OuluREPO University of Oulu repository
Not a member yet
54977 research outputs found
Sort by
A Global Review of the Trends and Themes in Polar Tourism Scholarship
Get PDFAbstract
In recent years, we have witnessed a proliferation in the scholarly output related to the study of polar tourism. Having made a first appearance as an area of research in its own right almost five decades ago, scholarship on polar tourism has undergone a significant transformation and is now more likely to be underpinned by empirical, multi-disciplinary, multi-authored and theoretically situated research than in the past. Updating previous reviews, this chapter systematically reviews 626 journal articles published on polar tourism (1974–2022) and identifies key research trends and themes. Following Stewart et al. (2005; 2017), a database of journal articles was updated through a keyword search of two online scholarly databases (Scopus and Google Scholar) and other regionally relevant search engines and compiled into a spreadsheet for analysis. The chapter extends the previous reviews by including articles published in languages other than English (22 languages). By doing so, this review presents, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of scholarly output on polar tourism, benefitting from the international research efforts that have been undertaken. While the chapter reports a dominance of Anglophone articles (almost 75% of all papers), there is an upswing of scholarly work outside of the anglophone literature. This linguistic diversity stands us in good stead to advance our understanding of polar tourism in its many guises.Abstract
In recent years, we have witnessed a proliferation in the scholarly output related to the study of polar tourism. Having made a first appearance as an area of research in its own right almost five decades ago, scholarship on polar tourism has undergone a significant transformation and is now more likely to be underpinned by empirical, multi-disciplinary, multi-authored and theoretically situated research than in the past. Updating previous reviews, this chapter systematically reviews 626 journal articles published on polar tourism (1974–2022) and identifies key research trends and themes. Following Stewart et al. (2005; 2017), a database of journal articles was updated through a keyword search of two online scholarly databases (Scopus and Google Scholar) and other regionally relevant search engines and compiled into a spreadsheet for analysis. The chapter extends the previous reviews by including articles published in languages other than English (22 languages). By doing so, this review presents, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of scholarly output on polar tourism, benefitting from the international research efforts that have been undertaken. While the chapter reports a dominance of Anglophone articles (almost 75% of all papers), there is an upswing of scholarly work outside of the anglophone literature. This linguistic diversity stands us in good stead to advance our understanding of polar tourism in its many guises
Preservice subject teachers’ beliefs about teacher subject interest: love for a subject as a resource and a challenge
No full textAbstract
This study explores preservice teachers’ beliefs about teacher subject interest and its impact on teaching and learning, which has received little attention in research in initial teacher education. To form an understanding of their beliefs, we examined the writings produced by 47 preservice subject teachers of mathematics, physics and chemistry about teacher subject interest. All participants expressed that teacher subject interest, or lack thereof, has an impact on teaching and learning. Most preservice teachers’ beliefs were related to teacher’s high subject interest; however, preservice teachers also recognised possible challenges related to teacher’s high subject interest. Moreover, a few preservice teachers believed that a teacher should not let the possible differences in their subject interests be noticed by the students. These findings suggest that high subject interest can pose challenges and should be addressed in both research and teacher education.Abstract
This study explores preservice teachers’ beliefs about teacher subject interest and its impact on teaching and learning, which has received little attention in research in initial teacher education. To form an understanding of their beliefs, we examined the writings produced by 47 preservice subject teachers of mathematics, physics and chemistry about teacher subject interest. All participants expressed that teacher subject interest, or lack thereof, has an impact on teaching and learning. Most preservice teachers’ beliefs were related to teacher’s high subject interest; however, preservice teachers also recognised possible challenges related to teacher’s high subject interest. Moreover, a few preservice teachers believed that a teacher should not let the possible differences in their subject interests be noticed by the students. These findings suggest that high subject interest can pose challenges and should be addressed in both research and teacher education
“Real impact”: Challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between research and practice – Making a difference in industry, policy, and society
Get PDFAbstract
Achieving impact from academic research is a challenging, complex, multifaceted, and interconnected topic with a number of competing priorities and key performance indicators driving the extent and reach of meaningful and measurable benefits from research. Academic researchers are incentivised to publish their research in high-ranking journals and academic conferences but also to demonstrate the impact of their outputs through metrics such as citation counts, altmetrics, policy and practice impacts, and demonstrable institutional decision-making influence. However, academic research has been criticized for: its theoretical emphasis, high degree of complexity, jargon-heavy language, disconnect from industry and societal needs, overly complex and lengthy publishing timeframe, and misalignment between academic and industry objectives. Initiatives such as collaborative research projects and technology transfer offices have attempted to deliver meaningful impact, but significant barriers remain in the identification and evaluation of tangible impact from academic research. This editorial focusses on these aspects to deliver a multi-expert perspective on impact by developing an agenda to deliver more meaningful and demonstrable change to how “impact” can be conceptualized and measured to better align with the aims of academia, industry, and wider society. We present the 4D model - Design, Deliver, Disseminate, and Demonstrate - to provide a structured approach for academia to better align research endeavors with practice and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to stakeholders.Abstract
Achieving impact from academic research is a challenging, complex, multifaceted, and interconnected topic with a number of competing priorities and key performance indicators driving the extent and reach of meaningful and measurable benefits from research. Academic researchers are incentivised to publish their research in high-ranking journals and academic conferences but also to demonstrate the impact of their outputs through metrics such as citation counts, altmetrics, policy and practice impacts, and demonstrable institutional decision-making influence. However, academic research has been criticized for: its theoretical emphasis, high degree of complexity, jargon-heavy language, disconnect from industry and societal needs, overly complex and lengthy publishing timeframe, and misalignment between academic and industry objectives. Initiatives such as collaborative research projects and technology transfer offices have attempted to deliver meaningful impact, but significant barriers remain in the identification and evaluation of tangible impact from academic research. This editorial focusses on these aspects to deliver a multi-expert perspective on impact by developing an agenda to deliver more meaningful and demonstrable change to how “impact” can be conceptualized and measured to better align with the aims of academia, industry, and wider society. We present the 4D model - Design, Deliver, Disseminate, and Demonstrate - to provide a structured approach for academia to better align research endeavors with practice and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to stakeholders
Highly effective and reusable cellulose-based amphoteric adsorbent for dye removal from single and binary system
Get PDFAbstract
High adsorption efficiency, synchronized removal of anionic and cationic dyes, and adsorbent recyclability are three contemporary challenges in treating wastewater generated during dyeing operations. In this study, citric acid (CA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) co-functionalized cellulose adsorbent (CS-CA/PEI) with an elevated density of amino and carboxyl functional groups were synthesized using two-step simple methods. CS-CA/PEI with double-network exhibited high electrostatic affinity for both anionic (methyl orange, MO, sunset yellow, SY) and cationic (methylene blue, MB and victoria blue B, VB) dyes over a pH range. The fitted adsorption capacities of CS-CA/PEI for MB, MO, VB and SY were 134.58 mg/g (0.42 mmol/g), 3792.59 mg/g (11.58 mmol/g), 124.53 mg/g (0.24 mmol/g) and 215.51 mg/g (0.47 mmol/g), respectively, outperforming the majority of the reported adsorbents. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model established better correlation with experimental data, representing single-layered adsorption through strong electrostatic interactions. CS-CA/PEI performed better in binary pollutants system than in single system, with binary adsorption capacity for MB, MO, VB, and SY being 56%, 7%, 128%, and 14% higher, respectively, demonstrating synergism between dyes and adsorbents. After four repeated adsorption–desorption cycles, CS-CA/PEI showed good structural stability and recyclability, with > 90% of the initial adsorption efficiency for MB and VB and > 70% for MO and SY. Therefore, CS-CA/PEI, with excellent adsorption performance in single and binary pollutant systems, high recyclability, and ease of separation, has significant application potential in treating dyeing wastewater.Abstract
High adsorption efficiency, synchronized removal of anionic and cationic dyes, and adsorbent recyclability are three contemporary challenges in treating wastewater generated during dyeing operations. In this study, citric acid (CA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) co-functionalized cellulose adsorbent (CS-CA/PEI) with an elevated density of amino and carboxyl functional groups were synthesized using two-step simple methods. CS-CA/PEI with double-network exhibited high electrostatic affinity for both anionic (methyl orange, MO, sunset yellow, SY) and cationic (methylene blue, MB and victoria blue B, VB) dyes over a pH range. The fitted adsorption capacities of CS-CA/PEI for MB, MO, VB and SY were 134.58 mg/g (0.42 mmol/g), 3792.59 mg/g (11.58 mmol/g), 124.53 mg/g (0.24 mmol/g) and 215.51 mg/g (0.47 mmol/g), respectively, outperforming the majority of the reported adsorbents. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model established better correlation with experimental data, representing single-layered adsorption through strong electrostatic interactions. CS-CA/PEI performed better in binary pollutants system than in single system, with binary adsorption capacity for MB, MO, VB, and SY being 56%, 7%, 128%, and 14% higher, respectively, demonstrating synergism between dyes and adsorbents. After four repeated adsorption–desorption cycles, CS-CA/PEI showed good structural stability and recyclability, with > 90% of the initial adsorption efficiency for MB and VB and > 70% for MO and SY. Therefore, CS-CA/PEI, with excellent adsorption performance in single and binary pollutant systems, high recyclability, and ease of separation, has significant application potential in treating dyeing wastewater
Comprehensive numerical investigation of biodiesel/natural gas dual-fuel compression ignition engine with hydrogen and oxygen enrichment
No full textAbstract
Biodiesel offers several advantages over conventional diesel, including a higher cetane number and inherent oxygen content, while natural gas, due to its abundance and lower emissions, serves as a promising alternative fuel for dual-fuel engines. This numerical study investigates a dual-fuel engine powered by biodiesel and natural gas, with hydrogen and oxygen enrichment levels ranging from 3% to 12% and 3%–30%, respectively using Converge software. The results demonstrate that the addition of 12% hydrogen (share energy) leads a significant reduction in unburned hydrocarbon emissions by 40%, and lowers carbon monoxide levels. Also, the burning interval decreases from 15.2 to 9.4 CA with the increase of hydrogen. Furthermore, hydrogen enrichment of 12% increases thermal efficiency from 47.3% to 47.9%. Moreover, increasing oxygen concentration from 3% to 30% leads to a 75% reduction in unburned hydrocarbons and a 60% decrease in soot formation. The ignition delay is also shortened from 10.5°CA to 9.3°CA. Moreover, the indicated mean effective pressure exhibited a modest improvement of 1.1%.Abstract
Biodiesel offers several advantages over conventional diesel, including a higher cetane number and inherent oxygen content, while natural gas, due to its abundance and lower emissions, serves as a promising alternative fuel for dual-fuel engines. This numerical study investigates a dual-fuel engine powered by biodiesel and natural gas, with hydrogen and oxygen enrichment levels ranging from 3% to 12% and 3%–30%, respectively using Converge software. The results demonstrate that the addition of 12% hydrogen (share energy) leads a significant reduction in unburned hydrocarbon emissions by 40%, and lowers carbon monoxide levels. Also, the burning interval decreases from 15.2 to 9.4 CA with the increase of hydrogen. Furthermore, hydrogen enrichment of 12% increases thermal efficiency from 47.3% to 47.9%. Moreover, increasing oxygen concentration from 3% to 30% leads to a 75% reduction in unburned hydrocarbons and a 60% decrease in soot formation. The ignition delay is also shortened from 10.5°CA to 9.3°CA. Moreover, the indicated mean effective pressure exhibited a modest improvement of 1.1%
Blending of virtual reality with high-fidelity simulation for interprofessional team training: A mixed methods study
No full textAbstract
Background:
Developing interprofessional competencies at the pre-registration level is essential for preparing a collaborative practice-ready workforce committed to patient-centered care and safety.
Aim:
(1) To evaluate the impact of a Blended Learning Approach with Simulation-based TeamSTEPPS® (BLAST) training on nursing and medical students' attitudes, knowledge, and perceived confidence in interprofessional collaboration, and (2) to explore the learning experiences of students and teaching experiences of simulation facilitators.
Design:
Mixed-methods design using a one-group pretest-posttest design and focus group discussions.
Setting:
A public tertiary university in Singapore.
Methods:
Final year nursing and medical students participated in the BLAST training, which delivered the TeamSTEPPS® training using multi-user virtual reality simulation followed by high-fidelity simulation. Pre- and post-tests assessed students' understanding of TeamSTEPPS® key concepts and tools, as well as their attitudes and perceived confidence in interprofessional teamwork. Nine focus group discussions were conducted with students and simulation facilitators. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated.
Results:
Students demonstrated statistically significant improvements in their understanding of TeamSTEPPS® key concepts, overall attitudes towards interprofessional teamwork, and perceived value of interprofessional training. The virtual reality simulation was reported to improve students' confidence in participating the high-fidelity simulation. Three themes emerged from the focus group discussions: (1) synergy of interprofessional learning, (2) blended simulation as a learning scaffold, and (3) operationalizing blended simulation. The triangulated data revealed that the integration of virtual reality simulation followed by in-person simulation was a promising pedagogical approach for interprofessional training.
Conclusion:
This study supports the use of a blended simulation-based learning approach for interprofessional team training, highlighting the benefits of scaffolded learning in enhancing knowledge, collaboration, and communication skills among nursing and medical students. The findings point to the need for innovative approaches to enable sustainable and scalable interprofessional team training.Abstract
Background:
Developing interprofessional competencies at the pre-registration level is essential for preparing a collaborative practice-ready workforce committed to patient-centered care and safety.
Aim:
(1) To evaluate the impact of a Blended Learning Approach with Simulation-based TeamSTEPPS® (BLAST) training on nursing and medical students' attitudes, knowledge, and perceived confidence in interprofessional collaboration, and (2) to explore the learning experiences of students and teaching experiences of simulation facilitators.
Design:
Mixed-methods design using a one-group pretest-posttest design and focus group discussions.
Setting:
A public tertiary university in Singapore.
Methods:
Final year nursing and medical students participated in the BLAST training, which delivered the TeamSTEPPS® training using multi-user virtual reality simulation followed by high-fidelity simulation. Pre- and post-tests assessed students' understanding of TeamSTEPPS® key concepts and tools, as well as their attitudes and perceived confidence in interprofessional teamwork. Nine focus group discussions were conducted with students and simulation facilitators. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated.
Results:
Students demonstrated statistically significant improvements in their understanding of TeamSTEPPS® key concepts, overall attitudes towards interprofessional teamwork, and perceived value of interprofessional training. The virtual reality simulation was reported to improve students' confidence in participating the high-fidelity simulation. Three themes emerged from the focus group discussions: (1) synergy of interprofessional learning, (2) blended simulation as a learning scaffold, and (3) operationalizing blended simulation. The triangulated data revealed that the integration of virtual reality simulation followed by in-person simulation was a promising pedagogical approach for interprofessional training.
Conclusion:
This study supports the use of a blended simulation-based learning approach for interprofessional team training, highlighting the benefits of scaffolded learning in enhancing knowledge, collaboration, and communication skills among nursing and medical students. The findings point to the need for innovative approaches to enable sustainable and scalable interprofessional team training
Performance analysis of LoRaWAN underground-to-satellite connectivity: An urban underground pipelines monitoring case study
No full textAbstract
Urban underground pipelines (UUPs) serve the cardiovascular system of our society and the cornerstone of various smart city and industrial applications. Although the leakage of UUPs can be effectively detected and localized by utilizing the measurements of different types of sensors, the reliable transmission of sensor data remains challenging in large-scale UUPs monitoring due to the harsh underground conditions and the complex urban environments. Motivated by recent successful integration of LoRaWAN and satellites, we investigate in this study the feasibility of the massive machine-type communication (mMTC) based sensing approach, which utilizes the underground-to-satellite (UtS) connectivity for monitoring large-scale UUPs. Specifically, we consider two alternative network architectures, i.e., underground direct-to-satellite (U-DtS) and underground indirect-to-satellite (U-ItS), and discuss their pros, cons, and trade-offs. To assess the feasibility and performance of U-ItS and UtS in large-scale UUPs monitoring, we develop the Monte Carlo UtS simulator, featuring realistic UUPs deployments, regional LoRaWAN configurations, semi-empirical propagation models, two gateway deployment approaches, and data aggregation for U-ItS. Our results reveal that U-DtS fails to counter underground propagation losses and shadowing effects in urban environments. However, U-ItS is demonstrated as a promising solution for the reliable wireless monitoring of UUPs, whose performance can be further improved by utilizing data aggregation. Finally, we verify that the transmission success probability of U-DtS and U-ItS is strongly affected by the underground parameters, i.e., the burial depth of devices and the volumetric water content of soil.Abstract
Urban underground pipelines (UUPs) serve the cardiovascular system of our society and the cornerstone of various smart city and industrial applications. Although the leakage of UUPs can be effectively detected and localized by utilizing the measurements of different types of sensors, the reliable transmission of sensor data remains challenging in large-scale UUPs monitoring due to the harsh underground conditions and the complex urban environments. Motivated by recent successful integration of LoRaWAN and satellites, we investigate in this study the feasibility of the massive machine-type communication (mMTC) based sensing approach, which utilizes the underground-to-satellite (UtS) connectivity for monitoring large-scale UUPs. Specifically, we consider two alternative network architectures, i.e., underground direct-to-satellite (U-DtS) and underground indirect-to-satellite (U-ItS), and discuss their pros, cons, and trade-offs. To assess the feasibility and performance of U-ItS and UtS in large-scale UUPs monitoring, we develop the Monte Carlo UtS simulator, featuring realistic UUPs deployments, regional LoRaWAN configurations, semi-empirical propagation models, two gateway deployment approaches, and data aggregation for U-ItS. Our results reveal that U-DtS fails to counter underground propagation losses and shadowing effects in urban environments. However, U-ItS is demonstrated as a promising solution for the reliable wireless monitoring of UUPs, whose performance can be further improved by utilizing data aggregation. Finally, we verify that the transmission success probability of U-DtS and U-ItS is strongly affected by the underground parameters, i.e., the burial depth of devices and the volumetric water content of soil
Neurocognition of Design Creativity Studied with EEG: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textAbstract
Design cognition refers to fundamental mental processes and the ability to create design outcomes when facing complex problems. Creativity is essential in design activities and is, therefore, a target of investigation in design cognition. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique utilized to investigate brain functions by measuring the electrical signals from electrodes placed on the scalp. Due to the unstructured nature of design activities, which often result in open-ended and ambiguous outcomes, there has been limited research on the neuroscience of design creativity. In this study, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and included seven papers in the final review stage to investigate and summarize the neurocognitive aspects of design creativity in current research. We compiled information regarding design tasks, EEG indexes, and the assessment of design creativity and offered insights on recommendations for utilizing the EEG technique in researching the neurocognitive aspects of design creativity.Abstract
Design cognition refers to fundamental mental processes and the ability to create design outcomes when facing complex problems. Creativity is essential in design activities and is, therefore, a target of investigation in design cognition. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique utilized to investigate brain functions by measuring the electrical signals from electrodes placed on the scalp. Due to the unstructured nature of design activities, which often result in open-ended and ambiguous outcomes, there has been limited research on the neuroscience of design creativity. In this study, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and included seven papers in the final review stage to investigate and summarize the neurocognitive aspects of design creativity in current research. We compiled information regarding design tasks, EEG indexes, and the assessment of design creativity and offered insights on recommendations for utilizing the EEG technique in researching the neurocognitive aspects of design creativity
An Enhanced STAR-RIS Air-Space Integrated Network with Collaborative Task Offloading
No full textAbstract
Due to the rapid evolution of the space industry, the fusion of satellite and edge computing, known as satellite edge computing, has gained significant interest from both academia and industry. However, satellite edge computing always encounters challenges such as unreliable communication links and limited computational resources. To address these issues, we design an enhanced STAR-RIS Air-Space Integrated Network (SRASIN) with collaborative task offloading capabilities. Within this network, user devices utilize STAR-RIS reflection and transmission links to communicate with a UAV swarm and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Specifically, we design an iterative optimization STAR-RIS coefficient algorithm, incorporating penalties and linear search techniques, to maximize the data transmission rate of user devices. Subsequently, we introduce a multi-leader and multi-follower Stackelberg hierarchical game model based on potential games to model the negotiation process among user devices, the UAV swarm, and the LEO satellite. Through backward induction, we demonstrate that our game model can achieve Stackelberg Equilibrium. Finally, we design a Hierarchical Iterative Task Offloading (HITO) algorithm to optimize computing resource pricing, offloading modes, and offloading rates. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of our proposed model and algorithm in minimizing delay and energy consumption for user devices within the SRASIN.Abstract
Due to the rapid evolution of the space industry, the fusion of satellite and edge computing, known as satellite edge computing, has gained significant interest from both academia and industry. However, satellite edge computing always encounters challenges such as unreliable communication links and limited computational resources. To address these issues, we design an enhanced STAR-RIS Air-Space Integrated Network (SRASIN) with collaborative task offloading capabilities. Within this network, user devices utilize STAR-RIS reflection and transmission links to communicate with a UAV swarm and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Specifically, we design an iterative optimization STAR-RIS coefficient algorithm, incorporating penalties and linear search techniques, to maximize the data transmission rate of user devices. Subsequently, we introduce a multi-leader and multi-follower Stackelberg hierarchical game model based on potential games to model the negotiation process among user devices, the UAV swarm, and the LEO satellite. Through backward induction, we demonstrate that our game model can achieve Stackelberg Equilibrium. Finally, we design a Hierarchical Iterative Task Offloading (HITO) algorithm to optimize computing resource pricing, offloading modes, and offloading rates. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of our proposed model and algorithm in minimizing delay and energy consumption for user devices within the SRASIN