , Miyamoto Mamoru ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Japan,   International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), Public Works Research Institute, Japan
Published: May 2016

This article reports on the public forum conducted by the authors at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015. The conference included case studies of recent water-related disasters in the Southeast Asia region, reviews of academic research, and a description of the current situation about measures for risk reduction. This article also clarifies the relationship between the various recommendations proposed in the public forum and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (the Sendai framework), in order to identify the efforts that are necessary for the implementation of the Sendai framework.
Promoting Education for Disaster Resilience and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Sakurai Aiko ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University 468-1-S304 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan, Sato Takeshi
Published: May 2016

Since the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction began in the 1990s, education has been recognized as having a cross-cutting role in disaster reduction by extending the people’s engagement to the creation and maintenance of sustainable communities internationally. During the same period, Japan has experienced large earthquakes, following which Japan has promoted comprehensive school safety and practical disaster education. Although conditions may vary between Japan and other countries, the approaches, issues and challenges of disaster education have much in common. The 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), fully integrates education and includes the overall goal of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the full disaster management cycle, from prevention, mitigation and preparedness to response, recovery and rehabilitation. Minimizing loss and damage to educational facilities is included as one of global indicators of SFDRR. A comprehensive approach to school safety is emphasized, including the safety of the learning environment, disaster management and DRR education. An awareness of such commonalities, under the SFDRR, international cooperation for promoting education for resilient communities should be promoted in Japan and globally.
Collaborative, Science-Based, Public Disaster Communication – The NHK Media Technology 3D Documentary Movie on Japan’s 2011 Tsunami Event
Authors: Chubachi Natsuko ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, Chikata Michihiro , Ito Kiyoshi , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: May 2016

A 3D documentary movie, “The Great Tsunami in Japan: Reflecting on the 2011 Disaster,” was produced and screened as a collaboration between the academic community and the media in order to communicate lessons from the tsunami that accompanied the Great East Japan Earthquake. The movie was first shown in March 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. This article discusses issues and outcomes of the collaboration in terms of the publicity activities of disaster research. An analysis of comments from viewers, Japanese and overseas guests alike, revealed a generally high evaluation of the film. The following outcomes were noted: 1) a large and varied audience, 2) the communication of academic information to members of the general public with no apparent resistance from them, and 3) an impressive presentation of the event, the subsequent reconstruction works, and the importance of keeping the memory of the disaster alive. Future issues will include deeper collaboration between the academic community and the media for disaster risk reduction purposes as well as studies on how such 3D images and movies can affect the passing down of memories of the disaster.
Report of “Geopark on Stricken Areas: Disasters and Gifts of Geo”
Authors: Kuri Miwa ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University 6-6-11 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan, Miyahara Ikuko , Sato Shosuke , Watanabe Mahito , Nakagawa Kazuyuki ,   School of Project Design, Miyagi University, Miyagi, Japan,   The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ibaraki, Japan,   Jiji Press, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Published: May 2016

We hosted a public forum on the theme of geoparks in disaster-stricken areas at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. It was found that the participants shared a common understanding that the important tasks of a geopark are to provide content based on the advantages of viewing the two aspects of nature – namely, disasters and gifts – from a common perspective, and to create a network supporting the expert knowledge needed for this content and the skills to convey such knowledge.
Developments of Tools to Survive the Disasters – Civil Empowerment of “Zest for Living in Disaster” –
Authors: Sato Shosuke ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University  Aoba, 468-1 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan, Imamura Fumihiko , Yasuda Mari , Sugiura Motoaki , Nouchi Rui ,   Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan,   Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Published: May 2016

This paper introduces practical efforts to reduce local disasters in the “Project on civil empowerment for ‘zest for life during a disaster’” undertaken by the authors and the three projects that have been developed and implemented thus far: “Pocket Notebook and Handbook for Family’s Disaster Resilience (MINNA-NO-BOSAI TECHO),” “Pocket Notebook and Handbook for Boys and Girls Disaster Resilience (BOKU-NO-WATASHI-NO-BOSAI TECHO),” and “SENDAI CAMP (BOSAI CAMP).” These activities were reported on a public forum in the third UN World Congress on Disaster Reduction, where the importance of involving all citizens in disaster reduction and prevention through projects was recognized in a comprehensive discussion.
Practical Efforts for Post-Disaster Reconstruction in the City of Ishinomaki, Miyagi
Authors: Kobayashi Teppei ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University  468-1 Aboba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan, Onoda Yasuaki , Hirano Katsuya , Ubaura Michio ,   Department of Architecture and Building Science, Graduate School Engineering, Tohoku University  6-6-06 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
Published: May 2016

During the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR), discussions on “designing for a safe and secure home and community” referenced various case studies and challenges from the “Build Back Better” (hereafter “BBB”) project. This paper introduces the following achievements of the BBB projects carried out by the authors:

1) leadership from academia that established a framework of practical dialogue (conferences) – more than mere information sharing – for maturing plans,

2) creation of the master plan concepts for each project based on expert perspectives in urban planning, landscape, and architecture,

3) development of an interrelationship between local tsunami defenses, such as river and coastal levees, and community-specific contexts and damaged facilities within the framework of civic design and community-building in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake,

4) designing of reconstruction plans achievable through coordination with relevant institutions and through consensus-building with residents amid a high number of reconstruction projects,

5) advanced level of maturation of plans gained through continuous collaboration, and

6) creation of a place for community interaction as one step in recovery process and as a venue to realize the importance of public information disclosure
Development and Performance of a Battery-Free Disaster Prevention Radio “HOOPRA” Using the Energy Harvested from Radio Waves
Authors: Shoji Eiichi ,   Department of Mechanical and System Engineering,  Intelligent Materials Science and Technology Laboratory, University of Fukui  3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
Published: May 2016

A battery-free radio receiver, HOOPRA (hoop type radio), is proposed for acquiring information using middle wave AM radio broadcasting during unexpected power failures or disasters, with emphasis on wide coverage, immediate information acquisition, and energy saving. The HOOPRA utilizes middle waves for energy harvesting. As this radio is intended for use during disasters, the protection methods, receiving performance, and the applications of energy harvesting are reported in this paper. The HOOPRA is ring-shaped with a diameter of 20 cm when retracted, for portability and 60 cm when expanded, for usage and is lightweight (180 g). The HOOPRA works on the principle of a crystal radio but has an adequate receiving performance without an external antenna that is generally necessary for crystal radios and is portable. It could receive a radio broadcast within an area of radius 15 km from a transmitting station of the NHK Fukui Daiichi Broadcasting (JOFG, 5 kW). Further, the energy harvested from the middle waves utilizing the high sensitivity of the HOOPRA was found to light-up a white LED. In a field test with the HOOPRA, it was found that the receiving sensitivity was particularly enhanced near a tall building, probably owing to the diffraction effect of the radio waves. Use of this effect for enhancing the sensitivity of the battery-free radio is also explained.
The learningscape of a virtual design atelier
Authors: Hart Jennefer , Zamenopoulos Theo , Garner Steve
Published: May 2016

The development of e-learning platforms is fundamentally changing the nature of education across all disciplines. Art and design education has traditionally taken place within a studio environment and its model of teaching and learning has been informed by the ‘atelier’ approach which has a distinctive educational and cultural history. Signifi cant pressures arise today in undergraduate art and design education and partly these drive the need to establish an effective and viable modern studio experience. Not only must any new studio support student learning of practice and principles, for example, by allowing students to work alongside experts, it must foster the community and culture of the creative industries. As if this wasn’t diffi cult enough, any innovation in teaching and learning must not incur the huge costs and resource demands of our current models of art and design education and it must be scalable to provide a stimulating experience for large numbers of students with diverse backgrounds, abilities and needs. This paper reports on a suite of studies that were carried out as part of a JISCfunded project titled ATELIER-D. The aim of the project was to create an online virtual design learning environment that replicates and improves the features of traditional face-to-face studio education. The paper makes reference to new curricula at the Open University, particularly a new FHEQ level 4 online design course fi rst presented in February 2010 to 350 students.
Enhancing Online Interactivity & Engagement: Impacting Student Learning
Authors: Stair Nola
Published: May 2016

This case study examines asynchronous interaction and engagement with Business School undergraduate and graduate students over a three year period; few other studies have investigated online engagement over an extended length of time. It illustrates an overall course redesign process in response to learning experiences that attempts to:increase student interaction with course materials independently of tutorials and lectures,encourage more reflective practice on essay writing capabilities (from both the tutor and student perspective), andallow more productive use of face-to-face instructional time.
Implementing an Electronic Notebook in Science
Authors: Edwards Mark
Published: May 2016

Professor John Ziman spent time considering science and its relationship with society, in terms of what it is, how it works, what it means, how reliable it might be, what should be taught, who should teach it and to whom (Ziman, 1968, 1991, 2002, 2008). I do not intend to further such an esteemed body of work, because, if I can paraphrase one of Ziman’s statements (Ziman, 1991), science is such a complex activity, so much part of our civilization, so rapidly changing in form and content that it cannot be presented in a few simple sentences. I want to take just one material and technological mode of science (another descriptive phrase of Ziman’s, see later) and discuss how important one tool is within this mode, as a foundation to high quality manufacturing in the global and highly competitive world of the pharmaceutical industry. The tool I wish to introduce and then elaborate on is the laboratory hard-backed, notebook and later, in its more modern form, the electronic laboratory notebook or ELNB.
Physical and Psychological Factors Inhibiting the Use of Technological Devices in the Development of Collaborative Feedback in the Reflective Practice amongst Trainee Teachers
Authors: Ade-Ojo Gordon , Sowe Nicola
Published: May 2016

Much importance has been attached to the promotion and development of a collaborative form of feedback in the context of reflective practice. Two main conclusions from relevant studies are that collaborative feedback contributes to the development of reflective practice, and that the predominant structure of feedback practice has not engendered the development of collaborative feedback (Copland 2008, Copland, Ma and Mann 2009 and 2010, Edge 2005, Alexander 2005, Ade-Ojo and Sowe, 2011). Responses to these conclusions have varied. While some studies have explored the underpinning drivers of feedback in reflective practice (Copland 2008, Edge 2005), others have looked at the processes and physicality of the structures that can support the development of a collaborative approach to feedback (Sowe and Ade-Ojo 2011, Mula 2009, Dyke, Harding and Lajeunesse, 2006). With the latter, one of the more common areas that has been explored is the use of technological devices such as video and digital recordings.
Increasing the interaction time in a lecture by integrating flipped classroom and just-in-time teaching concepts
Authors: Arshad Kamran , Imran Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2016

Limited contact time in the traditional lecture structure poses a challenge for the lecturer to select the depth of material covered in the lecture while ensuring complete coverage of the syllabus. In the case of large groups, this also restricts the time that can be dedicated for enquiry based learning and active engagement with the students. This lack of enquiry based learning is cited as one of the main disadvantages of traditional lectures as a teaching strategy (Cashin 1985). Furthermore, due to the diverse learning abilities of the students some concepts are very basic for a subset of the class and they lose their focus if they feel that trivial points are being discussed in a session.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Crofts Sarah
Published: May 2016

Introduction to our 8th edition by guest editor Sarah Crofts
Editorial Team
Authors: Keyms Gillian
Published: May 2016

Editorial team for the 8th edition
Trial of a ‘webinar’ to improve student perception of engagement
Authors: PS Paul Stoneman
Published: May 2016

A review of using webinars for teaching
Learning videos - do they work?
Authors: Daniels Gabriela
Published: May 2016

The videos which were subject of this investigation could be classified broadly as instructional videos, presenting processes or specialist machine introductions. As such, they can be referred to as a type of multimedia learning resources. This study compared staff’s views with the students’ perceptions of relevance and usability of a range of instructional videos. The use of videos and mobile digital technology was seen as an enabler of rapid access and self-guided learning, but overwhelmingly, tutors and students valued the face-to-face interaction as a prime enabler of learning. Further development of video resources should be based on the following key considerations: constructing the shortest visual and audio messages, identifying key meta-data to enhance reusability, adaptation of teaching and learning styles.
Teaching a Master of Professional Practice in Games Development A case study of the ‘MProf’ in Games Development at the University of Abertay Dundee
Authors: Fee Ken
Published: May 2016

A suitable analogy for student teams at university is perhaps that of a football team. In this case, half would not turn up to play the game – or train – and would not have learnt the rules, requiring desperate cover by the other half of the team. This other half would be a disparate collection of individuals, some of whom may try to change the shape of the ball through a sense of curiosity or just to see what could happen, some would change the rules of the game if they seemed too hard, and practically all of them would not move until 5 minutes before the final whistle. There would be a couple of students who were actually trying to play properly – but they would burn out, consumed by a combination of frustration and rage. A disastrous model to take forward into employment in games, the University of Abertay sought to address and ensure that graduates from a new Masters programme could emphatically demonstrate the value that Universities could offer
TESTA@Greenwich - engaging students in feedback and assessment
Authors: McKenna Duncan
Published: May 2016

TESTA@Greenwich is a research project looking into assessment and feedback at the University of Greenwich. The central mission of the project is to use both quantitative and qualitative data, collected by students and coming directly from students and staff, to improve assessment and feedback at the programme level.
Compass 10 Editorial Team
Authors: Keyms Gillian
Published: May 2016

Compass 10 Editorial Team
Common themes and missing pieces: the educational value of postgraduate teaching development programmes
Authors: Baughan Patrick , Lindsay Sian , Parker Pam
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the findings of a literature review undertaken by three members of staff based at City University London, who are also members of a programme team that runs a professional development programme for higher education teachers. The original purpose of the literature review was to provide a deeper and more research-informed mechanism for evaluating and developing the aforementioned programme. Whilst focused in its intentions, the results of the review suggest that the existing research terrain about such programmes might be characterised in terms of common themes (areas for which there is already a range of published research) and missing pieces (areas for which there appears to be a paucity of published material). The authors are now using these results to continue developing their own programme, and as a starting point for follow-up research. However, it is hoped that the review will be of relevance to a wider audience, encouraging others to undertake research to address the missing pieces and as a source for others to enhance their own teaching development programmes.
A reflection on the opportunities and challenges associated with teaching the sociology of employability.
Authors: Morris Craig Martin
Published: May 2016

This discussion piece addresses the opportunities and challenges that producing and delivering an employability-related course poses, when that course is taught on a programme situated within a critical discipline (sociology). It addresses the conflict between neoliberal discourses on employability and critical responses to this within sociological approaches to the issue. It does this by using a Bourdieusian (1979; 1986; 1990) framework. I conclude the paper by reflecting upon how these two, seemingly intractable, positions can both be drawn upon by students and the institution.
Rocket Science in a Virtual World
Authors: Spencer Barry
Published: May 2016

As a partner college of Greenwich University, Bromley College run Foundation Degrees in Software Development and Network Computing, and as part the programme, students complete a major Software Development project in year 1 and 2. The academic year 2014-15has a combined post 18 student cohort of 25 male and 1 female. Within the group there are two students with learning need statements, one for Dyslexia the other with Pervasive Learning Disorder. The theme for the year’s project is Rocket Science, where students are required to produce a desktop program capable of modelling the flight of a single stage rocket and this case study sets out to describe the delivery learning requirements.In education, virtual worlds provide unique learning opportunities, for accurate/real contexts and activities for experiential learning, simulation, modelling of complex scenarios, social interaction, that may not be experienced in other learning modalities (Atkinson, 2009).
Can we learn anything from China about Education in Mathematics?
Authors: Field Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Some countries in South East Asia do better than us in international mathematics tests. This would appear to indicate that their children are more able mathematically than ours. Our government is very keen to explore this further and in 2014/15 funded a National Shanghai Exchange Programme, involving teachers from the newly formed 34 National Maths Hubs.  This opinion piece reflects upon the practices in Shanghai and explores whether we could actually learn anything from them which might improve our own teaching and learning in mathematics, and the impact this might have for HEIs.
Testing, Testing, Testing
Authors: Fadipe Dorothea
Published: May 2016

This is a short Opinion Piece, derived from my teaching experiences and which, I hope, may also resonate with the experiences of a lot of other university lecturers at this time of year. It is intended to provide food for thought on the summative assessment regime and is backed up by the findings of some prominent researchers in this aspect of education.
Editorial Team
Authors: Keyms Gillian
Published: May 2016

Please see pdf for the list of editorial board members.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Pazio Monika
Published: May 2016

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Flipping Wounds
Authors: Atkinson Adele
Published: May 2016

Nurse educators need to develop more flexible approaches to learning in order to meet the needs of future healthcare workers (HEE, 2014). Using a ‘Flipped Classroom’ is one such strategy. This case study explores flipped learning in this context and reflects over both the student and facilitator experiences, using a ‘Wound Healing & Tissue Repair Module” for post-registration (qualified) healthcare professionals. A Problem-based/Enquiry-based learning approach was also used to aid in linking theory to practice.Evaluations from the module showed that, on the whole, students enjoyed this approach and commented positively on the online activities and EBL sessions, working and discussing practice with students from other disciplines; lecturer-student interactions; and using fictional patients to apply theory to practice. There were some areas that students felt hindered their learning. These were: the format of the module was initially seen as confusing and the amount of work that students were required to do in their own time.Reflecting over the evaluations the lessons learned from this are that facilitators need time in rethinking old models, a working knowledge of digital media, a confidence to let go of being the ‘sage on the stage’ and exploring ways of encouraging students to be active learners.
The role of teaching observations: Developing or managing academic practice?
Authors: Compton Martin
Published: May 2016

Observations of teaching are becoming increasingly common in Higher Education, often as part of a peer observation project, taught teacher education programme or other professional development activity. In the context of the evolving Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), this paper argues that teaching observations can and should play a central role in developing teaching quality but that there needs to be clarity about the value and purpose of them from the start. Drawing on experiences from the Further Education sector,  issues and pitfalls are highlighted that illustrate how a tool for teacher development can become a managerial mechanism for teacher perfromance monitoring whilst also suggesting approaches designed to create a positive engagement with observation by both the observer and the observed.
Southampton Feedback Champions: Students and staff improving feedback together, University of Southampton
Authors: Georgin Laurence , Stuart Kristina , Wainwright Rebecca , Anwar Rameesha , Hammed Abisola Tina
Published: May 2016

This case study is about a project undertaken in 2014-2015 at the University of Southampton by Laurence Georgin and 27 students. The Southampton Feedback Champions project aimed to explore the creation, collection and application of feedback in a full range of contexts through a variety of tools and mechanisms with the potential to enhance good feedback practices. Students were employed as Southampton Feedback Champions to collect and develop further examples of good feedback practice as identified by Southampton students and staff. SFCs were at the heart of the project and took on roles as researchers, project managers, communication officers, and conference organisers and speakers. The outcomes from the project range from a better understanding of the feedback-related issues to the creation of staff and students resources, which aim to improve feedback understanding, its delivery and its potential within the higher education context.
Panopto: the Potential Benefits for Disabled Students
Authors: Kandler Clifton , Thorley Melanie
Published: May 2016

This paper sets out to review the recent Panopto (lecture capturing) trial undertaken at a London University. We discuss the scope and findings of the trial.  The universal design (UD) concept is briefly addressed to demonstrate how universal design can benefit a great many students, although the emphasis is on disabled students, which will enable the university to comply with the Equality Act 2010 aspect of anticipatory measures. In addition to the potential advantages and disadvantages for future disabled students who may not be in receipt of the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), we also suggest potential institutional benefits and how different cohorts of non-traditional students may benefit from the technology.
Editorial Team for Issue 12
Authors: Keyms Gillian
Published: May 2016

Editorial Team for Issue 12
Voices from the margins: narratives of learning development in a Digital Age
Authors: Abegglen Sandra , Burns Tom , Sinfield Sandra
Published: May 2016

This paper explores how to facilitate the ‘bedding in’ and ‘becoming of’ undergraduate students who come from non-traditional backgrounds and struggle with what is, for them, the often alien world of academic writing and assessment.  To achieve their aims, the authors set up a partnership between the students of a second-year Peer Mentoring module and those of a first-year Becoming an Educationalist one.  By means of this creative partnering, and via reflective blog entries, they worked to harness quasi-academic writing to help such first-year students to become familiar with, and powerful within, the exclusionary practices (in particular, the written conventions of academic essays) of Higher Education.  They argue that this innovative ‘teaming-up’ of second- and first-year students not only models collaborative learning and writing practice, but also facilitates the ‘bedding-in’ of newcomers.  The paper itself models the partnership and creative writing methods used to help students find their ‘voice’ by being ‘co-produced’ by the people teaching across the two modules concerned.
Working with students as partners in pedagogic research: staff and student experiences of participating in an institutional bursary scheme
Authors: Maunder Rachel
Published: May 2016

This case study presents a discussion of an institutional bursary scheme (called URB@N), in which students work in partnership with staff on learning and teaching research projects. The collation of evaluative evidence over several years (via student reflective accounts, annual feedback surveys from staff and students, observations and reflections from scheme coordinators and qualitative interviews with staff and students who have participated) suggests that this model provides a valuable and impactful approach to staff/student partnership working to facilitate educational enhancement. Also discussed are emerging challenges, highlighting some of the difficulties associated with implementing effective partnership models.