bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Personal Mobile Devices to increase flexibility and equity in learning in resource constrained contexts.
Authors: Brown Cheryl , Haupt Genevieve 
Published: September 2023

This paper examines how in a resource constrained context, access to personal mobile devices for first year university students increases their flexibility of learning and creates a environment of greater inclusivity at University. In 2016, at the start of their first year 201 students in an extended degree program in the Humanities at the University of Cape Town were surveyed about their access to Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs). Based on need, 68 students were given an entry level tablet to use as their own for the duration of their studies. As a consequence of establishing a learning context where students all had access to a PMD the lecturers could engage students in multimodal blended learning and teaching approach. This paper draws on data in the form of student surveys and focus groups and explores not only the challenges and opportunities for students in using PMDs for their learning both in and out of the classroom but the flexibility of learning enabled through PMDs. The study shows that creating an equitable context in terms of physical access to digital technology enables students’ learning but also presents some new challenges.
Designing a Social Exploration MOOC - Visual Literacies: Exploring Educational Practices and Technologies
Authors: Sime Julie-Ann , Themelis Chrysoula , Arapoglou Yiannis , Marantou Asteria , Theodoridou Katerina 
Published: September 2023

Social exploration is the key to how ideas spread through networks (Pentland, 2014). When people talk with others outside their immediate group, they can bring fresh ideas into the group leading to improved outcomes. So, to improve impact on educational practice we should increase communications within the professional community as well as increase the knowledge and competences of individual professionals. To improve social exploration opportunities for educators, we have developed a massive open online course (MOOC) with a technology-enhanced learning perspective on Visual Literacies. The two main challenges were to: gather content suitable for a multi-disciplinary audience; and design a MOOC that supports social exploration. The content was derived from analysis of interviews with 21 experienced educators about their use of visuals in education and communication. The educators came from a wide variety of disciplines and educational settings thereby offering multi-disciplinary case studies. The design of the ‘social exploration MOOC’ is based on Networked Learning theory, a pedagogical approach that emphasises openness, democratic relationships between teachers and learners, and support for diversity and inclusivity of participants. Participants can explore the MOOC content, share ideas and reflect on their own practice in a learning community that emphasizes sharing and discussion. Issues of engagement, drop-out, completion and retention rates are discussed in this descriptive case study using learning analytics and feedback from participants on their experience. The design of the MOOC promoted strong engagement and retention rates with the live webinar, in particular, enhancing participation, discussion and a feeling of community amongst participants.
Exploring transformative learning in vocational online and distance education
Authors: Nichols Mark , Choudhary Neeru , Standring Doug 
Published: September 2023

reformulation of their experience, and new ways of acting in the world) is widely understood as an important outcome of adult education (Mezirow, 1990, 2018). Various studies have been performed over the last 30 or so years since Mezirow’s theory was first proposed, confirming its presence and importance in higher education. However, it is questioned as to whether transformative learning takes place in vocational distance and online education, particularly if not explicitly promoted. This paper investigates the extent of transformative learning taking place in adult learners studying at a distance, online. Drawing on King’s (2009) Learning Activities Survey (LAS), Open Polytechnic students (n=499) across 7 qualifications (6 discipline areas) responded to a survey asking about their experiences of perspective transformation. The instrument also sought insight as to how vocational providers of vocational online and distance education might promote transformative learning outcomes in learners.Survey results show evidence of perspective transformation in students, to varying degrees mainly determined by the qualification being studied. The results also reveal which instructional design approaches and teaching activities might contribute to transformation.
Student’s Willingness to Change a Pathway to Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Seiyabo Tonbra Inemo 
Published: September 2023

To lower human-induced carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, the world must aim toward a carbon-neutral future to successfully combat climate change. The research aimed to investigate students’ willingness to change their attitude as a pathway to achieving carbon neutrality. An online survey was created using the JISC tool to examine students at the University of Salford's desire to change their behaviour to meet a carbon neutrality objective. Overall, 122 responses were received from the respondents and a non-parametric statistical approach was used to analyse the data. The Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient of respondent’s familiarity level with climate change and their willingness to change was found to be moderate negative and statistically significant at 0.001 level. Out of 122 respondents who completed the study survey, 30 (24.6%) of them said that they first learned about climate change in school, Internet and television sources came second on sources utilised for information. In addition, 93 (76.2%) of the respondents were ready to give up certain individual benefits to reduce CO2 emissions. Carbon neutrality seems like an ambitious goal for policymakers to attain; though people are willing to alter their lifestyles to reduce CO2 emissions in the areas of energy consumption, food waste, and transportation. However, they are not willing to go beyond if doing so will cost them more; people need to be made more aware of the issue and adopt a pattern to reduce wasteful lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprint, and it will require true political and widespread social commitment.
Comparative Carbon Synthesis of Peat using ZnCl2 and H3PO4 for Heavy Metal Adsorption in Oilfield Produced Water
Authors: Agbozu Iwekumo E. , Wategire Omatosan P. 
Published: September 2023

Oilfield Produced Water is one of the amplest wastes resulting from oil and gas operations and it’s of great industrial concern due to its quantity, concentration, and cost of treatment; thus, it needs cheaper and more available options. Peat being an option is a renewable brown deposit resembling soil, formed as a result of an accumulation of organic matter, also known to have a rich carbon content. This research work aims to comparatively synthesize peat soil with ZnCl2 and H3PO4, carbonize, characterize, and determine the efficiency of heavy metal adsorption in Oilfield Produced Water. The peat samples were collected from Warri City commonly referred to as Oil City in southern Nigeria and were impregnated with ZnCl2 (PAC-ZC); H3PO4 (PAC-HP); ZnCl2 and H3PO4 at a ratio of 1:1 (PAC-ZC+HP) and with De-ionized water as control (PAC-D). After activation, peat was carbonized at 400oC for 1 hour. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis showed all five samples have a strong silicate ion peak between 998.9 - 1028.7cm-1, the presence of Vincy C-H group at 909.5cm-1, broad shaped polar O-H bond between 369.5 – 3623.0cm-1 and an adsorption peak between 2929.7 – 2012.8cm-1 which disappeared after activation and carbonization. Scanning Electron Microscopy micrograph shows a surface enhancement after activation and carbonization. The heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn & Fe) level in the Oilfield Produced Water was analyzed before and after treatment with Peat Activated Carbon using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Four dosages (1,2,3, and 4g) of each Peat Activated Carbon were used to treat 100ml of Oilfield Produced Water. PAC-ZC and PAC-ZC+HP showed 100% efficiency in the removal of turbidity, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Fe. However, the overall efficiency trend of the adsorption capacity of the Peat Activated Carbon was PAC-ZC > PAC-ZC+HP > PAC-HP > PAC-D. With the experimental result, PAC-ZC and PAC-ZC+HP can be used as treatment options for Oilfield Produced Water.
Effects of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Performance of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) c.v. Japanese White
Authors: Patel Kuldeep Singh , Lal Bankey , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Singh Ram Batuk , Singh Pranjal , Singh Diwakar 
Published: September 2023

A Field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2018 at the research farm in Udai Pratap (Autonomous) College; Varanasi (U.P.), India. The site was adjoining to the Department of Horticulture of the college. The experiment consisted of Six treatments comprising of combinations of recommended doses of organic and inorganic manures (FYM, Vermicompost and poultry manures). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD) with six treatment combinations (T0– Control, T1 -Conventional practices- recommended FYM + fertilizer + PPI with chemicals, T2 -100% RDF through Vermicompost T3 (100% RDF through FYM), T4 -50% RDF through Vermicompost +50% RDF through poultry manure and T5 -50% RDF through FYM + 50% RDF through poultry manure. The applications of 50% RDF through Vermicompost at 7.5 ton/ha + 50% RDF through poultry manures at 5 ton/ha (T4) resulted in maximum value of growth and yield attributes viz. maximum growth (leaf length), yield parameters (root length, root weight, root diameter, root yield/ plot) and root yield q/ha. It is revealed from the data obtained that the significantly maximum root yield/ha of radish was recorded with the application of 50% RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer) through Vermicompost + 50% RDF through poultry manures (PPI-Pre plant Incorporation with organic methods) (T4) along with maximum net return of and maximum benefit cost ratio.
KARAKTERISTIK DAN FAKTOR PENDORONG WIRAUSAHA WANITA ETNIS TIONGHOA DI KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI
Authors: Widyantari Shinta 
Published: September 2023

Wanita seringkali terbatas pada pekerjaan rumah tangga menyebabkan memiliki lebih sedikit kesempatan untuk menjadi wirausaha. Meskipun demikian, wanita juga memiliki potensi untuk meningkatkan perekonomian sebagai wirausaha. Saat ini, kita bisa melihat tidak hanya laki-laki yang menjadi wirausaha, tetapi juga wanita mulai mengambil peran kewirausahaan. Penulis ingin mengetahui karakteristik wirausaha wanita etnis Tionghoa dan faktor pendorong wirausaha wanita etnis Tionghoa. Penulis memilih Kabupaten Banyuwangi sebagai lokasi penelitian, karena Banyuwangi merupakan kota wisata, dan merupakan peluang yang baik untuk membuka restoran. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Dalam hal metode sampling, penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode wawancara yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah wawancara semi terstruktur. Hasil analisis dari penelitian ini adalah perpaduan antara ketegasan dan kelembutan menjadi ciri khas wirausaha wanita etnis Tionghoa. Sedangkan faktor pendorong wirausaha wanita etnis Tionghoa yaitu karena keinginannya sendiri. Kata kunci: wirausaha wanita etnis Tionghoa, karakteristik, faktor pendorong
Season of Conception and Risk of Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Zhuo Haoran , Ritz Beate , Warren Joshua L. , Liew Zeyan 
Published: September 2023

ImportanceCerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent neuromotor disability in childhood, but for most cases the etiology remains unexplained. Seasonal variation in the conception of CP may provide clues for their potential etiological risk factors that vary across seasons.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the month or season of conception is associated with CP occurrence.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis statewide cohort study examined more than 4 million live births that were registered in the California birth records during 2007 to 2015 and were linked to CP diagnostic records (up to year 2021). Statistical analyses were conducted between March 2022 and January 2023.ExposuresThe month and season of conception were estimated based on the child’s date of birth and the length of gestation recorded in the California birth records.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCP status was ascertained from the diagnostic records obtained from the Department of Developmental Services in California. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% CI for CP according to the month or the season of conception, adjusting for maternal- and neighborhood-level factors. Stratified analyses were conducted by child’s sex and neighborhood social vulnerability measures, and the mediating role of preterm birth was evaluated.ResultsRecords of 4 468 109 children (51.2% male; maternal age: 28.3% aged 19 to 25 years, 27.5% aged 26 to 30 years; maternal race and ethnicity: 5.6% African American or Black, 13.5% Asian, 49.8% Hispanic or Latinx of any race, and 28.3% non-Hispanic White) and 4697 with CP (55.1% male; maternal age: 28.3% aged 19 to 25 years, 26.0% aged 26 to 30 years; maternal race and ethnicity: 8.3% African American or Black, 8.6% Asian, 54.3% Hispanic or Latinx of any race, and 25.8% non-Hispanic White) were analyzed. Children conceived in winter (January to March) or spring (April to June) were associated with a 9% to 10% increased risk of CP (winter: RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01-1.19]; spring: RR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.02-1.20]) compared with summer (July to September) conceptions. Analyses for specific months showed similar results with children conceived in January, February, and May being at higher risk of CP. The associations were slightly stronger for mothers who lived in neighborhoods with a high social vulnerability index, but no child sex differences were observed. Only a small portion of the estimated association was mediated through preterm birth.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study in California, children conceived in winter and spring had a small increase in CP risk. These findings suggest that seasonally varying environmental factors should be considered in the etiological research of CP.
Gentrification as a Factor in the Incidence of Firearm Injuries
Authors: Spitzer Sarabeth A. , Vail Daniel G. , Heindel Patrick , Dey Tanujit , Cooper Zara , Salim Ali , Jarman Molly P. 
Published: September 2023

ImportanceFirearm injuries are an epidemic in the US; more than 45 000 fatal injuries were recorded in 2020 alone. Gaining a deeper understanding of socioeconomic factors that may contribute to increasing firearm injury rates is critical to prevent future injuries.ObjectiveTo explore whether neighborhood gentrification is associated with firearm injury incidence rates over time.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study used nationwide, urban US Census tract–level data on gentrification between 2010 and 2019 and firearm injuries data collected between 2014 and 2019. All urban Census tracts, as defined by Rural Urban Commuting Area codes 1 to 3, were included in the analysis, for a total of 59 379 tracts examined from 2014 through 2019. Data were analyzed from January 2022 through April 2023.ExposureGentrification, defined to be an area in a central city neighborhood with median housing prices appreciating over the median regional value and a median household income at or below the 40th percentile of the median regional household income and continuing for at least 2 consecutive years.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe number of firearm injuries, controlling for Census tract population characteristics.ResultsA total of 59 379 urban Census tracts were evaluated for gentrification; of these tracts, 14 125 (23.8%) were identified as gentrifying, involving approximately 57 million residents annually. The firearm injury incidence rate for gentrifying neighborhoods was 62% higher than the incidence rate in nongentrifying neighborhoods with similar sociodemographic characteristics (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.56-1.69). In a multivariable analysis, firearm injury incidence rates increased by 57% per year for low-income Census tracts that did not gentrify (IRR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.56-1.58), 42% per year for high-income tracts that did not gentrify (IRR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.41-1.43), and 49% per year for gentrifying tracts (IRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.48-1.50). Neighborhoods undergoing the gentrification process experienced an additional 26% increase in firearm injury incidence above baseline increase experienced in neighborhoods not undergoing gentrification (IRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.23-1.30).Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this study suggest that gentrification is associated with an increase in the incidence of firearm injuries within gentrifying neighborhoods. Social disruption and residential displacement associated with gentrification may help explain this finding, although future research is needed to evaluate the underlying mechanisms. These findings support use of targeted firearm prevention interventions in communities experiencing gentrification.
El Tapiz de Identitades: Counterstories of Latinx working‐learner re‐entry students at a community college
Authors: Peña Elizabeth , Salazar Cinthya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this qualitative study, through a testimonio methodology, we examined the working‐learner re‐entry experiences of eight Latinx students enrolled at a community college. In particular, we studied how their multiple identities influenced their educational journey as they attempted to complete their college degrees. Our findings show that the shared identities of being Latinx, low‐income, and first‐generation college students were not as salient as the working‐learner and familial roles they carried during their subsequent attempts in college. Because Latinx students represent a significant portion of noncompleters, especially in the community college, an investigation of their counterstories is vital to furthering understanding of working‐learner re‐entry students in the United States. In this article, we conclude with implications for policy and practice.
Quality assessment of automatically planned O‐Ring linac SBRT plans for pelvic lymph node metastases, finding the optimal minimum target size by comparison with robotic SBRT
Authors: Hernández Katerine Viviana Díaz , Unterkirhers Sergejs , Schneider Uwe 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the quality of automatic planned O‐Ring Halcyon linac SBRT plans for pelvic lymph node metastases and to establish an absolute PTV volume threshold as a plan quality prediction criterion. Compliance of the plans to institutional SBRT plan evaluation criteria and differences in plan quality and treatment delivery times between Halcyon Linac and CyberKnife robotic SBRT were evaluated.MethodsTwenty‐one CyberKnife treatment plans were replanned for Halcyon. Prescription doses range was 26–40 Gy in mean three fractions. The mean/median planning target volume was 4.0/3.6 cm3. Institutional criteria for the plan evaluation were: New Conformity Index (NCI), Conformity Index (CI), Modified Gradient Index (MGI), selectivity index reciprocal (PIV/TVPIV), and the target coverage by prescription isodose (%PIV). Statistical analysis based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine a plan quality predictor threshold of the PTV volume. Comparative analysis of normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) was used to assess the risk of toxicity in healthy tissues.ResultsSeventy‐one percent (n = 15)/95% (n = 20) of Halcyon and 81% (n = 17)/100% (n = 21) of CK plans fulfilled all ideal/tolerance criteria. For PTVs above a found optimal threshold of 2.6 cm3 (71%, n = 15), no statistically significant difference was observed between the CI, NCI, PIV/TVPIV, and MGI indexes of both groups, while the coverage (%PIV) was statistically but not clinically significantly different between cohorts. Significantly shorter delivery times are expected with Halcyon. No significant differences in NTCP were observed.ConclusionAll but one automatically optimized Halcyon treatment plans demonstrated ideal or acceptable performance. PTV threshold of 2.6 cm3 can be used as decision criteria in clinical settings. The results of our study demonstrated the promising performance of the Halcyon for pelvic SBRT, although plan‐specific QA is required to verify machine performance during plan delivery.
Thermally Insulating and Moisture‐Resilient Foams Based on Upcycled Aramid Nanofibers and Nanocellulose
Authors: Di Andi , Schiele Carina , Hadi Seyed Ehsan , Bergström Lennart 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLow‐density foams and aerogels based on upcycled and bio‐based nanofibers and additives are promising alternatives to fossil‐based thermal insulation materials. Super‐insulating foams are prepared from upcycled acid‐treated aramid nanofibers (upANFA) obtained from Kevlar yarn and tempo‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from wood. The ice‐templated hybrid upANFA/CNF‐based foams with an upANFA content of up to 40 wt% display high thermal stability and a very low thermal conductivity of 18–23 mW m−1 K−1 perpendicular to the aligned nanofibrils over a wide relative humidity (RH) range of 20% to 80%. The thermal conductivity of the hybrid upANFA/CNF foams is found to decrease with increasing upANFA content (5–20 wt%). The super‐insulating properties of the CNF‐upANFA hybrid foams are related to the low density of the foams and the strong interfacial phonon scattering between the very thin and partially branched upANFA and CNF in the hybrid foam walls. Defibrillated nanofibers from textiles are not limited to Kevlar, and this study can hopefully inspire efforts to upcycle textile waste into high‐performance products.
The Key Role of Molecular Packing in Luminescence Property: From Adjacent Molecules to Molecular Aggregates
Authors: Liao Qiuyan , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe luminescence materials act as the key components in many functional devices, as well as the detection and imaging systems, which can be permeated in each aspect of modern life, and attract more and more attention for the creative technology and applications. In addition to the diverse properties of organic luminogens, the multiple molecular packing at aggregated states frequently offers new and/or exciting performance. However, there still lacks comprehensive analysis of molecular packing in these organic materials, resulting in an increased gap between molecular design and practical applications. In this review, from the basic knowledge of organic compounds as single molecules, to the discernable property of excimer, charge transfer (CT) complex or self‐assembly systems by adjacent molecules, and finally to the opto‐electronic performance of molecular aggregates, the relevant factors to molecular packing and practical applications are discussed.