bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gain-based Green Ant Colony Optimization for 3D Path Planning on Remote Sensing Images
Authors:   School of Computer Science, BITS Pilani University, Karnataka, India, Viswanathan Sangeetha , Ravichandran Kattur Soundarapandian ,   Department of Mathematics, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, India
Published: October 2024

Metaheuristic algorithms are powerful methods for handling complexities in 3D environments because of their adaptability property. This paper proposes a gain-based, green-ant colony optimization (GGACO) method for 3D path planning on remote sensing images. Shortest paths do not always imply minimum energy consumption. Moreover, computational complexity tends to increase in the case of higher-dimensional data. A novel method is proposed to alleviate this issue, one that provides an efficient path with minimum energy consumption by adding a gain quantity during its search. The results are validated using performance measures, viz., path length, time, and energy cost. Real-time images, along with their corresponding ground truth and “digital surface models (DSM)”, have been sourced from the “International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)”. Comparisons have been made against state-of-the-art algorithms and analyzed. Finally, the convergence and stability of the proposed method have been verified; it has been found that the proposed method outperforms the existing method by 6%, 11% and 5% regarding length, computation time, and energy, respectively.
Assessment of Urinary Tract Infection and Estimation of Procalcitonin Serum Level Among Iraqi Children
Authors: Raghad Abdulwahab Kadhim  , Sanaa Khudhur Jameel
Published: October 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) considered as a serious public health issue, especially in children, which can be caused by a variety of organisms, especially gram-negative bacteria. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of the calcitonin hormone, which normally released in the thyroid gland, and this biomarker has become more effective in diagnosing bacterial infections in the last decade. Moreover, to establish the utility of procalcitonin for predicting urinary tract infections in children. The current study included two groups of patients of approximately sixty cases from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI), besides, sixty cases from healthy individuals. Samples were collected from Al Imamain Al-Kadhimain Medical City in Baghdad. The result showed a highly significant difference in procalcitonin levels in UTI patients compared to the control group. The results of this investigation support the use of PCT as an indicator for the diagnosis of UTI children.
Assessing the landscape of maternity services research in the UK: results of two horizon scans
Authors: Johnson Eugenie , Harris Bethan , Jahan Anjum , Eastaugh Claire , Norman Gill
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Inequalities in women’s experiences of maternity services within the United Kingdom (UK) have been documented in recent reports. To assess whether ongoing or upcoming studies in the area may be addressing these concerns, we conducted two separate horizon scans of clinical trial registrations and funding records in maternity services within the UK since 2020. Methods: We conducted comprehensive searches for both the clinical trials scan (on 13 March 2024) and funding scan (on 19 March 2024). We screened against pre-defined eligibility criteria for both scans, limiting to records for randomized controlled trials, clinical controlled trials or observational studies wholly or partly set in the UK. We extracted data into pre-piloted forms, which included items for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), patient-reported experience measures (PREMs), and domains of the PROGRESS-Plus framework. Using a modified version of the principles of Synthesis Without Meta-analysis, we synthesized data both narratively and graphically. Results: We included 31 clinical trial registrations and 34 funding records posted since 2020 that were partly or wholly set within the UK. Most included records centered on interventions that take place during the antenatal period and around half of all included records were for RCTs. Only 12 (39%) clinical trial registrations and 13 (38%) funding records reported a PROM, while five (16%) of clinical trial registrations and one (3%) funding record listing a PREM as an outcome measure. We found little evidence of either clinical trial registrations or funding records considering dimensions of the PROGRESS-Plus domains. Conclusions: Future research within maternity services in the UK should aim to include PROMs and PREMs as outcome measures and state how different domains of PROGRESS-Plus can be applied to the work.
Moral Conformity: Social Influence and Neural Mechanisms Supporting Prosocial and Antisocial Collaborative Decision-Making
Authors: Piperno Giulio , Kallfaß Luzie , Lima Rita , Caspar Emilie A.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Social influence is classically represented by obedience, conformity, and compliance, and has been shown to affect human behaviors strongly. Past research and historical events have shown that this is especially the case in moral contexts, due to the inherently social nature of normative behavior. Although the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying changes in morality due to obedience and compliance have been well-studied, the influence of conformity on moral behavior has been largely overlooked. Method: In this study, two agents consecutively decided whether to administer painful shocks to a third person (the victim) for a shared monetary reward. We investigated how the 1st agent’s choice influenced the 2nd agent’s one, assessing the cognitive and affective processes involved in the decision-making sequence. To investigate when and how conformity influences behaviors, we targeted the different neurocognitive processes occurring during phases of decision-making. More precisely, the feeling of personal and shared responsibility, the sense of agency (SoA), auditory attention over the partner’s decision, cognitive conflict before making an action, and empathy for the victim’s pain, the latter three using EEG. Results: At the behavioral level, we observed that the 1st agent’s decisions significantly influenced the 2nd agent's decisions, especially toward antisocial outcomes. On the other hand, personal and shared responsibility and explicit empathy were all independently associated with prosocial conformity. Concerning the neurocognitive processes implicated, we found that increased neural processing when listening to the partner's decision was positively associated with conformity. Additionally, participants experienced reduced conflict and lower agency when they conformed to the prosocial action compared to the antisocial one. Further, a stronger neural response to others' pain was associated with a lower tendency to follow the partner toward immoral decisions. Conclusion: Our findings reveal how social influence shapes moral decision-making, with a natural inclination to conform. This tendency is strongly modulated by the moral consequences of the actions, with enhanced feelings of shared responsibility, SoA, and reduced conflict when conforming to prosocial decisions compared to immoral ones.
Skill provision concerns in the knowledge economy: training firms’ perspective
Authors: Wilson Anna , Bajka Scherwin M.
Published: October 2024

The rise of the knowledge economy has created new and higher skill demands on the labour market, posing challenges collective skill formation systems, traditionally catering to manual, mid-level skills. We examine how firms involved in apprentice training experience skill provision challenges in the knowledge economy, engaging with the political economy literature and with scholarship on ‘skill gaps’ and ‘skill shortages’. We explore factors predicting firms’ skill provision concerns, using novel survey data with over 1’650 participating Swiss training firms. Our findings lend support for scholarship emphasizing the primacy of digitalization and upskilling for a good adaptation to the knowledge economy, also in the context of dual vocational education and training systems. However, we identify issues of ‘skill gaps’ for firms in high-digitalized occupational fields, where the increasing attractiveness of general education at the expense of vocational education and training, and a lacking quality of applicants are prevalent. For firms in lower digitalized occupational fields, on the other hand, ‘skill shortage’ problems such as a loss of occupational popularity dominate.
Exposing the Shadows: Discursive Insights from X Netizens on Academic Paper Mills
Authors: Arifianto Muhammad Lukman , Izzudin Iqbal Fathi , Ma'sum Ali
Published: October 2024

While paper mills have garnered substantial attention, little is known about how social media, especially X, aids in identifying these fraudulent practices. This study explores how users of X reveal and critique academic fraud by analyzing 24 tweets selected for engagement on paper mill-related topics. Thematic content analysis categorizes tweets by content type, tone, context, fraudulent activity, and target audience. The findings show that most tweets adopted a critical (36.67%) or exposing (13.33%) tone, signalling the widespread of academic concern. Major topics included selling authorship (13.64%) and general paper mill operations (22.73%), with discussions emphasizing academic integrity (35.29%) and fraudulent mechanisms (26.47%). Key stakeholders targeted by these tweets included academics (16.18%), publishers (14.71%), and researchers (14.71%), underscoring the community’s vigilance in preserving research ethics. The study highlights social media’s effectiveness in fostering transparency and collective accountability within academia, while noting the challenges in fully utilizing it for fraud detection. Future research should explore organized and collaborative approaches to leverage social media to combat academic fraud.
The BACON system for equation discovery from scientific data: Transforming classical artificial intelligence with modern machine learning approaches
Authors: Miller Jonah , banerjee soumya
Published: October 2024

BACON is a heuristic-based computational scientific discovery system, which aims tofind invariants in multivariable systems. We rebuilt BACON in a modern computinglanguage, and we improve the noise-resilience of BACON. We demonstrate howsuch classical AI systems can be understandable, yet powerful. We applied ourframework to a number of exemplar problems in physics and mathematics. OurBACON also outperformed PySR - a modern method utilising symbolic regressionon a neural network - conclusively in specific environments on small datasets.We suggest that there is potential in these forgotten approaches that modern deeplearning systems can learn from. Integrative approaches that combine heuristicapproaches like BACON with modern deep learning can be very helpful. We suggestintegrating modern deep learning approaches and large-language models withheuristic-based classical AI approaches as a way to analyse large scientific datasets.
A new 3D temperature model for Ireland from joint geophysical-petrological inversion of seismic, surface heat flow and petrophysical data
Authors: Chambers Emma , Fullea Javier , Kiyan Duygu , Lebedev Sergei , Bean Christopher , Meere Pat , Daly Stephen , Willmot Noller Nicola , Raine Robert , Blake Sarah , O'Reilly Brian
Published: October 2024

High-quality maps of subsurface temperature and the geothermal gradient are essential when assessing the geothermal potential of a region. However, determining geothermal potential is a challenge when direct measurements of in-situ temperature and thermal property information are sparse. In addition, indirect geophysical methods are sensitive to a range of parameters, not solely temperature. We determine the geothermal gradient across Ireland by inverting seismic, in addition to other geophysical and petrophysical input datasets, directly for temperature. The multi-parameter output models of the joint, geophysical-petrological, thermochemical inversion fit the input data and reveal the thermal structure within the crust and mantle, including the upper-crustal geothermal gradient (20 to 40 °C/km). Variations in the lithospheric thickness influence the temperature gradient, with thinner lithosphere resulting in elevated geotherms. In some locations, the observed geotherms are elevated further due to high radiogenic heat production in granitic rocks. In Northern Ireland a thin lithosphere coupled with a weakly conductive basalt layer overlying warm crust, results in elevated temperatures which call for further geothermal exploration. These are the first temperature maps for Ireland that include uncertainty estimates, providing ranges for the subsurface temperature values, and demonstrate that the maps are in good agreement with available direct borehole temperature measurements, which are observed to fall within the model uncertainty. Our new methodology provides workflows for determining the 3D geothermal potential in areas with limited direct temperature measurements. The final temperature model provides useful constraints for geothermal exploration and utilisation on the island of Ireland.
Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities for Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis
Authors: Park Ashley , Finan Gina , Kim Tae-Wan
Published: October 2024

Psychosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent phenomenon, marked by delusions and hallucinations, along with other neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, depression, anxiety, and apathy. These neuropsychiatric symptoms, also known as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), affect up to 97% of Alzheimer's patients. The presence of psychosis in AD significantly impacts patients' daily lives and places a considerable burden on caregivers. The development of AD-related psychosis (ADP) is influenced by a range of factors, including genetic predispositions and life-acquired factors. AD affects cognitive function and various brain regions, resulting in widespread brain atrophy. In addition to its neurological impact, AD can induce pathological physiological changes that serve as biomarkers for ADP. Research efforts have focused on developing pharmacological treatments for psychosis in AD, aiming to minimize side effects. Brexpiprazole has emerged as a promising medication for ADP, alongside other antipsychotics. Treatment approaches for ADP extend beyond pharmacology, incorporating methods such as sensory stimulation and digital therapeutics. This review will explore the characteristics of psychosis in Alzheimer's disease, the pathological underpinnings of ADP, and the current therapeutic landscape, highlighting emerging opportunities for managing this challenging condition.
Sex differences in gaze patterns while viewing dynamic and static sexual stimuli
Authors: Putkinen Vesa , Lewandowski Elina , Nummenmaa Lauri , Santavirta Severi
Published: October 2024

Faces and bodies serve as important cues of physical attractiveness and reproductive fitness. Previous studies however indicate that there are sex-related differences in the visual processing of erotic stimuli. Here we measured eye movements from 43 male and 67 female subjects to investigate gaze patterns and sex differences during perception of dynamic sexual scenes (intercourse; Experiment 1) and static (nude and clothed men and women; Experiment 2) erotic stimuli. Dwell times were longest for faces in both experiments and faces were most likely to be looked at first. In the video experiment, male participants looked more at female chest, buttocks, and genital areas while female participants looked more at male faces. In the picture experiment faces received more fixations when stimuli were clothed, whereas fixations on chest and genital areas increased when the stimuli were nude. Our results show that i) sex differences during sexual perception are larger for static versus dynamic stimuli, ii) that faces are prioritized over sexual signals both while viewing dynamic sexual scenes and static images of humans, and iii) that visibility of sexual cues increases saliency of the sexually relevant body regions (genitals; chest). The overall preference for faces even when viewing sexual intercourse may reflect both the importance of facial characteristics in mate selection as well as the role of facial expressions in evaluating partner satisfaction while having sex.
The role of demand characteristics and life satisfaction on the psychological wellbeing effects of gratitude letter writing
Authors: Smith Michael A. , Colborne Yasmin , Hoult Lauren , Allen Sarah , Wetherell Mark
Published: October 2024

Gratitude interventions are known to increase psychological wellbeing. However, it has also been suggested that not everyone experiences equivalent benefits of engaging with gratitude activities, and there have been calls to better understand the moderators of such effects. In Study 1, we explored the effects of writing a gratitude letter, relative to a neutral letter, on changes in positive and negative affect, and observed that the effect of gratitude writing on positive affect was exacerbated in participants with elevated life satisfaction. Study 2 sought to replicate the findings of Study 1 whilst minimising demand characteristics, but failed to observe the moderating effect of life satisfaction. In Study 3, we sought to investigate whether these mixed findings could be explained by demand characteristics. We observed that priming participants with information about the benefits of expressing gratitude ameliorated the effect of gratitude writing on positive affect, but life satisfaction did not moderate this priming effect. On the basis of the findings from these three studies, we conclude that life satisfaction does not moderate the effect of gratitude writing on positive affect, but further work should be undertaken to better understand the conditions under which gratitude writing is most effective. Further, we suggest that demand characteristics are an important consideration for both researchers and interventionists delivering gratitude interventions.
More than humanoid robots and cyborgs? How German print media visualize articles on artificial intelligence
Authors: Leidecker-Sandmann Melanie , Lüders Tabea , Moser Carolin , Boger Vincent R. , Lehmkuhl Markus
Published: October 2024

Engaging with the ongoing debate regarding the portrayal of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sphere – particularly the alleged predominance of sci-fi imagery and humanoid robots – our study examines how six German print media visualize articles related to AI. A mixed-methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative visual content analysis, analyzing 818 images from articles published in 2019 and 2022/23. Our findings indicate that human figures, rather than robots, serve as dominant visual objects, and no significant image-to-text gaps were observed. Overall, German print media appear to present a nuanced perspective on AI, balancing opportunities and risks associated with this technology.
Does Statistical Discrimination Explain Grading Bias? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Breinholt Asta , Hjorth-Trolle Anders , Henriksen Mikkel Büchler
Published: October 2024

Statistical discrimination theory suggests that discrimination arises when gatekeepers lack individual-level information and therefore draw on their knowledge on the group-level. According to this perspective, the policy solution is straight forward: provide gatekeepers with accurate individual-level information and discrimination will cease. Grades are important signals to students about academic ability and influence future educational choices. Previous studies find that teachers exhibit negative grading bias against boys, racialized minority students, and low-SES students so these groups receive signals about lower academic potential than merited. In this study, we test whether grading bias stems from statistical discrimination. First, we leverage a natural experiment in which teachers were given information from standardized tests and see whether this change mitigates grading bias. We further test this mechanism by analyzing the role of the performance of a given social background group at the same school the year prior. We find substantial grading bias but conclude that statistical discrimination is not likely to play a major role.
Critical Rationalist Physics
Authors: Ohnemus Alexander Luke
Published: October 2024

We can incorrectly cling to the Newtonian and macroscopic view, thereby abandoning relativity, quantum mechanics, modern cosmology and string theory. We can incorrectly not adjust premises and concepts upon contradictions in relativity, quantum mechanics, modern cosmology and string theory. Or we can apply the law of identity to all of modern physics, PERHAPS identifying the afterlife.
Computational Analysis of Average Value and Amplitude in Magnetized Plasma Sheath
Authors: Adhikari Bhesha Raj
Published: October 2024

For different obliqueness, ion velocity has been investigated numerically. Ions which are instreaming have to satisfy the criterion of Bohm-Chodura, to ensure the stability of plasma. Mean value as well as maximum/minimum amplitude is computed with different angles. Mean value of x-component is almost zero for all angles, whereas for y and z-component, mean value changes with different angles. On the other hand maximum amplitude almost changes for all angles. Ion velocity at presheath-sheath boundary, is affected by obliqueness of the field.
Nepalese Students’ Perception Towards the Online Learning During Covid-19 Lockdown Phase
Authors: Malla Gyani
Published: October 2024

The research study "Nepalese Students’ Perception towards the online learning during Covid-19 lockdown phase" has conducted during the period of Covid-19, in 2021 to examine the Nepalese students' perception and satisfaction towards on line classes. Also, it has assessed the impact and relationship between perception statements of students on their satisfaction with online classes. Total 205 students of different programs (MBS, MBA, BBA, BIM BSC-CSIT) of five constituent’s campuses of Kathmandu Valley of Tribhuvan University of Nepal is taken for sample. This study has used descriptive research design. Random sampling method has used to get the responses of respondents. Well-structured questionnaire with five likert scale (1= strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree) is used to get respondents' responses. Cronbach’s Alpha of perception and satisfaction of are found 0.63 and 0.74 respectively. In aggregate, students' perception toward the online classes are fond "moderate and agree", However, their perception found strongly disagree and disagree for practical subject and also found "disagree and moderate" regarding the interaction between faculties and students. Regarding the students' satisfaction, they are satisfied towards online classes during the Covid-19. The regression model has revealed that statement x9 (Online Faculty provide good quality Feedback) has given highest impact on students’ satisfaction with online classes and found significant relationship at both 95% and 99% confidence level.
Mathematical Foundations of Real Numbers and its Application in Computation
Authors: Raikhola Sher Singh
Published: October 2024

The study of Real Numbers (R) is a fundamental pillar of Mathematical Analysis, serving as the cornerstone for a broad spectrum of Mathematical principles and practical applications. Real Numbers are examined both in theory and in practice, impacting fields like pure Mathematics, physics, engineering, and economics. This paper thoroughly explores Real Numbers, looking at their properties, how they are represented, and their significant role in Mathematical research and various applications. We highlight the importance of Real Numbers in advancing our understanding of Mathematics. This research article provides a comprehensive overview of the Mathematical foundations on Real Numbers and its application in computation. It explores historical developments, theoretical frameworks, Mathematical proofs, comparative analyses, applications, and future directions in the study of Real Numbers. The study aims to synthesize existing knowledge, highlight key contributions, theoretical framework and application in computation.
Human Resource Management and Technology: A study of the Status in Nepalese Enterprises
Authors: Pradhan Gopal Man
Published: October 2024

This article is concentrated on the study of use of technology in HR management system in Nepalese organizations. At present most of the most of the corporate organizations of Nepal use different forms of related software for managing human resource in an effective way to bring effectiveness in performance outcomes. They use technology in various HR activities consisting of recruitment, selection, training, development, financial transactions, performance appraisal, job analysis, HR planning, learning, performance management, career management, compensation management, and maintaining good labour and industrial relation. The main focus of the use of modern technology along with relevant software for managing HR activities is to bring specific system in organizational activities for improving performance to use resources consisting of money, material, machine and information technology in an effective way which helps to maximize productivity, maintaining quality and minimizing cost of products and services which facilitates to improving competitive strengths of the organization in the market. In practice it is found that most of the Nepalese enterprises especially unorganized sectors are still using manual system for managing HR activities of the organization.
Control-Lab-in-a-Box: Bridging the Gap between Control Theory and Engineering Practice
Authors: Pickering James Edward
Published: October 2024

Traditional control engineering teaching methods heavily rely on abstract mathematical concepts, often leaving students puzzled about real-world applications. Common simulation tools, such as MATLAB and Simulink provide a good visual demonstration but don't necessarily bridge the gap between theory and application. The proposed ‘lab-in-a-box’ approach offers a tangible method for students to connect control theory with a practical control engineering experience. The literature has observed a shift towards such portable labs, given the advancements in compact computing devices such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards in electronics and control teaching. The primary goal of these labs is to deliver an authentic engineering experience with essential hardware. Evaluation of this method, through the student module evaluation questionnaire (MEQ), revealed a significant increase in student satisfaction after its introduction. While the results are promising, challenges remain, such as the initial set-up of the kits. However, the ‘lab-in-a-box’ is found to be a valuable tool in control engineering education, bridging the gap between theoretical and practical understanding. An on-going development includes updating of the kits to match future engineering challenges and needs, e.g., electrification and autonomy of vehicles.
Making engineering education more sustainable through community-based learning and teaching
Authors: Shah Dr. Rehan , Preston Dr. Anne , Dimova Ms. Elena
Published: October 2024

Community-based learning and teaching offers engineering students a transformative educational experience that extends beyond textbooks, labs and classrooms by engaging students in co-creation activities with local community as part of their formal learning. By immersing themselves in real-world community contexts, engineering students develop practical skills, cultivate a sense of social responsibility, and become well-rounded professionals prepared to tackle the intricate challenges of our ever-evolving world.  
Community-based learning and teaching takes engineering education beyond the confines of ‘in-house’ produced project proposal briefs, leads to better opportunities for interdisciplinary learning (beyond engineering ‘subdisciplines’) and more opportunities for creativity and flexibility in how engineering problems are approached and solved. 
As part of an institution-wide study, in this paper we share specific findings from engineering educators, as well as university-wide engagement professionals and those supporting teaching and learning (24 in total), on the barriers and opportunities to community-based learning and teaching approaches. Using semi-structured interviews, we used thematic analysis to generate a series of themes which aligned with four key beneficiaries within engineering education: academics, students and community partners and university.
Our findings reveal the values and expectations, employability benefits and infrastructural considerations to implement this type of learning as part of future-facing and sustainable curricula in engineering. This includes areas such as motivation, role of the community, partnership building, development of leadership skills and networking and financial planning and relationship management.
The findings also provide useful context-specific recommendations for educators seeking to develop their own sustainable approaches towards facilitating community-based learning and teaching in engineering disciplines.
Designing Community-Based Placements in Engineering Education: Enabling the Student Voice
Authors: Dimova Elena , Campbell Kristyna , Lazar Irina , Shah Rehan
Published: October 2024

This practice paper captures the reflections of a workshop carried out at the Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium, in June 2023. Based on our on-going exploration of the experience of community-based placements for engineering in higher education, this opportunity supported us to gather insight from academic members of staff on the perceived role and value of this learning experience. 
 
The reflections indicated that the contributors felt that more clarity surrounding the role of community-based placements is required; that involvement of all stakeholders in placement design is needed; and that consideration for the approaches implemented to include students in learning design is also necessary.
Design and Development of a Professional Skills Coaching Framework for Engineering and Computing Degree Apprenticeship (DA) Programmes at Aston University
Authors: Heaselgrave Jennifer , Khandan Rasoul , Poursharif Goudarz
Published: October 2024

Aston University has provided Work-Based Learning (WBL) courses since the 1960’s. The introduction of Degree Apprenticeship (DA) levy funding in 2015 has led to a change of focus at Aston University from delivery of traditional WBL programmes to development of more than ten level 6 and 7 Engineering and Computing programmes in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS). These programmes were designed and developed organically over the years leading to different student support mechanisms and practice across the varying DA programmes. The growth of these programmes led to the establishment of the Aston Professional Engineering Centre (APEC) as a department in late 2020, overseeing all Engineering and Computing DA and non-DA programmes in the College. This, together with the regulatory aspects of DA programmes, in turn, led to investigating the historic role of the Professional Supervisor. This investigation combined with the prospective Ofsted New Provider Monitoring Visit (NPMV) in 2022 instigated a need for a shift from solely utilising professional supervisory roles for WBL activities to a consistent framework for skills-based, systems level thinking approaches, conducive to the corporate environment, via Professional Skills Coach adoption. This concept paper presents our innovative approach in supporting Engineering and Computing DA learners at Aston University by designing and developing a Professional Skills Coaching framework in 2022, underpinned by the pedagogical coaching approaches, as well as the way in which the model concept could be adopted by other STEM educators to support learners.
STEM Connections: A model for empowering academics to deliver outreach by reducing barriers to engagement
Authors: Jemmett Phil , Cannon Caroline , Diebolt Marie , Low Margaret
Published: October 2024

STEM Connections worked with academic staff to develop their skills and confidence to communicate with any audience. Through creating a demonstration of their area of expertise and speaking with school-aged students, the academics hear a range of perspectives and repeatedly practice pitching their presentations. This project aimed to develop staff, engage the public, and work in partnership with local cultural institutions – in this case CV Life. Training has been provided by third-party organisations, by the project team and by the partner institution in both years.
 
Over two years, the project has worked with 23 academic members of staff across 17 different areas of research. Events have been run with 19 schools, either within those schools or at Coventry Transport Museum, reaching a total of 944 students with high-quality interactions. As of January 2024, the online resources have received over 36,000 views. Demonstrations have been used outside of the STEM Connections project for interactions with visitors, VIPs, funding bodies, and also filmed by TV crews for media work. Several staff on the project have mentioned STEM Connections in promotion cases and award nominations. Produced materials have complimented academic teaching and have been used to explain concepts more effectively during lectures. All the project resources and staff involved can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/stemconnections.
 
The project targeted 5 key elements of outreach that are challenging for academics and may make engagement more difficult for them. This paper reflects on those challenges and how the project worked to reduce the barriers to engagement.
The importance of self-efficacy in transition to higher education: a case study on an online Induction resource for Master’s students
Authors: Martin Celine , Schrock Lauren , Palmer India , Knowles Nicola
Published: October 2024

The state of a student’s self-efficacy, or belief in oneself to achieve a particular result (Bandura, 1997), influences their academic performance (Schunk and Pajares, 2002). Hence supporting students to enhance their self-efficacy from the start of their learning journey is significant to achievement of their degree. One of the ways to improve student’s self-efficacy in their transition to university is through training since the provision of information and active learning enables students to make informed decisions about their education, professional development, and personal circumstances during their studies. This is significant for students who may not have studied previously in the UK since negotiating a foreign culture and education system can influence their confidence to thrive in a higher education environment. Therefore, the paper seeks to answer the question, “How does the self-efficacy of students who previously studied in the UK compare with students who did not previously study in the UK following completion of an online Induction resource?” by evaluating a virtual Moodle course designed and implemented in the 2022-2023 academic year to support students to transition into learning at an engineering and business department. Analysing responses collected from 61 full-time master's students to an online survey post-completion of the Induction resource, this initial study finds that the Moodle course is helpful in supporting student’s transition to study. Reflections and recommendations for improving this resource to benefit student self-efficacy are provided to support the work of engineering educators dedicated to enhancing the student experience.
From Formation to Evaluation: Optimising groupwork in STEM Degree Apprenticeships
Authors: Tipper Sarah , Al-Sebae Alaa , Rihawi Zeina
Published: October 2024

Engineering degree apprenticeships provide three to six years of job opportunities and training that lead to university qualifications up to and equivalent of a postgraduate degree. Within an apprentice’s time in higher education (HE), many are required to complete groupwork projects which bring several benefits and some challenges. This paper explores the effects and limitations of group work in the context of degree apprenticeships whilst discussing a plethora of group selection and assessment method solutions. This includes student self-selection methods in comparison to teacher-selected and randomisation for group selection; a suitable method of selection should be unbiased and optimise advantages of collaborative working. Through understanding the most effective form of assessment for apprentices, an academic policy can be adapted and influenced – acknowledging the learning differences between undergraduate students and degree apprentices.
 
As part of this work, a comprehensive literature review was carried and a survey was conducted and completed by the Bsc Digital and Technology Solutions students, BEng Applied Professional Engineering Programme students among others at the University of Warwick. The results of the survey provided quantitative and qualitative data surrounding group work.
 
Furthermore, the paper suggests appropriate solutions to group work issues surrounding the effectiveness of group work for degree apprentices, optimal group selection-methods, group performance, ensuring equal contributions and assessment and grading methods. The paper addresses some of the problems encountered by apprentices during their studies such as the free-rider problem and unequal division of work - providing solutions towards minimising such problems, including the integration of web-based tools such as MS Planner.
Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Level Apprenticeships: An initial reflection on improving distance-learner engagement and motivation
Authors: Bishop Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

This concept paper discusses the proposed implementation of learning supports via motivational scaffolding as method for improving engagement and motivation of Electro-Mechanical Engineering degree-level apprentices at the University of Nottingham. The paper focuses on a block-release programme where a large proportion of learning occurs online asynchronously. These apprentices have generally entered degree-level study from background vastly different from typical undergraduate students. Combined with the management of their normal job with their university study, there is a step-change in mind set required to be successful on the programme. Anecdotal feedback has previously suggested that around half of the apprentices on the programme found it challenging to settle into a successful work pattern within the first 6 weeks of the programme.
 
The proposed intervention aims to provide learners with the environment to learn and excel rather than spending time finding the study materials, or working out what is required of them. The intervention was developed in conjunction with a focus group of apprentices and a scoping survey released to all cohorts on the programme. The success of the intervention will be evaluated over the next academic year through further feedback surveys, focus group discussions and comparison of grades and engagement of online content.
Embedding Sustainability in Engineering Education World Café: Reflections for Future Practice
Authors: Makrinov Ninna , Adigun Lydia , Pontin David
Published: October 2024

We present the reflective learning account from organising a World Café to share engineering educators’ practices in embedding sustainability education, addressing the question: is the World Café a good practical solution to share sustainability education practice in our post pandemic world? Conversations have the power to create change, in line with approaches such as Critical Pedagogy (Giroux, 2020). Our perspective as diverse engineering educators informed the workshop and our reflections and this is mirrored in our analyses. The World Café is a process which has been extensively used to encourage open communication and problem solving (Brown, Isaacs and World Café Community, 2005) and which we thought relevant to enhancing sustainability education practices. A commitment to education for sustainable development (ESD) is increasingly expected (UNESCO, 2023; AdvanceHE and QAA, 2021) and engineering educators are rising to the challenge. Learning from one another, educators shared their actions, plans and dreams around the three pillars of sustainability. Using a Word Café to discuss challenges around sustainability education proved successful. We recommend that engineering educators and conference organisers consider this approach in creating a sense of urgency around sustainability that instigates collaboration and acts as a catalyst for action. The approach can be taken further by using it as a data collection tool, co-creating knowledge from our practice.
Improving Students Wellbeing, Resilience and Employability Skills in Capstone Projects - Highlights of Good Practice
Authors: Saad Rola , He Ya
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards providing comprehensive support to university students for their professional development, transferable skills, and employability. Capstone projects play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, equipping students to navigate the challenges of their future careers (Fung, 2017) . These projects often serve as a reflection of students' growth and development, with successful completion signifying the acquisition of essential skills and knowledge in their chosen field of study.
This engineering education practice paper explores the latest developments in engineering capstone project coordination, tutoring, and assessment, with a specific focus on enhancing student wellbeing. These practices aim to equip students with greater resilience, improved employability, and stronger teamwork skills, essential in the dynamic and diverse field of engineering. The intervention showcased here represents a significant enhancement for the 2022-2023 academic year in reinforcing the structure of capstone projects within the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at The University of Sheffield. Initial findings indicate improvements in student wellbeing and interpersonal skills due to well-structured tutoring support and clear module deliverables guidelines.
An Innovative Assessment for a Research Methods Module: Assessing Master’s Students Analytical Skills Beyond a Traditional Dissertation
Authors: Schrock Lauren , Masood Maryam , Iqbal Asima , Makrinov Ninna
Published: October 2024

Research methods education is significant for enabling postgraduate students to demonstrate a mastery of knowledge and skills required to achieve their degree (QAA, 2020). Yet there is a lack of research on how students are assessed in research methods apart from a ‘final project’ (Earley, 2014). This presents a gap in pedagogical scholarship in engineering education on the assessment of student’s analytical skills to conduct research. To address this gap, the paper investigates the research question: “How to assess engineering master’s student’s analytical skills for research?” The authors present a case study of reflective practice in which an innovative analytical skills assessment was designed for 955 full-time postgraduate students enrolled on a transferrable skills module offered to 6 master’s courses. The paper presents challenges in designing a constructively aligned assessment for a diverse group of students with varying research interests and disciplines. Based on the authors’ reflections, recommendations are provided on the design of innovative assessment of analytical skills for a large class of engineering and business students as well as a call to develop a culture of engineering education scholarship on research methods education.
Awareness of Modernity in the Poems of Ramswaroop Kisan's 'Main Annadata Koni' Collection
Authors: Jakhar Mahendra
Published: October 2024

The changing socio-cultural environment in the modern era has greatly affected human life. New inventions of science have made even the most difficult tasks of man very easy. On one hand, this era of mechanization has proved to be a boon for human life, on the other hand, man and the environment are also suffering its serious consequences. At present, due to the increasing ill effects of industrialization and mechanization, the problem of environmental crisis in various ways is standing as a big challenge for the human community. Increasing natural disasters are a clear indication of an impending crisis for humanity. The development of scientific technology has proved various social beliefs to be baseless. The changing socio-cultural environment has brought many changes in human life. A glimpse of social activities and human conditions can be seen in literature. Man, and the circumstances affecting him are at the center of today's literature. In this changing era, due to material facilities, a big change has come in human life. Social and cultural values are losing their existence. Man is trying to keep his cultural identity intact. The real depiction of social problems is seen in the poems of modern times.
Abstract in Hindi Language: आधुनिक युग में बदलते सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक परिवेश ने मानव जीवन को बहुत अधिक प्रभावित किया है। विज्ञान के नये-नये आविष्कारों ने मनुष्य के कठिनतम कार्यों को भी एकदम सरल बना दिया है। मशीनीकरण का यह दौर एक ओर मानव जीवन के लिए वरदान साबित हुआ है, तो दूसरी ओर इसके गंभीर परिणाम भी मानव तथा पर्यावरण को भुगतना पड़ रहा है। वर्तमान में औद्योगिकीकरण व मशीनीकरण के बढते दुष्प्रभावों के कारण विभिन्न प्रकार से पर्यावरण संकट की समस्या मानव समुदाय के लिए बड़ी चुनौती बनकर सामने खड़ी है। बढ़ती प्राकृतिक आपदाएं मानवता के लिए एक प्रकार से आसन्न संकट की और स्पष्ट संकेत है। वैज्ञानिक प्रौद्योगिकी के विकास ने विभिन्न सामाजिक मान्यताओं को निर्मूल सिद्ध किया है। बदलते सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक परिवेश ने मनुष्य के जीवन में बहुत से बदलाव ला दिए हैं। साहित्य में सामाजिक गतिविधियों एवं मानवीय परिस्थितियों की झलक देखने को मिलती है। आज के साहित्य के केन्द्र में मनुष्य एवं उसे प्रभावित करने वाली परिस्थितियाँ प्रमुख हैं। इस बदलते दौर में भौतिक सुविधाओं के फलस्वरूप मानवीय जीवन में भी बड़ा बदलाव आया है। सामाजिक एवं सांस्कृतिक मूल्य अपना अस्तित्व खोते जा रहे हैं। मनुष्य अपनी सांस्कृतिक पहचान को अक्षुण्ण रखने के लिए प्रयासरत है। आधुनिक काल की कविताओं में सामाजिक समस्याओं का यथार्थ चित्रण देखने को मिलता है।
Keywords: औद्योगिकीकरण, मशीनीकरण, मानवीय, सांस्कृतिक मूल्य, पूंजीवाद, शोषक, शोषित