bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE FEATURES OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECTRUM AND PULSE OF THE ECHO SIGNAL DURING ULTRASONIC CONTROL OF METAL THROUGH THE FUSED LAYER BY ANGLE BEAM LONGITUDINAL WAVE PROBES
Authors: Danilov V. N.
Published: November 2023

Based on computer simulation of an echo signal from a side drilled hole type reflector during ultrasonic control of the base metal by an angle beam longitudinal wave probe with nominal frequency of 1.8 MHz through transversal-isotropic elastic layer of constant thickness at different values of the anisotropy parameter, it is shown that with an increase in the anisotropy parameter there is a shift of the signal maximum in the direction of increasing the distance to the reflector, which is associated with an increase in the phase velocity of the quasi-longitudinal wave in the layer, and an increase in the maximum value due to a change in the double transformation coefficient when the longitudinal wave passes from the prism of the probe to the layer and back. For a probe with a frequency of 2.5 MHz, an increase in the anisotropy parameter leads to a decrease in the value of the echo maximum, since the increased increase in the attenuation of the quasi-longitudinal wave in the layer is not compensated by a change in the double transformation coefficient. For different nominal angles of probe (45…60°), a noticeable change in the shapes of frequency spectra and echo pulses at different values of the anisotropy parameter has not been established. The effect of increasing the distance from the control surface to the axis of the cylindrical hole at a constant layer thickness on the change of the amplitude of the echo signal in the calculated range of values of the anisotropy parameter is shown.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE METHOD OF DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF THE FLAW DETECTOR DURING IN-LINE DIAGNOSTICS OF MAIN GAS PIPELINES
Authors: Zhazhin M. A. , Shubochkin A. E. , Shestakov R. A.
Published: November 2023

The main goal of the study is to improvement a method for determining the location of an in-line diagnostic tool. The method under consideration is based on the use in the calculation of the pressure drop resulting from the location of the flaw detector in the pipe. For theoretical testing of the developed methodology, a calculation model of the pipeline was built using the example of a gas pipeline. The calculation method takes into account both the parameters of the pipeline and the pumped medium, as well as the gravity of the projectile itself, which minimizes errors in determining the coordinates of the defect and makes it possible to eliminate the defect faster and more efficiently. The sections of the article discuss, among other things, general information about the technological reliability of main pipelines, theses proving the relevance of the task, a description of the proposed method for solving it, as well as excerpts from the calculation algorithm, on the basis of which the pipeline model was developed, which allows determining the location of the pig when carrying out in-line diagnostics in this pipeline.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ADEQUACY OF COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONMENT USING FREE SOFTWARE
Authors: Titov E. V. , Soshnikov A. A. , Pinchuk A. V.
Published: November 2023

Computer simulation of the electromagnetic environment makes it possible to determine the sources of the electromagnetic field and radiation at the object under study, accelerates the process of determining the degree of danger of the electromagnetic environment, forms pictures of the distribution in space of the components of the electromagnetic field and creates maps of the permissible time of human stay. Free software (openEMS, MEEP) significantly simplifies the solution of these tasks. The article considers the issues of assessing the adequacy of computer models of the distribution of electromagnetic field components formed using these modeling packages. The results of experimental measurements and computer simulation of the electric field at frequencies of 50 Hz, 30 kHz, 3 MHz, 30 MHz and 50 MHz are presented. The results of measurements and computer simulation of the electromagnetic field at frequencies of 800 MHz, 25 Khz and 40 GHz are presented. The adequacy of modeling the components of the electromagnetic field using openEMS and MEEP, sufficient for practical application, has been confirmed.
The Substitute and the Excuse
Authors: Ulrich Katie
Published: November 2023

Amid climate change and produced unevenness in geopolitical development, the question of how sustainability and growth might be brought together is a concern for many scientists of renewable energy in the Global South. This article explores answers offered by scientists in São Paulo, Brazil, who make renewable fuels and materials from sugarcane. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and tracing the “material of growth,” the article analyzes the traffic between sugarcane biological growth, industry growth, and economic growth in the context of the crop’s history of colonial expansion and environmental destruction. It argues that some scientific practices lay the molecular foundations for a substitutive “sustainable growth” that replicates petro-extractivist growth. Others allow for further permutations of how sustainability and growth might go together, particularly when scientists use sugarcane renewables as an excuse to develop other research aims. The article contributes to anthropological understandings of science, energy cultures, technical practices, and transition. 

RESUMO

Em meio a um contexto de aquecimento global e de desigualdades produzidas no desenvolvimento geopolítico, a questão de como sustentabilidade e crescimento podem andar juntos é uma preocupação para muitos cientistas de energia renovável no Sul Global. Este artigo explora respostas concedidas por cientistas de São Paulo, Brasil, que produzem biocombustíveis e materiais renováveis a partir da cana-de-açúcar. Com base em trabalho de campo etnográfico e no rastreamento do “material do crescimento,” o artigo analisa a circulação entre o crescimento biológico da cana-de-açúcar, o crescimento da indústria, e o crescimento econômico no contexto da história canavial de expansão colonial e destruição ambiental. Argumento que algumas práticas científicas lançam as bases moleculares para um “crescimento sustentável” substitutivo que replica o crescimento petroextrativista. Já outras possibilitam novas configurações conjuntas de sustentabilidade e crescimento, particularmente quando cientistas usam produtos renováveis feitos a partir da cana-de-açúcar como desculpa para desenvolver outros objetivos de pesquisa. O artigo contribui para a compreensão antropológica da ciência, culturas energéticas, práticas técnicas, e transição.
Gaining Voice through Injury
Authors: Sandoval-Cervantes Iván
Published: November 2023

Activism in favor of non-human animals is on the rise throughout Mexico despite ongoing and episodic violence. Activists, also known as animalistas, represent themselves as the “voice” of non-human animals as they seek rights and well-being for animals. In Ciudad Juárez, a border city once considered the most dangerous city in the world (2008–2012), animalistas engage in complex ways with non-human bodies as they seek to “speak” for them. This article analyzes the relationship between injured bodies and voice in Ciudad Juárez’s animalista movement, with the act of the rescue as the point of inception. Injured animal bodies prove central for activists because anthropogenic violence transforms dogs’ bodies. Non-human injured bodies, and their visual representations, allow animalistas to position themselves as the voice of an animal that survived an abuse while also individualizing and depolitizicing—through the discourse of pathology—violence against dogs.

RESUMEN

A pesar de la violencia continua y esporádica en México, el activismo a favor de los animales no humanos ha incrementado. En la búsqueda de derechos y el bienestar de animales no-humanos, las personas activistas, o animalistas, se presentan a sí mismas como la “voz” de los animales. En la ciudad fronteriza de Ciudad Juárez, que alguna vez fue consideraba la más violenta del mundo (2008–2012), las animalistas se relacionan de manera compleja con los cuerpos no-humanos para poder “hablar” por ellos. Este artículo analiza la relación entre cuerpos lesionados y voz en el movimiento animalista de Ciudad Juárez, enfatizando el acto del rescate como un momento clave. Los cuerpos lesionados de perros son fundamentales para las activistas porque la violencia antropogénica los transforma. Así los cuerpos animales lesionados, y sus representaciones visuales, les permiten posicionarse como la voz de animales sobrevivientes al abuso, mientras que individualiza y despolitiza—a través de un discurso patologizante—la violencia contra perros.
Enhancing chemistry education through technology-enhanced learning: Impact on student outcomes
Authors: Schweiker Stephanie , Levonis Stephan
Published: November 2023

This scientific poster presentation highlights the student-led feedback and modifications made to improve chemistry subjects, along with the subsequent impact on student outcomes. Our team has embraced technology-enhanced learning as an effective approach to enhance the learning experiences of a diverse student cohort. The literature emphasizes that blending face-to-face, online, and self-paced learning tools lead to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes (Serrano et al., 2019).

Our chemistry subjects have undergone significant evolution to incorporate technology-enhanced elements, such as custom-made resources like short lightboard videos and virtual laboratories, which are integrated with our active classroom environment. This integration of theory and practice fosters meaningful, dynamic, and student-centered learning, drawing upon Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to provide differentiated instruction through scaffolding.

Our diverse student cohort consists of individuals with varying chemistry backgrounds and enrolled in different degree programs, yet they all undertake the same chemistry subjects. To cater to the varying entry-level knowledge, scaffolding resources have been provided to guide students with lower proficiency through complex concepts, while additional resources engage and challenge more experienced students. This approach places active classes within the optimal zone, where the average student is challenged beyond their comfort zone but not to the extent of disengagement.

This instructional approach is complemented by a sociocultural structure that encourages critical engagement among students working in peer groups as well as with the educator. In the absence of our team, virtual educators, via our lightboard videos, support this sociocultural, student-centered approach between classes.

The presentation will showcase innovative initiatives that embody the evolution of technology-enhanced learning, with a particular focus on the impact of lightboard videos and virtual laboratory experiments on students' overall learning experiences and outcomes. The influence of these resources is evident locally, nationally, and internationally, as demonstrated by usage statistics and invitations to showcase our work. These resources have garnered strong support from peer reviewers, academics, high school teachers, and key stakeholders.

Through this abstract, we aim to provide a concise overview of our innovative approach to chemistry education, emphasizing the positive impact of technology-enhanced learning on student outcomes. Our findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on effective instructional strategies in science education, and we believe they have the potential to inform and inspire educators in their pursuit of enhancing student learning experiences.
Exploring social media use for healthcare professionals
Authors: Xi Irene , Cochrane Thomas
Published: November 2023

This concise paper introduces the importance of Healthcare Professionals (HCP) voice on Social Media Platforms (SMP) to combat widespread mis/disinformation around health issues that is now prevalent on these platforms. While HCPs actions have been acknowledged as effective in dispelling myths surrounding health topics, the specific strategies employed by HCPs on different SMPs to address these issues remain largely unexplored. Employing a technology affordance perspective, this paper outlines a proposed research methodology aimed at investigating the strategies employed by HCPs for correcting misinformation across various SMPs and offers guidance in this area.
Collaborative approach in the programme design and development – A case study in a Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences
Authors: Nguyen Nhung , Chanane Nawal , Doborjeh Maryam , Yan Wei Qi , Ghobakhlou Akbar , Nand Parma , Kehrwald Benjamin , Sinha Roopak
Published: November 2023

Pandemics and natural disasters and advancements in technologies like generative AI require universities to stay nimble and responsive to adjust at short notice. This paper investigates collaboration across disciplines and departments within a university in designing and developing courses to respond to the rapidly changing context in higher education during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, in this paper we reflect on a collaborative approach in programme design and development of the online Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Computer and Information Sciences Programme.

Using a qualitative research approach and adopting a case study methodology, this paper outlines the nature of collaboration, the planned data collection methods, and preliminary findings. This work demonstrates the benefits of collaborative approaches, including increased efficiency through teamwork, a balanced distribution of individual and collaborative tasks for staff, and the creation of a supportive and motivating social environment.
Finding function in dysfunction - The role of a learning technologist
Authors: Kala Shareeni , Ladha Mohammad
Published: November 2023

This conference paper examines the pivotal role of Functional Analysts in facilitating the transition from an older in-house Lecture Theatre Recording (LTR) system to a new and advanced lecture recording system called Panopto. The Functional Analysts' responsibilities encompass ensuring a smooth transition, providing expertise and assistance to internal users, and maintaining uninterrupted operations. The paper discusses the process of transitioning to Panopto, including planning, implementation, training, and support. The collaboration, communication, and technical expertise of Functional Analysts are highlighted as key factors for successful system migration. The findings of this case study shed light on the importance of proactive planning, effective change management, and technical proficiency in executing such transitions.
“A Co-Pilot for Learning Design?”
Authors: Ryall Adelle , Abblitt Stephen
Published: November 2023

Recent rapid developments in generative artificial intelligence (genAI), including large language models (LLMs), have the potential to radically transform higher education—perhaps especially the work of learning designers. This paper investigates how learning designers are making sense of and adapting to the current challenges and future changes caused or enabled by ongoing advances in genAI and LLMs. A team of learning designers was surveyed to gain insights into how they are currently engaging with genAI and LLMs in their professional practice and in teaching and learning contexts. This paper describes how these learning designers see genAI and LLMs emerging as not only useful tools but as agential actors and collaborators in teaching and learning contexts, and how they see this changing their practice and profession now and potentially into the future.
Positioning large language model artificial intelligence tools within discourse analysis
Authors: Anand Pranit , Li Dongmei , Keen Joel , Henrickson Leah
Published: November 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools based on Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT has generated significant interested within the higher education sector. The threats, challenges and opportunities for its use in teaching and learning continue to be discussed widely, however it’s use within research and especially research involving marginalised perspectives is far less discussed. This panel will share how ChatGPT was used to add value to the conversations between researchers applying critical discourse analysis exploring Indigenous Australian perspectives with international students. As part of their study the researchers compared the efficacy of ChaptGPT and NVIVIO and the impacts on iterative discourse discussions between the researchers. While the data in this research revealed some very encouraging results, it also highlighted significant areas that need to be explored even further especially around ethical use of AI and untangling in-built biases within the tools’ algorithms.
Future prospects of artificial intelligence in education
Authors: Bai John Y. H. , Müskens Wolfgang , Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Senyo Loglo Frank
Published: November 2023

The application of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) is a growing field of research. While the potential benefits of AIEd drive interest and investment, developing ethical AIEd applications that mitigate the risk of entrenching inequalities requires input from key stakeholders like teachers and students. The present project aims to give voice to the perspectives of educators in higher education on the possible futures of AIEd. Towards this end, we developed a set of strategic scenarios, each describing a hypothetical AIEd application, and invited educators to evaluate the scenarios in a series of international focus-group discussions. The present paper describes the methodology for developing the scenarios and how they can be used to engage stakeholders in future-oriented discussions. This paper aims to assist interested readers in using or modifying the scenarios for their own research.
Modifying assessment tasks to ensure learning occurs in the era of artificial intelligence
Authors: Palmer Edward
Published: November 2023

The launch of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022 has had a profound influence on teaching and learning from both students’ and staff members’ engagement. It is unclear how students are engaging with AI in creating submissions for assessments tasks, potentially impacting their learning. It is also unclear how educators are modifying their assessment design and how this may be impacting the learning outcomes of their cohorts. University systems run at a slow pace meaning that policies, course and program changes are not able to engage at the rate staff need in order to respond to this new technology. Staff have been left to deal with the use of AI in assessment tasks, often with little guidance or sufficient digital skills to make relevant changes or modifications.

 

This workshop will focus on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and assessment. Participants will be given structured activities to understand and develop activities that provide learning for students without being compromised by artificial intelligence. They will apply their learning in the workshop to an assessment they are using or plan to use.
Supporting peer tutoring with graphical organisers and knowledge maps
Authors: Cui Yu
Published: November 2023

This study delves into the realm of learning from tutoring and extends existing research by introducing augmented concept mapping as an innovative strategy to enhance peer learning in preparing for tutoring. The paper provides a concise overview of the current design of pedagogically augmented concept maps and their integration with Semantic Web and derived technologies for the iterative development of knowledge maps. This research represents an ongoing endeavour with the primary objective of developing graphical organisers to support student tutors in designing tutoring plans before actual tutorials in the form of concept maps and knowledge maps. It serves a dual purpose, aiming to facilitate individual tutor learning and promote collective knowledge construction. The main contribution of this presentation lies not only in the potential for synthesising concept mapping and semantic knowledge mapping, but also in the integration of content learning, such as the domain of hydrology in this study, with dialogical tutoring interaction during peer tutoring preparation
Leveraging Technology for Animal Physiology Practicals
Authors: Krishnasamy Suresh , Narayan Edward
Published: November 2023

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, animal physiology practical classes at The University of Queensland, were conducted fully online using Lt, a cloud-based platform, ensuring that students were able to achieve the intended course outcomes. However, in 2021, practical classes had to be redesigned to cater for both on-campus and online deliveries and this project investigated the continued use of Lt in animal physiology practical classes focusing on student satisfaction and performance for both on-campus and online students. Student satisfaction with the redesigned practicals were high across all constructs - overall structure, pre-lab materials and incorporation of group work (on-campus students) while student performance outcomes showed an improved performance compared to before the use of Lt and showed no significant differences in the performance of the on-campus versus online cohorts. The findings gave confidence in using Lt as a foundation for delivering animal science practicals equitably for both cohorts.
Harnessing H5P for Asynchronous Active Learning
Authors: Bui Nguyen , Brooks Claire
Published: November 2023

Active learning, as defined by Bonwell and Eison (1991), involves students in doing things and thinking about what they are doing. Extensive research has highlighted the numerous benefits of active learning, including increased attendance rates (Kozanitis & Nenciovici, 2022), improved learning outcomes (Ruiz-Primo et al., 2011), reduced achievement gaps for underrepresented students (Haak et al., 2011; Theobald et Al., 2020), higher-order thinking skills, and enhanced student performance (Freeman et al., 2014). In comparison to traditional lectures, any form of active learning has proven to be beneficial to student learning (Schneider & Preckel, 2017). However, most research on active learning has focused predominantly on face-to-face synchronous classrooms, with little attention to active learning in online asynchronous environments. This presents an opportunity to explore design solutions that promote active learning in these asynchronous settings where students lack real-time interactions with educators and peers.

 

The advent of HTML5 (HyperText Markup Language version 5) or H5P has the potential to revolutionise active learning in online learning settings. As a free and open-source content creation tool, H5P offers various interactive and engaging content types that enable students to interact directly with course material in meaningful ways. This interactivity encourages students to participate actively in their learning process rather than passively obtaining information from lectures.  

 

Drawing from two case studies conducted at an Australian university, this presentation highlights how H5P can be used to enhance active learning in online asynchronous courses. The first case study investigates the design of H5P training modules for a platform that supports researchers in humanities and social sciences in their sensitive data access management. This platform is part of a nation-wide project involving 12 partnering institutions and government agencies in Australia. The second case study explores the implementation of H5P learning activities in a Vietnamese language course over three years. In both cases, H5P is used as a plug-in within the Moodle learning platform.

 

Data collection for these case studies included interviews with educators and learning designers, Moodle reports, and participant feedback surveys. The findings from the thematic analysis and the learning analytics revealed substantial benefits of using H5P for active learning, along with the technical and pedagogical challenges encountered during the design process. The presentation features exemplary cases and insights from the case studies to suggest H5P design solutions that foster active participation, reflective thinking, and knowledge construction for students in online asynchronous settings.
Role of Theory in Analysing the dynamic of Self-regulated Learning process based on students’ event logs data: A scoping review
Authors: Hasibuan Muhammad , Reynolds Mark , Male Sally , Hassan Ghulam Mubashar
Published: November 2023

Students' capability to metacognitively regulate themselves—cognitively or behaviourally—in their learning plays a pivotal role in determining their academic performance. The dynamic aspect of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) will be challenging to capture if it relies on perceptual data obtained from students through questionnaires and interviews and only at specific points in time. One potential alternative is to use an approach that captures student activity data in real-time throughout the learning period. Given the context-sensitivity involved in measuring SRL via event data, a solid theoretical foundation is essential in analysing patterns of SRL behaviour using event log data. This scoping review paper aims to identify and map how the empirical studies in this area consider SRL theory or models, not only when interpreting analytical results but also when designing instruction and interpreting SRL indicators from raw data. A thorough literature search was performed on various online databases, including Scopus, IEEExplorer, ProQuest, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies. Following the PRISMA scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) as a protocol for the review, 39 studies published between 2012 and 2023 were included. This study found limited studies incorporating SRL theory in every analysis stage, from designing instruction to preprocessing event data and interpreting analytical models. This study also highlighted the importance of including contextual and theoretical factors when assessing self-regulatory behavioural patterns.
Navigating the Future of Professional Learning
Authors: Ngo Leanne , Dave Kashmira , Heggart Keith
Published: November 2023

Microcredentials have gained immense popularity in higher education institutions for their flexible and timely approach to learning. However, their true value, impact, and recognition within Australia remain largely unexplored. This paper dives into the persistent issues surrounding microcredentials in the Australian context and explores prospective avenues for their future evolution. These insights have the potential to shape the future of microcredentials by informing integration and recognition decisions, benefiting educational institutions, industry employers, and professionals alike. Moreover, this paper discusses the possibilities for further university-industry partnerships, innovative educational offerings, revenue streams, and the development of digital pedagogical curricula and assessment designs. It emphasises the importance of providing diverse options for industry employers and professional learners in their pursuit of lifelong learning and career advancement. This paper aims to shed light on these pressing issues and pave the way for a transformative future of microcredentials in Australian higher education.
Designing adaptive online support for problem-based learning
Authors: Casey Alison , Yeboah Enosh
Published: November 2023

This paper describes the work-in-progress of a novel solution to the problem of designing an LMS course structure that supports students in a problem-based learning course. The students come with a wide variety of prior experience in the field, they need to learn a set of complex skills that build on each other, they need to work partially asynchronously, and the design solution needs to be scalable. A lean weekly structure is proposed that is embedded with the synchronous teaching, intricately connected to a parallel hub of support material whose design allows students to construct their own bespoke learning journey. The course design draws on cognitive load theory to direct student attention only to what will be useful to them at any point in the course, and the support materials themselves follow universal design for learning principles to cater for a wide range of student learning needs.
Experiences of learning and teaching in HyFlex spaces
Authors: Gedera Dilani
Published: November 2023

This report summarises findings from an ethics-approved research and evaluation project, HyFlex Environments for Post-Covid Learning and Teaching. This study adopted a mixed methods approach to investigate students’ and teachers’ experiences using HyFlex spaces for learning and teaching purposes in 2022. Data were collected for one year covering two semesters, three Trimesters and summer school. The data collection methods included an online student survey, class observations, and semi-structured interviews with students and teachers. This report presents what worked and did not work in the HyFlex spaces and suggests various logistical, technological and pedagogical recommendations that can contribute to the success of HyFlex learning and teaching.
Building a Digital Education Library
Authors: Grono Stephen , Mitchell Melissa , Palad Max
Published: November 2023

As a formal institutional structure, university libraries represent at their core the collective knowledge and opportunity for deep personalised learning and professional development across the traditionalist subject matters. As professionals working within rapidly-evolving fields of online learning, in particular those around Learning Design, we do not have this same level of access or historical record as more traditional subjects (Elmborg, 2011). The Digital Education Library is an exploration of bridging this gap in a collaborative, co-curated, less formal approach to professional development.

 

In adapting the library structure to meet the needs and breadth of our team, we also have the opportunity to modernise for access and inclusion. This design accounts for the needs of modern hybrid work models and encourages recognition of the breadth of skills, knowledge, and interests existing within our own team structures. The [institution]’s Digital Education division comprises of four smaller areas; a Learning Design, Learning Media, Learning Environments, and Exams & e-Assessments teams, under its broader banner. These interconnected roles each add value and contexts to library content and design (Ilahi et al., 2019). With a diverse team from dispersed locations, curation and access to digital resources and physical books are embedded in the design to normalise and facilitate hybrid teams.

 

With these factors considered, building a Digital Education library gathers a broad range of themes related to third space design needs. The platform chosen utilises a hybrid approach (UNESCO, 2003), alongside a physical library of works, focused on not just instructional design, but a broad range of adjacent themes related to the areas of the Digital Education division – assessment design, media and graphic design, user experience, learning design, academic development, as well as works focused on the scholarship of teaching & learning, leadership, team culture, and data literacy. The range of themes explored is intentionally designed to foster partnerships between areas of the team, and hold intentional and visible space for professional development. Agency within the team is also fostered through opportunity for co-creation, through the option for team members to easily share resources they’ve found interesting, with relevant tags, descriptors, and templates.
This presentation will explore the Digital Education Library and its design process, from its dual perspective roles as both a library of digital education, and a digital library of education.
Can micro-credentials serve the needs of diverse people through deeper partnerships and digital pedagogy?
Authors: Steel Caroline , Parrish Dominique , Campbell Chris , Walters Claire
Published: November 2023

In recent years, we have seen the ‘rise of the micro-credential movement’ (Brown, McGreal & Peters, 2023) From a people perspective, they promise more flexible and wider access to learning that can be more easily interwoven through people’s life and work demands. They can offer more choices around the duration, pace, focus and purpose of learning. Further, micro-credentials can be used as a pathway into or through a macro-credential and showcase employability skills gained in and beyond formal learning environments. Growing global narratives around micro-credentials suggest they can potentially solve a multitude of challenges that have long been constrained by traditional education models. This interactive symposium offers an opportunity to explore the emerging potential of micro-credentials with consideration to diverse people, deeper partnerships and digital pedagogies. Using these foci, this symposium will facilitate engaging discussion and examination of this new and evolving topic.
The missing link in Learning Analytics
Authors: White Matthew , Dave Kashmira , Huijser Henk
Published: November 2023

Learning Analytics and staff-facing dashboards enable educators to gain insights into student learning, enhancing teaching practices and learning outcomes. Student-facing dashboards (SFDs) can also prove advantageous for students as they empower them to better interpret their results, promote self-reflection with the goal of improving their academic performance. Whilst there is no currently preferred software solution for implementing dashboards. Through the authors’ reflections of creating SFDs, using assessment and ePortfolio asset data, this can be achieved with free or readily available tools. This concise paper used initiatives for the author to reflect upon the process creating SFDs. Investigations for opportunities to refine dashboards are also presented.
Beyond Appearances
Authors: Dave Kashmira
Published: November 2023

This paper presents preliminary findings from research investigating the influence of selection panel biases on recruiting academic positions in Australian higher education. Emphasising the need for cultural diversity and inclusivity among students, the study argues that these goals should also be reflected in the selection of academics within higher education institutions. Notably, this research addresses a significant gap, as no prior studies in Australia have explored how selection panel members' personal and organisational characteristics and belief systems shape university academic selection. Data for this study were collected through surveys and optional semi-structured interviews with university staff who have participated in academic interviews or served on academic selection panels. Descriptive and thematic analysis techniques were applied to both survey and interview data, with verbal data analysis used for the interview transcripts. While the research is ongoing, this paper reports preliminary findings based on 45 surveys only from the participants interviewed. This paper does not report the findings from participants who were in interview panels. This research does not report on semi-structured interview data collected as a part of this project. The results highlight intense feelings of discrimination due to the race, age, gender, and cultural background of the candidates in the academic recruitment process in Australian universities.
Online learning and language
Authors: Adlington Rachael , Volpe Catherine
Published: November 2023

Online learning is a well-established mode for tertiary education and training. However, technology-mediated learning at a distance continues to face challenges to participant engagement, despite the proliferation of models of effective online learning and the implementation of increasingly sophisticated technologies to enhance learning (Bragg, Walsh & Heyeres, 2021). The critical need to build and maintain relationships for effective learning continues to be confounded by the geographic and temporal distribution of online participants as well as the nuances of the technology in use. Online learning occurs in collaborative text-spaces within learning management systems, social media spaces and their attendant learning objects such as forums, many of which foreground language as the primary resource for making meaning with others. As such, ongoing challenges to engagement in online learning may be viewed with fresh eyes by considering the language-based interpersonal affordances of these text-spaces. This pecha kucha presentation examines how the language choices made by learning facilitators impact on student engagement in online learning. It draws on a case study of the strategic use of evaluative language – the language used to express feelings and build relationships - by one teacher educator to engage initial teacher education students in online learning. Underpinned by the Systemic Functional Linguistic model of language (Halliday & Matthiessen, 2014) and following Martin & White (2005), appraisal analysis of weekly forum posts across three iterations of a unit of study shows how changes to language choices made by the teacher educator positively impacted on student engagement. This illuminates the relationship between online learning and language, and how judicious use of language-based meaning making resources can be used to improve online participant engagement.
Factors impacting the ability of ‘EdAdvisors’ to support and enhance technology-enhanced learning and teaching in Australian Higher Education
Authors: Simpson Colin
Published: November 2023

Technology-enhanced learning and teaching practice in Higher Education is facilitated in different ways by ‘Third Space’ support staff including Learning Designers, Education Technologists and Academic Developers, broadly defined as ‘EdAdvisors’ – educator/advisors. EdAdvisors offer rich experience and expertise across both pedagogy and technology can be hampered by workplace factors that diminish their ability to have meaningful impact. The work that EdAdvisors do is increasingly represented in existing research but there less is known of the barriers to their practice, particularly across different role-types. This doctoral research uses a Practice Theory lens and mixed methods to examine the complex web of factors in Australian Higher Education that shape the practices of EdAdvisors, including cultural, epistemic, material, organisational and relational, in an attempt to identify problems and suggest solutions. One significant problem is that EdAdvisor roles are often poorly defined. This work adds clarity to the understanding of these roles by comparing core activities and knowledge areas associated with them and using this analysis to find distinguishing characteristics and areas of overlap. It contributes to deeper understanding of the ways that teaching is and should be supported in Australian Higher Education. Feedback is sought on the theoretical lenses and methodology
Parental perceptions on children’s use of digital technology
Authors: CHEN RUOWEI , MacCallum Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Understanding the extensive use of digital technology among modern children and its growing importance in education is essential for higher education institutions to prepare educators who can effectively collaborate with parents to integrate digital technology into early childhood education. Based on ecological systems theory, parental perceptions significantly influence children's digital usage. This paper undertook a systematic review, employing the PRISMA criteria to gain insight into how parental perceptions shape attitudes towards digital adoption to understand how this may influence teachers' integration within the ECE context. It reviewed articles from January 2015 to March 2023, utilising three databases: ERIC, Education Source, and Scopus, resulting in the inclusion of 24 articles. The findings demonstrated that parents possess a comprehensive awareness, considering not only the potential advantages and disadvantages that digital technology brings to their children but also the benefits and drawbacks for parents themselves. Additionally, parental perception is influenced by various factors stemming from both the child and the parent.
Influence of metabolic stress and metformin on synaptic protein profile in SH‐SY5Y‐derived neurons
Authors: Yang Alex J. T. , Mohammad Ahmad , Finch Michael S. , Tsiani Evangelia , Spencer Gaynor , Necakov Aleksandar , MacPherson Rebecca E. K.
Published: November 2023

Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with reductions in neuronal proteins often observed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), however, the mechanisms through which IR promotes neurodegeneration/AD pathogenesis are poorly understood. Metformin (MET), a potent activator of the metabolic regulator AMPK is used to treat IR but its effectiveness for AD is unclear. We have previously shown that chronic AMPK activation impairs neurite growth and protein synthesis in SH‐SY5Y neurons, however, AMPK activation in IR was not explored. Therefore, we examined the effects of MET‐driven AMPK activation with and without IR. Retinoic acid‐differentiated SH‐SY5Y neurons were treated with: (1) Ctl: 24 h vehicle followed by 24 h Vehicle; (2) HI: 100 nM insulin (24 h HI followed by 24 h HI); or (3) MET: 24 h vehicle followed by 24 h 2 mM metformin; (4) HI/MET: 24 h 100 nM insulin followed by 24 h 100 nM INS+2 mM MET. INS and INS/MET groups saw impairments in markers of insulin signaling (Akt S473, mTOR S2448, p70s6k T389, and IRS‐1S636) demonstrating IR was not recovered with MET treatment. All treatment groups showed reductions in neuronal markers (post‐synaptic marker HOMER1 mRNA content and synapse marker synaptophysin protein content). INS and MET treatments showed a reduction in the content of the mature neuronal marker NeuN that was prevented by INS/MET. Similarly, increases in cell size/area, neurite length/area observed with INS and MET, were prevented with INS/MET. These findings indicate that IR and MET impair neuronal markers through distinct pathways and suggest that MET is ineffective in treating IR‐driven impairments in neurons.
Abdominal aerobic endurance exercise reveals spot reduction exists: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brobakken Mathias Forsberg , Krogsæter Iben , Helgerud Jan , Wang Eivind , Hoff Jan
Published: November 2023

The existence of spot reduction, exercise‐induced local body fat reduction, has been debated for half a century. Although the evidence is equivocal, no study has applied aerobic endurance training closely matching interventions for energy expenditure. Sixteen overweight (BMI: 29.8 ± 3.3(SD) kg m−2) males (43 ± 9 years) were randomized to: (1) abdominal endurance exercise (AG), combining treadmill running at 70% HRmax (27 min) with 4 × 4 min (30%–40% maximal strength, 1RM) of torso rotation and abdominal crunches (57 min), 4 days⋅week−1 for 10 weeks; or (2) control group (CG) performing only treadmill running (45 min) at 70% HRmax. Local fat mass was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), along with 1RM, and pulmonary oxygen uptake (to control energy expenditure during training). Trunk fat mass decreased more (697 g, 3%, p < 0.05) in AG (1170 ± 1093 g, 7%; p < 0.05) than in CG (no change). Total fat mass (AG: 1705 ± 1179 g, 6%; CG: 1134 ± 731 g, 5%; both p < 0.01) and body weight (AG: 1.2 ± 1.2 kg, 1%, p < 0.05; CG: 2.3 ± 0.9 kg, 3%, p < 0.01) decreased similarly in AG/CG. Torso rotation (AG: 32 ± 16 kg, 39%, p < 0.01; CG: no change) and abdominal crunch 1RM (AG: 35 ± 16 kg, 36%, p < 0.01; CG: 13 ± 12 kg, 17%, p < 0.05) increased more (p < 0.05/0.01) in AG than CG. Abdominal endurance exercise utilized more local fat than treadmill running, indicating that spot reduction exists in adult males.
Exploring the conformational dynamics and thermodynamics of EGFR S768I and G719X + S768I mutations in non-small cell lung cancer: An in silico approaches
Authors: Wang Jun-Ling , Liu Ming-Sheng , Fu Yu-Dong , Kan Qiang-Bo , Li Chun-Yan , Ma Rong , Fang Zhe-Wei , Liu Hong-Xia , Li Meng-Xian , Lv Jia-Ling , Sang Peng , Zhang Chao , Li Hong-Wei
Published: November 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often driven by mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. However, rare mutations such as G719X and S768I lack standard anti-EGFR targeted therapies. Understanding the structural differences between wild-type EGFR and these rare mutants is crucial for developing EGFR-targeted drugs. We performed a systematic analysis using molecular dynamics simulations, essential dynamics (ED), molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area, and free energy calculation methods to compare the kinetic properties, molecular motion, and free energy distribution between wild-type EGFR and the rare mutants’ structures G719X-EGFR, S768I-EGFR, and G719X + S768I-EGFR. Our results showed that S768I-EGFR and G719X + S768I-EGFR have higher global and local conformational flexibility and lower thermal and global structural stability than WT-EGFR. ED analysis revealed different molecular motion patterns between S768I-EGFR, G719X + S768I-EGFR, and WT-EGFR. The A-loop and αC-helix, crucial structural elements related to the active state, showed a tendency toward active state development, providing a molecular mechanism explanation for NSCLC caused by EGFR S768I and EGFR G719C + S768I mutations. The present study may be helpful in the development of new EGFR-targeted drugs based on the structure of rare mutations. Our findings may aid in developing new targeted treatments for patients with EGFR S768I and EGFR G719X + S768I mutations.
Pregnancy as a Metaphor of Self-Cultivation in Dawn
Authors: Mitcheson Katrina
Published: November 2023

Nietzsche employs the concept of pregnancy metaphorically at various points in his writings; discussing the pregnancy of philosophers (GM III 8, BGE 292), spiritual pregnancy (EH, Clever 3; GS 72) and being pregnant with thoughts or deeds (D 552). I explore how Nietzsche uses the notion of pregnancy in Dawn, arguing that it connects to the theme of self-cultivation. I employ the various associations that Nietzsche makes with pregnancy, including the unknown, selfishness, strangeness, and solitude, to elucidate Nietzsche’s understanding of self-cultivation. I show how the metaphor of pregnancy, in which we do not control what we give birth to, both expresses and helps us explore the problem of what, if the self is made up of and directed by many competing drives, shapes and directs self-cultivation. I argue that Nietzsche’s deliberate references to the context of Plato’s discussion of pregnancy involve a self-conscious challenge to Plato’s concept of the philosopher, and of philosophy, and a reimagining of what they will give birth to. The appropriation of Plato’s famous metaphor thus underscores how Nietzsche’s concept and method of self-cultivation contrasts to Plato’s care for the soul and is rooted in attentiveness to the body and its drives.