bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Virally Exacerbated by SARS‐CoV‐2 and Influenza Infections: A Case Report
Authors: Gergoudis Maria , Laubach Logan , Lee Glenn E. , Donowitz Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2025

We present the case of a fully vaccinated 39‐year‐old male with no pertinent past medical history who initially presented with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis which was successfully treated with a corticosteroid injection. His symptoms recurred during a COVID‐19 infection, which was treated with a repeat corticosteroid injection. Symptoms recurred during an influenza infection and were subsequently treated with a first dorsal compartment release. The etiology of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis remains unclear. It has classically been categorized as a noninflammatory degenerative process, but recent evidence suggests a possible inflammatory connection. Here, we present a case of recurrent De Quervain’s tenosynovitis exacerbated by two distinct viral infections. We hypothesize that viral‐induced systemic inflammation led to localized recurrence of inflammation within the tendon sheath. Further studies including cytokine analysis and inflammatory markers are needed to advance this hypothesis.
A New Image Encryption Method Using an Optimized Smart Codebook
Authors: Sihwail Rami , Ibrahim Dyala
Published: January 2025

Information attacks have increased worldwide as more information is available in digital form. Image encryption is essential to prevent attackers from unauthorized access to confidential images. In this paper, we introduce a novel image encryption method called the smart codebook, which combines an intelligent codebook technique with the RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) algorithm. The proposed method is designed to be dynamic as it selects the most effective codebooks in encrypting each image to increase its ambiguity. The smart codebook method divides an image into several segments based on image dimensions, and multiple random codebooks are generated for each segment. Moreover, images go through several processing stages before they are converted into cipher images, including noise, segmentation, and encryption. The best codebooks are selected to create the encrypted image in the next stage. Finally, the RSA algorithm sends the recipient the code books with the cipher image. The evaluation of the proposed smart codebook depends on several factors, including entropy, unified averaged changed intensity (UACI), number of changing pixel rate (NPCR), and correlation coefficient analysis. The assessment of the proposed encryption method demonstrates its resilience against cryptographic attacks, affirming its security and precision. The results show an impressive improvement in securing images compared to previous related efforts.
The Imagined Home within the Cham Muslim Diaspora in Cambodia
Authors: Wiratri Amorisa , Sari Betti Rosita , Maunati Yekti
Published: January 2025

The Cham diaspora’s relationship to home and homeland is complex and marked by a number of tensions. Specifically, the Cham’s experiences of exclusion and migration have created a notion of imagined space regarding the places they call home. Based on ethnographic research conducted in 2010 and 2011, this paper addresses notions of home and the homemaking process among Cham Muslims in Cambodia, particularly those who reside in Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham. The analysis for this study is centred on the interplay of past experiences, spatial-spiritual-behavioural movement and the performance of piety through educational, sartorial and home décor preferences. Exploring narratives from the Cham community in Cambodia, this article illustrates how religious identity is entangled with perceptions of home and homemaking processes. This study found that younger and older Cham in Cambodia have different imaginings of home and belonging, based on their experiences, education and religious affiliation.
O leksyce religijnej „Psałterza Dawidowego” Mikołaja Reja (na marginesie rozważań o konfesyjnej przynależności pierwodruku)
Authors: Kowalska Danuta
Published: January 2025

On the Religious Lexicon of David’s Psalter by Mikołaj Rej (on the Margins of Considerations About the Confessional Affiliation of the First Edition)
The aim of this article is to analyse the religious vocabulary present in Mikołaj Rej’s Psałterz Dawidów [David’s Psalter], which was considered doctrinally significant in the polemics of the Reformation era. Linguistic analyses have shown that the Psalter, published in 1543, contains vocabulary  that, in later religious polemics, became representative of both the Protestant camp (e.g. zbór, zgromadzenie, uznać się, uznanie się, dufać, dufanie) and the Catholic camp (e.g. pokutować), which may indicate that the work under study did not yet have a confessional marking. The writer’s lexical choices are rather stylistic in nature and express his care for the diversification of the text in terms of synonyms. The translator, striving for a lively language, frequently introduced vocabulary which was new or rare in the Polish of the sixteenth century and did not yet have a foundation in literary tradition. In light of the analyses conducted, it cannot be ruled out that the translation could have been created as a work of a Catholic writer, closely listening to new ideas.
 
O leksyce religijnej Psałterza Dawidowego Mikołaja Reja (na marginesie rozważań o konfesyjnej przynależności pierwodruku)
Celem artykułu jest analiza słownictwa z zakresu leksyki religijnej obecnego w Psałterzu Dawidowym Mikołaja Reja, które w polemikach doby reformacji uznawane było za istotne doktrynalnie. Przeprowadzone analizy lingwistyczne pokazały, że wydany w roku 1543 Psałterz zawiera słownictwo, które w późniejszych polemikach religijnych stawało się wizytówką zarówno obozu protestantów (m.in. zbór, zgromadzenie, uznać się, uznanie się, dufać, dufanie), jak i katolików (m.in. pokutować), co może dowodzić, że badany utwór nie miał jeszcze konfesyjnego nacechowania. Leksykalne wybory pisarza mają raczej charakter stylistyczny, są wyrazem troski pisarza o synonimiczne zróżnicowanie tekstu. Tłumacz, dbając o żywy język, dość często wprowadzał do Psałterza leksykę nową albo rzadką w polszczyźnie XVI wieku, niemającą jeszcze oparcia w tradycji literackiej. W świetle przeprowadzonych analiz nie można wykluczyć, że przekład mógł powstać jeszcze jako dzieło pisarza-katolika pilnie wsłuchującego się w nowe idee.
Leveraging EdTech to drive AgriTech innovation for farmers in India
Authors: Palaniswamy Vasumathi , R Bargavi
Published: January 2025

This case study examines the convergence of educational technology (EdTech) with agricultural technology (AgriTech) to tackle the issues encountered by small-scale farmers in India. This method seeks to augment farmers’ understanding of contemporary agricultural techniques, boost production, and promote market access via the integration of digital learning platforms and novel farming technology. The case examines the creation and execution of FarmED, a mobile learning platform that offers farmers tailored lessons, expert advice, and real-time information on agricultural methods, weather predictions, and market rates. Students will examine the business model of FarmED, investigate the obstacles to EdTech implementation in rural regions, and evaluate the social and economic ramifications of this effort. The teaching case promotes dialogue on the integration of digital education and AgriTech to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, as well as the obstacles encountered in scaling these innovations in areas with limited digital literacy and infrastructural constraints. The example provides significant insights for students examining company strategy, technological management, and rural development.
Statelessness in the State: Citizenship and Rights of Adivasi People in the 47 (ST) Namsai Assembly Constituency of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Mahato Omprakash , Singh Prakash
Published: January 2025

Out of all other states in North-East India, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in the region inhabited by ‘many’ identities, each one of them having their own distinctiveness. The state and the politics of protected discrimination for Scheduled Tribes in the state have aided in the protection of cultural distinctiveness as well as brought up some of the emerging challenges to the ‘principle of fairness’. The research article focuses on Adivasis, examining the discrepancy between the rights they ‘ought to have’ and the rights they actually have as citizens in the Namsai assembly constituency of Arunachal Pradesh. This article aims to look into the concerns articulated by the Adivasis and how the rights of non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe are subsumed to protect the larger interest of the indigenous community. Amidst the debate on indigenous and outsider, this article examines the ongoing contestation between Adivasi and Tai-Khamti, Singhpho communities and explore the framework through which differences can be reconciled. The study engages with members from both communities to understand the ongoing concerns and examine the approach adopted by the state to navigate the concerns of the communities.
Definitions and use of tumour bulk in phase 3 lymphoma trials: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Wang Luke , Chung Eliza , Wellard Cameron , Barraclough Allison , Campbell Belinda A , Chong Geoffrey , Di Ciaccio Pietro R , Gregory Gareth P. , Hapgood Greg , Johnston Anna M. , Tam Constantine S. , Opat Stephen , Wood Erica M , McQuilten Zoe , Hawkes Eliza A
Published: January 2025

Tumour 'bulk' has historically been considered an important prognostic marker and clinical tool to guide treatment in patients with lymphoma. However, its use and definitions in trial designs varies significantly and it is unclear how this has influenced the relevance of bulk in contemporary practice. This comprehensive literature review evaluated the definitions, applications and prognostic impact of bulk in phase 3 randomised trials in four major lymphoma subtypes. Overall, 87 studies were identified across follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) with a wide range of bulk thresholds employed (5cm, 6cm, 7cm, 7.5cm, 10cm and >1/3 mediastinal mass ratio (MMR)). The most common threshold was: FL; 7cm (58%), DLBCL; 7.5cm and 10cm (44% each), PTCL; 7.5cm (66%) and HL; 1/3 MMR (91%). Bulk threshold was used by trials to determine eligibility (66%), stratification (24%), as a prognostic risk factor (37%) and decision tool for risk-adapted treatment e.g. radiotherapy (29%), however bulk definitions used for these varied both between, and within, lymphoma subtypes, and even within single trials in 25%. Thirty-two studies incorporated bulk in prognostic analyses with only five showing significance for differential survival outcomes. Our analysis demonstrates high inconsistency in thresholds defining tumour bulk and use of bulk in phase 3 lymphoma trials across eligibility, stratification, therapeutic risk-adaptation plus prognostication. This highlights an urgent need for international consensus on definitions of bulk within trials to improve its prognostic and predictive value and refine its application in clinical practice.
Early Prediction of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) from Diabetic Retinopathy using improvised deep Belief Network (I-DBN) with Optimum feature selection technique
Authors: Revathi T. K. , Sathiyabhama B. , Kaliraj S , Sureshkumar Vidhushavarshini
Published: January 2025

Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and it is estimated that 1 in 4 deaths happens due to it. The disease prevalence rate becomes higher since there is an inadequate system/model for predicting CVD at an earliest. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a kind of eye disease was associated with increasing risk factors for all-causes of CVD events. The early diagnosis of DR plays a significant role in preventing CVD. However, there are many works have been carried out on classification of the disease but they focused less on feature selection and increasing the accuracy of the model. The proposed work introduces Improvised Deep Belief Network named I-DBN to resolve the above mentioned problems and mainly to concentrate on improving the entire performance of the model leading to the unbiased output. We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for feature extraction and selection respectively. Five performance metrics have been used to assess the proposed model. The results of I-DBN outperform other state-of-the-art methods. The result validation ensures that I-DBN can deliver trustworthy recommendations to doctors to treat the patients by enhancing the accuracy of CVD prediction up to 98.95%.
Effects of respiratory sarcopenia on the postoperative course in elderly lung cancer patient: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Dong Jae , Na Kwon Joong , Yun Taeyoung , Park Ji Hyeon , Na Bubse , Park Samina , Lee Hyun Joo , Park In Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Recently, sarcopenia has been linked to unfavorable outcomes in various surgical procedures, including lung cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of respiratory sarcopenia (RS) on postoperative and long-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients aged 70 years and older who underwent lobectomy with curative intent for lung cancer between 2017 and 2019. RS was defined as having values below the median for both the L3 skeletal muscle index, measured from preoperative PET-CT images, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach was applied to balance covariates between the RS and non-RS groups. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups using t-tests and chi-square tests. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to compare overall and recurrence-free survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis incorporating IPTW weights was performed to assess the impact of RS on respiratory complications.

Results

A total of 509 patients were included, of whom 123 (24.2%) had RS. After IPTW adjustment, baseline characteristics, including pulmonary function, were similar between the RS and non-RS groups. All patients underwent lobectomy, with 78.8% of the RS group and 80.9% of the non-RS group undergoing minimally invasive surgery. The RS group had a significantly higher rate of respiratory complications compared to the non-RS group (14.5% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.041). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio = 15.2, p < 0.01) and lower DLCO (odds ratio = 0.96, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with respiratory complications, whereas RS did not show a significant association (p = 0.05). No significant differences were found in overall survival (p = 0.11) or recurrence-free survival (p = 0.51) between the groups.

Conclusions

In this study, RS had a limited impact on both postoperative and long-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. These findings suggest that other factors, such as DLCO and male sex, may play a more prominent role in predicting respiratory complications.
Intraoperative vascular anastomosis occlusion due to cold agglutinin disease during brain surgery: a case report
Authors: Kitamura Kazuma , Nakanishi Mayumi , Fukuoka Naokazu , Tanabe Kumiko , Kamiya Yoshinori
Published: January 2025

Background

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an autoimmune hemolytic anemia that induces blood coagulation and hemolysis upon exposure to cold temperatures. Strict temperature control is essential to mitigate these effects, especially during surgical procedures where hypothermia is possible.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old male, 165 cm and 72 kg, diagnosed with CAD, underwent cerebral vascular anastomosis. Intraoperatively, mean arterial pressure was maintained at or above 65 mmHg with phenylephrine administration, while body temperature was rigorously controlled between 36.5 °C and 37.5 °C using forced-air warming blankets and heated intravenous infusions. Despite these measures, thrombotic occlusion occurred, necessitating surgical thrombus removal, intravenous heparin administration, and irrigation of the surgical field with warmed saline followed by re-anastomosis. The anastomosis remained patent without recurrence of thrombus formation thereafter.

Conclusion

Preventing hypothermia is extremely important in the anesthesia management of CAD patients. However, careful attention must also be paid to temperature regulation in the surgical field.
Organization of Work with Youth: Main Directions and Accents in Educational Work at the Present Stage
Authors: Ivanova Irina
Published: January 2025

The article reflects the main areas of activity in the field of organizing work with youth, recognized by the leading regulatory and legal documents in the field of state youth policy. The materials of the article contain not only an appeal to regulatory and legal acts, but also to the results of research by domestic scientists, as well as a description of the practical experience of organizing work with youth at the present stage, disclosed in scientific and methodological articles. Social service is currently noted as the most important task in terms of organizing work with youth. The article may be useful for specialists working with youth, heads of organizations in the field of state youth policy, educational organizations, students of the training program “Organization of Work with Youth” (Master’s, Bachelor’s degree).
Can Caffeine Be an Effective Ergogenic Aid in Combat Sports? A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Komorowski Marcin , Janiszewski Michał , Pelczarska Aleksandra , Kaczorowski Rafal , Forenc Tomasz , Hunia Jaromir , Górny Julia , Jurek Jonasz , Kapciak Alicja
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, is commonly used by athletes to enhance performance across various sports, including combat sports. Its ergogenic properties, such as improved strength, endurance, and cognitive function, have been well documented in the literature. This paper explores the effects of caffeine supplementation on combat sports, specifically in disciplines such as judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and boxing. The impact of different doses of caffeine on performance in these sports is examined, along with potential risks, limitations, and considerations for its use.
Aim of Study: The primary aim of this study is to analyze the effects of caffeine on performance in combat sports, considering various factors such as optimal dosage, timing, and the impact of habitual caffeine consumption. Additionally, this paper evaluates the potential adverse effects, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular concerns, as well as the considerations regarding caffeine’s status as a banned substance in sports.
Material and methods: A review of the literature on caffeine and its effect was performed using the PubMed database.
Results and Conclusions: Caffeine supplementation consistently enhances performance in combat sports. Doses ranging from 3–6 mg/kg were found to improve strength, endurance, and reaction times across various combat sports, with higher doses being more effective for elite athletes. However, habitual caffeine consumption may diminish responsiveness to caffeine’s ergogenic effects. Caffeine’s potential adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate, were reported, with gender differences in sensitivity. While caffeine’s ergogenic effects are well-established, its use should be personalized, considering individual responses and training status. Furthermore, caffeine's legal status and potential interactions with other substances, such as alcohol and medications, must be considered in competitive settings.
Perspectives on creating an integrated Ukrainian refugee response in Romania
Authors: Racareanu Radu
Published: January 2025

This Open Space feature introduces us to the profound challenges that arise when providing human and humanitarian support to Ukrainian refugee children in Romania. Limited resources, the support for Ukrainian refugees by the general public in Romania, and the need to offer diverse programmes to meet diverse needs are just some of the obstacles to overcome. It shows us how Terre des hommes Romania promotes the latest insights from recent research, supporting families in protecting children and the meaningful participation of children in the decisions that concern them.
Children’s well-being in times of war: analysing the importance of family through home, objects and relationships
Authors: Ramos Anne Carolina , Riepl Andrea
Published: January 2025

In 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, resulting in one of the largest refugee crises in Europe. Switzerland took in around 60,000 Ukrainian refugees, many of whom were children. Drawing on qualitative interviews with Ukrainian refugee children (aged 8–14) who participated in the WoKidS (Children’s Well-being in German-Speaking Switzerland) project, we reconstruct the importance of family for their subjective well-being by addressing three interrelated aspects: home, objects and relationships. We argue that, despite experiencing adverse situations, refugee children are active participants in the processes of homemaking and the promotion of family co-presence and care across borders. Furthermore, the children’s perspectives expand our understanding of (transnational) families and (transnational) care, showing that well-being is relational and challenging the notion of family as ‘left behind’.
Preparing students and community organisations for effective use of ICTs through a service learning initiative
Authors: Wood Denise , Dodd Alice
Published: January 2025

While “net generation students” are said to respond best to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) that foster participation through collaborative and networked environments, the same cannot be said of the majority of community sector organisations. There is a growing body of evidence (Barraket, 2005; Department of Communications Information Technology and the Arts, 2005; Knox, 2005; Stillman et al, 2010; Yerbury, 2007) suggesting that the community sector is not yet harnessing the full potential of ICTs and that they could be using these technologies much more effectively (Barraket, 2005; Productivity Commission, 2010; Stillman et al, 2010; Yerbury, 2007). This paper describes a case study of service learning involving a cross-sector partnership between the public sector, university and community organisations aimed at developing student skills in web design through service learning, while also empowering community sector organisations to make more effective use of ICTs. The case study reported is based on a program which is a joint initiative of the State Government of South Australia, Office for Volunteers, and the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at the University of South Australia. The case study describes key issues associated with developing and delivering a service learning model in partnership with government and in collaboration with community sector organisations that harnesses the power of Web 2.0 and CMS technologies to engage learners and community sector organisations through service learning. The findings from evaluations of student and community stakeholder satisfaction are reported and suggestions for addressing identified challenges are proposed.
A case study on redesigning a mechanical engineering curriculum to promote self-directed learning
Authors: Thanasingam Santhakumari , Subbiah Sathyan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates how the infusion of a self-directed learning approach impacts on learning, teaching and curriculum content. Segments of a traditional mechanical engineering module, Net Shape Engineering were redesigned to promote self-directed learning. Instructional strategies were selected to promote SDL processes such a self- management, self-monitoring and self-modification. Two of 3 lessons reported here were restructured using structured problem solving and compared with the traditional approach. Data was collected using SDLRS, questionnaires and MCQ scores. It was found that the instructional strategy promoted self-management, self-monitoring and self-modification. In addition, the approach promoted active learning through greater engagement and interaction. There was however a difference in student preferences for the two approaches. The Low SDLRS scorers liked the approach because they could be more involved in the learning and they felt it improved their understanding. On the other hand, Average SDLRS scorers preferred the traditional method because it saved time, was more structured, provided them with hardcopy notes and opportunities for copying notes. They also felt they did not have to go through the time consuming process of discovering answers for themselves or bring laptops to class.
Fast and feral
Authors: Russell Carol , Posada John Paul
Published: January 2025

In 2010, UNSW’s Faculty of Engineering ran its own version of Moodle in parallel with institutional learning management systems. This looks like an inefficient local duplication of central services. But reflecting on the reasons why this happened, and on the outcomes so far, we realised that so-called ‘feral’ quick-fix software solutions can contribute a lot to the development of mainstream educational technology in universities. Specifically, they counteract some of the inevitable inertia, or more accurately homeostasis, in university systems with centrally managed online learning management. This case study illustrates the value of allowing for some local diversity and redundancy in a university’s educational technology.
Using academic analytic tools to investigate studying behaviours in technology-supported learning environments
Authors: Phillips Rob , Preston Greg , Roberts Pauline , Cumming-Potvin Wendy , Herrington Jan , Maor Dorit , Gosper Maree
Published: January 2025

Increasing flexibility in higher education is being provided to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Technologies such as lecture-capture systems have been employed by many universities to provide on-demand access to recorded lectures. This paper describes research into how students engage with lecture-capture technologies such as Lectopia as they study in blended learning environments. It reports on the development of an academic analytic tool to examine Lectopia usage logs to identify usage patterns among students in three units across two universities. A theoretical model of usage patterns has been developed to tentatively explain studying behaviour. Preliminary results suggest that patterns of use of Lectopia vary greatly across the student cohorts studied.
Ponderers, Sloggers, Slackers and more
Authors: McMahon Mark
Published: January 2025

Self-regulated learning is the fusion of skill and will. Students who can regulate their learning show a high level of self-awareness, are motivated and are able to adapt their approaches to the task at hand. Blogging may be seen as one approach to enhancing self-regulation but for that to take place, an understanding of how self-regulation is manifest in blogs must be developed. This paper identifies a range of blogger ‘profiles’ and offers suggestions as to how the processes in self-regulation can be developed through blogging as a learning activity.
Children, engagement and enjoyment in digital narrative
Authors: Karimi Arafeh , Lim Yan Peng
Published: January 2025

There have been many experiments being carried out in recent years by educators and designers in the digital narrative areas which engaged children progressively in the story environment in order to ensure that the experience is fun and enjoyable while maintaining the educational values (Robertson & Good, 2005). However, with the research and experiments in place, the demand is more focused on more engagement and enjoyment in children learning and digital playing environment. The intention of this study is to look into children’s engagement and enjoyment in a 3D digital narrative environment and to find out their likes and dislikes based on their experience. This study focuses specifically on how children interact with the Quest Atlantis and seeks to identify participants' enjoyment level by applying the combination of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) instrument (Ryan, 2006) and smileyometer (Read, MacFarlane, & Casey, 2002). Engagement was measured by time related factors as well as observation of each participant’s facial expression. Data sources used in this study include questionnaire, interview content, observational notes, and time records while a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed for analyzing the data. Findings of this study showed that in general, there was a high level of enjoyment which demonstrates a fun environment in terms of interest, enjoyment, perceived competency and perceived choice. Perceived choice was reported positive with low degree of pressure and tension. The related time duration data also showed that there was a high- level of engagement among the participants of this study. Facial expression observed from the children supported the results from the time related analysis while interview responses provided some interesting points about their enjoyment features. In this paper, the implication for digital narrative design, engagement features, and IMI scale findings will be discussed.
How does pre-service teacher preparedness to use ICTs for learning and teaching develop during the first two years of teacher training?
Authors: Gill Lincoln , Dalgarno Barney
Published: January 2025

Pre-service teacher development in the use of ICT in the classroom was one of three aspects investigated over a period of two years in a qualitative study. Data collection was performed using three semi-structured interviews (3 phases), this was analysed and the developmental positioning of the pre-service teachers determined using a model developed by Taylor (2004). The results illustrate the diversity in students' initial capabilities, and indicate that the students' development over time was impacted in the main by attitudes and beliefs formed in class and on teaching placements, hands–on experience, and modelling of ICT use. Due to the acknowledged need for graduate teachers to effectively integrate technology into their teaching, the results are likely to be of interest to teacher educators involved in early childhood, primary and secondary pre- service teacher education courses. The paper is also likely to be of interest to higher educators in other professional disciplines, particularly those in which changes to course structures and content have been proposed on the basis of assumptions about the capabilities of "Digital Native" students.
Transforming the teaching of report writing in science and engineering through an integrated online learning environment
Authors: Drury Helen , Jones Janet
Published: January 2025

This paper describes an ALTC (Australian Learning and Teaching Council) funded project, which addresses the development of students' report writing skills in science and engineering across the undergraduate years. The WRiSE project grew out of concerns about student performance in written assessments, as well as the need to improve graduate writing emphasised by employers and government. The project approach involved a collaborative team across two institutions. The team comprised language and learning specialists and discipline staff who developed learning materials and technical and eLearning specialists who converted these into online materials. Development followed a feedback spiral, which also involved student users. WRiSE is an integrated, freely available, student centred, online learning environment for report writing in nine discipline areas within science and engineering. In each discipline area, interactive learning materials have been developed to address both the product and process of report writing, as well as the concepts and content behind the reports students have to write.
WRiSE is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds who have had varying writing experiences as it can be accessed according to student needs.
Evaluation of WRiSE has been positive in the areas of user friendliness and improved understanding and confidence in report writing. Those students who used WRiSE have attained significantly higher grades in their reports than students who did not use WRiSE.
3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education
Authors: Dalgarno Barney , Lee Mark J.W. , Carlson Lauren , Gregory Sue , Tynan Belinda
Published: January 2025

This paper reports initial findings of a major scoping study that is being undertaken to examine current and planned applications of 3D immersive virtual worlds at higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand. This scoping study is the first of its kind in the region. It is parallel and complementary to several studies conducted in other countries, and results obtained thus far appear consistent with international trends. The overall research design of the scoping study is discussed, along with preliminary results from the Australian/New Zealand sector-wide questionnaire. There seem to be preferred platforms being used in the Australian and New Zealand context, and usage has increased dramatically in recent years. Academics are using 3D immersive virtual worlds with their students in a variety of ways, for both assessable and non-assessable tasks. The project is supported by the Distance Education Hub research consortium, with team members from Charles Sturt University and the University of New England.
Twitter tales
Authors: Cochrane Thomas
Published: January 2025

Web 2.0 tools provide a wide variety of collaboration and communication tools that can be appropriated within education to facilitate student-generated learning contexts and sharing student-generated content as key elements of social constructivist learning environments. This paper illustrates this by describing and evaluating an international design collaboration project between two courses on either side of the world. A key communication tool used by the project participants included Twitter. The paper reflects upon the impact of one of the student participant's (LisaTickledPink) serendipitous rise to Internet fame as a result of using Twitter for the project and gaining over 30,000 followers within a month. The project is evaluated within a framework of longitudinal research investigating the impact of mobile web 2.0 on higher education.
Using and evaluating publisher-supplied software
Authors: Blount Yvette , McNeill Margot
Published: January 2025

The availability of publisher supplied software products from publishers is becoming more common, yet there is little evidence in the literature about how these technologies can be utilised in specific contexts to develop a deeper level of engagement for students. This research project evaluated a publisher supplied software product, WileyPLUS to discover whether it was a tool that could encourage a deeper level of engagement from students and therefore a better learning environment. We also evaluated the resources and the experience of using the tools from the lecturer?s perspective. An evaluation checklist was developed that can be adapted to guide academic staff when selecting publisher supplied software tools in other contexts.
Indicators of engagement
Authors: Beer Colin , Clark Ken , Jones David
Published: January 2025

Student engagement has become synonymous with the measurement of teaching and learning quality at universities. The almost global adoption of learning management systems as a technical solution to e-learning within universities and their ability to record and track user behaviour provides the academy with an unprecedented opportunity to harness captured data relating to student engagement. This is an exploratory study that aims to show how data from learning management systems can be used as an indicator of student engagement and how patterns in the data have changed with CQUniversity?s recent adoption of Moodle as its single learning management system.
Label-free (fluorescence-free) sensing of a single DNA molecule on DNA origami using a plasmon-enhanced WGM sensor
Authors: Ghamari Shahin , Chiarelli Germán , Kołątaj Karol , Subramanian Sivaraman , Acuna Guillermo P. , Vollmer Frank
Published: January 2025

The integration of DNA origami structures with opto-plasmonic whispering gallery mode (WGM) sensors offers a significant advancement in label-free biosensing, overcoming the limitations of traditional fluorescence-based techniques, and providing enhanced sensitivity and specificity for detecting DNA hybridization events. In this study, DNA origami acts as a scaffold for the precise assembly of plasmonic dimers, composed of gold nanorods (AuNRs), which amplify detection sensitivity by generating strong near-field enhancements in the nanogap between the nanorods. By leveraging the strong electromagnetic fields generated within the nanogap of the plasmonic dimer, this platform enables the detection of transient hybridization events between DNA docking strands and freely diffusing complementary sequences. Our findings demonstrate that the salt concentration critically influences DNA hybridization kinetics. Higher ionic strengths reduce electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged DNA strands, thereby stabilizing duplex formation and prolonging interaction times. These effects are most pronounced at salt concentrations around 300–500 mM, where optimal conditions for duplex stability and reduced dissociation rates are achieved. By thoroughly investigating the hybridization kinetics under varying environmental conditions, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of DNA interactions and offers a robust tool for single-molecule detection with real-time capabilities.
Laser scanning in diagnostics of geometric imperfections of hyperboloid cooling towers
Authors: Makuch Maria
Published: January 2025

Hyperboloid cooling towers are distinctive tower structures designed to cool industrial waters by discharging their heat into the ambient air. Geometric imperfections of the hyperboloid cooling tower shell are the main, easily measurable symptom of structural strain and a significant factor in the development of safety hazards and failures of these thin-walled shell structures. This article presents an analysis of the use of a ToF and a phase laser scanner in the diagnosis of geometric imperfections of the reinforced concrete cooling tower shell. The reliability of TLS data in mapping the actual shape of the hyperboloid structure was confirmed on the basis of precise reflectorless tachymetry, which serves as reference data. Geometric imperfections of the hyperboloid cooling tower shell were determined by referring the TLS observation sets to a modified model hyperboloid, adjusted to the external surface by taking into account the actual, variable distribution of the shell thickness. Statistically confirmed compliance of the shell geometry analysis results, carried out on the basis of data obtained with two scanners with different parameters, showed no influence of the distance measurement system used in the scanning instrument on the effectiveness of detection of geometric imperfections of the hyperboloid structure. The results of the analyses of the shape of the cooling tower shell were consistent with the information on the geometric state of the structure, collected in the company archive. The imperfection maps generated on the basis of data obtained with the phase and the ToF pulse laser scanner clearly confirmed the deformations of the critical areas of the structure, which do not pose a real threat to the stability of the facility.
The use of photogrammetry in the survey management of utility network elements: an innovative approach to monitoring and control
Authors: Piech Izabela , Cieśla Przemysław
Published: January 2025

This paper discusses the potential for the use of photogrammetry in the survey management of utility network elements. Data acquired by direct measurement (tachymetric survey) was compared with data from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) raid. The benefits of using photogrammetry in management systems were presented, including improved accuracy of utility monitoring, efficiency of quality control, and the possibility to better plan the location of networks and resolve claims of property owners where utility elements are located (e.g. power lines). The research shows that photogrammetry, and in particular the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, significantly increases the precision and efficiency of measurements of utility network elements compared to traditional methods. The Geomax ZOOM 90 robotic total station was used to take direct measurements. It is an electronic total station equipped with servomotors, a rangefinder and proprietary software that allows the coordinates of measured points to be calculated in real time in the field. The survey was carried out in plane coordinate system: PL-2000/7 and elevation coordinate system: PL-KRON86-NH based on a photogrammetric matrix of known coordinates. The photogrammetric measurements, on the other hand, included images taken with an Autel EVO II Pro drone, which supports a GNSS RTK module to obtain differential data in real time. This makes it possible to obtain accurate coordinates of the UAV location. The object of the study was power lines located in the town of Bielcza, Borzecin municipality, Brześć Brzeskie county, Małopolskie voivodeship. Lines located on the south side of the A4 motorway by the service road and suspended between seven poles over a length of approximately 750 m were measured and inspected.
Event-Driven Data Mesh Integration: A Revolutionary Pattern for Modern Data Sharing
Authors:   Principal Engineer, Discover Financial Services, Houston, TX, USA, Kommera AdisheshuReddy
Published: January 2025

The Event-Driven Data Mesh Integration pattern revolutionizes modern data sharing by blending eventdriven architecture and the data mesh paradigm. This innovative approach decentralizes data ownership, enabling organizational domains to manage their data autonomously while ensuring real-time responsiveness and seamless scalability. Central to the pattern are event broker layers, domain-oriented data producers, event enrichment nodes, and a self-serve data product catalog. Key features include schema validation, policy-based governance, and real-time enrichment, fostering efficiency, compliance, and agility. Integrating AI-powered self-healing mechanisms further enhances resilience, automates recovery processes, and optimizes resource allocation. Applications span various sectors, from operational systems to analytics pipelines, enabling real-time decision-making and continuous improvement. This approach empowers organizations to innovate faster while maintaining robust data governance, scalability, and interoperability across autonomous domains, paving the way for intelligent and dynamic data ecosystems.
Enhancing Student Learning Efficiency Through Project Oriented Problem Based Learning in Renewable Energy Technology Course
Authors:   Department of EEE, Anurag University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Pulluri Harish , Kumar A. Naveen ,   Department of EEE, Anurag University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Saritha Dr. P. ,   Department of ME, Anurag University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India., Reddy Dr. Poli Lokeshwara ,   Department of ECE, Anurag University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Published: January 2025

Abstract— This paper investigates the transformation of a Renewable Energy Technology (RET) course syllabus via Project Oriented Problem Based Learning (POPBL), aligned with Constructive Alignment principles, to foster a student-centric learning environment. Traditional lecture-based methods often fall short in engaging students in complex subjects like renewable energy, prompting a shift towards PBL, emphasizing active learning and real-world problem-solving. The redesigning of the course involves mapping course objectives and core concepts to project themes and assignments, ensuring alignment between learning outcomes, assessments, and student activities. Integration of simulation models into project development offers hands-on experience in designing of the RET course. Post-implementation observations indicate that this approach significantly enhances problem-solving skills and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter, evidenced by the development of simulation-based projects. Therefore, the redesigning course syllabus empowers students to explore and apply renewable energy concepts practically, preparing them for future careers in the field and promoting innovation in renewable energy education. Keywords— Constructive alignment; Engineering education; Project based learning; Renewable energy technology; Simulation software.
Advancing the English-speaking proficiency of engineering students from CEFR level B2 to C2 using Problem Based Learning (PBL) Approach
Authors:   KLE Technological University, Shinge Jayanti , Kotabagi Dr Sanjay ,   KLE Technological University
Published: January 2025

Abstract— Effective English communication is crucial in engineering but challenging for non-native speakers. This study addresses the gap in English-speaking proficiency among engineering students, particularly from B2 to C2 on the CEFR. While PBL is known for enhancing practical skills, its impact on language abilities needs exploration. This research evaluates the effectiveness of a PBL approach in improving English-speaking proficiency among engineering students, hypothesizing that PBL, focusing on real-world problems, enhances language skills through contextually rich, interactive scenarios. Using action research, 46 engineering students participated in a PBL curriculum designed to enhance English-speaking skills, involving group work on engineering problems necessitating extensive English communication. Data collection included pre- and postintervention CEFR assessments, with analysis comparing pre- and post-test results to measure significant improvements. Preliminary results show significant enhancement in participants' speaking proficiency, with most advancing from B2 to C2 post-intervention, marked by improved fluency, accuracy, and complexity in spoken English. These findings highlight PBL's potential to integrate language learning with professional skill development in engineering education. The study confirms PBL's dual benefits in technical and language education, supporting its integration into engineering curricula to improve communicative competencies alongside technical expertise.

Keywords—Action Research; CEFR; Engineering Education; English Language Proficiency; Problem-Based Learning.