bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Others’ Seeing”: Herman Melville’s Erased Marginalia to Shakespeare
Authors: Hitchcock Netanya R.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay examines Herman Melville’s erased markings and annotations in his copies of The Dramatic Works of William Shakspeare and Shakespeare’s Sonnets . Filtered imaging and word cloud visualizations supplement analysis of the erasures’ recurring emphasis on censorship and gender conflict in conjunction with Melville’s literary works, correspondence, and extant marginalia to Shakespeare and other writers. Although the erasures target negative views of women, marriage, and society, instances of extant marginalia to passages with similar themes and evidence from Melville’s nuanced explorations of human relationships in his creative works indicate his overarching appreciation for the complexity that conflict supports in literature. Previously unaddressed in scholarship, the erased marginalia to Shakespeare reflect Melville’s preoccupation with society’s vilification of those who criticize it.
Facile fabrication of THz metasurfaces by a spatially shaped femtosecond laser printing system
Authors: Yu Xiaohan , Qian Jing , Rao Dan , Wu Junde , Yang Dingyi , Qi Dongfeng , Wang Guande , Liu Lequn , Zang Xiaofei , Han Jiaguang , Zhao Quanzhong
Published: July 2024

Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces provide unprecedented abilities to realize versatile THz wavefronts manipulations. Nevertheless, these high degree of freedom, non-periodic, densely arranged subwavelength unit cells pose numerous extreme parameter requirements for the fabrication of metasurfaces, presenting significant challenges to their practical application. Herein, a spatial shaping femtosecond laser printing system, based on spatial light modulation (SLM), is proposed for the creation of THz metasurfaces. Through programming the SLM with a sequence of computer-generated holograms (CGH) corresponding to C-shaped Bessel beams with varying opening angles and orientation angles, the C-shaped slit resonant rings with different geometric parameters—fundamental units of the metasurface—were precisely printed onto a gold film. To validate this technique, a THz metalens based on a phased gradient design and a THz holographic plate employing simultaneous phase and amplitude modulation were meticulously fabricated, displaying outstanding performance. Owing to the simple processing flow, high reproducibility, and wide applicability of materials, this technique stands out as a versatile and efficient approach for fabricating THz metasurfaces, with the potential to promote the commercialization of terahertz metasurfaces.
Improved protein complex prediction with AlphaFold-multimer by denoising the MSA profile
Authors: Bryant Patrick , Noé Frank
Published: July 2024

Structure prediction of protein complexes has improved significantly with AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold-multimer (AFM), but only 60% of dimers are accurately predicted. Here, we learn a bias to the MSA representation that improves the predictions by performing gradient descent through the AFM network. We demonstrate the performance on seven difficult targets from CASP15 and increase the average MMscore to 0.76 compared to 0.63 with AFM. We evaluate the procedure on 487 protein complexes where AFM fails and obtain an increased success rate (MMscore>0.75) of 33% on these difficult targets. Our protocol, AFProfile, provides a way to direct predictions towards a defined target function guided by the MSA. We expect gradient descent over the MSA to be useful for different tasks.
Family participatory clown therapy in venipuncture in hospitalized children: A non-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Tianyu , Chen Qiying , Lin Zhenhua , Ye Jingfang
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of family participatory clown therapy in venipuncture in hospitalized children.

Methods

We recruited 104 children aged 3 to 6 years for a non-randomized controlled trial from March to December 2022. All participants required peripheral venepuncture infusions for treatment. The children were assigned to either the control group (n = 52) or the experimental group (n = 52).Standard care was utilized in the control group. In the experimental group, two clown nurses and a parent provided family participatory clown therapy for 35–45 minutes per child before, during, and after venipuncture. We assessed children’s pain (FLACC and W-B FPS), anxiety (VAS-A), medical fear (CFS), crying incidence, compliance, parental anxiety (S-AI), and parental satisfaction.

Results

At venipuncture, the FLACC score was lower in the experimental group (4.46±2.053) compared to the control group (5.96±2.441), the W-B FPS score was also lower in the experimental group (4.96±2.392) than in the control group (6.35±2.266), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).The children in the experimental group had lower levels of anxiety, medical fear, crying, and parental anxiety than the control group. In addition, child compliance and parent satisfaction were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Family participatory clown therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, medical fear, and crying during venipuncture in children. It can also improve venipuncture compliance, reduce parental anxiety, and increase parental satisfaction.
What choices of visual correction do people make for recreational running?
Authors: Latham Keziah , Dunn Georgia , Morrison Andrew , Timmis Matthew A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Recreational runners who need refractive visual correction will need to choose the type of visual correction (spectacles, contact lenses, or no correction) to wear when running. The prevalence of correction choices and distinguishing demographic features associated with these choices of correction were investigated.

Methods

A 26-item online questionnaire covering demographics, running habits, and visual corrections used was answered by 941 people. Participants were aged 18 years or older, considered themselves a recreational runner and reported needing refractive correction for everyday life. Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression were used to determine the variables independently associated with including or avoiding types of correction for running.

Results & conclusions

Participants ran an average of 3.8times, 3.6hours, and 33.4km per week. Running habits were not associated with type of visual correction, suggesting that visual correction does not present a barrier to participating in recreational running. Solely using spectacles for running was the most common choice (38.8%) and they were worn for running at least sometimes by 65.8%. Fewer people wore spectacles for running than for general purposes (98.9%), suggesting spectacles have limitations for running. Spectacle wear for running was significantly associated with not having contact lenses available and longer duration of wearing visual correction. Running without correction was a common choice, with 15.5% of the sample only running without correction, and 26.2% running at least sometimes without their visual correction. Not wearing correction was significantly associated with not having contact lenses, a shorter duration of wearing visual correction, and a lower myopic refractive error. Contact lenses were the sole correction for running for 15.6% and were worn for running at least sometimes by 40.5%. Contact lenses were significantly more likely to be used by women and younger runners. Signposting runners to contact lenses if this has not previously been considered is recommended.
Life and love under criminalization: The experiences of people living with HIV in Canada
Authors: Tatham Christopher
Published: July 2024

Based upon qualitative interviews with 54 women and men living with HIV across Ontario, Canada, this paper examines the impact of HIV criminalization on the sexual and romantic relationships of people living with HIV. This research highlights the navigation strategies people living with HIV create and employ to both navigate and protect themselves from the law. Through a thematic and intersectional analysis, this study shows how adoption of these strategies is unequal, with access to navigation strategies varying along lines of gender, race, and sexual orientation. As a result, women and racialized people living with HIV face more difficulties navigating the impact of the law. HIV criminalization in Canada fuels and validates HIV stigma and produces vulnerability both within and outside of the relationships of people living with HIV. This paper seeks to understand HIV criminalization from the perspective of those governed by the law, in hopes of producing knowledge which will contribute to legal reform, inform policy, and support the development of efficacious secondary prevention initiatives.
Head and Neck Paraganglioma (HNPGL) Registry: A study protocol for prospective data collection in patients with Head and Neck Paragangliomas
Authors: de Bresser Carolijn J. M. , van Nesselrooij Bernadette P. M. , van Treijen Mark J. C. , Braat Arthur J. A. T. , de Ridder Mischa , Stokroos Robert J. , de Bree Remco , de Borst Gert J. , Rijken Johannes A. , Petri Bart-Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a lack of comprehensive and uniform data on head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs), and research is challenging due to its rarity and the involvement of multiple medical specialties. To improve current research data collection, we initiated the Head and Neck Paraganglioma Registry (HNPGL Registry). The aim of the HNPGL Registry is to a) collect extensive data on all HNPGL patients through a predefined protocol, b) give insight in the long term outcomes using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), c) create uniformity in the diagnostic and clinical management of these conditions, and thereby d) help provide content for future (randomized) research.

Methods and analysis

The HNPGL Registry is designed as a prospective longitudinal observational registry for data collection on HNPGL patients and carriers of (likely) pathogenic variants causative of HNPGLs. All patients, regardless of the received treatment modality, can be included in the registry after informed consent is obtained. All relevant data regarding the initial presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will be collected prospectively in an electronic case report form. In addition a survey containing the EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Short QUestionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH), Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be sent periodically. The registry protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board of the University Medical Center Utrecht.

Conclusion

The HNPGL Registry data will be used to further establish the optimal management for HNPGL patients and lay the foundation for guideline recommendations and the outline of future research.
Online measurement method for dimensions of disk parts based on machine vision
Authors: Miao Jianwei , Tan Qingchang , Sun Baorui , Zhao Jinghe , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Yongqi
Published: July 2024

Online measurement of disk part dimensions by the standard industrial camera features low cost, high efficiency and good universality, but the impact of projection distortion and end face chamfer on measurement is needed to overcome. Present work presents a measurement method to resolve above issues based on machine vision. To improve the measurement accuracy, lower end face of a disk part is determined as calibration plane and the upper end face is measurement plane. To reduce the impact of projection distortion and chamfer on measurement, the measurement points are reconstructed on the measurement plane by re-projection. Then, the inner and outer diameters of disk parts are measured by circle geometric fitting, and the thickness is calculated by the measurement plane position. The experimental results show that the method can online measure disk part dimensions just by a single image, and accuracy meets the requirements of universal grade disk parts.
In silico exploration of deep-sea fungal metabolites as inhibitor of Ebola and Marburg VP35 and VP40
Authors: Alanzi Abdullah R. , Alajmi Mohammed F. , Al-Dosari Mohammed S. , Parvez Mohammad K. , Alqahtani Moneerah J.
Published: July 2024

VP30 and VP40 proteins of Ebola and Marburg viruses have been recognized as potential targets for antiviral drug development due to their essential roles in the viral lifecycle. Targeting these proteins could disrupt key stages of the viral replication process, inhibiting the viruses’ ability to propagate and cause disease. The current study aims to perform molecular docking and virtual screening on deep-sea fungal metabolites targeting Marburg virus VP40 Dimer, matrix protein VP40 from Ebola virus Sudan, Ebola VP35 Interferon Inhibitory Domain, and VP35 from Marburg virus. The top ten compounds for each protein target were chosen using the glide score. All the compounds obtained indicate a positive binding interaction. Furthermore, AdmetSAR was utilized to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the inhibitors chosen. Gliotoxin was used as a ligand with Marburg virus VP40 Dimer, Austinol with matrix protein VP40 from Ebola virus Sudan, Ozazino-cyclo-(2,3-dihydroxyl-trp-tyr) with Ebola VP35 Interferon Inhibitory Domain, and Dehydroaustinol with VP35 from Marburg virus. MD modeling and MMPBSA studies were used to provide a better understanding of binding behaviors. Pre-clinical experiments can assist validate our in-silico studies and assess whether the molecule can be employed as an anti-viral drug.
The land of homesickness: The impact of homesteads on the social integration of rural migrants
Authors: Wu Yanbo , Xu Minghao , Li Shichen , Wang Hongwei , Dong Qi
Published: July 2024

Promoting the social integration of rural migrants is key to improving the mechanism of rural-urban integration and development. This study utilizes the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey and matched urban macro data to systematically explore the impact of homesteads on the social integration of rural migrants. Research has shown that social integration of rural migrants will be inhibited if they own homesteads. Simultaneously, the degree of inhibition varies according to the individual characteristics of rural migrants, the region to which they belong, and other factors. Specifically, when rural migrants aged 18 to 50 own homesteads, their degree of social integration into the cities they move into will be low. At the same time, for rural migrants in the central region, homestead ownership will not affect their degree of social integration. In addition, the mechanism analysis shows that increased housing expenditure inhibits rural migrants’ willingness to integrate. Meanwhile, owning contracted land and owning a house in the city also affect the degree of social integration of rural migrants to a certain extent. The findings of this study can broaden research on the effects of land on the free movement of population factors. In the meantime, it provides theoretical references for improving the level of social integration of migrants, enhancing people’s well-being, and improving the mechanism of urban-rural integration and development.
A Bayesian network for modelling the Lady tasting tea experiment
Authors: Xie Gang
Published: July 2024

A cup of tea can be made in one of the two ways: the milk or the tea infusion was first added to the cup. The Lady Tasting Tea experiment consists in mixing eight cups of tea, four in one way and four in the other, and presenting them to the Lady for judgment in a random order. This short article presents a Bayesian Network (BN) for modelling the Lady Tasting Tea experiment that provides a comprehensive perspective in inferential analysis of all the data samples possibly generated from the experiment. More specifically, with respect to a prior distribution of three possible levels (pure guessing, 75% sure, and 100% sure) of the Lady’s ability in correctly deciding how a served cup of tea has been made, the proposed BN model enables us to calculate the posterior probabilities of any judgment outcomes possibly made by the Lady.
Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Heavy Metals and Bacterial Contamination in Badshahpur Lake, Gurugram, India
Authors: Dua Pooja , Chauhan Abhishek , Ranjan Anuj , Chauhan Ritu , Dimri Amita G. , Jindal Tanu
Published: July 2024

This study aims to assess the microbial load and heavy metals contamination in water samples from Badshahpur lake situated in Gurugram city, India across three zones. A total of 132 water samples were collected: 47 from zone 1, 40 from zone 2 and 45 from zone 3. The microbial load was quantified as total bacterial count (TBC) and concentrations of heavy metals viz. cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), tin (Sn) and methyl mercury (MM) were measured using ICP-OES. In zone 1, TBC ranged from 5.2 × 103 to 3.7 × 109 CFU/mL, with the highest microbial load at IEWS-A11. Cadmium level was recorded higher at 0.044 mg/L at IEWS-A21 and copper concentrations reached 0.091 mg/L at IEWS-A18. Lead and chromium were also detected, with concerning levels of 0.039 mg/L and 0.031 mg/L, respectively. Zone 2 showed TBC from 4.0 × 104 to 6.7 × 108 CFU/mL, with significant heavy metal concentrations, particularly copper at 0.088 mg/L and cadmium at 0.038 mg/L. Zone 3 exhibited TBC ranging from 4.0 × 103 to 5.1 × 108 CFU/mL, with the highest cadmium concentration of 0.046 mg/L at IEWS-C25 and copper at 0.086 mg/L at IEWS-C12. Among all bacteria tested, the ubiquitous presence of E. coli across all zones indicates widespread faecal contamination. The results emphasize the areas with significant levels of heavy metal pollution, highlighting the importance of consistent monitoring of water quality, improved water treatment methods, and enhanced sanitation infrastructure to reduce health hazards and safeguard the stability of the environment.
Modified QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS Method for Forensic Quantification and Validation of Acyclovir and Amantadine from Biological Matrices
Authors: Gopi Priyanka , Singh Chintan , Rani Majji Sai Sudha , Sarin R.K. , Pandya Prateek
Published: July 2024

Antiviral drugs exhibit various toxic effects such as teratogenicity, carcinogenicity and surprisingly neurotoxic effects that mimics that of drugs of abuse as indicated by the in silico toxicological studies performed and corroborated with published literature. Despite extensive studies on antiviral drugs, their forensic implications regarding individual toxicity, drug interactions, overdose and abuse have been overlooked. Consequently, there is a critical need to develop an analytical strategy for forensic detection of these antivirals. In this study, a simple and selective LC-MS/MS method is developed to determine toxic antivirals acyclovir and amantadine in urine, saliva and gastric fluid. The modified QuEChERS extraction was followed by chromatography on a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase of 5 mM ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid in methanol. Detection was performed using a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. The validation of method, adhering to SWGTOX guidelines, demonstrated excellent linearity, precision and accuracy, covering a linear range of 5-200 ng/mL for both drugs. The limit of detection ranged from 14 to 20 ng/mL and the limit of quantification ranged from 40 to 63 ng/mL for acyclovir and amantadine. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied to the forensic detection of antiviral drugs in gastric lavage, exhibiting robustness and reproducibility.
Influence of Fibre Loading on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Fibre Reinforced Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Aloka N.A. Kaushi , Jayasinghe R.A. , Priyadarshana G. , Nilmini A.H.L.R.
Published: July 2024

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic weed, threatens ecosystems by rapidly spreading across water surfaces. However, this study investigates its potential as a fibre source for various applications. Decorticated water hyacinth fibres were mixed into a polyethylene matrix at different weight ratios (0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5%). The resulting composites underwent thorough physico-mechanical characterization. Tensile strength showed a non-linear relationship with fibre content with the 5% fibre composite exhibiting the highest strength at 8.6 MPa. Fractographic analysis revealed the strength reduction was due to poor interfacial bonding. Flexural and impact strength increased with higher fibre content, peaking at 10.07 MPa and 26 J m-1, respectively, in the 12.5% fibre composite. Composite hardness rose from 43.9 to 45.5 Shore D with fibre inclusion, while density decreased. Moisture absorption and flammability increased with fibre content. This study highlights the potential of water hyacinth fibre reinforcement in polymer composites.
Physico-chemical Characteristics of Keratin Extracted from Three Commercial Bird Feathers and their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Lawrance A. , Rose Mary D. Leema , Felicita A. Edwina Sherley , Arockianathan P. Marie
Published: July 2024

Commercial bird feathers waste is a major environmental concern that must be modified in an eco-friendly way into value added products. In this study, keratin samples extracted from three commercial bird feathers (broiler, Turkey and country chicken) were compared and characterized. The chemically extracted keratin samples were analyzed using Kjeldahl method, SDS-PAGE, HPLC, SEM, FTIR, XRD techniques and also evaluated its antibacterial activity. The extracted samples showed low molecular weight and confirmed its secondary structure by FTIR spectra. The amino acids composition was similar in all keratin samples whereas the amino acids content was found to be higher in broiler keratin. All the samples retain their chemical structure and crystallinity. The antibacterial activity of keratin samples was identified by a well diffusion method and the zone of inhibition was found to be greater for broiler keratin compared to other samples. Thus, broiler feathers keratin can be utilized in future for more protein derived products due to its higher protein content and antibacterial activity.
Beef calf production: Consumption and cost-effectiveness – A Mini-Review
Authors: Dutra Ingridy Carvalho , Santos Wêndel Bispo Santos e , Silva Fabiano Ferreira da , Pires Aureliano José Vieira , Dutra Geovana de Carvalho , Silva Nadjane Vieira da , Sousa Mateus Pereira , Silva Hackson Vieira da
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to analyze different forms of supplementation for beef calves, considering the relationship between consumption and cost-benefit, aiming at weaning performance. High concentrate levels may reduce forage consumption, which is undesirable as supplementation should increase the efficiency of forage and milk use. The ideal amount of concentrate is 0.5% of the calves' body mass, without changing feed and milk consumption. The supplement must contain between 8% and 30% protein to avoid metabolic disorders and ensure good performance. Adding 10% salt to the concentrate increases economic viability, even with lower consumption, resulting in greater gains and profitability. Adequate supplementation guarantees greater mass at weaning and better daily gain, as long as nutritional management is balanced and economically viable.
Comparative yield of maggots and nutrient composition of maggot meal produced from three different substrates
Authors: Ojeniyi Ojebiyi Olusegun , Oyeyemi Idowu Adijat , Uche Onyia Samuel , Oluseyi Oluyemi Elizabeth , Olajide Oyetunde Sodiq , Mary Leshaodo Atinuke
Published: July 2024

As part of the effort in developing alternative protein ingredient to reduce the costs of feed associated with livestock production, maggotries were constructed to compare the yield and chemical composition of maggot meal produced from three substrates – poultry dropping, pig, and cattle dung. 150 kg each of poultry droppings, pig, and cattle dung were assigned into three treatments and further divided into 3 replicates of 50 kg each. Three liters of fresh cattle blood (attractant) was added per replicate without stirring. The housefly (Musca domestica) shed its eggs on the blood in the course of feeding which later developed into maggot. The collection of data started 5 days after the emergence of maggots on the substrates. 4.91 kg of maggot was obtained from poultry dropping, 3.53 kg from pig dung, and 0.95 kg from cattle dung. The chemical composition showed that maggot meal produced from poultry dropping substrate is higher in crude protein and crude fat (42.53% and 7.38%) than that of pig dung (40.78% and 6.08%) and cattle dung (41.69% and 6.29%) respectively. The amino acids composition of maggot meal produced from poultry dropping (lysine 0.89%, methionine 0.67%, and tryptophan 0.74%) were also comparably higher than that from pig dung (lysine 0.57%, methionine 0.38% and tryptophan 0.51%) and cattle dung (lysine 0.76%, methionine 0.51 kg and tryptophan 0.68%). However, the microbial load and mineral composition were observed to be higher in maggot meal produced from pig dung than those obtained from poultry dropping and cattle dung. Poultry dropping is of higher yield in maggot meal production, crude protein, crude fat, amino acid composition, and lower microbial load than pig and cattle dung. Although the maggot meals obtained from the three substrates can be used as an alternative protein source, poultry dropping has a higher yield and nutrient profile.
Comportamiento de compra del cliente de droguerías en tiempos de pandemia por Covid-19 en Boyacá, Colombia
Authors: Limas Suárez Sonia Janneth , Zorro Zorro Luz Ángela , Williams Echeverri Carolina Rosa
Published: July 2024

El comportamiento de compra del consumidor ha cambiado drásticamente a raíz de la pandemia por Covid-19, lo que transformó los hábitos de compra e impulso una nueva dinámica en las tendencias de los consumidores a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis del comportamiento de compra del cliente de droguerías en tiempos de pandemia por Covid-19 en Boyacá (Colombia). El método utilizado fue descriptivo, empírico, cuantitativo. Los resultados muestran nuevas tendencias en el comportamiento de compra del cliente de droguerías a causa de la pandemia, ya que aumentó el uso de la tecnología para obtener información y acceso a los productos. Además, incentivó la compra por medios digitales, lo que llevó a que las droguerías tengan mayor visibilidad en Internet, abriendo nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento y competitividad empresarial y una notoria aceleración de la transformación digital en el mundo empresarial.
Políticas públicas de emprendimiento y empresas resultado de investigación universitaria en el departamentodel Meta (2006-2018)
Authors: Quiñonez Mosquera Guillermo Alejandro , Santiago Gallo Juan Carlos
Published: July 2024

Al analizar el impacto de las políticas públicas de emprendimiento (PPE) en Empresas Resultado de Investigación Universitaria (ERIU) en el departamento del Meta para el periodo 2006-2018 se pudo observar a través de los instrumentos de investigación (encuestas, entrevistas, consulta de bases de datos, regresiones lineales simples) que las PPE presentan fallas en su territorialización, existe proporcionalidad y relación entre dichas políticas y las ERIU, aunque verdaderamente no dependa la creación de empresa de manera significativa de estas políticas de gobierno; de otra parte, las instituciones de educación superior no propician el fomento de ERIU y, finalmente, los emprendimientos universitarios son desarrollados esencialmente para cumplir con un requisito de grado a fines de adquirir algún título académico.
Connotation and Myth: Language Expression of Gen Z through WhatsApp Emoticon
Authors: Wulandari Sri , Rahma Aisya Fauzia , Bakthawar Puri
Published: July 2024

Compared to previous generations, Generation Z (Gen Z) lives in a different lifestyle and culture. Since their youth, Gen Z cannot be separated from digital and technological aspects in their daily life. In communication, it can be assumed that Gen Z is familiar with the use of WhatsApp as their primary communication medium. It is proven that in the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, WhatsApp was crucial as a communication medium by Gen Z. On the other hand, communication patterns in digital space are quite different from traditional verbal communication. There are many features in WhatsApp, one of them is emoticon features, that make the process of language interpretation become ambiguous and multi-interpretative. This study aims to uncover that language phenomenon, especially by analysing connotations and myths represented in WhatsApp emoticons used by Gen Z, using the perspective of Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. The results of this research show that through the WhatsApp emoticons used by Gen Z, it can be concluded that WhatsApp emoticons are often used arbitrarily by Gen Z, which then implies certain connotative meanings, which are also related to the context of the conversation being built. The myth that underlies this phenomenon is the cultural background of Gen Z as a generation that cannot be separated from technological aspects, thus allowing for their authentic uniqueness in language styles, caused by the mediated language through digital platforms such as WhatsApp.
Using online learning modules to fight against antibiotic resistance in Australia
Authors: Reyna Jorge , Khanal Santosh , Morgan Tessa
Published: July 2024

NPS MedicineWise and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) have launched a series of online learning modules designed to help combat antibiotic resistance in hospitals. The aim of the modules is to fill a previously unmet need for an online teaching resource on a common curriculum for hospitals and universities. The modules address specific areas where antibiotic use in hospitals needs improvement. Problem Based Learning has been used as pedagogical approach for the modules. Clinical scenarios are presented with a logical progression of tasks including clinical assessment and diagnosis, investigations, interpretation of results, and antibiotic selection. Expert advice and feedback has been incorporated at each step, helping to improve learning outcomes. Learners can access the modules at their own pace and revisit them upon completion. We report, for the first time, participants' perceptions of the antimicrobial modules as learning resource, usability issues, and possible areas of improvement.
The Learning Ecosystem
Authors: Norris Leona , Eyt-Dessus Annora , Holtham Clive
Published: July 2024

This paper reflects our journey towards the dream of a seamlessly enhanced teaching and learning framework to support our academic excellence through VLEs. While we often seek to move forward and embrace the future of education, it is increasingly important to reflect on the importance of our present, both in terms of a stable base to build onto and as a rich source of lessons to be learnt. We therefore seek move away from repeating the mistakes of our past, taking a broader holistic perspective of the embedding of technology in education. Our model and practices draw on literature to build on analogy of a learning ecosystem, which then informs our first steps in a brave, new "recombinant" form.
A window into lecturers' conversations
Authors: Mirriahi Negin
Published: July 2024

With the rapid rise in interest in open and online education and flexible learning initiatives across the higher education sector, senior administrators are establishing strategies and policies concerning technology-enabled learning. However, technology adoption and integration with pedagogical practice is complex and multi-dimensional with the socio-cultural nuances that impact acceptance often remaining undetected. Reporting on a subset of results from a larger investigation of factors influencing lecturers' technology adoption, in this paper the author reveals how the relational ties and technology-related conversations amongst lecturers stimulate the exchange of ideas. Understanding how lecturers learn about new technologies can help higher education leaders to provide the support mechanisms necessary to foster further knowledge sharing and eventual technology adoption by educators.
Does the use of the TPACK model enhance digital pedagogies
Authors: Maor Dorit
Published: July 2024

This paper reflects on the use of the TPACK model in e-learning courses to enhance students' ability to use technology in their learning and later in their professions and to introduce the concept of digital pedagogies. To maximize students' learning, this model was disseminated in the design of the course, the learning activities and the assessment. The aim was to encourage students to become reflective learners and to create knowledge collaboratively. Different technological tools such as iPads, ePortfolio together with digital pedagogies were used to enhance the students' learning experience and obtain students' reflections and feedback on the unit. Digital pedagogies refer to teaching-learning approaches in which new technologies change the way we teach. From the thirty postgraduate students in the unit, there were different responses to digital pedagogies. Some felt it transformed their learning while others resisted and did not participate in the interactive spirit of the class.
Assessing Collaboration in a Web-based Constructivist Learning Environment
Authors: Leow Fui Theng , Neo Mai
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on studying the students' collaborative processes within a web-based learning environment. A constructivist web-based learning environment was designed using Jonassen's (1999) CLE model, and centered around a multimedia group project and the use of web 2.0 tools. The project was undertaken by students at INTI International University, Malaysia, and worked in a project group of 4 members. This study assesses students' perception, attitude change, language acts through the use of several data collection instruments, including questionnaires, open-ended questions, interview, and students' interaction records in web-based applications. Factor analysis was performed on quantitative data, whereas the framework of CMCL was used to investigate the qualitative data to identify the collaboration and communication through their communicative acts during project development process. Results showed that group collaboration provided peer support, increased their motivation and satisfaction, and more communication and interaction were stimulated in the learning process.
Creating engagement and cultivating information literacy skills via Scoop.it
Authors: Antonio Amy , Tuffley David , Martin Neil
Published: July 2024

The appropriation of digital content by higher education students reflects a significant change in learning paradigms. The traditional classroom model in which instructors were the sole source of information and knowledge is being replaced by a model that allows learners to collect, share and co-create knowledge. By integrating Scoop.it into the curriculum, this paper explores the potential of Scoop.it for both creating engaging learning experiences and cultivating digital information literacy skills. It will be shown that while Scoop.it facilitates engagement, it was less successful as a tool for improving students' digital information literacy skills.
Cross-institutional development of an online open course for educators
Authors: Smyth Keith , Vlachopoulos Panos , Walker David , Wheeler Anne
Published: July 2024

The Global Dimensions in Higher Education module is a fully online open course for educators, jointly developed by three UK universities through a process of consultation and inquiry involving colleagues within the global education sector. The purpose of the module is two-fold. Firstly, to engage academics within and beyond the partner institutions in a critical exploration of transnational and global issues within higher education. Secondly, to provide the project partners with an opportunity to understand and address the challenges of jointly developing and delivering an online course that is to be offered both openly as well as integrated within credit-bearing and continued professional development provision for academics in the partner institutions. This short paper describes progress to date in developing the Global Dimensions in Higher Education module, our current activity focused on validating and implementing the module, and lessons learned to be considered for the collaborative development of open online courses.
Understanding our present
Authors: Saunders Darryl , Reedy Alison
Published: July 2024

The Disputes Resolution unit in the School of Law at Charles Darwin University demonstrates how new technologies can be used in higher education to design connected, innovative and interactive learning environments that stimulate the teaching of practical mediation skills. A pedagogic approach suited to online teaching is used in which online role-play scenarios are conducted using a variation of the online fishbowl approach. With this approach internal and external students take on character roles and interact in a synchronous online environment during a two-week intensive teaching block. The students jump in and out of their roles over the course of the two weeks as they research, role-play, interview and conduct peer reviews of the interactions. New technologies combined with innovative pedagogy enable the repositioning of external students as very much internal in the learning process and a new level of connection and interaction is possible between internal and external students.
Gamification of Tertiary Courses
Authors: Paisley Varina
Published: July 2024

'Gamification' is the implementation of game elements into non-game settings. In education, the purpose of gamification is to increase student engagement and motivation through the introduction of game elements such as leaderboards, badges and levels. Currently there is limited research into gamification in education and much of the research has focused on young children and 'play' or the implementation of gaming into classes, often technology based classes. This study explores the effectiveness of gamification in tertiary management education which may have implications for a wide range of tertiary education fields and identifies areas for further research.
Imagining the future of assessment
Authors: Oliver Beverley , Souter Kay
Published: July 2024

MOOCs are beginning to affect the business models of higher education providers by hastening the 'unbundling' of some of the central functions of higher education, particularly formal credit for learning and providing pathways to further study. This paper reports on Deakin University's work in this sphere in a newly launched MOOC, Humanitarian Responses to 21st Century Disasters. In this course, assessment has been 'flipped', so that instead of being examined, students are invited to demonstrate their achievements against learning outcomes and achieve peer credit badges that can be shared on LinkedIn and Facebook. If they choose, up to 100 students can also pay $495 for formal assessment. Those whose learning evidence is assessed as meeting all the requirements will be granted the equivalent of one subject credit when applying for entry to particular degree courses. This developing model may extend the benefits of higher education.
Distributed Digital Essay
Authors: Nicolson Fiona , Love Sherrie , Parsell Mitch
Published: July 2024

A key challenge faced by higher education is the evolution of assessment tasks to better suit the participatory and collaborative way in which our students use the web. This paper provides a model for a distributed digital essay that incorporates academic rigour with the peer discourse that has become the norm for digitally literate scholars active in social media. Our model is derived from a community of inquiry approach and prioritises students' engagement with the academic literature in their discipline. The model empowers the students to extend their learning community beyond the boundaries of their particular student cohort into a professional network. Students produce a digital artefact in which they expound their evidence-based knowledge and also demonstrate how they have used social media to test and consolidate their understanding. We provide an example that demonstrates how the distributed digital essay task was integrated into an online, postgraduate unit with an inquiry-based approach to learning.
Virtual Worlds for learning
Authors: Newman Christine , Farley Helen , Gregory Sue , Jacka Lisa , Scutter Sheila , McDonald Marcus
Published: July 2024

When Second Life first came to the attention of the mainstream media in 2007, educators recognised the potential of virtual worlds for teaching and learning. They seemed to be the ideal environments to facilitate authentic learning, alleviate the tyranny of distance for students not on campus, and provide an inexpensive and safe environment to teach skills that were too dangerous or expensive to teach in the real world. In spite of all this fanfare, virtual worlds have failed to gain significant traction in higher education. This paper outlines a preliminary investigation into the reasons why virtual worlds have not been adopted for learning and teaching. The reflections of the six authors on this topic were subjected to a thematic analysis with themes arranged under four broad topics. This information informed the development of a survey to be distributed more widely to further explore this phenomenon.
Emerging teachers' conceptions about their current use of ICT in vocational education
Authors: Khan Shahadat Hossain , Markauskaite Lina
Published: July 2024

This article presents emerging results from an ongoing phenomenographic study that examines teachers' conceptions of ICT-enhanced teaching and learning in vocational education. Twenty three teachers from three Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews about the role of ICT in their teaching and profession. The emerging findings reveal that vocational education teachers consider ICT use for teaching vocational courses in five different ways. Specifically, they saw the use of ICT for teaching: 1) as a response to external expectations; 2) as a means to access information and resources; 3) as a delivery tool; 4) as media to support active learning; and 5) as an environment for preparing students for their chosen profession. While some of these findings are in line with those of similar phenomenographic studies in higher and tertiary education, conceptions a) and e) tend to be more distinct in vocational education settings.
Using a collaborative investigation and design strategy to support digital resource development in an online unit of study
Authors: Kennedy-Clark Shannon , Wheeler Penny , Galstaun Vilma
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the research design and preliminary findings from a study on supporting online students in a collaborative design project. The Collaborative Investigation, Design, Evaluation and Revision (CIDER) approach was used to scaffold the learning activities. CIDER is a learn-technology-by-design approach for collaborative resource design and development. This phase of the study was conducted in a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education unit at an Australian university. Participants, working in small groups, collaboratively developed electronic teaching resources, including a digital story and a website. Data sources for this study include student artefacts, evaluation data, survey data and peer-review feedback from two unit cohorts. The results indicate that geographical proximity was not the key factor in the group's success; rather, a shared disciplinary area was a better indicator of the students' ability to develop an online resource. Moreover, the results indicate that formative evaluation via a peer review process offered a practical way of determining the quality or potential quality of a web-based learning resource before it is published.
An opportunity to support beginning teachers in the transition from higher education into practice
Authors: Kelly Nick
Published: July 2024

This paper describes an approach for higher education institutions to support beginning teachers across the transition from pre-service into the profession. It presents the need for support with evidence of high attrition rates and of the problems faced by teachers when commencing practice. It suggests an approach that uses mobile technology to facilitate communities of practice during higher education that can then support the teachers in their early years of service.
Orienting students to online learning
Authors: Kelly Oriel
Published: July 2024

Effectively orienting students to online learning appears to be a vital factor in both their initial engagement and ultimate success in eLearning courses. This paper outlines the approach taken at a private tertiary institution and discusses six months of student feedback about their resulting preparedness for online study and their understanding of the role of the online learning community in supporting the success of their learning journey.
Evaluation of a MOOC pilot
Authors: Kelder Jo-Anne , King Carolyn , Carew Tony , O'Reilly Jeremy , Robinson Andrew , Vickers James
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the evaluation of the pilot of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) called Understanding Dementia. The business case identified potential benefits of: ability to deliver high quality expert knowledge about dementia on an international scale; a dataset for dementia research of international perspectives on dementia care; enhanced reputation of the University and providing a pathway to traditional course for non-traditional students. The development team used a design-based research approach guided by the evaluation-research framework for e-learning and the concept of an 'e-learning life cycle' in (Phillips et al. 2012). The paper describes the evaluation-research design and results for the pilot phase. It shows how data analysis from the pilot informed the pedagogical and technical aspects of the learning design for the first full release and the value of a planned, evaluation research approach informing design from pilot to maturity.
A Pilot Trial of Social Media in a Technical Area
Authors: Keane Therese , Branch Philip A. , But Jason , Cricenti Antonio L. , Klimovski Dragi
Published: July 2024

This paper reports on a project undertaken to trial social networking with Telecommunications students and staff from Swinburne University of Technology. Web 2:0 technologies including social networking sites can encourage informal conversation, dialogue, collaborative content generation, and knowledge sharing, giving students access to a wide range of ideas. A Ning was used with the intention of engaging students and staff in informal discussions relating to the Telecommunications industry in general, rather than course material directly. Although staff contributed enthusiastically and a large number of students enrolled, student participation was low. Follow-up surveys and informal discussions revealed reasons for the low student participation included the risk of appearing foolish in front of peers and teachers, and an intention to use the Ning in a passive manner by seeing what others are doing without necessarily contributing themselves. We conclude that social media in education may be useful but needs some incentive for it to be adopted by students.
Connecting and Reflecting with Ning
Authors: Hughes Janette
Published: July 2024

This paper chronicles one instructor's experiences using a social networking site (Ning) to teach two graduate courses in education. It explores the decisions made in setting up the Ning and the affordances of teaching using a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous learning in UOIT's online graduate program. The focus is specifically on the benefits and challenges of using a Ning network and Ning's pedagogical potential for collaborative knowledge construction, the creation of a community of practice, which fosters social presence and multimodal communication.