Online-Journals.org (International Association of Online Engineering)
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Deep Learning-Based Approaches Using Medical Imaging for Therapy Response Prediction in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFThe prediction of response to breast cancer therapy involves assessing the effectiveness of treatment by comparing biomarker levels before and after treatment. Deep learning (DL) models can provide a non-invasive and early way to evaluate the response to therapy based on medical imaging analysis. We conducted this systematic review to investigate the current DL based methods for predicting breast cancer therapy response using medical imaging. This review included 19 studies based on the PRISMA methodology. Some selected studies personalized the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture to improve its performance in handling medical images, while others used pre-trained models. The accuracy rates range from 0.73 to 0.90, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) reaches 0.98. Our study’s findings suggest that the performance of these approaches varies depending on various medical imaging modalities, the nature of the DL architecture used, and the fusion of training data sources. However, several challenges related to their explainability and generalizability arise. Therefore, it is necessary to develop larger datasets and broaden the scope of current studies to include multi-center studies
Catalyzing Change in Engineering Pedagogy: The Role of Workshops, Modules, and Reflective Implementation
Get PDFThis paper presents the implementation of a professional development program that aims at enhancing instructional practices to foster student-centered teaching approaches among engineering faculty at two universities in Pakistan. The program was guided by the theoretical perspective of enactivism and involved an initial three-day workshop, online modules, and reflective implementation assignments. The paper provides a detailed account of the program’s framework, design, and evaluation. The research questions addressed are: What are the perceptions of faculty members regarding (a) the benefits of the program topics and (b) changes in their actions as a result of the program? Likert-item survey instruments with retrospective items were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. As the program moved from being required to voluntary, participation was declined. Faculty who participated in this engineering pedagogy project reported positive attitudes and significant growth in utilizing student-centered strategies. The three-day workshop was perceived as the most beneficial of the components. The module was perceived to be of the highest benefit when focused on writing effective questions for high-level thinking. All the pre-to-post retrospective items showed statistically significant increases, with the two largest being the use of student response systems (SRS) and the focus on big ideas in teaching. The combined approaches show promise for faculty who persist in long-term professional development projects, catalyzing changes in perceived value and the implementation of active learning techniques
Experience of Project-Based Learning: Challenges, Assessment, and Analysis
Get PDFThough theoretical knowledge is essential, there is a growing belief that when teaching applied sciences, particularly engineering, a great emphasis should be placed on the development of students’ practical skills. Therefore, some courses and curricula need to be revised to enhance the current state of education in this field. This can be achieved through the introduction of project-based learning (PBL). The PBL approach is ideal for teaching engineering disciplines because its framework promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for a professional engineering career. This paper explains the implementation and comparative analysis of the PBL method in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at King Faisal University. The challenges faced in this implementation include incorporating the PBL approach into the departments’ overall instructional technique, defining the roles of PBL coordinators, and addressing the characteristics of the PBL problems that arise in the courses offered. Furthermore, the implementation of PBL projects is evaluated based on the common courses offered in both departments. It is taken as an example and assessed based on problem-solving, teamwork skills, and the outcomes of accreditation board for engineering and technology. The results of this implementation are reported in this paper. Furthermore, we actively shared our experience managing course projects remotely during the fall semester, which COVID-19 impacted. Recommendations for future work are discussed, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient resources and fostering collaboration with industry and researchers from diverse disciplines
Exploring Sex Differences in Numerosity Perception Using Dynamic Visual Stimuli: Insights into Cognitive Processing and STEM
Get PDFNumerosity perception, the innate ability to estimate the number of objects in a set without counting, plays a crucial role in cognitive science and has implications for addressing sex disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite its significance, research on sex differences in numerosity perception, particularly in dynamic visual contexts, is still limited. This study aims to address this gap by investigating sex differences in numerosity perception using 3D dynamic stimuli in a dual-task experiment. We found a significant underestimation of numerosity among females, a phenomenon not previously reported in adults. This suggests sex-based variations in numerosity perception, likely linked to differences in spatial cognition. The study also reveals how increased attentional load can negatively affect numerosity estimation, especially in females. Despite the limitation of a small participant group, this pilot research establishes a framework for more extensive future studies to substantiate these findings and deepen our understanding of sex-specific cognitive processing in dynamic environments
Assessment and Level Modelling in Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
Get PDFThis paper focuses on the module “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering,” in which students from different engineering disciplines often face difficulties. Despite efforts to enhance the course through digital media, the formation of study groups, and adjusted lecture and exercise materials, there is still a high failure rate in the subject, leading to potential student dropouts. The primary goal is to analyze students’ challenges in solving electrical engineering problems to evaluate their grasp of the fundamentals of electrical engineering and identify varying levels of competence. The findings are based on a cross-sectional study conducted at the conclusion of a university course in Germany, involving 196 students. Through item response theory (IRT) analyses, it was determined that the assessment items demonstrated satisfactory fit values. The proficiency model delineates four levels, with only 8.2% of students achieving the highest level. At this stage, students can tackle more intricate problems using circuit analysis techniques. However, a notable portion of students (40.3%) lack a basic understanding of electrical circuits, placing them at the lowest level
Investigating the Effect of an Interactive Educational Chatbot on Reading Comprehension Skills
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the implementation of an interactive chatbot as a facilitator to assess its effects on reading skills. To this end, 60 Omani intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners from a higher education institute were selected as the population and divided into two experimental and control groups with an equal number of learners. Several research-based reading tests have been developed, validated, and piloted to ensure reliability, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The test results for the pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests were 0.889, 0.767, and 0.850, which ensured reliability. Although both groups received instructions and practiced reading skills based on the department’s curriculum and delivery plan, an interactive WhatsApp bot was designed to provide additional instructions and exercises for the experimental group for three weeks. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was conducted to assess data normality and determine whether parametric- or nonparametric-tests should be used. The results indicated non-normality in all data sets (p < .05) except for the pre-test data of the experimental group (p > .05); Consequently, the Wilcoxon test was employed to analyze results within the groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to compare the groups. The interpretation of the test within the control group revealed that learners performed significantly differently in the post- and delayed post-tests (Z = -4.80, -2.95 < .05). Similarly, the results of learners in the experimental group showed that they performed significantly better in the post- and delayed post-tests than in the pre-test (Z = -4.79, -4.80 < .05). Finally, the comparison of both groups based on the Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the post-test and delayed post-test (U = .00, p < .05). Therefore, it could be concluded that chatbots could be beneficial within the learning process, particularly for improving reading skills. These results are promising for teachers and students who utilize technological devices in their learning and teaching practices
Education for a Sustainable Future: The Impact of Environmental Education on Shaping Sustainable Values and Attitudes among Students
Get PDFIn the face of pressing global challenges, the role of education in shaping sustainable values and attitudes among students has become an urgent priority. This study delves into the immediate impact of education and awareness on students’ knowledge, values, and attitudes toward a sustainable future, with a specific focus on environmental education (EE). It examines various aspects of EE, including curriculum development, teacher training, environmental initiatives within educational institutions, and students’ comprehension of environmental issues. To understand the role of education in fostering a sustainable future, a 2-point Likert scale questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected sample of 87 high school teachers. The results, analysed through multiple regression analysis, the chi-square test, the t-test, and Cronbach’s alpha value tests, underscore the urgent and significant role of EE in preparing children for a secure future. The study further highlights the increasing urgency and importance of EE in the face of climate change, positioning it as a crucial element for early childhood educational policies
Making Computer Science Accessible through Universal Design for Learning in Inclusive Education
Get PDFThe field of technology and computer science (CS) is developing dynamically. Just as anyone can learn computers at any age, students with special educational needs (SEN) also aspire to acquire IT (information technology) knowledge on an equal footing with all other students. However, one of the obstacles facing students with SEN is the lack of educational materials and programs for CS in secondary schools. The authors have designed teaching materials and assignments that promote inclusion. This study aims to evaluate the impact of teaching resources developed based on universal design for learning (UDL) to make the school’s CS course accessible to all students. The experiment involved 16 students and five teachers. For 8 weeks, students studied computer science using training materials based on UDL. Assessment of knowledge outcome indicators, particularly programming skills, was conducted before and after the experiment. After studying computer science through specific tasks, the interviewees demonstrated a higher level of assimilation of the subject, as indicated by the subsequent test results (mean = 12.13, standard deviation = 1.20), compared to the pre-experimental test (mean = 8.94, standard deviation = 1.12). The study demonstrated that using special UDLbased tasks to teach CS makes it more accessible and has a positive impact on students with special educational needs
Comparative Analysis of the Switching Behavior of Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Learners in Higher Education
Get PDFThis study examines the phenomenon of learner behavior change in synchronous and asynchronous online learning environments. The article assesses the level, stage, reasons, and impact of change among online learners. To facilitate systematic analysis, a set of comparison parameters has been developed. These parameters include success and failure rates, mode and location of learning, level of interaction, group and individualized learning, courses with practical exercises, economic factors, self-regulated learning, indicators of change, technological tools, learner satisfaction, and the impact of a blended learning model. Overall, this article contributes to the understanding of online learners’ behavioral changes and provides valuable information to educators, administrators, and online education providers for designing effective online learning environments. The identified parameters can serve as a foundation for future research on how synchronous or asynchronous modes can either enhance or hinder the overall learning experience of online learners
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Computational Thinking in Education at University
Get PDFThis study aims to reveal the role of one of the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, “ChatGPT,” in improving the educational process by following it as a teaching method for the subject of automatic analysis for students of the Chemistry Department and the subject of computer security for students of the Computer Science Department, from the fourth stage at the College of Education for Pure Science (Ibn Al-Haitham), and its impact on their computational thinking to have a good educational environment. The experimental approach was used, and the research samples were chosen intentionally by the research community. Research tools were prepared, which included a scale for CT that included 12 items and the achievement test in both scientific subjects for departments as the second tool. They reached a lot of conclusions. Accordingly, a set of recommendations were proposed