bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield variation and yield potential of organic arable crops in Finland derived from statistical data
Authors: Iivonen Sari , Niemeläinen Oiva , Kokkinen Mirva , Jauhiainen Lauri
Published: October 2024

This study aims to expand and diversify the analysis of crop yields in organic production by utilising the long-term statistical data reported by farmers. We examined the variation of the harvested yields of organic arable crops (season’s ad hoc harvest) on Finnish organic farms and determined the yield potential for different organic crops and in comparison, with conventional counterparts. When comparing median yields per ha, organic yields were on average 65% of conventional yields. The mean yield difference significantly differed between plant species. Among the analysed crops, faba bean performed best, gaining on average 84% of conventional yields, while organic cereals attained an average of 54–68% of conventional yields. The ratio of organic and conventional median yields was compared between geographical regions, and significant regional differences were found. The performance of organic cereals remained stable over the years, but the relative performance of the organic grain legumes, pea and faba bean, depended more on growing conditions. An average yield gap between the best-performing and medianfarms was 38% for organic farms and 28% for conventional farms. This indicates that Finnish organic farms have greater potential to improve the yield level than conventional farms.
The Study of Post-Harvest Processing and Handling of Residues From Plants Grown Primarily For Agronomics: Soybean Stalk, Corn Stover, Tomato Vine, Cucumber, Eggplant, and Summer Squash
Authors: Gholami Banadkoki Omid , Sokhansanj Shahab , Lau Anthony , Lee Jun Sian , Arunachalam Selvakumari , Smith Donald
Published: October 2024

Information on post-harvest handling of the crop is critical to the development of new or improved plant species and traits. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the grinding characteristics and handling properties of a number of crop residues under agronomic studies. We used a laboratory-scale knife mill connected to an in-line power meter to investigate the specific energy of size reduction for each crop. The summer squash sample yielded the smallest mean particle size upon grinding (P= 0.05). The results indicate a significant correlation between the Carbon to Oxygen (C/O) ratio and the Gross Calorific Value (GCV), ash, lignin content, and net specific grinding energy consumption (NSGEC) of the samples. Among agricultural residues, the soybean stalk sample, with the highest C/O ratio (0.96), exhibited the highest GCV (17.5 MJ/kg, db) and NSGEC (31.7 kWh/t), while the summer squash sample, with the lowest C/O ratio (0.46), showed the lowest GCV (13.6 MJ/kg, db) and NSGEC (5.1 kWh/t). The flowability of the ground biomass samples varied, with cucumber showing the best free flow properties. The results also showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the lignin content and NSGEC of all samples (p= 0.05).
To Emerge or Not to Emerge? A Qualitative Inquiry on Basic Needs of Emerging Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Karababa Alper , Kocalar Halil Emre , Adıgüzel Arca
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study explores the experiences of Turkish emerging adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic as regards their needs.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In this context, 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited (March to April, 2020) using purposive snowball sampling in a phenomenological design. Data were collected via semi-structured online interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Findings: We have explored several of the needs experienced by the participants (self-allocation, relational, physiological, career and physical). We also discovered some barriers (relational, physiological, educational, environmental, personal and financial) and facilitators (social support, technological support, physical facilities, educational support and personal traits) to address their needs. We finally asked what they do in order to fulfill their needs (behaviors for building relationships, behaviors for self-allocation, behaviors for career development, behaviors for physical health)
Highlights: In light of the findings, It is important to design intervention studies regarding mental health problems that may arise due to emerging adults not being able to meet their needs during the Covid-19 period. In addition, it is recommended that steps be taken in line with the needs of emerging adults by taking into account the findings of this study in the face of possible situations that may be encountered similar to the Covid-19 period.
Evaluation of Questions in Middle School Mathematics Textbooks in Terms of Problem Solving Strategies
Authors: Korkmaz Samet , Çelik Demirci Sedef , Kul Ümit
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aims to analyze solved problems in mathematics textbooks, focusing on both general and specific problem-solving strategies. By conducting a detailed analysis of each general strategy, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the problem-solving approaches presented in the textbooks.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The document analysis method was utilized in this study. Solved problems from the mathematics textbooks published by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades during the 2023-2024 academic year were examined. Data were collected using the “Solved Problems Checklist” and “Problem-Solving Strategies Determination Form” developed by Hatay (2020). A qualitative descriptive analysis method was employed to analyze the data, with percentage and frequency values calculated to present the findings.
Findings: The analysis revealed that the stages of planning and implementing a solution plan were prominently featured in the middle school mathematics textbooks. Specifically, the initial stage of understanding the problem often included visual aids such as figures, diagrams, tables, and pictures. In the planning phase, the predominant solutions involved discussions of mathematical operations.
Highlights: The study’s findings indicate that while problem-solving strategies are generally emphasized in mathematics education, certain steps, such as solution evaluation, are given greater focus. Additionally, the research highlights a significant gap in the inclusion of the problem-posing stage, the final step of general problem-solving strategies, in the analyzed mathematics textbooks.
An Investigation of Metaphoric Perceptions about the Concept of Creative Drama
Authors: Fayetörbay Büşra
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the perceptions of the participants selected from English teachers about creative drama reflect the general characteristics of creative drama by using metaphor method.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Phenomenological research is concerned with how people experience the world at a given time and in a specific context. In other words, phenomenological research aims to describe, understand and interpret the structure of phenomena arising in mind as a result of the interaction of the individuals with the World. “A metaphor form” was used as the data collection tool to determine the perceptions of the teachers about the concept of creative drama. In the form, there is an expression “ creative drama is (a)... because.....”. the participant selection was based on purposive sampling and particiapants were sixty English teacher.
Findings: The obtained data were analyzed through content analysis. Results showed that there occured 30 metaphoric expressions and 7 categories. These metaphors were based on game, roleplaying, several themes, creativity, real life, its developmental aspect and wasting time.
Highlights: Metaphors direct, shed light and guide our practices. This situation translates into “If a picture is worth a thousand words, a metaphor is worth a thousand pictures; Because a picture just presents a static image, a metaphor provides a mental framework for being about a phenomenon.” (Shuell, 1990) is also clearly reflected. This quote effectively reveals how metaphors are a powerful tool in recording and indicating the general distribution of the human profile and especially the educators themselves.
The Effects of Writing to Learn Activities on the 10th Grade on Teaching of Ecosystem Ecology
Authors: Öztürk Bilge , Demiroğlu Çiçek Sümeyra
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Writing to Learning (WTL) activities on learning in teaching the subject of Ecosystem Ecology, which is taught in the biology courses in the 10th grade of high school and to examine the course process carried out with WTL activities in terms of student views.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In the research, explanatory mixed research design, one of the mixed method research designs, was used. The study group of the research consists of 87 students studying in the 10th grade of a high school in the center of Bayburt in the spring term of the 2021-2022 academic year. As a data collection tool in the research; Preliminary Knowledge Test (PKT), Ecosystem Ecology Achievement Test (EEAT) and Interview Form (IF) were used. Shapiro-Wilk Test, one of the normality tests, was used in the analysis of quantitative data. Since the data obtained from both tests used in the study did not meet the normal distribution conditions, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were applied as non-parametric tests. On the other hand, content analysis method was used to analyze qualitative data.
Findings: As a result of the analysis of the data obtained from the EEAT, it was determined that the letter and the diary from the activities of WTL increased the success of the 10th grade students in Ecosystem Ecology. Considering the letter and diary from these activities, it was determined that the letter writing activity contributed more to academic success than the diary writing activity. According to the analysis of the data obtained from the IF, it was determined that the students' views on the WTL activities were positive.
Highlights: As a result of the results obtained from the findings, it is thought that it is important to support the use of WTL activities in secondary level biology courses to increase student outcomes.
The Use of Mind Mapping Technique in Acquisition of Grammar Structures in Foreign Language Teaching
Authors: Aydoğdu İsmail , Alyılmaz Semra
Published: October 2024

Purpose: As in other languages, Turkish also consists of words formed by the combination of sounds and sounds and meaningful integrity formed by the combination of words in a ruleful way. Therefore, it needs some rules for both the formation of sounds, the formation of words and the formation of sentences, which constitutes grammar. In order to learn a foreign language fully and properly, it is necessary to master the rules of grammar. Methods and techniques designed for learning something in the best and shortest time are important and necessary for teaching grammar in foreign language teaching. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of mind mapping technique, which is a different and new technique, in teaching grammar structures in teaching Turkish as a foreign language.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In the study, mind mapping diagrams were used to teach grammar structures in teaching Turkish as a foreign language. According to this diagram, language consists of three components: form, function and use. For this reason, all grammar structures to be explained in the lesson were organized according to these three components and diagrams were prepared. Grammar structures were taught through the diagrams whose instructor opinions were taken. “Interview technique”, one of the qualitative data collection tools, was used in the study. For this, a semi-structured interview form was used. At Sakarya University TÖMER, a total of 22 learners at the A2 level were taught with the mind mapping technique for 7 weeks, and then the learners were interviewed one by one with a semi-structured interview form. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The data obtained through content analysis were divided into themes and sub-themes.
Findings: When the mind mapping technique in teaching grammar structures in teaching Turkish as a foreign language was analyzed according to learner opinions, 5 themes and 23 sub-themes were identified.
Highlights: According to the opinions of the learners, positive results such as the mind mapping technique being effective in grammar teaching, being useful, having a structure that offers ease of teaching as well as contributing to recall and developing a positive attitude towards the lesson were determined.
The Corrosive Effect of School Administrators as Toxic Leaders on Teacher Accountability
Authors: Şenol Nazik , Taş Said
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To examine teachers' views on the corrosive effect of toxic leadership behaviours of school administrators on teacher accountability.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study group of this research, which uses phenomenology as a qualitative research design, was selected using maximum variation sampling method, which is a type of purposive sampling. This group consists of 20 teachers working in 10 public schools in the central district of Isparta. Data were collected from the teachers through a semi-structured interview form. The collected qualitative data were subjected to contextual analysis through MAXQDA software and visualised. The findings show that the majority of teachers reported that toxic leadership has a detrimental effect on teacher accountability.
Findings: Toxic leaders, characterised by behaviours such as micromanagement, lack of empathy, and aggressive communication, were found to cause teacher demotivation, alienation, and professional burnout. In addition, toxic leaders erode teacher accountability by creating a negative and insecure organisational climate.
Highlights: Toxic leadership behaviours of school administrators are a critical factor that significantly affects teacher accountability. The various dimensions of this impact are as follows: Decreased teacher motivation, psychological safety and job satisfaction, decreased performance and productivity, impeded professional development, stress and burnout. In addition to these, toxic leadership has a negative impact on school climate. A negative school climate leads to a decrease in teachers' willingness to cooperate and be accountable. This can also negatively impact student achievement because lack of co-operation and support among teachers reduces the quality of education. Therefore, it is important for school administrators to exhibit more positive and supportive leadership behaviours to increase teachers' motivation and strengthen their accountability.
THE PROBLEM OF DEVELOPING THE RESEARCH COMPETENCE OF SPECIAL EDUCATORS
Authors: Yerzhanova Gulnur , Aibota Nursultanova Autaeva
Published: October 2024

The article deals with the problem of developing the research competence of special educators. The article analyzes foreign and domestic experiences in the development of research competence. The essence of the concept of research competence is revealed, and its features and capabilities are defined and disclosed. The characteristics of the concepts of competence, competence approach, and research competence are given. Research competence is the formation of skills necessary for carrying out research activities, and the presence of motivation for scientific activity It is characterized by achieving the result necessary to achieve the set goals, planning, designing, conducting research, discussing and demonstrating their results.
Research objectives: to identify the theoretical and methodological foundations of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers; to systematize the methodological foundations of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers.
The purpose of the study: theoretical methodological substantiation of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers, the development of a methodology and experimental verification of its effectiveness.
In order to identify the effectiveness of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers, an ascertaining experiment and a questionnaire survey of students were conducted. Based on the results of the survey, the levels and content of the problem of developing the research competence of special teachers were determined. The results have been verified and displayed on the chart.
KEY ASPECTS OF SPEECH THERAPY FOR VOICE RESTORATION IN CASES OF VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION AND FAILURE
Authors: Shaboyan Mery , Sahakyan Tamara
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the underlying causes of vocal fold and hypo dissolution and their pathological impact on the acoustic properties of the voice and respiratory function. It delineates the characteristic symptoms experienced by individuals with vocal fold dysfunction, highlighting the adverse effects on voice quality and communication challenges. It addresses complications associated with vocal fold dysfunction and outlines a structured speech therapy approach to mitigate voice disorders. The therapeutic approach emphasizes integrating interdisciplinary techniques to achieve optimal corrective outcomes.
Given its relevance, this issue holds significant importance in both healthcare and pedagogical contexts, particularly in treating and rehabilitating individuals with vocal fold dysfunction.
THE ROLE OF FOLKLORE IN THE UPBRINGING OF PATRIOTISM OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
Authors: Kulmariya Akhmediyeva , Akbota Autayeva
Published: October 2024

This article examines the problem of fostering patriotism in younger schoolchildren with hearing impairments and the importance of the pedagogical potential of folklore in this process. The study aimed to substantiate the pedagogical potential of folklore in the upbringing of patriotism in younger schoolchildren with hearing impairments. Research methods include the study and analysis of psychological, pedagogical, methodological, and special literature, as well as conducting experimental work with the introduction of empirical research methods. The experimental part of the study was conducted on teachers and teachers of a special school, and the results were achieved. Throughout the study, we identified the pedagogical potential of folklore and its use by teachers in the upbringing of patriotism of younger students with hearing impairments.
Sustainable Cultivation of Ascomycete Fungi on Wheat Bran for Hydrolytic Enzyme Production
Authors: Pilz Melania , Castellan Nicolò , Conti Fosca , Qoura Farah , Brück Thomas
Published: October 2024

To increase its product sustainability portfolio the detergent and personal care industry seeks bio-based alternatives to chemical performance additives in their products. Currently, enzymatic systems for these applications are mainly obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMO). However, these GMO products cannot be included in eco-certified household care formulations. Hence, this study evaluates alternative non-GMO enzymes systems that could be sustainable performance additives. Seven strain variants of Ceratocystis paradoxa and one strain of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem were cultivated in different liquid media with 3 % glucose (0.3 L cultivation volume, 120 rpm, 28 °C, pH 5.5, 336 hours). Specifically, the enzymatic activities were assessed initially qualitatively via 24 chromogenically labeled sugar polymer-substrates targeting various cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic activities. Quantitative assessment via spectrophotometric based on the same set of chromogenic substrates, was limited to cellulose, xylan, mannan, starch, galactan, rhamnogalacturonan and casein substrates. Using these assays, the C. paradoxa strains showed dominant cellulase, xylanase, amylase and galactanase activities, while the A. niger strain showed amylase and protease activities among other minor hydrolytic enzyme activities. To evaluate the efficiency of the respective hydrolase enzyme systems were concentrated and applied in the hydrolysis of wheat bran. Wheat bran a cereal milling by-product, which is available at low cost in high quantities, provides an ecologically and economically relevant carbon source for fungal cultivation. Hence, the ability of the new enzyme systems to liberate fermentable sugars was identified as a measure of efficiency. The best performing enzyme systems were identified in terms of total sugar released.
Boosting of Dissipated Renewable Energy Systems Towards Sustainability in Kazakhstan
Authors: Khabdullina Guldana , Paule Dace , Pakere Ieva , Khabdullin Asset , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: October 2024

The study aims to develop a methodology for selecting and justifying a multi-energy hub based on renewable energy sources for agricultural complex. The methodology has an international dimension and was tested for the pilot case of the study in an agricultural site in Kazakhstan. The methodology consists of two parts. With the help of the EnergyPro software package, simulation of technical and economic analysis and optimization of energy hub operation for several different energy generation units was carried out. During the simulation, four different scenarios of an energy hub based on solar and wind energy, biomass and heat pump as well as coal-based fossil energy sources were considered. The second part of the methodology was based on the economic justification of climate-neutral technological solutions using multi-energy hubs in the agriculture sector. Climate neutrality diagram was created by use of GHG emission trading experience for a detailed technical and economic analysis and selection of the best renewable sources from various installation sites. Results show that the most promising and cost-effective option is the scenario with an integrated wind park, heat pump and biomass boiler.
Launching new sustainability-focused engineering economics modules: materials, instructor reflections and student feedback
Authors: Etmannski Tamara , Potvin Gabriel
Published: October 2024

All engineering students in Canada must take an Engineering Economics course as part of program accreditation requirements. These courses mainly focus on the evaluation of monetary profits and direct financial costs incurred during the design, operation and decommissioning phases of projects. This approach, however, does not always reflect the true costs of these projects, and the modern engineer must also consider environmental and social elements when evaluating their viability or feasibility. To modernize course content and include these considerations, four new instructional modules incorporating sustainability in economic decision-making have been created and implemented in CIVL 403 at the University of Btitish Columbia as a pilot. Topics include environmental accounting, life cycle analysis, social impact assessment tools, and social and cultural capital. Student feedback suggests they value and are interested in the topics connected to sustainability, and are largely supportive of content like this being included in engineering economics courses as part of engineering training.
Development and application of competency mapping for equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity in out-of-curriculum learning opportunities for engineering students, staff, and faculty
Authors: Wolf Jessica , D'Entremont Agnes
Published: October 2024

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDI.I) is increasingly important in engineering. It applies to the institutional systems in which students learn, and also as learned content in the engineering context, which can be traced to both Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) Graduate Attribute 10 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The objectives of this study were 1) to develop and evaluate a method for assessing comprehensiveness of EDI.I learning opportunities in engineering, and 2) to explore the comprehensiveness of out-of-curricular EDI.I workshops (for engineering students, staff, and faculty) using this method. We collected data via a survey to engineering EDI.I leaders at our institution. Learning opportunities were mapped to EDI and Indigeneity competency frameworks (categories: 1. Individual Relationship to EDI.I; 2. Interpersonal Impact of EDI.I; 3. EDI.I at an Organizational Level; and 4. EDI.I in Society) with Introduce, Develop, and Apply levels. Following mapping, we identified gaps. Most EDI.I content (seven workshops) focused on categories 1 and 2, teaching concepts closer to the individual (e.g. recognition of personal bias). There was minimal coverage of categories 3 and 4 (i.e. broader systemic inequities). Most EDI content was taught at the Introduce level, while the one Indigeneity workshop was focused on higher levels. The evaluation method was useful in identifying specific gaps in EDI.I learning outcomes. Limitations in this study primarily involved inadequate documentation in the collected data. We plan to apply this method and framework to EDI.I content within the undergraduate engineering curricula at our institution.
Using senior undergraduate students as coaches in an introductory chemical engineering design course
Authors: Vaez Ghaemi Roza , Potvin Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Senior undergraduate students were hired as Teaching Assistants (TAs) in CHBE 221, an introductory bioprocess design course offered in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of British Columbia, and the roles were recast from traditional course support, to being coaches and mentors to a small number of teams working on term-spanning design projects. This was done as a means to provide more personalized support to students working on realistic design problems early in their training, leverage the benefits of peer learning strategies, and provide professional and leadership development opportunities to the TAs ahead of graduation. At the end of the course in which this was implemented, surveys were sent to students asking them to comment on their experience with this mentorship model, and the TAs of the course were interviewed to better understand theirs. This paper presents the results of these surveys and interviews, highlights the benefits and challenges of this approach, and provides recommendations for future implementations of this student support model
Instilling SDG Considerations in Undergraduate Design Capstone
Authors: Cao Tate
Published: October 2024

Engineering education in universities often focuses on theoretical problems, with limited opportunities for students to consider the societal and environmental impact of their designs. Senior engineering design capstones typically involve industry partners providing the problem and context, further restricting students' ability to explore implications. Despite being aware of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students prioritize personal over professional implications. This study aims to incorporate SDGs into the Engineering Capstone experience by introducing them in a senior student-driven, multidisciplinary Engineering Capstone Design class. Students receive empathy training and use Canadian indicators of UN SDGs to align their designs with positive and negative indicators. They engage with users for feedback on the impact of their choices on SDGs, bridging the "blind spot" in their design work and enhancing understanding of the broader context of their designs. Incorporating empathy training and a co-design approach can improve students' understanding of the potential impact of their designs on SDGs.
Analysis of a Bridging Program for Incoming First-Year Students to Transition from Secondary Education to Engineering Education
Authors: Paul Prarthona , Variawa Chirag
Published: October 2024

Bridging programs exist in many institutions to address the challenges incoming students experience. This study aims to identify some of the benefits and challenges of one such program at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. Developed during the pandemic, this program aims to reduce the step-in height as students transition from secondary to post-secondary. This exploratory research uses a program evaluation framework to analyze this program. Literature review suggests a systems approach is an effective method, as it dissects the program into its fundamental parts and provides insights to the decision-makers of such programs [1]. We gather anecdotes from entities within the program and pair them with the analysis to identify if this program improves the student experience, and to what degree. This study is not an evaluation of the program, but rather a discussion about bridging programs and factors to consider when designing them. Findings from this study inform developers of bridging programs about their effect on the student experience.
Evaluation of Student Perceived Learning Effectiveness and Motivation for a Capstone Design Web-based Virtual Reality Activity
Authors: Moozeh Kimia , Chabot Michael , Chahine Saad , Hungler Paul
Published: October 2024

This study reports on the second implementation of a chemical processing plant web-based VR for a fourth-year chemical engineering capstone design course. The web-based VR provides a high fidelity representation of an ampicillin processing facility. To examine the effect of the web-based VR on student motivation and perceived learning effectiveness, a broken plant scenario was developed, and the class was divided into two groups: paper based, and web-based VR. Students completed the scenario in teams, either as a paper-based activity or using the web-based VR. This was followed by completion of an individual tutorial assignment and a survey. Survey findings indicated that students in the web-based VR group had a significantly higher positive response for motivation and perceived learning effectiveness compared to students in the paper-based group. However, students in the paper group scored higher on the individual follow-up assignment. Possible factors contributing to the results are discussed.
The impact of client centered design projects on attitudes towards disability
Authors: Boudreau Justine , Anis Hanan , Londono Pelaez David
Published: October 2024

First and second year students at the University of Ottawa take design classes which are implemented as hands-on projects where students work in teams and meet with a client to solve their needs and develop and iterate prototypes. The focus of the second-year class is accessibility where over 350 students per year work with a client who has accessibility needs. The paper presents an analysis of the course’s impact on perceptions and attitudes regarding disability and accessibility. Factors considered are program and year of study, age and gender. A pre- and post-test was given to students using awareness, perception and attitude tools to quantify their biases. These results are compared against society at large, as a baseline, and are used to determine if the intervention has an impact on students. The results have shown that the students have the same attitudes and perceptions as the general Canadian population. The exposure to people with disabilities was also showed to help reduce negative attitudes towards disability, uncover some implicit biases and help students feel more comfortable interacting with clients as well as people with disabilities.
A first-year integrated project-based course: Students' experience and engagement working in teams amid COVID-19
Authors: Caballero Daniela , Yassa Basem , Tembrevilla Gerald , Zeadin Melec , Phillion André
Published: October 2024

The Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University implemented its largest curricular change through the PIVOT. First-year engineering students now take a 13-unit ENGINEER 1P13 that integrates multiple interdisciplinary projects allowing students to apply first year engineering theory and knowledge directly. This paper examines the teamwork and collaboration skills of ENGINEER 1P13 students by analyzing to what extent the course’s pedagogical approach helped students engage with their team, achieve the course learning outcomes and master the related skills. Data from three student surveys show that most students reported a high level of engagement with their team/group and agreed that they achieved the learning outcomes and mastered skills related to teamwork abilities. Also, students valued the opportunity to work in teams to meet new people and improve their overall learning experience. However, students also mentioned they struggled with how to address an imbalance in team member contributions to the projects.
Capitalism and Engineering Student Attitudes Toward Design
Authors: Dar Qurat-ul-ain , Vale Julie , Bradford Andrea
Published: October 2024

The “culture of disengagement,” consisting of the three pillars of meritocracy, depoliticization, and technical/social dualism, has been identified as a barrier to engineering for social justice (E4SJ) within undergraduate education and the workforce. The ideology of capitalism is deeply tied to the culture of disengagement but there is a gap in identifying how it manifests in student perceptions and decision making in relation to engineering. To address this gap, engineering students in third year design were surveyed to gather their perceptions of the engineering design process. Impacts of capitalist ideology were found in student perceptions of stakeholder identification, student motivation in choosing engineering, and (de)valuing of electives. A recognition of capitalism by students occasionally presented alongside a sense of a lack of agency as an engineer, or mistrust of faculty and the institution.
Improving the Student Laboratory Experience Through Constructive Alignment
Authors: Love Mackinley , Egberts Philip , Wong Joanna , Nightingale Miriam
Published: October 2024

Undergraduate engineering laboratories are supposed to reinforce lecture learning and demonstrate industrial applications with practical experiments. However, nearly half of students in a mandatory University of Calgary third-year materials science course in the past decade have reported on their end-of-semester surveys that they do not perceive these connections, indicating a need to improve the student perception of the laboratory learning experience. The research question is, how can established educational scholarship improve the student learning experience in undergraduate engineering laboratories? Critically reflective surveys were released to students in the third-year course, analyzing the learning experience in laboratories. Trends in response themes show a perceived lack of alignment between laboratory activities, learning outcomes, and assessments. It is therefore recommended that learning outcomes implement testable verb phrases, that the laboratory activities and assessments be oriented with these learning outcomes, and that this orientation be explicitly and consistently communicated to students.
Consistent Query Answering over SHACL Constraints
Authors: Ahmetaj Shqiponja , Merkl Timo Camillo , Pichler Reinhard
Published: October 2024

The Shapes Constraint Language (SHACL) was standardized by the World Wide Web as a constraint language to describe and validate RDF data graphs. SHACL uses the notion of shapes graph to describe a set of shape constraints paired with targets, that specify which nodes of the RDF graph should satisfy which shapes. An important question in practice is how to handle data graphs that do not validate the shapes graph. A solution is to tolerate the non-validation and find ways to obtain meaningful and correct answers to queries despite the non-validation. This is known as consistent query answering (CQA) and there is extensive literature on CQA in both the database and the KR setting. We study CQA in the context of SHACL for a fundamental fragment of the Semantic Web query language SPARQL. The goal of our work is a detailed complexity analysis of CQA for various semantics and possible restrictions on the acceptable repairs. It turns out that all considered variants of the problem are intractable, with complexities ranging between the first and third level of the polynomial hierarchy.
Monotone Rewritability and the Analysis of Queries, Views, and Rules
Authors: Benedikt Michael , Kikot Stanislav , Marti Johannes , Ostropolski-Nawelaja Piotr
Published: October 2024

We study the interaction of views, queries, and background

knowledge in the form of existential rules. The motivating

questions concern monotonic determinacy of a query using

views w.r.t. rules, which refers to the ability to recover the

query answer from the views via a monotone function. We

study the decidability of monotonic determinacy, and compare

with variations that require the “recovery function” to

be in a well-known monotone query language, such as conjunctive queries or Datalog. Surprisingly, we find that even

in the presence of basic existential rules, the borderline between well-behaved and badly-behaved answerability differs

radically from the unconstrained case. In order to understand

this boundary, we require new results concerning entailment

problems involving views and rules.
Queries With Exact Truth Values in Paraconsistent Description Logics
Authors: Bienvenu Meghyn , Bourgaux Camille , Kozhemiachenko Daniil
Published: October 2024

We present a novel approach to querying classical inconsistent description logic (DL) knowledge bases by adopting a paraconsistent semantics with the four ‘Belnapian’ values: exactly true (T), exactly false (F), both (B), and neither (N). In contrast to prior studies on paraconsistent DLs, we allow truth value operators in the query language, which can be used to differentiate between answers having contradictory evidence and those having only positive evidence. We present a reduction to classical DL query answering that allows us to pinpoint the precise combined and data complexity of answering queries with values in paraconsistent ALCHI and its sublogics. Notably, we show that tractable data complexity is retained for Horn DLs. We present a comparison with repair-based inconsistency-tolerant semantics, showing that the two approaches are incomparable.
Shapley Value Computation in Ontology-Mediated Query Answering
Authors: Bienvenu Meghyn , Figueira Diego , Lafourcade Pierre
Published: October 2024

The Shapley value, originally introduced in cooperative game theory for wealth distribution, has found use in KR and databases for the purpose of assigning scores to formulas and database tuples based upon their contribution to obtaining a query result or inconsistency. In the present paper, we explore the use of Shapley values in ontology-mediated query answering (OMQA) and present a detailed complexity analysis of Shapley value computation (SVC) in the OMQA setting. In particular, we establish a FP / #P-hard dichotomy for SVC for ontology-mediated queries (T, q) composed of an ontology T is formulated in the description logic ELHIbot and a connected constant-free homomorphism-closed query q. We further show that the #P-hardness side of the dichotomy can be strengthened to cover possibly disconnected queries with constants. Our results exploit recently discovered connections between SVC and probabilistic query evaluation and allow us to generalize existing results on probabilistic OMQA.
Cost-Based Semantics for Querying Inconsistent Weighted Knowledge Bases
Authors: Bienvenu Meghyn , Bourgaux Camille , Jean Robin
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we explore a quantitative approach to querying inconsistent description logic knowledge bases. We consider weighted knowledge bases in which both axioms and assertions have (possibly infinite) weights, which are used to assign a cost to each interpretation based upon the axioms and assertions it violates. Two notions of certain and possible answer are defined by either considering interpretations whose cost does not exceed a given bound or restricting attention to optimal-cost interpretations. Our main contribution is a comprehensive analysis of the combined and data complexity of bounded cost satisfiability and certain and possible answer recognition, for description logics between ELbot and ALCO.
Counterfactual and Semifactual Explanations in Abstract Argumentation: Formal Foundations, Complexity and Computation
Authors: Alfano Gianvincenzo , Greco Sergio , Parisi Francesco , Trubitsyna Irina
Published: October 2024

Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Formal Argumentation have received significant attention in recent years.

Argumentation frameworks are useful for representing knowledge and reasoning on it.

Counterfactual and semifactual explanations are interpretability techniques that provide insights into the outcome of a model by generating alternative hypothetical instances.

While there has been important work on counterfactual and semifactual explanations for Machine Learning (ML) models, less attention has been devoted to these kinds of problems in argumentation.

In this paper, we explore counterfactual and semifactual reasoning in abstract Argumentation Framework.

We investigate the computational complexity of counterfactual- and semifactual-based reasoning problems, showing that they are generally harder than classical argumentation problems such as credulous and skeptical acceptance.

Finally, we show that counterfactual and semifactual queries can be encoded in weak-constrained Argumentation Framework, and provide a computational strategy through ASP solvers.
Action Language mA* with Higher-Order Action Observability
Authors: Buckingham David , Scheutz Matthias , Son Tran Cao , Fabiano Francesco
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel semantics for the mA* epistemic action language that takes into consideration dynamic per-agent observability of events. Different from the original mA* semantics, the observability of events is defined locally at the level of possible worlds, giving a new method for compiling event models. Locally defined observability represents agents' uncertainty and false-beliefs about each others' ability to observe events. This allows for modeling second-order false-belief tasks where one agent does not know the truth about another agent's observations and resultant beliefs. The paper presents detailed constructions of event models for ontic, sensing, and truthful announcement action occurrences and proves various properties relating to agents' beliefs after the execution of an action. It also shows that the proposed approach can model second order false-belief tasks and satisfies the robustness and faithfulness criteria discussed by Bolander (2018, https://doi.org/10.
1007/978-3-319-62864-6_8).
Non-monotone Fixpoint Theory Based on the Structure of Weak Bilattices
Authors: Charalambidis Angelos , Chatziagapis Giannos , Kostopoulos Babis , Rondogiannis Panos
Published: October 2024

We extend the well-known representation theorem for interlaced bilattices to the broader class of weak interlaced bilattices. Based on this new theorem, we develop a fixpoint theory for non-monotone functions over weak infinitarily interlaced bilattices. Our theory generalizes classical fixpoint constructions introduced by Fitting, as-well-as recent results in the area of approximation fixpoint theory. We argue that the proposed theory has direct practical applications: we develop the semantics of higher-order logic programming with negation under an arbitrary weak infinitarily interlaced bilattice with negation, generalizing in this way recent work on the three-valued semantics of this formalism. We consider a line of research, initiated by Fitting, which investigates the structure of the consistent parts of bilattices in order to obtain natural generalizations of Kleene’s three-valued logic. We demonstrate that the consistent parts of bilattices are closely connected to weak bilattices, generalizing previous results of Fitting and Kondo.
Explaining Image Classifiers
Authors: Chockler Hana , Halpern Joseph Y.
Published: October 2024

We focus on explaining image classifiers, taking the work of

Mothilal et al. 2021 (MMTS) as our point of departure. We observe that, although MMTS claim to be using the definition of explanation proposed by Halpern 2016, they do not quite do so. Roughly speaking, Halpern’s definition has a necessity clause and a sufficiency clause. MMTS replace the necessity clause by a requirement that, as we show, implies it. Halpern’s definition also allows agents to restrict the set of options considered.

While these difference may seem minor, as we show, they can have a nontrivial impact on explanations.

We also show that, essentially without change, Halpern’s definition can handle two issues that have proved difficult

for other approaches: explanations of absence (when, for example, an image classifier for tumors outputs “no tumor”) and explanations of rare events (such as tumors).
Qiana: A First-Order Formalism to Quantify over Contexts and Formulas
Authors: Coumes Simon , Paris Pierre-Henri , Schwarzentruber François , Suchanek Fabian M.
Published: October 2024

We introduce Qiana, a logic framework for reasoning on formulas that are true only in specific contexts.

In Qiana, it is possible to quantify over both formulas and contexts to express, e.g., that

``everyone knows everything Alice says''.

Qiana also permits paraconsistent logics within contexts, so that contexts can contain contradictions.

Furthermore, Qiana is based on first-order logic, and is finitely axiomatizable, so that Qiana theories are compatible with pre-existing first-order logic theorem provers.
Equilibrium Description Logics: Results on Complexity and Relations to Circumscription
Authors: Di Stefano Federica , Šimkus Mantas
Published: October 2024

Recently, Equilibrium Description Logics (EDLs) have been suggested as a promising new approach to Description Logics (DLs) with non-monotonic default negation. However, a deeper understanding of EDLs in terms of computational complexity and relations to other formalisms is still missing. Motivated by this, in this paper we investigate the computational complexity of reasoning in EDLs both in the case of expressive DLs like ALCIO and lightweight DLs in the EL and DL-Lite families. We establish a translation on EDLs into DLs with circumscription, introducing an extension of circumscribed DLs where a further set of axioms is attached to circumscribed KBs to filter out unintended minimal models. Such translation not only applies in the case of classical circumscription but can be extended to the recently introduced pointwise circumscribed DLs. We introduce pointwise EDLs where the single global minimality check on models is replaced by local minimality checks at the single domain elements in the style of pointwise circumscription. We provide preliminary results on the computational complexity of reasoning in pointwise EDLs. In particular, via the translation into pointwise circumscription, we inherit the decidability results of pointwise circumscribed DLs. Furthermore, we show that for a large class of acyclic ontologies EDLs and pointwise EDLs accept the same set of stable models. To this aim, we identify a class of ontologies where circumscription and pointwise circumscription accept the same set of minimal models, providing new decidability results for circumscribed DLs even in the presence of minimized and fixed roles.