bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epoch and School: Beginnings of Architectural Education at the Riga Polytechnic
Authors: Bratuškins Uģis , Treija Sandra
Published: January 2020

In the mid-19th century, European countries underwent significant changes in their economies. To a large extent they were facilitated by the development of railways. The ability to transport goods quickly and cheaply by land facilitated industrial development and urban growth. The growing needs of the economy created the need for educated specialists who could successfully meet the increasing demands. Riga was not an exception in these processes. A decision inspired by local entrepreneurs was made to educate specialists locally instead of attracting them from other countries. Established in 1862, the Riga Polytechnic was the first institution of higher technical education in the Baltic region. Already in the first decade of its operation, the Department of Architecture (DA) was opened. This study is aimed at identifying and evaluating the circumstances that impacted the formation of architectural education in Riga and estimating the contribution of DA graduates to the urban landscape of Riga city centre.
Diversity of Riga 21st Century Apartments
Authors: Freimane Santa
Published: January 2020

Taking into account the wide variety of household types, it is crucial to provide different housing. The research focuses on the diversity of Riga 21st century apartments, considering the principles of the housing diversity concept and the context of Riga development. Theoretical studies as well as empirical research methods were used. According to the research results, in general the diversity is satisfactory. However, several negative aspects were identified. Therefore, it is necessary to take actions in order to achieve a greater housing diversity and overall sustainability.
A Review of Contemporary Techniques for Measuring Ergonomic Wear Comfort of Protective and Sport Clothing
Authors: Teyeme Yetanawork , Malengier Benny , Tesfaye Tamrat , Ciesielska-Wrobel Izabela , Haji Musa Atiyyah Binti , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: January 2020

Protective and sport clothing is governed by protection requirements, performance, and comfort of the user. The comfort and impact performance of protective and sport clothing are typically subjectively measured, and this is a multifactorial and dynamic process. The aim of this review paper is to review the contemporary methodologies and approaches for measuring ergonomic wear comfort, including objective and subjective techniques. Special emphasis is given to the discussion of different methods, such as objective techniques, subjective techniques, and a combination of techniques, as well as a new biomechanical approach called modeling of skin. Literature indicates that there are four main techniques to measure wear comfort: subjective evaluation, objective measurements, a combination of subjective and objective techniques, and computer modeling of human–textile interaction. In objective measurement methods, the repeatability of results is excellent, and quantified results are obtained, but in some cases, such quantified results are quite different from the real perception of human comfort. Studies indicate that subjective analysis of comfort is less reliable than objective analysis because human subjects vary among themselves. Therefore, it can be concluded that a combination of objective and subjective measuring techniques could be the valid approach to model the comfort of textile materials.
Reconstruction of the primary bottom of a unique crater lake in the “Meteoryt Morasko Reserve” (Poland)
Authors: Choiński Adam , Muszyński Andrzej , Ptak Mariusz , Słowik Marcin
Published: January 2020

There are a total of several million lakes in the world, which includes only approximately 30 crater lakes. Due to this extreme global rarity, they are the subject of research in many scientific disciplines. In spite of the widespread interest in them, however, many issues still require detailed investigation. In the case of the Morasko crater lake (Poland), hydrological research has been weakly developed so far. The undertaken analysis, which employed a complex research procedure involving the use of georadar, geological corings and bathymetric measurements, aimed to determine the primary bottom of the lake, and further to determine the scale and rate of its evolution. The modern water level suggests that the lake basin is currently approximately 55% filled in with organic matter, and the rate of its sedimentation in the deepest place can be estimated at approximately 0.8 mm·y−1.
Footprints of past geological events recorded in the petrography and mineralogy of rocks from the Krucze Skały excavation (Karkonosze Mountains, SW Poland)
Authors: Michalak Joanna
Published: January 2020

The Krucze Skały excavation is located within the Izera-Kowary Unit, which is a subdivision of the Karkonosze-Izera Massif. Traces of numerous geological events have previously been recognised and described in other locations within this unit. In this specific location only pegmatitic intrusions have been tested tested until now. This research considers the geological history recorded in the petrography and mineralogy of all remaining rocks. Samples collected along the excavation were analysed using a polarising microscope and the XRD method. During the examination, records of the magmatic genesis of these rocks protolith, as well as evidence of MP-LT and LP-HT metamorphism, metasomathosis and hydrothermal activity were found.
Formation of soil structure in long-term fertilised sandy soil: Role of the manganese oxides
Authors: Šimanský Vladimir , Jonczak Jerzy
Published: January 2020

We investigated the role of Mn oxides on the soil structure (contents of dry and water-stable aggregates) of sandy soil under a controlled long-term fertilisation experiment. We examined two experiments: a 94-year-term experiment with: no fertilisers, NPK fertilisers, and CaNPK fertilisers; and a 25-year-term experiment that included: farmyard manure and no mineral fertilisation, farmyard manure + NPK fertilisers, and farmyard manure + CaNPK fertilisers. The results showed that in the 94-year-term trial, Mn oxides were increased in CaNPK treatment. In the 25-year-term experiment, the farmyard manure combined with NPK decreased total Mn and its oxides. In the 94-year-term experiment, the content of dry-sieved macro-aggregates (DSAma) and water-stable macro-aggregates increased due to fertilisation. The result of our study suggests that Mn oxides had positive effects mainly on higher size classes of DSAma and did not have any effect on water-stable aggregate contents.
Fire occurrence and the current state of palaeofire reconstructions based on sedimentary charcoal from natural archives in Poland
Authors: Bonk Alicja
Published: January 2020

Due to rising temperatures worldwide many areas are threatened with increasing numbers of fire occurrence. Poland is among these areas and is projected to experience over the next century an increase in both heat stress and wildfire activity with the potential to turn its fire-resistant forests into fire-prone forests. This paper aims to provide an introduction to the conditions favourable to fire occurrence in Poland, summarising the research on sedimentary charcoal analysis and reviewing fire reconstructions based on natural archives from Poland. Here, natural wildfires occurred at the beginning of the Holocene but, due to changes in climate (wetter summers) and vegetation after 6550 BC, the main trigger of fire occurrence became human activity, mainly as a result of forest clearance for agrarian purposes. However, there is evidence that prolonged droughts also triggered wildfires. Over recent decades, according to existing data, arson (44.85%) and negligence (34.43%) have been the most common causes of fire occurrence in Poland.
Principal features of Chornohora climate (Ukrainian Carpathians)
Authors: Błażejczyk Krzysztof , Skrynyk Oleh
Published: January 2020

Chornohora is the highest mountain ridge in the Ukrainian Carpathians with 6 peaks of an altitude over 2,000 m above sea level (Hoverla is the highest peak, 2,061 m a.s.l). Its climate is explored less than other mountain ridges in Europe. The massif is a climatic barrier for air masses on NW-SE line. To describe the climate of this area data from the weather station at Pozhyzhevska alpine meadow for the years 1961–2010 were used. The seasonal and long-term variability of air temperature, atmospheric precipitation and snow cover were investigated on the background of air circulation types. The results show that general features of Chornohora climate depend both, on elevation above sea level and on air circulation. Lowest temperature is observed at N-NE circulation and highest precipitation – at western air inflow. Long-term changes of examined climate elements in Chornohora show significant increase in mean (0.13°/10 years) and minimum (0.22°C/10 years) air temperature as well as in snow cover depth and number of snowy days.
Aluminium in waters of the active exchange zone in the Karkonosze National Park (Western Sudetes, SW Poland)
Authors: Marszałek Henryk , Rysiukiewicz Michał
Published: January 2020

The paper presents the variability of aluminum concentrations in groundwater of the main porous-fissured aquifer and surface waters in the area of the Karkonosze National Park (KPN), covering mainly the upper parts of the Karkonosze Mts. The analysis was based on the results of samplings carried out in the area of the KPN in August 2015 and supplemented with the results of water quality monitoring carried out during the period of 2010–2016 in selected catchments of the Karkonosze Mts. Significant spatial variability of aluminium concentrations was observed, from several dozen to over 1,090 μg/L, increasing along with the height of the measurement points. The highest concentrations were recorded in the ridge zone of the Karkonosze Mts, where the pH is the lowest.
The relationship between neck angles and ground reaction forces in schoolchildren during backpack carriage
Authors: Mosaad Dalia Mohammed , Abdel-aziem Amr Almaz
Published: January 2020

Study aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of carrying backpacks on neck posture and ground reaction forces (GRFs) and to investigate the relationship between neck angles and GRFs during backpack carriage in schoolchildren.

Material and methods: The craniohorizontal angle (CHA), craniovertebral angle (CVA), sagittal shoulder posture (SSP) and GRFs were measured in right-handed schoolchildren (14 male and 12 female) with mean age 10.17 ± 1.15 years during loaded and unloading conditions. The Qualisys motion analysis system with a force plate was used to assess the neck angles and GRFs.

Results: During backpack carriage there was a significant increase in the CHA (p = 0.001), significant decrease in the CVA and SSP (p = 0.001, 0.016 respectively), no significant difference in the normalized (scaled to body weight) vertical GRFs (p > 0.05), and a significant increase in the anterior braking and posterior propulsive GRFs (p = 0.035, 0.002 respectively) compared to the unloading condition. While carrying a backpack there was a moderate negative correlation between the SSP and first vertical GRF (r = –0.464) and a strong negative correlation with the second vertical GRF (r = –0.571) and the posterior propulsive GRF (r = –0.587).

Conclusion: Carrying a backpack weighing 15% of the child’s body weight changes the head posture and increases the normalized value of the anterior-posterior shear force. During backpack carriage, decreasing the SSP is associated with increasing the load acceptance, thrusting and posterior propulsive forces. Increasing the shearing force may lead to development of postural abnormities. Consequently, the ideal backpack weight should be considered by parents and teachers.
Twelve-week sensorimotor training as a factor influencing movement patterns of canoe slalom athletes, assessed by the Functional Movement Screen
Authors: Chałubińska Dorota , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra , Reszelewska Agata , Targosiński Paweł , Rekowski Witold
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether our own twelve-week Sensorimotor Exercise Programme (SEP) affected FMS results in canoe slalom athletes. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool for detecting asymmetries and movement range limitations in order to prevent sport injuries. The screen evaluates mobility and stability in seven fundamental movement patterns.

Material and methods: The study population consisted of 16 athletes from the Canoe Slalom National Team of Poland who competed in three sports categories: kayak single, canoe single, canoe double. The athletes, 13 men and 3 women, undertook the FMS screen twice before the starting season. Between the first and the second screen the athletes undertook a twelve-week long sensorimotor training programme.

Results: The result analysis showed a statistically significant difference in FMS results. The mean FMS screen result after twelve weeks of training increased from 16.6 points to 19.6 points.

Conclusions: An adequately designed SEP can lead to an improvement in athlete movement patterns. The FMS screen allows for assessment of changes in athlete movement patterns after twelve weeks of SEP training.
Faulty posture: Prevalence and its relationship with Body Mass Index and Physical Activity among female adolescents
Authors: Golalizadeh Dina , Toopchizadeh Vahideh , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh , Salekzamani Yaghoub , Dolatkhah Neda , Pirani Ali
Published: January 2020

Study aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of postural disorders and their associated risk factors among high school girls in the city of Tabriz, Iran.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 female students aged 14 to 18 years. Students were examined using a scoliometer, a Debrunner kyphometer, and a flexible ruler, and were directly studied for genu varum/valgum. The information about possible risk factors such as age, BMI, school bag, study time, use of social networks, and physical activity was collected through demographic survey and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 22 through independent t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression.

Results: 181 participants (45%) had one or more abnormalities such as scoliosis (4%), kyphosis (5%), genu varum (5.7%), genu valgum (9.7%), hyperlordosis (11.2%), and asymmetrical shoulder (24.5%). The risk of hyperlordosis increased with increase in weight (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.02 to 1.15; p = 0.014) and BMI (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.13 to 1.67; p = 0.002). Moreover, the odds for genu valgum increased with increase in weight (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.13; p = 0.045) and BMI (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.29 to 2.62; p < 0.001); but it decreased with increase in age (OR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.98; p = 0.039) and not using a study table (OR: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.12 to 0.78; p = 0.013).

Conclusions: Forty-five percent of female students had one or more postural abnormalities. Asymmetrical shoulder was the most common disorder. Weight and BMI were associated with genu valgum and hyperlordosis.
Somatotype of male and female judokas according to weight categories
Authors: Roklicer Roberto , Atanasov Dragan , Sadri Filip , Jahic Dzenan , Bojanic Danilo , Ljubojevic Milovan , Trivic Tatjana , Drid Patrik
Published: January 2020

Study aim: The body structure can play a determining role in the achievement of top judo performance, and it seems to influence the type of techniques applied. The aim of this study is to determine the somatotypes in male and female national level judokas across weight categories in order to observe possible differences among athletes.

Material and methods: A total of 61 male judokas (23.2 ± 2.7 years old) and 37 female judokas (22.3 ± 3.3 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometric variables were used to calculate somatotypes. Somatotypes were determined according to the Heath-Carter method. Analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test were used to determine differences between weight categories and obtained effect sizes (η2) were presented as well.

Results: Somatotype differences among weight categories in male and female judokas were observed. Generally, all categories could be classified in three somatotypes in male and female athletes.

Conclusions: The lightest categories were recognized as mesomorphic ectomorphs in females with an exception in the –48 kg category, and ectomorphic mesomorphs in male athletes. The middle ones had the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype and the heaviest athletes presented somewhat more extreme cases of endomorphic mesomorphs, both in male and female judokas. According to the results obtained, judokas have a specific body composition in different weight categories. Therefore, coaches could create a specific training programme for athletes who belong to different somatotypes.
Implementation of Energy Efficiency Management System in Multi-Storey Residential Houses in Littoral Regions of Latvia
Authors: Pļaviņa Baiba , Actiņa Gita
Published: January 2020

Based on EU guidelines and national development plans, energy efficient process management has been slowly implemented in Latvian regions in the context of the Directive 2012/27/EU putting forward two binding indicative national energy efficiency goals for Latvia: (1) to achieve 1.5 % of energy savings delivered to final consumers every year, and (2) to renovate 3 % of the state-owned buildings annually. The aim of the paper is to reflect the management system of energy efficient processes in public and residential buildings in Latvian littoral regions of the Baltic Sea, which can be an important factor for achieving the goals of the Directive. The paper presents the results of the research on energy efficient processes in public and residential buildings in Latvian littoral regions of the Baltic Sea in order to determine the existing challenges. Methods applied in the research are data collection, grouping, analysis and comparison, studies of regulatory documents, as well as statistical data collection and analysis. Contribution of the research is the improvement of energy efficient solutions in public and residential buildings in littoral regions of the Baltic Sea by using the estimated energy efficient processes. The results of the research are of international importance and can be applied not only in public and residential buildings in littoral regions of the Baltic Sea but also in other regions with similar climate or energy efficient process management problems in order to improve the selection of criteria of energy efficient solutions and renovation.
Population characteristics and habitat suitability of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Authors: Pla-ard Mananya , Sukmasuang Ronglarp , Srinopawan Khanchit
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the population and habitat of wild elephants in the Khao Yai National Park, to provide elephant population densities using the line transect method. Habitat suitability was also assessed based on the data obtained from the location of the species during monthly ranger patrol across the park area, with the rate of dung decay used for population calculation. The population structure and age class were studied by direct observation to estimate the population trend. On the basis of 116 systematic transect lines that were 2 km in length and separated by 500-m intervals, a total of 1,209 elephant dung piles were found in more than 213.20 km. The analysis of the combined data showed that the dung density was 531.49 dung piles/km2, with a decay rate of 0.0039 dung piles/day based on 56 dung piles checked every 7 days. The annual data showed that the population density was 0.15 individuals/km2. The population structure comprising calf:juvenile:subadult:adult was 1: 1.09:1.14:2.10; the sex ratio of adult male to adult female elephants was 1:1.10; and the ratio of reproductive ability among adult females, juveniles, and calves was 1.00:0.99:0.90. The combined data also showed that the main environmental factor affecting the presence of the animals was salt lick sites. The pooled data analysis found that the habitat most suitable for the elephants covered an area of 220.59 km2. The habitat suitability, based on the dry season appearance data, covered an area of 258.64 km2, whereas during the wet season, it covered an area of 517.45 km2. As the most suitable habitat for elephants appears around the park boundary, habitat improvements for wild elephants should address the central areas of the national park. A greater emphasis should be placed on creating salt licks, being far from human activity sites.
Melanism as a potential thermal benefit in eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger)
Authors: Ciurej Amanda K. , Oblander Ashley , Swift Andrew W. , Wilson James A.
Published: January 2020

Melanistic fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) have expanded westward and increased in frequency in the Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, metropolitan areas. The selective advantage of melanism is currently unknown, but thermal advantages have been hypothesized, especially in winter. No difference in metabolic response curves were measured between melanistic (black) and rufus (orange) fox squirrels. When exposed to sunny skies, both melanistic and rufus squirrels had higher surface (skin and fur) temperature as ambient temperatures increased. Melanistic squirrel surface temperatures did not differ when squirrels were exposed to sunny or cloudy skies. However, rufus individuals showed significantly lower increases in surface temperatures when under cloudy skies. During fall months, rufus individuals were about 1.5 times more active throughout the day than melanistic individuals. However, in winter, melanistic fox squirrels were approximately 30% more active in the mornings (before 13:00) compared to rufus squirrels. Pre-winter body condition was higher in melanistic (25.5 ± 1.8 g/cm) compared to rufus (20.30 ± 3.6 g/cm) fox squirrels; however, there were no significant differences between melanistic (22.8 ± 1.4 g/cm) and rufus (23.9 ± 0.8 g/cm) fox squirrel post-winter body condition. The results of this study indicate that melanistic fox squirrels may have a slight winter thermal advantage over rufus fox squirrels by maintaining higher skin temperatures.
Allelopathy and Agricultural Sustainability: Implication in weed management and crop protection—an overview
Authors: Muhammad Zahir , Inayat Naila , Majeed Abdul ,   Rehmanullah, Ali Hazrat , Ullah Kaleem
Published: January 2020

Crop plants have defined roles in agricultural production and feeding the world. They are affected by several environmental and biological stresses, which range from soil salinity, drought, and climate change to exposure to diverse plant pathogens. These stresses pose risk to agricultural sustainability. To avoid the increasing biotic and abiotic pressure on crop plants, agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture for attaining desirable yield and production of crops. However, the use of agrochemicals is also challenging the integrity of ecosystems. Thus, to maintain the integrity of ecosystem, sustainable measures for elevated crop production are required. Allelopathy, a process of chemical interactions between plants and other organisms, could be used in the management of several biotic and abiotic stresses if the basic mechanisms of the phenomena and plants with allelopathic potentials are known. Allelopathy has a promising future for its application in agriculture for natural weed management, improving soil health and suppressing plant diseases. The aim of this review is to discuss the importance of allelopathy in agriculture and its role in sustainability with a specific focus on weed management and crop protection.
Comparison of Academic Performance of Students in Online Vs Traditional Engineering Course
Authors: Bir Devayan Debashis
Published: January 2020

Universities in the U.S. typically offer to teach introductory engineering courses in large classes to tackle the increase in undergraduate engineering enrolment and to save on cost of teaching. Previous studies done on traditionally taught large classes have shown the negative effects it has on students and faculty. Many institutions use online courses to teach these large classes due to the flexibility they provide students with in their schedule and pace of learning, as well as being less expensive for the university. This study aimed to investigate the effect of online pedagogy on the academic performance of students enrolled in mechanics of materials course taught at a U.S. Midwestern University. The findings of the study reveal that the online pedagogy had a negative effect on student academic performance when compared with the traditionally taught group. This was true for all demographics (gender, enrolment status, nationality) and categories (high, medium and low academic performance) of students except for high performing students for whom online pedagogy shows promise.
An Analysis of Intercultural Students’ Self-Determination in Graduate Online Programmes: Implications for Praxis
Authors: Bissessar Charmaine , Black Debra , Boolaky Mehraz
Published: January 2020

The self-determination of online graduate students was studied in terms of the impact of autonomy, competence and relatedness upon their persistence. Unique to this study was the assessment of the potential influence of socio-cultural factors. As the majority of research into online university students’ persistence is generated from the US, Canada, UK and European countries assessing their own domestic populations, the global nature of this study provides a new perspective. Fifty-four online graduate students representing 26 countries participated representing 19 lesser developed economies and 7 developed economies. Collectivist versus individualistic cultures were equally represented. Self-determination Theory (SDT) was examined both in terms of the online classroom environment as well as overcoming life challenges for programme perseverance. A correlational matrix was used to reject the null hypothesis. Results indicated that statistically significant correlations exist among the three variables, and, in the instances of the variables of autonomy and relatedness, a significant negative correlation exists. The findings indicate that the participants displayed strong internal locus of control, self-directed learning, competency and relatedness in attaining success within the online environment programme. Cultural communitarianism values were not found to be of significant influence.
Examining Faculty Readiness to Teach Online: A Comparison of US and German Educators
Authors: Martin Florence , Wang Chuang , Jokiaho Annika , May Birgit , Grübmeyer Sonja
Published: January 2020

With the increase in the number of online courses being offered, it is important for faculty to be prepared to teach online. In this study, we examine US and German faculty perceptions on their preparedness to teach online based on the perception of importance of teaching online competencies and their efficacy to teach online. We also examine factors (gender, age, country located, academic discipline, academic rank, method of teaching, years of teaching, years of teaching online and level taught) that are related to US and German faculty perception of the importance and efficacy of online teaching. Overall, the US faculty rated the competencies higher compared to the German faculty both in perception of importance and self-efficacy. Significant differences in the perception of the importance of competencies were noted based on gender, training, level taught, rank, and age. For self-efficacy, there were significant differences between the faculty in teaching format (synchronous, asynchronous or hybrid format), years of teaching online, and age. This study has implications for instructors who teach online, for instructional designers who offer professional development for online teaching and for administrators who support online learning at the universities.
Leveraging Social Media in Higher Education: A Case of Universities in Uganda
Authors: Mirembe Drake Patrick , Lubega Jude T. , Kibukamusoke Martha
Published: January 2020

Social media platforms have transformed the way we live and work. These platforms have opened up new opportunities for service provisioning and business models. Therefore, this paper presents findings of how leading Ugandan Universities are integrating social media in the teaching and learning processes. The researchers adopted a multi-methodology research approach which involved; collecting, analysing and integrating quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (focus group discussions and interviews) research methods. A total of 300 respondents were targeted (students and lecturers) of which 250 responded (196 male and 54 female). The respondents from Makerere University, Uganda technology and Management University (UTAMU) and Makerere University Business School. The results of the study indicated that majority (94.8%) of the respondents use WhatsApp, 86.5% Facebook, 82.1% YouTube, 53.8% Twitter, 39.8% Instagram and 9.2% snapchat. It was observed that 225 about 91.1% of student’s use social media for learning purposes. A total of 238 respondents use smartphones to access social media. While majority of students on social media platforms use these platforms for learning purposes, majority of lecturers (37.6%) never engage students on social media. Therefore, there is a mismatch on social media usage between students and lectures and this calls for the development of social media policies at universities to promote and guide the integration of these platforms in the teaching and learning processes.
A MOOC Taxonomy Based on Classification Schemes of MOOCs
Authors: Liyanagunawardena Tharindu R. , Lundqvist Karsten , Mitchell Richard , Warburton Steven , Williams Shirley A.
Published: January 2020

In recent years there has been a significant growth in the number of online courses known as MOOCs available via online providers such as edX and Coursera. The result has been a marked reduction in the clarity around the different course offerings and this has created a need to reconsider the classification schemes for MOOCs to help inform potential participants. Many classifications have been proposed which cover the needs of academics and providers but may not be suitable for learners choosing a course. In this paper, the various classifications used by MOOC providers and aggregator services to categorise MOOCs in presenting information to prospective learners are gathered and analysed. As a result, 13 different categories are identified, which cover information provided to learners before entering a course. These categories are then compared and combined with classifications from the literature to create a taxonomy centred round eight terms: Massive (e.g. enrolments), Open (e.g. pre-requisites), Online (e.g. Timings), Assessment, Pedagogy (e.g. instructor-led), Quality (e.g. reviews), Delivery (e.g. educators), Subject (e.g. Syllabus). Thus, producing a taxonomy capable of categorising MOOCs from a wider perspective.
Designing a History Museum Based Outreach Program with Digital Content
Authors: Quiroga Jacobo Moreno , Kim Daewoong
Published: January 2020

This study expands on the concept of outreach programs: museum initiatives that look for ways to reach and share knowledge outside their installations, often to schools. We aim to study approaches for the development of content for a history museum outreach program using digital technologies. The significance of this lies in investigating ways to bring the knowledge of the museum to schools that cannot have easy access to them.

Three different content approaches were developed and tested. The first was an Assemblable walls exhibition, consisting of a modular structure in which three different exhibition methods were presented: object, video and interactive. Second, was a Hands-on interactive exhibition, consisting of a portable system that includes digital and analogue activities in an application developed for a smart projector. Lastly, the third approach was an interactive experience, which incorporated the various approaches tested previously and expanded upon them.

In our conclusions, we stress the significance of this research regarding offering museum content to schools without easy access and offer a list of suggestions based on our findings that museum curators could follow when considering the development of an outreach program with digital content.
Changing Attitudes with a MOOC on Dementia
Authors: Robertshaw David , Kotera Yasuhiro
Published: January 2020

Introduction
Dementia is one of the most significant issues of our time and there are varying prevailing attitudes towards dementia, including negative stigma and perception. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a widely available online learning resource accessed for free which may present an opportunity to address prevailing attitudes.

Methodology
We conducted a questionnaire before and after a six-week MOOC where participants learned about dementia. We collected data using a survey instrument and analysed them with statistical testing.

Results and findings
Although there was no statistically significant change between pre- and post-MOOC questionnaires, the change was observed in some questions and for particular groups.

Conclusion and recommendations
Our findings indicate this MOOC has a greater effect on changing the attitudes of non-healthcare workers, older people and those living in the United Kingdom. We recommend further analysis of MOOC as a change intervention and consideration of their application in other disciplines.
“A Voice to Talk About it”: Cosmetologists as STEM Experts in Educational Technology Design and Implementation
Authors: Lachney Michael , Babbitt William , Bennett Audrey , Eglash Ron
Published: January 2020

In the U.S. there are steady efforts by governmental and philanthropic organizations to increase the representation of students of colour in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). After years of mixed results, researchers and educators have started to question one size fits all notions of broadening participation. An increasing number of projects are challenging universalist assumptions by enrolling the expertise of culturally situated communities of practice in STEM lessons and the educational technologies that support them. While this research shows promising results for improving young people’s interest and performance in STEM, there has been little research on how these lessons and technologies might also benefit the communities whose expertise were originally enrolled. This paper details the design of educational technologies that bridge STEM and African American cosmetology. We report on a mixed-methods research project, conducted with a group of predominantly African American cosmetologists. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to study their attitudes toward STEM before and after working with the technologies. Our results suggest positive changes in the cosmetologists’ attitudes. We end with a critical discussion about respecting the knowledge systems of underrepresented communities of practice in educational technology research and development.
Factors Affecting Students’ Preferences for Online and Blended Learning: Motivational Vs. Cognitive
Authors: Keskin Sinan , Yurdugül Halil
Published: January 2020

Today’s educational institutions are expected to create learning opportunities independent of time and place, to offer easily accessible learning environments and interpersonal communication opportunities. Accordingly, higher education institutions develop strategies to meet these expectations through teaching strategies, such as e-learning, blended learning, mobile learning, etc., by using teaching technologies. These new technology-based teaching strategies are mainly shaped by decision-makers in education. This study seeks to analyse the individual factors that affect learners’ mode of teaching and learning delivery preferences. In this study, blended and online learning is considered as preferences of learners’ mode of teaching and learning delivery. The individual factors discussed in this research are cognitive learning strategies, e-learning readiness, and motivation. The data were obtained from the pre-service teachers at the end of the academic semester when they experienced online and blended learning. Data were analysed using optimal scaling analysis. The analysis method provides a two-dimensional centroid graph which shows the correlations between the variable categories. According to study findings, there is a correlation between the preferences of the learning environment, and the constructs of self-efficacy, e-learning motivation, and task value. It can be said that the motivational variables are more effective in the learning environment preference. The students with high task value, e-learning motivation, and self-efficacy preferred studying in blended learning environments. Cognitive strategies, self-directed learning, learner control, and test anxiety factors are independent of the learners’ learning delivery preferences.
Telecollaboration: Fostering Foreign Language Learning at a Distance
Authors: Taskiran Ayse
Published: January 2020

Today, language learners can be linked with students in other countries to form international partnerships, which is often called telecollaboration. Some common goals of telecollaboration include cultural awareness, development of foreign language skills and intercultural communicative competence. This study intends to gain insights about the learners’ experience following a 5-week telecollaboration activity between 100 English as a foreign language (EFL) students from Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics in China and Anadolu University in Turkey. The participation in the project was on voluntary basis for Turkish students. The telecollaboration activity included three different stages in which learners from both countries were expected to be able to communicate using different channels (text messaging, voice calls, video calls, emailing) synchronously and asynchronously, to analyse and compare their own and their peers’ culture to build understanding of each other’s identities and to collaborate together to produce a cultural piece of work. At the end of the activity Turkish EFL students were invited to answer a questionnaire that aimed to gain insights about their experience related to telecollaboration activity. Results revealed that the participants mostly enjoyed the activity. They also believed the activity contributed to their language learning process, motivation and intercultural communicative competence.
Recent Work in Connectivism
Authors: Downes Stephen
Published: January 2020

Since the introduction of connectivism as a learning theory in 2004 a body of literature has developed both offering criticisms and expanding on applications and empirical validation. This article surveys recent literature on the topic, grouping it into themes, and developing an understanding of current perspectives in connectivism. It surveys current perspectives and criticisms of connectivism, views of connectivism as a pedagogy and as a theory of learning, recent evidence supporting connectivism, and a wider understanding of connectivism as it is developing today.
Development of a Scale for Measuring the Learner Autonomy of Distance Education Students
Authors: Bei Evanthia , Mavroidis Ilias , Giossos Yiannis
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable psychometric scale to measure the perceived autonomy of postgraduate students in the Hellenic Open University and similar distance education environments. Two dimensions of autonomy, namely personal and educational, were revealed from the literature review and the preliminary study. For the evaluation of each dimension, two subscales were developed. Following two pilot studies, the initial item pool led to the development of a 25-items questionnaire, which was then administered to a sample of 239 postgraduate students. The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors for the personal autonomy subscale, with 7 items in total, and two factors for the educational autonomy subscale, with 9 items in total. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged between. 623 and .717. A statistically significant gender difference was found only for the personal autonomy subscale and, more specifically, for the factor ‘managing difficulties’, where female respondents received a lower score than males.
The Grounds for Higher Education Teachers to Engage in MOOC Development Projects
Authors: Olsson Ulf
Published: January 2020

The conditions for higher education teachers operating in a technology-enhanced education setting and an open educational context – such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) – are different when compared to traditional teaching methods (e.g. in a lecture hall). This study investigates the grounds for 20 teachers at Swedish Higher education institutions to be involved in MOOC development projects. Six categories are found and described; including curiosity, merits, teaching development, flexibility, as well as the possibility to disseminate their research and expand their professional networks. Interviewees believed that the work was a viable way to strengthen their research portfolio, while also making a limited effort for teaching, enhancing the dissemination possibilities and strengthening their research networks.
Urinary schistosomosis in patients of rural medical health centers in Kwale county, Kenya
Authors: Kaiglová A. , Changoma M. J. S. , Špajdelová J. , Jakubcová D. , Bírová K.
Published: January 2020

Urinary schistosomosis is a serious public health problem prevalent in low-income rural regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including coastal part of Kenya. Praziquantel administration to school-aged children is the prevailing tool of schistosomosis control in these regions. The aim of our study was to find out if this control strategy can lead to interruption of parasite trasmission and disease elimination. During February and March 2018, the occurrence of urinary schistosomosis in volunteers of primary health care facilities in Kwale County, Kenya was examined and the occurrence of infected intermediate hosts Bulinus globosus in local water resources was monitored. Participants completed a questionnaire concerning source of water for household purposes, type of housing and health status and were asked to provide urine samples. Diagnosis of urinary schistosomosis was established by detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine specimens microscopically, using filtration method. Infected B. globosus snails were detected using cercaria shedding tests. From the hemolymph of snails, prepatent period of infection was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of urinary schistosomosis was detected in 15.07 % (69 out of 451) of study participants. Cercaria shedding test was positive in 2 particular sites of river Pengo and Tsanganyiko. Genetic material (haemolymph) of 68 B. globosus snails tested by DraI PCR revealed 7 Schistosoma spp. positive samples. Six of seven DraI positive snails were infected by S. haematobium, as it was detected by Sh110/SmS1 PCR. The study revealed, that the disease was still present in the region studied and the transmission was not interrupted. The rate of infection was significantly influenced by the water supplies used for household purposes and the type of housing.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Bulgarian population over a three year period (2015 – 2017)
Authors: Harizanov R. , Rainova I. , Tsvetkova N. , Kaftandjiev I. , Borisova R. , Ivanova A. , Videnova M.
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study is to perform a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Bulgarian population over the period 2015 – 2017. The study involved all Bulgarians and foreign nationals residing in the country who had been tested for intestinal protozoa and helminths. A total of 23,785 infections have been revealed, of which 17,712 (74.47 %) were helminth and 6,073 (25.53 %) protozoan invasions. Enterobiasis was found to be the most prevalent among patients infected with intestinal helminths (81.75 %), while giardiasis (62.05 %) was the most common among those diagnosed with protozoan infections. In spite of improved living conditions and increasing public health awareness, parasitic diseases in general, and intestinal parasitic infections in particular, still represent a significant part of the overall morbidity in Bulgaria, thus posing a major issue for the public health care system.
Evaluation of a marketed polyherbal dewormer against intestinal strongyles in naturally infected donkeys
Authors: Papini R. A. , Orsetti C. , Sgorbini M.
Published: January 2020

The study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available polyherbal dewormer to control intestinal strongyles in naturally infected donkeys. The animals were allotted to two groups: treated with the herbal dewormer (n=8) according to manufacturer recommendations and untreated control group (n=6). Fecal samples were taken from each animal on days 0 (day of treatment), 14, 21 (day of second additional treatment), 35, and 42. Faecal egg count reduction tests showed very negligible or no reduction in number of strongyle eggs for donkeys in the phytotherapeutic treatment group compared to those in the control group. Thus, the herbal dewormer was mostly ineffective in reducing fecal egg counts in donkeys infected with intestinal strongyles. These findings can make equine practitioners aware of possible disadvantages of herbal dewormers.
Drug efficacy of ivermectin against primary nematodes parasitizing captive Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) after ten years of annually treatment
Authors: Tang L. , Xiu Y. , Yan L. , Cui Y. , Ma X. , Ente M. , Zhang Y. , Li K. , Zhang D.
Published: January 2020

Reintroduction of endangered species to natural habitat is considered as an important tool for conservation. The effect of drug management on captive population of reintroduced species is largely neglected. Decreased drug efficacy could pose a substantial threat to health of animals. More importantly, captive population without proper drug administration could act as transmission medium of resistance nematodes to wild population, making it important to delay the occurrence of drug resistance in captive population. Ivermectin have been used in captive Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) to eradicate intestinal parasitic nematodes annually, while no available studies describing the drug efficacy in the recent ten years. Here, fecal egg counts pre- and post-treatment were performed with ivermectin through individual trace. Both large and small strongyles were identifi ed by larval culture. The fecal egg count reduction was almost 100% based on egg counting data of 448 samples from 13 Przewalski’s horses. Feces of two Przewalski’s horses were sampled for successive 20 days. Eggs per gram feces usually increased dramatically at the period of 1 – 2 post-treatment days and declined persistently to 0.0 within 15 days. A sustained high ivermectin efficacy against neither Parascaris equorum nor strongyles was indicated, which can be partly explained by the low deworm frequency.
On the first occurrence of Xiphinema santos in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira C. M. G. , Harakava R. , Rosa J. M. O.
Published: January 2020

Based on morphology, measurements of juveniles and female specimens and sequences of the D2/ D3 expansion 28S rDNA gene and ITS1 analysis by DNA barcode technique, a Xiphinema americanum group species associated with olive trees from state of Sao Paulo, Brazil was identifi ed as X. santos. This is the first report of X. santos in Southern Hemisphere and outside the European and African continents, thus extending its geographic range.