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Metacognitive Monitoring in Written Communication: Improving Reflective Practice
Get PDFEducational programs aimed at developing metacognitive skills usually focus on students, neglecting the development of teachers by teaching metacognitively aware instructional methods. The effectiveness of such development programs is well-established, but there is a gap between research findings and their application in schools. A framework for a training program was developed in the context of an international partnership project aimed at enhancing the metacognitive abilities of both children and teachers. The final form of classroom activities was developed at the country level using action research methods with the involvement of teachers. After implementing a 3-week educational program involving 35 experimental and 19 control groups from Romanian public schools, a comparison of pre- and post-test scores indicated a significant increase in the number of children in the experimental group with improved efficiency in metacognitive monitoring in reading. Teachers’ metacognitive awareness significantly improved after the Teacher Training Program, as indicated by a comparison of the pre- and post-training results of the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory for Teachers (MAIT). No correlation was found between teachers’ development scores (as expressed by differences between pre- and post-intervention MAIT results) and the number of students from their classes whose progress in metacognitive monitoring significantly increased. The cyclical process of the action research methodology proved to be useful for increasing the efficiency of the intervention program. However, due to methodological limitations, the results are primarily interpretable within a local context. The results confirm expert recommendations aimed at integrating the targeted development of metacognitive teaching skills into both pre-service and in-service teacher training programs
The ergonomic analysis of foot-shoe and shoe-ground interfaces in badminton shoes during lunging
No full textThis study aimed to explore the impact attenuation efficacy of badminton shoes when lunging and to identify the effects of the vertical ground reaction force and the shoe-ground interface pressure. We examined the construction and functionality of badminton shoes to provide a theoretical basis for optimal badminton shoe design. Ten elite badminton players performed lunging trials in six pairs of professional badminton shoes. The pressure data were collected using a plantar pressure distribution measurement system. Three-dimensional reconstruction and simulation analysis of the badminton shoes were conducted using a three-dimensional scanner together with reverse engineering. Results indicated that the initial impact peak of YONEX-1 was significantly greater; the impulse of LI-NING was significantly greater. The pressure area of LI-NING, VICTOR and ASICS was significantly greater than that of other shoes. The mean pressure of MIZUNO and YONEX-2 was significantly greater than that of VICTOR and ASICS. Compared with other shoes, the centre of pressure of ASICS and LI-NING was closer to the centre at axis x and axis y, respectively. The loading rate of YONEX-1 and YONEX-2 was significantly greater than that of other shoes. The finite element analysis revealed that the peak of total deformation, stress and strain all concentrated at the heel centre. The shape and structure of the badminton shoe heel significantly influence the initial impact peak, impulse, pressure area and mean pressure in lunging. The MIZUNO footwear had the best impact attenuation effect; yet, VICTOR and ASICS demonstrated better pressure distribution. The smooth sole of VICTOR helped reduce stress and strain. A combination of kinetic and finite element analysis to optimise the design of badminton shoes should be a future research direction
Nutribloods: Novel synthetic lepidopteran haemolymphs for understanding insect–microbe nutritional interactions in vitro
Get PDFUnderstanding the role of nutrients in microbial population dynamics relies on a sound appreciation of their nutritional environment and how this may vary in different habitats. For microbial pathogens and commensals, this can be especially challenging because the microbe may share nutritional resources with its host. Here we design a series of 20 synthetic cell‐free haemolymphs (nutribloods) that mimic haemolymph nutrient profiles of caterpillars fed on one of 20 chemically defined diets that vary in their protein: carbohydrate (P:C) ratio and caloric density. Using these, we are able to simulate the range of nutritional conditions that insect blood pathogens might face, providing a model system for understanding the role of nutrition in microbial growth. We tested this using the entomopathogen, Xenorhabdus nematophila, a Gram‐negative extracellular bacterium of insect hosts. This revealed that whilst bacterial fitness peaked in nutriblood nutrient space that was high in carbohydrates and low in proteins, levels of amino acids in the nutribloods also appear to be an important driving force for bacterial growth. Using synthetic haemolymphs that had average levels of all nutrients other than carbohydrate, protein or amino acids, we also established that bacterial growth is generally enhanced by carbohydrates and amino acids but reduced by proteins. Here, we have established a tractable model system for examining the role that nutrition plays in the growth of an entomopathogenic bacterium. In future work, this model host–pathogen system can be used to test a range of nutritionally driven processes, including competition during co‐infection and interactions with the host microbiome, as well as comparative studies of other entomopathogens
Enhancing the fluorescence and antimicrobial performance of Carbon dots via hypochlorite treatment
Get PDFThis paper presents a simple, post-synthesis treatment of carbon dots (C-dots) that relies on the oxidizing activity of sodium hypochlorite to induce surface oxidation, etching and pronounced structural rearrangements. The thus treated C-dots (ox-C-dots) exhibit up to six-fold enhancement in quantum yield compared to non-oxidised analogues, while maintaining low levels of cytotoxicity against HeLa and U87 cell lines. In addition, we demonstrate that a range of polymeric materials (polyurethane sponge, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane, polyester fabric) impregnated with ox-C-dots show advanced antifungal properties against Talaromyces pinophilus, while their untreated counterparts fail to do so
Development history and application scenario analysis of clock display device
Get PDFIn the fast-paced environment of modern society, clock display systems have transformed from mere timekeeping devices into sophisticated combinations of technology and design, becoming indispensable in everyday life. This article begins by exploring the evolution of clock displays across various historical periods, highlighting the unique characteristics and innovations of each era. From the mechanical clocks of the past, which embodied both precision and craftsmanship, to the rise of seven-segment displays known for their efficiency and reliability, each development marks a significant leap forward. Additionally, the paper delves into the diverse applications of these systems in areas such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and aviation. In these industries, clock displays contribute to increased functionality, user engagement, and safety, often integrating with global time standards. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the growing importance of clock displays in both practical and aesthetic contexts, as they evolve to meet the demands of modern technology and design. This progression signifies not only advancements in timekeeping but also the broader impact of display technology on human experience and industrial innovation
Guisborough Wellbeing Forestry Walk: A report to Forestry England on the emotional effects of the Guisborough wellbeing trail
Get PDFThe research questions designed for this project seek to discover to what extent new methodologies that use visual methods can support the evaluation of in-depth emotional reactions to the Forestry England wellbeing trails.
The methods employed in the research include the walk itself, the participation of the Forestry England Coordinator in facilitating wellbeing exercises, the collection of found objects, the use of drawings, and in particular the Visual Matrix exercise, followed up by the post-matrix discussion.
The pilot project took place in Guisborough Forest with a group of local asylum seekers whose complex wellbeing needs in terms of place, culture and identity provided a potential forum for understanding the effects of the Guisborough wellbeing trail.
The report findings demonstrate a very positive and deep connection between the experience of the walk as a group and the concerns and anxieties that such a group might bring with them. The walk elicited comforting memories of the asylum seekers’ countries of origin and an expression of a deep desire for freedom – like the birds in the sky – along with a yearning for a living space to call home. The trail also brought about a deepening of emotional and bonding connectivity among the walkers who were able to move towards relationships of friendship as opposed to the isolation of individuals in desperate situations. This human interconnectivity was associated with the way the forest roots interconnect ecologically. In this way, the wellbeing trail enabled a complex affectivity between people as a mirror of the connections in nature along the walk. Autumnal colours were associated to the warmth of the sun, even though the physical sensation of the day was freezing!
As a pilot study, the brief experience of the asylum seekers on the wellbeing trail in Guisborough shows promise for future developments of the wellbeing journal currently in use by Forestry England. It provides hope for a deeper, richer and better understanding of the effects and potential effects of the wellbeing trails on groups of walkers with defined health needs and requirements.
The report therefore recommends further exploration of these methods and a closer collaboration between the researchers and Forestry England staff as a means of enriching the design and experience of the wellbeing trails for service users of all denominations
Evaluating the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Coccydynia: A Critical Appraisal Through the Four Pillars of Advanced Practice
Get PDFCoccydynia is referred to as pain in the region of the coccygeal bone. It is usually managed conservatively with physiotherapy, education and medication. Symptoms can last a couple of weeks or up to five years. For severe cases, invasive interventions such as injections or surgery are currently the main options. The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is emerging as a successful, non-invasive treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. A systematic review by Nikouei et al., (2022) aimed to establish if ESWT was effective at alleviating pain for patients with coccydynia. This commentary provides a critical evaluation of the methods employed in this review and discusses the findings of the review in context to the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research in physiotherapy
Revolutionizing 6G Networks: Implementing Cell-Free Architecture with Advanced Clustering Through Deep Machine Learning
No full textThe emergence of cell-free marks a revolutionary stride in wireless communications by eliminating traditional boundaries between cells and effectively addressing the demands of heavily populated environments. This research presents an innovative cell-free architecture that leverages advanced clustering techniques, including MeanShift, DBSCAN, KMeans, Affinity Propagation, and ClusterGAN, to enhance resource allocation and network performance. Notably, ClusterGAN demonstrates exceptional promise, achieving superior clustering outcomes with the highest network sum rate and balanced energy efficiency, making it particularly suited for dense and dynamic scenarios. Affinity Propagation also delivers competitive results, highlighting its potential for efficient throughput and resource management. The simulation results confirm the approach’s alignment with 6G objectives, providing a scalable, adaptable, and energy-efficient solution tailored to current wireless networks and data-intensive urban environments
Navigating the Transition to Remote Online Examinations in Undergraduate Medical Education in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Student Satisfaction and Perception Analysis
Get PDFBackground
Remote online assessment (ROA) systems gained prominence in undergraduate medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes a uniquely phased implementation of an ROA system in a resource-limited setting, guided by an analysis of student satisfaction and perceptions.
Methodology
This observational study presents data from the implementation of ROAs at a private medical school in Lahore, Pakistan. Four principal activities were conducted on five undergraduate medical and four dental program classes, including two mock and two summative assessments. The ROA system utilized open-source, web-based software to administer the assessments. Primary outcomes included the rate of uninterrupted exam completions and student satisfaction (measured on a five-point Likert scale) during the first three activities. Secondary outcomes examined perceptions of educational impact, perceived usefulness, and the effectiveness of anti-cheating measures.
Results
Over 800 students participated in the ROA implementation process. Clinical-year students reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction compared to preclinical students (mean ranks = 443.18 vs. 372.81, 454.31 vs. 409, and 435.50 vs. 380.13, p < 0.05), while female students consistently reported lower satisfaction. One-on-one online training sessions conducted in small groups and mini-mock exams significantly improved overall satisfaction (p < 0.005). Key challenges included insufficient exam time (n = 614, 73.9%) and internet connectivity issues (n = 470, 57%). Although live proctoring effectively deterred cheating, it also heightened exam-related anxiety (n = 313, 77.9%). Despite perceiving ROAs as inferior to traditional examinations, students acknowledged their value in supporting course completion and preparation for summative assessments.
Conclusions
A phased, adaptive approach is essential for implementing ROAs in resource-limited settings. Repeated mock exams, small-group training, and targeted support for preclinical and female students can improve satisfaction and program outcomes. Addressing technical and psychological barriers is critical to successfully integrating online assessments into undergraduate medical education
Multiscale micromagnetic / atomistic modeling of heat assisted magnetic recording
Get PDFHeat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is a recent advancement in magnetic recording, allowing to significantly increase the areal density capability (ADC) of hard disk drives (HDDs) compared to the perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology. This is enabled by high anisotropy FePt media, which needs to be heated through its Curie temperature (TC) to facilitate magnetization reversal by an electromagnetic write pole. HAMR micromagnetic modeling is therefore challenging, as it needs to be performed in proximity to and above TC, where a ferromagnet has no spontaneous magnetization. An atomistic model is an optimal solution here, as it doesn't require any parameter renormalization or non-physical assumptions for modeling at any temperature. However, a full track atomistic recording model is extremely computationally expensive. Here we demonstrate a true multiscale HAMR modeling approach, combining atomistic spin dynamics modeling for high temperature regions and micromagnetic modeling for lower temperature regions, in a moving simulation window embedded within a long magnetic track. The advantages of this approach include natural emergence of TC and anisotropy distributions of FePt grains. Efficient GPU optimization of the code provides very fast running times, with a 60~nm wide track of twenty-five 20~nm - long bits being recorded in several hours on a single GPU. The effects of realistic FePt L10 vs simple cubic crystal structure is discussed, with the latter providing further running time gains while keeping the advantages of the multiscale approach