bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When is a handaxe a planned-axe? exploring morphological variability in the Acheulean
Authors: Clark James , Shipton Ceri , Moncel Marie-Hélène , Nigst Philip Ronald , Foley Robert Andrew
Published: July 2024

The handaxe is an iconic stone tool form used to define and symbolise both the Acheulean and the wider Palaeolithic. There has long been debate around the extent of its morphological variability between sites, and the role that extrinsic factors (especially raw material, blank type, and the extent of resharpening) have played in driving this variability, but there has been a lack of high-resolution examinations of these factors in the same study. In this paper, we present a 2D geometric morphometric analysis of 1097 handaxes from across Africa, the Levant, and western Europe to examine the patterning of this variability and what it can tell us about hominin behaviour. We replicate the findings of previous studies, that handaxe shape varies significantly between sites and entire continental regions, but we find no evidence for raw material, blank type, or resharpening in determining this pattern. What we do find, however, is that markers of reduction trajectory vary substantially between sites, suggesting that handaxes were deployed differently according to hominin need at a given site. We argue this is reflective of a continuum of reduction strategies, from those focused on the maintenance of a sharp cutting edge (i.e. direct use in cutting activities), to those focused on maintaining tip shapes, and perhaps a corresponding production of flakes. Implications for hominin behavioural flexibility are discussed.
Gender differences, academic patenting, and tenure-track reform in China: Evidence from life sciences at elite universities
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chen Shi , Zheng Wei
Published: July 2024

This study is the first to examine the gender gap in academic patenting among faculty members in Chinese universities, a critical issue for the sustainable development of scientific research and innovation. Using a unique dataset that includes the patenting activities and professional status of 1,836 faculty members in life science-related departments at 36 top Chinese universities, this research reveals an evolving landscape of patenting dynamics. The trend of male faculty members leading in the annual number of patent applications and patents granted has shifted among newly graduated faculty members. Female faculty submit and receive their first patent applications significantly earlier than male faculty. However, male faculty are more likely to be lead inventors, and this gender gap remains difficult to close, with female faculty more likely to be supporting inventors. This research is contextualized within the broader framework of China’s university tenure reform and the growing presence of women in the life sciences. While progress is evident, the study uncovers persistent systemic barriers that prevent women from fully translating their research into patentable innovations. By identifying these social and institutional barriers, our study not only sheds light on the gender gap, but also suggests policy measures to promote gender equity in scientific innovation, making it a critical read for policymakers and academic leaders.
Present State of Knowledge of Chemistry of Our Vision: Photoreceptor Molecules and Vision Cycle
Authors: Das1 Ankita , Das Udita , K. Das Asim
Published: July 2024

Vision process involves the participation of two types of retinal photoreceptor cells: rod cells respond to dim light while cone cells respond to bright light and colours. The visual pigments in both types of photoreceptor cells contain the common chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, linked through a Schiff base linkage to the opsin protein, a member of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, composed of 7-transmembrane helices (a 7TM receptor). Rhodopsin is the visual pigment present in the rod cells while three distinct types of visual pigments known as photopsins (red cones, green cones and blue cones absorbing red, blue and green parts of the visible spectrum respectively) are present in the cone cells. Absorption of light by the visual pigment causes the photoexcitation followed by photoisomerization, 11-cis-retinal (Z) to all-trans-retinal (E) with a high quantum yield through a number of reactive intermediates characterized by low temperature and picosecond (ps) time resolved spectroscopies coupled with femtosecond spectroscopy. This photoisomerization leads to a change in the conformation of opsin GPCR and a signal transduction cascade by activating transducin, a heterotrimeric G-protein, to breakdown the cGMP to close the cGMP-gated cation channels resulting in hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor cell. This action potential creates a nerve signal that is transmitted to the brain to produce the sense of vision. The photoisomerized pigment undergoes rapidly hydrolysis to produce the opsin protein and all trans-retinal, which can be reconverted enzymatically to 11-cis-retinal for recharging opsin to generate the active visual pigment to maintain the vision cycle (Wald cycle). This brief review highlights the state of our understanding of the biology behind the art of vision in humans and other organisms.
Prevalence of Belching Disorders and Their Characteristics in the General Adult Population
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Sawada Akinari , Kobayashi Yumie , Hosomi Shuhei , Otani Koji , Fukunaga Shusei , Ominami Masaki , Taira Koichi , Tanaka Fumio
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Excessive bothersome belching is clinically problematic and the Rome IV classification categorizes belching disorders as gastroduodenal disorders.

METHODS:

A total of 10,000 Japanese adults participated in this web-based survey. We aimed to examine the prevalence of belching disorders and their characteristics.

RESULTS:

Belching disorders were found in 151 (1.5%) adults. The presence of reflux esophagitis, thyroid diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, full eaters, or a small or large number of mastication was significantly associated with an increased odds ratio of belching disorders.

DISCUSSION:

A detailed epidemiology of belching disorders in adults was clarified.
DESIGN OF INSTRUMENTED INSOLE FOR GAIT DYNAMICS MONITORING
Authors: Smondrk Maros , Babusiak Branko , Kreanova Alexandra , Janousek Ladislav
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on the design and implementation of a device aimed at monitoring gait dynamics. In clinical settings, gait dynamics are conventionally observed within specialized motion laboratories that rely on camera systems or pressure-sensitive floor mats. Unfortunately, these methods provide clinicians with only a temporally restricted perspective on a patient's health within the hospital environment. The objective of this study is to propose and develop a functional prototype of a measurement device that utilizes force-sensing resistors integrated into a sensorics insole placed within a shoe. By fusion of the 3D printing technology and force-sensing sensors, we developed a wearable prototype consisting of an instrumented insole and wireless data acquisition unit. This approach enables the capture of both static and dynamic parameters of gait, not only in clinical environments but also in non-hospital settings.
IMPERATIVE OF ENVIRONMENT PRESERVATION AMIDST WARFARE: NAVIGATING CONTRIBUTION INTO THE EQUATION OF SAFEGUARDING FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: Ritu Sumaiya Sultana
Published: July 2024

Environmental destruction and resource depletion during armed conflicts are unfortunately widespread. Pollution, deforestation, and habitat degradation following war can have long-term environmental repercussions. Despite the proliferation of various international conventions and treaties specifically designed to protect the well-being of civilians, combatants, and other vulnerable individuals affected by armed conflicts, it is evident that the preservation of the environment has not been accorded commensurate priority. The research examines environmental neglect and resource depletion during conflicts in light of humanitarian and human rights concerns. This paper comprehensively examines the multifaceted mechanisms by which environments are detrimentally impacted during times of conflict. Moreover, it established a compelling correlation between these destructive processes and the severe infringement upon human rights, specifically in terms of the deprivation of essential resources necessary for individuals to lead a dignified and sustainable post-war existence, as well as exploring potential solutions and offering recommendations to foster a sustainable future.
Triglyceride glucose index is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ustabas S. H. , Altunoglu E. G. , Karabag T.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that, the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) is related with the development of cardiovascular disease.

AIM: Our novel study aimed to determine whether the TyG index measured at the time of diagnosis conducted on newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic individuals and the relationship between TyG index and carotid intima media thickness, as well as both myocardial functions and epicardial adipose tissue was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 105 individuals (58 F, 47 M; mean age 50.4±9.8 years) newly diagnosed with T2DM and 51 healthy subjects (30 females, 21 males, mean age 49.8±8.9 years) without any chronic disease as the control group. In addition to laboratory parameters, transthoracic echocardiography carotid intima-media thickness with linear vascular probe were examined in all individuals.

RESULTS: TyG index was significantly higher in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic individuals compared to the controls. There was a positive correlation between the TyG index and carotid intima-media thickness, epicardial fat thickness, HbA1c, Homa-IR, body surface area, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index and CRP. When diastolic functions were considered, there was a negative correlation with E/A and a positive correlation with E/e’ septal. TyG index was also negatively correlated with EF. Regression analysis revealed that age and TyG index were associated with an increase in carotid IMT thickness.

CONCLUSION: TyG index measured at the time of diagnosis in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients is also associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, deterioration in left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions.
Hyponatremia as acute adrenal insufficiency in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and kidney transplantation cause end-stage chronic kidney disease
Authors: Khagabanova I. S. , Vikulova O. K. , Shamkhalova M. S. , Pigarova E. A. , Martinov S. A. , Kalashnikov V. Y.
Published: July 2024

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) and chronic adrenal insufficiency (CAF) are among the most common autoimmune endocrine diseases that develop both isolated and in combination with each other and with other diseases of autoimmune origin, as part of various syndromes. At the same time, type 1 diabetes is quite often the first component of a systemic autoimmune lesion and acts as a predictor of the development of congenital disorder, which, in turn, against the background of type 1 diabetes, acquires a mild, sometimes atypical course, which complicates the diagnosis and prescription of therapy. The clinical case describes a patient with type 1 diabetes and end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney allotransplantation (ART), who was on triple immunosuppressive therapy, who developed CHN, which was manifested by severe hyponatremia and the occurrence of frequent hypoglycemic conditions.
Enhancing Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Early Childhood Through APE Puzzle Hopscotch: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Wati Fajzrina Lati Nurliana , Winarti  , Fatimah  , Andriani Diana
Published: July 2024

This study examines the influence of APE puzzle hopscotch on higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in children aged 4-6 years at PAUD IT ADAR Kalasan DIY. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research included an experimental group receiving the APE puzzle hopscotch intervention and a control group without any intervention. Over four months, pretest and posttest assessments were conducted to evaluate HOTS in both groups. The research instruments measured indicators across analysis (C4), evaluation (C5), and creation (C6). Results revealed significant enhancements in the experimental group’s HOTS, with N-Gain scores showing moderate effectiveness. Statistical tests confirmed the intervention's impact, demonstrating significant differences in post-test scores between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that APE puzzle hopscotch effectively stimulates cognitive development in early childhood. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and short study duration, the study underscores the potential of interactive educational tools in enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Implications for educational practice include the integration of engaging tools into curricula to foster HOTS. Future research should address the current study's limitations, validate the findings across different settings, and explore the effects on other developmental areas. Additionally, longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights into the long-term benefits of such educational tools. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the importance of innovative teaching strategies in early childhood education, emphasizing the role of interactive play in cognitive growth.
Development and Validation of the "Redi: Sang Sel Pelayar" Storybook Series for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Authors: Hanifah Rif’at , Al atsari Muhammad Azka , Ismail  , Andira Fiki Wahyu , Nour Hafifah Andi Izza , Masadah Rina , Muhiddin Syurawasti
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to develop and validate the "Redi: Sang Sel Pelayar" storybook series as an educational tool for pediatric cancer patients, enhancing their understanding of cancer and improving treatment adherence with age-appropriate content. Using Sugiyono's R&D method, the study progressed through defining, designing, developing, and disseminating stages. Five types of childhood cancers were addressed: leukemia, retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and nephroblastoma. This study demonstrates that illustrated storybooks are effective in helping children understand cancer and related medical processes. The storybooks, tailored to specific cancer types and age groups with adapted characters, make it easier for children to grasp their condition. The overall average score of our readability questionnaire was 3.9, which means that our book is categorized as readable (3.4 < Mean > 4.2 = Readable). There was also a significant increase in post-test scores after the children underwent intervention by reading storybooks (P: 0.015; 95% CI 0.013–0.018). Evaluations showed significant increases in children's knowledge after reading the books, along with positive changes in their behavior and understanding of cancer. The implications for pediatric oncology care are significant, suggesting that culturally relevant educational tools can reduce anxiety and improve adherence. Despite the promising findings, the study was limited by a small sample size and a lack of long-term effect measurements. Future research should focus on larger samples and longitudinal studies to better assess the impact on adherence and well-being. Overall, the "Redi: Sang Sel Pelayar" series offers a novel approach to pediatric oncology education, with potential applications for other chronic illnesses, proposing a valuable addition to standard pediatric care practices.
Development of Automatic Balancing Application forFashion Company Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Alrasheed May , Jmali Mohamed , Hamdi Thouraya
Published: July 2024

Industrial companies aim to minimise production costs and improve product quality by analysing work organisation levels. Workshop scheduling and line balancing are essential in realising production plans, particularly in the fashion industry. Balancing systems must optimise precise criteria while sticking to constraints. Preserving balance needs precise parameters that align theoretical and practical production results. Manual methods overlook the balancing process, where managers rely on experience to prove balance and adjust parameters as needed. This article presents a creative automatic balancing application for fashion companies, leveraging artificial intelligence’s (AI) power. It focuses on utilising ant colony algorithms for optimal balancing. The results show the significance of these algorithms in attaining optimal balancing in production systems. The article highlights outstanding balancing results achieved through this approach, providing alignment with detailed criteria and constraints. The algorithm reliably distributes tasks among operators, improving overall productivity. Therefore, ant colony algorithms are perfect for manufacturers pursuing cost reduction, improved product quality and facilitated production processes. This article introduces an AI-based automatic balancing application for fashion companies. The ant colony algorithms achieve optimal balancing, improve inventory management and enhance productivity.
Ecosystems for welcoming migrant students: Practices, opportunities, and tensions
Authors: Soler-Campo Sandra , Stuardo-Concha Miguel
Published: July 2024

This research explores how educational institutions foster the inclusion and reception of recently arrived children. Within this framework, the present article has a double objective: to map the actions and practices of welcoming newly arrived students carried out by a group of public schools in Spain; and to analyze, based on the theoretical notion of welcoming ecosystem, the rhizome of educational opportunities and accompaniment of children. This study corresponds to the qualitative phase of the project MICREATE — Migrant Children and Communities in a Transforming Europe (HORIZON 2020–822664). It describes, categorizes and analyzes, following grounded theory principles, the elements of the reception ecosystem in Spain based on in-depth interviews with school management teams, teachers and family members from a targeted sample of 15 schools with enrollment of foreign students or students of migrant origin. Based on the analysis of the interviews, we theorize about an ideal welcoming ecosystem in which all students can receive the necessary support to find their place in the community and continue learning in a meaningful way.
Digital storytelling in teacher education: Developing pre-service teachers’ critical thinking
Authors: Isaacs Mary-Ann , Tondeur Jo , Vaesen Joost
Published: July 2024

Digital storytelling is a pedagogical strategy that relies on constructing digital artefacts, such as videos, to develop skills like critical thinking. However, clear actions that students need to engage in to develop these skills are often lacking. Therefore, in this qualitative study, we aimed to explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of the relationship between creating a digital story and developing critical thinking. More specifically, we examined pre-service teachers' reported actions and experiences used to build their digital stories, analysing how critical thinking skills were brought into play during this process. The analysis of the interviews showed the actions pre-service teachers take when creating a digital story and how these actions, in turn, promote the development of critical thinking. The results suggest that (a) a wide range of critical thinking skills are at play when constructing a digital story and (b) the most reported skills are those related to planning and design, solving emerging challenges to pursue a critical argument and representing ideas with the use of rhetorical elements. Furthermore, we discuss the implications for pre-service teachers' training. Finally, we address the limitations of this study and provide suggestions for future research.
 
Implications for practice or policy:

Student teachers and teacher trainers can count on a set of actions that will allow them to visualise the development of critical thinking when their students create digital stories.
Teacher trainers can benefit from a pedagogical strategy that can facilitate the development of critical thinking in pre-service teachers.
Modern digital literacy
Authors: Gasson Joy , Haden Patricia
Published: July 2024

As computers and computing become increasingly ubiquitous, it is necessary to re-examine their role in education. We must broaden our traditional view of Computer Science and Information Technology education to include the skills required to function in a world where computers and computing are embedded in our academic disciplines and our daily activities. In doing so, we have the opportunity to inject computing effectively into all curricula, not just CS and IT, and to explore new pedagogical methods. The resulting educational landscape can be broad and inclusive, and help all learners to achieve their potential in the Digital Age.
How do virtual world experiences bring about learning?
Authors: Loke Swee-Kin
Published: July 2024

While students do learn real-world knowledge and skills in virtual worlds, educators have yet to adequately theorise how students’ virtual world experiences bring about this learning. This paper critically reviewed theories currently used to underpin empirical work in virtual worlds for education. In particular, it evaluated how applicable these theories’ learning mechanisms are to virtual world-based learning. Eleven theories were identified from 80 journal papers. Four learning mechanisms were found to be applicable to virtual worlds: that students learn through reflection, verbal interactions, mental operations, and vicarious experiences. However, one commonly-implied learning mechanism was found to be inapplicable to virtual worlds: that students undergo a physical sensorimotor experience of the real-world phenomenon through their virtual world actions. An alternative theory is needed to explain how students’ virtual world actions might bring about learning, so as to help educators determine what exactly students can learn by performing virtual world actions.
Herding cats and measuring elephants
Authors: Russell Carol
Published: July 2024

The University of Western Sydney is more than half way through a three year strategic program to build its blended and mobile learning capacity. This paper presents a framework that has emerged from implementing and evaluating the blended learning strategy thus far; linking institution-led, academic-led, student-led and community-led components. It illustrates how all of these components form part of an integrated system, in which change needs to be managed as a whole. The experience to date has shown the need to notice and deal with the concerns of academic teaching staff, and to be clear about which measurements of progress are meaningful and relevant. The specific context of this university has determined how the various blended learning initiatives have been prioritized. Although other university contexts will differ, the overall framework could be applied in any institution to help align institutional initiatives to adopt blended and mobile learning, and to develop appropriate evaluation.
The role of the interpersonal in online knowledge construction
Authors: Lander Jo
Published: July 2024

The potential for online discussions and the supportive communities of learners which develop within them to support the collaborative construction of knowledge is often described but not always realised in practice. The reasons for this are not well explained in the literature. To better understand the interplay between social and cognitive aspects of knowledge construction, online interaction three postgraduate online courses in health professional education was studied using a linguistically-based discourse analytical approach. Findings show attention to interpersonal relationships within this public and persistent medium is evident in areas such as asking questions, providing information, citing sources and argumentation and has the potential to disrupt knowledge construction. Other factors such as the ambiguous spoken-written nature of these discussions also play a role, raising the possibility that these tensions may be inherent.
Any voice will do
Authors: Ragusa Angela T. , Crampton Andrea
Published: July 2024

Technological advances have permitted wide-scale adoption of audio lectures in higher education as auxiliary learning resources for promoting connection, particularly in distance education. Although, pedagogically, audio lectures have been associated with increased time-on-task and positive learning outcomes, they remain commonly rebuked as suitable alternatives to face-to-face lectures. Little research, however, has examined students’ perceptions about the relevance of who creates, or provides, audio lectures. Findings from 120 random telephone interviews with distance students in four university courses found 93% felt audio and internal lectures differed. Students exhibited a utilitarian approach towards audio lectures, as 75% noted that all that mattered was the audio lectures’ capacity to provide relevant content that facilitated their independent revision, rather than perceive them as opportunities for ‘getting-to-know’ their subject coordinator/‘real’ lecturer. Hence, we question the institutional cost of locally-produced audio lectures and suggest that the creation of interactive learning experiences might be a more constructive use of time and effort.
The learning challenge
Authors: Steel Caroline
Published: July 2024

‘The learning challenge’ is an authentic and formative assessment task that requires students to evaluate the power of their learning strategies, personal technologies and digital practices for learning. The design was created in response to the need for universities to provide more pedagogical guidance to students preparing for an unknown digital future. The challenge provokes students to question their digital practices and underlying beliefs as learners through gaining pedagogical intelligence and a trialing a transferable action-learning process. The learning design was adapted for an undergraduate languages and technologies course from a teacher development model for technology integration (Steel & Andrews, 2012). The tasks deepen students’ understanding of themselves as learners and technology users through self-exploration, experimentation, evidence-gathering and reflection. Mapped to Fullan and Langworthys’ (2014) continuum of pedagogical effectiveness and supported by student-generated data, the learning challenge offers a powerful way to discover the impact of students’ digital learning practices.
Wide Open Listening
Authors: Rush Penelope
Published: July 2024

In 2013, Student Learning and Academic Development (SLAD) at The University of Tasmania (UTAS) surveyed distance students as part of the development of online learning support. One goal was to hear direct from UTAS distance students themselves, to discover what it is like to be a distance student: to uncover any commonalities, both negative and positive, in the experiences of distance and online students in general. Results suggest that a large portion of UTAS distance students feel isolated and see the primary benefits of this mode as serving a practical or necessary function, rather than being attractive in its own right. A comparably high number struggle with resources and feel unconsidered or overlooked. A reasonably high number struggle with balancing other life commitments and with the autonomy or self-reliance required to manage distance study. Thus this research provides evidence identifying key gaps between rhetoric and reality regarding distance education.
Flipping a Japanese language classroom
Authors: Watanabe Yasuhisa
Published: July 2024

The ‘flipped classroom’ is gaining popularity in university teaching. However sceptics question if students actually come to classes prepared by viewing the given video. In this study, 163 university students enrolled in an intermediate level Japanese subject that was taught in a flipped mode were surveyed on their experiences of viewing the pre-learning video. The access records to the video were also analysed to determine how students behaved online. The survey showed only 50% of students had viewed the video regularly, but had done so thoroughly. On the other hand, 17% answered that they did not even attempt to access the video. This paper will present reasons the students gave for watching or not watching the video as a part of their learning and argue for an improved methodology.
Exploratory learning analytics methods from three case studies
Authors: Gibson David , De Freitas Sara
Published: July 2024

Brief outlines of exploratory analysis methods (analysis designed to develop hypotheses) from three research projects illustrate the size, scope, variety and increased resolution that are becoming increasingly available at the unit of analysis for research in the learning sciences. The tools and methods applied in these studies are briefly outlined, which enable researchers to deal with complexity in time and event structures involving complex data in learning analytics projects. In particular, the transformation of data involving both reduction methods and pattern aggregation into motifs were found to be crucial for data interpretation. The article describes data mining with a self-organizing map, involving unsupervised machine learning and symbolic regression and combining exploratory analysis methods to achieve causal explanations.
Snapchat ‘selfies’
Authors: Charteris Jennifer , Gregory Sue , Masters Yvonne
Published: July 2024

Little has been written about the impact of ephemeral messaging technologies such as Snapchat,
Wickr and iDelete on learner identities. The authors explore how disappearing social media may
enable young people to take up a range of discourses and demonstrate discursive agency in ways
that support social mobility through shifting relationships with their peers. Much of this unfolds
through the transmission of digital images that promote social flexibility. The visibility, of seeing
and being seen, demonstrates a Foucauldian ‘gaze’ where power plays out through the capacity to
be visible and recognisable to others and specific practices (e.g. selfies) become normalised.
Social media technologies furnish emergent spaces for underlife activity that foster this gaze.
Taking up the Foucault’s concept of subjectivities as discursively constituted identity categories,
the authors explore the relationship between disappearing media and youth identities.
Keywords: , identities, social media, Foucault, ‘selfies’
Development of an application with process feedback to enhance student-centred learning
Authors: Edathil Sudhakaran , Chin Christopher , Zank Stephanie , Ranmuthugala Dev , Salter Susan
Published: July 2024

The project aims to achieve student-centred learning through an adaptive learning and assessment application (tool) incorporating real-time ‘process feedback’ capability, using branching models within learning activities and assessment tasks. A prototype previously developed for assessments was tested as a proof-of-concept in 2012. This prototype focused on providing feedback on ‘product errors’. Student evaluations on the process identified the need to integrate real-time feedback on ‘process errors’ to assist students’ understanding of their mistakes. Further development introduced the capability to adapt learning and assessment modules to meet the needs of lecturers and students. The application was integrated into the University’s Learning Management System (LMS), resulting in: flexible learning approaches, increasing participation of students from different backgrounds, motivating learning, and improving learning effectiveness through self-directed approaches.
“The score doesn’t mean much”
Authors: Adam Lee , Bond Carol , Samaranayaka Ari
Published: July 2024

We report on a 2012 study exploring students’ and staff understandings of SafeAssign text matching software. A total of 326 students and 216 staff at a New Zealand university responded to a questionnaire asking about their knowledge of SafeAssign. Although SafeAssign does not identify plagiarism, 90% of students and 70% of staff thought that it did, indicating confusion about the difference between text matching and plagiarism. Moreover, both students and staff assumed that SafeAssign can do more than it does and responses indicated a lack of understanding of the sources with which SafeAssign is able to match text. Furthermore, many students were not aware that SafeAssign was being used in their papers, and some thought its function was simply an assignment submission platform. These results indicate that staff and students need more information about what SafeAssign does in order to make more effective use of the software.
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Completing the loop
Authors: Kennedy Gregor , Corrin Linda , Lockyer Lori , Dawson Shane , Williams David , Mulder Raoul , Khamis Susie , Copeland Scott
Published: July 2024

This paper provides an outline of an Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching project that aims to investigate and then develop ways in which learning analytics data can be more usefully harnessed by academic teachers in higher education. Fundamental to this project is linking the learning design of online tasks provided to students with the learning analytic affordances of the technology-based tools that support them. The paper provides an outline of the background to the project, including its conceptual underpinnings, and sets out the program of research and development. The expected outcomes of the project are discussed.
Flexibility and technology-enhanced learning and teaching
Authors: Fisher Josie , Whale Sue
Published: July 2024

According to the rhetoric, flexibility is one of the key benefits of online learning and teaching in higher education. In this paper we identify a set of dimensions of flexibility and demonstrate that the reality of much current technology-enhanced learning and teaching is, in fact, no more flexible than the early distance education model and in some respects is less flexible. We suggest that we are on the cusp of a radical transformation of online education. However, there are constraints in terms of students’ lack of strategies to manage their learning environments and a lack of research into pedagogically sound models for the delivery of truly flexible, personalised learning and teaching.
Open online courses and massively untold stories
Authors: Blackall Leigh
Published: July 2024

This paper seeks to account for a small range of open online courses that helped to inform the early development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). It laments the loss of meaning in the word open and its historic alignment to free and open source principles. It calls for more academic work to better represent the histories and range of critical perspectives on open online courses, and outlines how Wikipedia can be used as a central organising platform for such work.
Choosing and using Google Sites for ePortfolios at EIT
Authors: Casley Scott , Day Stephanie
Published: July 2024

This report explains how and why Google Sites was chosen as an eportfolio management tool and provides a brief summary of a number of case studies where this approach was piloted at Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) during 2013-14. The case studies were compiled after surveying the learners and teachers involved in selected pilot courses. The report attempts to identify factors that lead to the successful deployment and integration of Google Sites for eportfolios as an assessment tool in tertiary learning and teaching. The report concludes that Google Sites is recommended for use by students and staff for managing eportfolios as it is an easy to use, free and secure service enabling reflective practice, collaboration and lifelong learning.
Developing Black Belts, via a Community of Practice for Blended Science and Engineering Learning and Teaching at UniSA
Authors: Corcoran Paul , Moulton Deb , James Patrick , Rathore Pramila
Published: July 2024

This paper outlines a pilot project to encourage Blending and Flipping of classes at UniSA by the implementation of a formal Community of Practice (COP) of scholars and peers in Science and Engineering. The project COP staff worked with academic staff to assist teachers to use online resources and active learning strategies to engage students and promote deep learning, engagement and problem solving whilst making greater use of all facets of learning technology.
Multiple-choice questions in the Humanities
Authors: Renzo Adrian
Published: July 2024

The web-based system Peerwise allows students to submit their own multiple-choice questions (MCQs) about course content, complete with distractors and an explanation of the ‘correct’ answer. Other students can then attempt their peers’ questions and provide feedback on the quality of each question. To date, Peerwise has been used mostly in subjects where typical MCQs have a finite number of correct answers. This paper – a work-in-progress – suggests that Peerwise is potentially useful in units with a more ‘discursive’ orientation, such as MUS100, offered at Macquarie University, Australia. The system provides a good forum in which students can test each other on both lower-order and higher-order tasks. Future research will explore the efficacy of the tool across multiple iterations of the unit MUS100.
Developing deep, widespread and sustained improvements in online learning in a Faculty of Business
Authors: Hunter Carole , Hard Louise , D’Netto Brian , Ridolfo Harriet , Read Donna
Published: July 2024

The Faculty of Business at Charles Sturt University initiated the Online Course Innovation (OCI) project in 2012. This project focuses on the transition of 280 print-based subjects into quality online offerings through the mindful redesign of resources, interactions and experiences. It is led by the Associate Dean (Courses), and involves a multi-disciplinary team of educational designers, academics and divisional staff. The aim of this research project is to explore this transition to the online learning and teaching environment and identify critical organisational elements that contribute to achieving quality outcomes. Specifically, this study seeks to identify factors that support or inhibit the academic’s ability to effectively design and teach quality online subjects, and the impact of leadership on the design and teaching process. Data is currently being collected from a range of institutional stakeholders involved with the project. Initial findings from the data analysis will be shared through the conference presentation.
Promoting dialogue through authentic conversations in change management education
Authors: Whale Sue , Jabri Muayyad , Cluley Tim
Published: July 2024

This paper highlights a learning design intended to promote dialogue and social construction of meaning through the presentation of a series of workplace video scenarios related to change management. By delivering to students an authentic presentation of the conversations that occur during change processes, and facilitating dialogue through open ended scenes and activities, an immersive situated learning platform is created. Social construction is utilised both as an educational process and as a key theory for the management of organisational change. The scenarios facilitate both goals through providing a focal point for the former and demonstration of the latter.
Thinking through a deconstructionist philosophy of technology in education, part 1
Authors: Abblitt Stephen
Published: July 2024

This paper takes the ubiquity of personal mobile technologies today as a provocation to propose a fundamentally new understanding of the relations between knowledge, student bodies and educational technologies. It draws on recent deconstructionist philosophies of technology (principally Stiegler and Derrida) and the concept of “originary technicity” to theorise the relation between the human and the technical as not only mutually constitutive, but also ontologically undecidable. The case is especially so given the spatial and temporal connectivity and flexibility enabled by mobile technologies, the new economy of attention they facilitate, and the motile biological, technological, socio-material and semiotic intersections now endlessly working to produce the student body (individual and collective) in the digital university.
Diversity and multiplicity in uncertain times: the category of “difficult knowledge” in the sensitive contexts of education and social research
Authors: Markowska-Manista Urszula , Baranowski Mariusz
Published: July 2024

This article explores the category of “difficult knowledge” within the sensitive contexts of education and social research amidst contemporary global transformations. Uncertain times marked by humanitarian crises, wars, migration, and socio-economic shifts challenge the stability and security of societies. Difficult knowledge encompasses emotionally charged, complex topics integral to social, political, and educational spheres, compelling individuals and groups to confront uncomfortable truths and deconstruct human understanding. This concept, introduced by Britzman (1998), addresses the cognitive and emotional struggles in engaging with traumatic representations of historical and social events. The paper highlights the necessity for educators and researchers to navigate these challenges, fostering critical and reflective analyses while managing their psychological impacts. It underscores the dual role of researchers as both empathetic human beings and objective professionals, particularly in extreme field conditions. Additionally, it discusses the implications of conspiracy theories as a form of difficult knowledge, emphasizing the need for educational strategies that promote critical thinking and resilience. The article calls for greater attention to the sensitivities of the research process and the ethical responsibilities in studying and teaching difficult knowledge.
Women’s Labour Market Attachment and the Gender Wealth Gap
Authors: Sierminska Eva , Piazzalunga Daniela , Grabka Markus
Published: July 2024

This article examines the evolution of the gender wealth gap in Germany during the first decade of the XXI century. This period is characterized by an increase in labour supply of women and change in occupational structure due to numerous reforms undertaken by the government. We use the Firpo, Fortin, Lemieux detailed decomposition technique throughout the wealth distribution to identify the main factors explaining the gap over time. Findings indicate that an increase in the labour market participation of women and the resulting changes in the occupational structure are accompanied by positive changes in women’s wealth accumulation, which reduce the gender wealth gap. The role of permanent income decreases due to a reduction both in the gender difference in average permanent income and in gender differences in its returns. There remain substantial differences in the way women and men accumulate wealth. Policy interventions to further reduce the gap are discussed.
The Obata–Vétois argument and its applications
Authors: Case Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2024

We extend Vétois’ Obata-type argument and use it to identify a closed interval

I
n

I_{n}

,

n
≥
3

n\geq 3

, containing zero such that if

a
∈

I
n

a\in I_{n}

and

(

M
n

,
g
)

(M^{n},g)

is a compact conformally Einstein manifold with nonnegative scalar curvature and

Q
4

+

a
⁢

σ
2

Q_{4}+a\sigma_{2}

constant, then it is Einstein.
We also relax the scalar curvature assumption to the nonnegativity of the Yamabe constant under a more restrictive assumption on 𝑎.
Our results allow us to compute many Yamabe-type constants and prove sharp Sobolev inequalities on compact Einstein manifolds with nonnegative scalar curvature.
In particular, we show that compact locally symmetric Einstein four-manifolds with nonnegative scalar curvature extremize the functional determinant of the conformal Laplacian, partially answering a question of Branson and Ørsted.
Symbolgeladen oder nur ein Spiel?
Authors: Gerndt Helge
Published: July 2024

Im Gegensatz zu den ungezählten symbolischen oder allegorischen Deutungen, mit denen Goethes Märchen seit zwei Jahrhunderten überschüttet worden ist, wird hier von einer nüchternen Formanalyse ausgegangen. Der Fokus richtet sich auf die unterhaltende Funktion der Geschichte; so gesehen repräsentiert diese programmatisch als „Märchen“ betitelte Erzählung in erster Linie ein bewusst bunt, vergnüglich und rätselhaft gestaltetes Spiel der Einbildungskraft voller Wunder und Verwandlungen. Zusätzlich hat Goethes Blick auf die zeitgenössische Märchenmode deutlich ironische (distanzierende) Akzente gesetzt, die freilich in ihrer Subtilität nur einem gebildeten Publikum verständlich werden.

Darüber hinaus versucht dieser Beitrag, die strikte Unterscheidung zwischen einer „Poesie der Ungebildeten und Gebildeten“, die Jacob Grimm 1808 als „ewig gegründet“ postuliert hat, aufzuweichen; sie möchte diesen gattungstheoretischen Graben, der seither die Märchen (mit den damals neuen Begriffen) in „Volksmärchen“ und „Kunstmärchen“ trennt, nach über 200 Jahren bis zu einem gewissen Grade einebnen.
Development of a DNA macroarray for the molecular biological identification of trade-relevant tropical CITES timber species and their look-alikes
Authors: Bogun Anna C. , Paredes-Villanueva Kathelyn , Mascarello Maurizio , Magel Elisabeth A.
Published: July 2024

The control authorities of timber trade lack quick and easy methods to verify the legality of the traded product. This includes the clear identification of the timber species. In this study, a simple genetic method, the macroarray technique, was modified and optimised for this purpose. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was used as barcode region. Specific probes were designed and tested using this barcode of trade-relevant, CITES protected wood species and their look-alikes. The results reveal that 61 of these probes are suitable for identification purposes. Hence, 32 of the 50 investigated species can be clearly identified using the developed macroarray. Additional 15 species are represented by probes in groups of two to three species, which enables a delimitation of the species present. For four species, no identification was possible applying the probes created. The findings indicate the potential of time and cost savings compared to currently established methods in species control in the timber trade.
Distributed Normativity in Theology: On the Relevance of Empirical Research Approaches to Systematic Theology
Authors: Graff-Kallevåg Kristin
Published: July 2024

Empirical research methods have traditionally been absent from and are still foreigners to systematic theology. However, the turn toward practices in academic studies of religion and theology implies that empirical research methodologies cannot be deemed irrelevant to systematic theology. This article explores Hanna Reichel’s theory of theology as design, focusing on the understanding of theology as practice and the potential implications regarding the relevance of empirical methods to systematic theology. Bringing Reichel’s concept of theology as design into dialogue with Geir Afdal’s concept of distributed normativity, this article makes the case that the question of the affordances of a theological interpretation is not only an imperative theological one but also an empirical one, calling for empirical research methods.