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Being in Two Places at the Same Time: a Future for Hybrid Learning Based on Student Preferences
Get PDFThe Covid-19 pandemic moved focus from face-to-face learning to hybrid in Higher Education; many educators did not have previous experience of this mode prior to this shift in learning locations. One form of hybrid learning is “synchronous hybrid learning” where both face-to-face and online students simultaneously attend learning activities. This study set out to explore students’ experiences of, and attitudes towards, synchronous hybrid learning, using a multi-method approach: a student survey (n = 66) and interviews with both students (n = 22) and lecturers (n = 8). Findings reveal technology challenges for both face-to-face and online learning but the majority of students preferred hybrid learning. Students acknowledged that hybrid formats provided fewer opportunities to collaborate and that they felt more engaged when face-to-face, but they could manage their time better with hybrid. Staff observed equity-related benefits, while acknowledging increased complexity of delivery. The study makes recommendations for a future that encompasses good quality, post-pandemic hybrid learning
Stretchable electrospun PVDF/TPU nanofibers membranes: Acoustic signals detectors
Get PDFDevices that harvest energy are crucial for reducing reliance on energy transmission and distribution systems. This helps minimize energy loss and mitigate environmental impacts. In this study, we focused on manufacturing nanocomposites using various ratios of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). PVDF, a flexible polymer, shows promise for nanogenerator applications, especially if its piezoelectric properties are enhanced. The nanofiber mat used as a transducer converts sound into electrical signals. We examined the electrical output from auditory signal excitation, analyzing the frequency of applied acoustic signals. The detected electrical signal was compared to the acoustic input signal in terms of frequency and wave distortion. PVDF, known for its piezoelectric capability, can convert mechanical or acoustic stress into electrical voltage. TPU, known for its exceptional flexibility, is widely used in the plastics sector. Our research explored the piezoresponse of nanofiber membranes with different PVDF/TPU ratios. TPU’s superior mechanical stretchability enhances the piezoelectric sensitivity of PVDF/TPU nanofiber mats. This study introduces a novel application of piezoelectric electrospinning nanofiber membranes as acoustic signal detectors. Our results demonstrate that these membranes provide a promising, cost-effective, and innovative solution for capturing acoustic signals
Thailand’s Kra Canal: economic feasibility and expert perspectives on its complexity
Get PDFPurposeAsia is one of the most important economic regions of the world. The Kra Canal is considered as a potential maritime transportation node in global trade. Indeed, for centuries, a canal across the Kra isthmus in Thailand has been proposed as holding significant economic and logistical benefits through goods transfer and exchange, yet it remains unconstructed. Common tools in feasibility studies are PESTELE and SWOT analyses, which incorporate cost-benefit and value analyses. The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal using approaches to complement existing studies.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, we combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to holistically assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal. Quantitatively, we consider the economic feasibility of the canal using Net Present Value to evaluate its potential financial benefits. Qualitatively, we then present expert perspectives gathered from in-depth interviews with field experts (n = 20) to identify key aspects of complexity related to the economic, political and overall feasibility of the canal.FindingsWe discuss the possibility of the canal’s construction and describe possible future impacts the canal could have on the region geopolitically, for example, in its role in China’s One Belt One Road initiative and also in how Singapore and Tanjung Pelapas in Malaysia might react. Ultimately, we find significant complexities with the Kra Canal project, ones which anyone contemplating its construction would, we argue, be wise to consider.Originality/valueThis paper combined qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal. The methodologies and findings supplement past relevant studies and help evaluate the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal’s investment project. This is particularly timely considering its potential ability as a route given recent geopolitical events and, for example, as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative and its ability to reduce carbon and sulphur emissions
Robotics use in the care and management of people living with Diabetes Mellitus in the community – a scoping review protocol
Get PDFThe aim of the review is to identify and map the range of available evidence on the types of robotic devices and their impact on people living with Diabetes Mellitus in the community. The outcome of this scoping review will inform the development and testing of a future robotic intervention
MuscleMap: An Open-Source, Community-Supported Consortium for Whole-Body Quantitative MRI of Muscle
Get PDFDisorders affecting the neurological and musculoskeletal systems represent international health priorities. A significant impediment to progress in trials of new therapies is the absence of responsive, objective, and valid outcome measures sensitive to early disease changes. A key finding in individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders is the compositional changes to muscles, evinced by the expression of fatty infiltrates. Quantification of skeletal muscle composition by MRI has emerged as a sensitive marker for the severity of these disorders; however, little is known about the composition of healthy muscles across the lifespan. Knowledge of what is ‘typical’ age-related muscle composition is essential to accurately identify and evaluate what is ‘atypical’. This innovative project, known as the MuscleMap, will achieve the first important steps towards establishing a world-first, normative reference MRI dataset of skeletal muscle composition with the potential to provide valuable insights into various diseases and disorders, ultimately improving patient care and advancing research in the field
Nurse independent prescribing: exploring the opportunities and challenges
Get PDFThe Nursing and Midwifery Council states that nurses should be able to demonstrate competence in prescribing practice at the point of registration to be ‘prescribing ready’. The aim is to increase the number of nurse independent prescribers and improve access to pharmacological treatments for patients. However, while this policy presents opportunities for nurses to develop their prescribing knowledge and skills, there are also challenges involved in integrating prescribing theory into nurse education and ensuring there are enough suitable mentors available in practice. This article details how the policy of prescribing readiness is being addressed in preregistration nurse education and explores the supervision of nurse prescribing in clinical practice. The author also discusses how best to support the professional development of nurse independent prescribers beyond their initial training
Architecting net zero: from drawings to bytes
Get PDFEvery profession across the globe has been affected by computers in the last decades. Most of the day-to-day jobs are about creating and managing data and the processes include inputs, storage, transfer and output. The construction industry is no exception and has been affected by modern processes. Besides, the entire ecosystem of the construction industry from material manufacturing to usage and demolition is a carbon emitter. The role of the industry in achieving global sustainability targets is significant and the overall construction ecosystem seems to be evolving toward net-zero targets and various tools from design to construction are contributing to this goal. This research surveys the existing literature on significant data generators in the construction, and management systems and how data can be used or are used for net-zero delivery of buildings in the UK. It demonstrates a path to move away from analogy and intuition in building design to a path that is inspired by approved data-driven methods. This study highlights the lack of universal protocols in data management especially in net-zero delivery, the lack of clarity on the required data to effectively reuse building components for lower emissions and most importantly how disruptive industry 5.0 could be when interoperability issues are unsolved among AEC professionals and cloud-based data sharing is still advancing
Assessing occupational participation among justice involved people 'with a personality disorder': Quantitive Assessments and their properties
Get PDFIntroduction: There is little evidence for what influences occupational participation for justice-involved people ‘with a personality disorder’ living in community contexts, and no validated occupational participation assessments specific to this group. We assessed justice-involved people ‘with a personality disorder’ to ascertain what influences occupational participation using commonly applied assessments and evaluated their construct validity. Method: As part of a mixed-methods study, a purposive sample of 18 justice-involved people ‘with a personality disorder’ were scored on the Model of Human Occupational Screening Tool (MOHOST) and Occupational Performance History Interview–Version Two (OPHI-II) scales. Mean scores were calculated per MOHOST item and OPHI-II scales, and compared to published data. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to identify within sample differences based on demographic characteristics. Results: Participants had limitations on key MOHOST items, and many items of the OPHI-II scales. Differences were identified compared to published data. Within sample differences were most apparent in comparisons by employment status and ethnicity. The OPHI-II scales did not operate as intended with this population, and recommended adjustments impacted its construct validity. Conclusion: Replication is required with a larger random sample. Integrating these data with qualitative exploration would further elucidate factors influencing occupational participation with this population
Fandom as method: Decolonising research on social media communications through Chinese transnational fandoms of a Japanese Olympic figure skater
Get PDFThis paper focuses on international sports personality in figure staking Yuzuru Hanyu, who plays for Japan, and his transnational fandoms in China, to examine the politicisation of his evolving fandom during and after his performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Our contribution is to illustrate the value of analysing fandoms in the Chinese social media as a method that seeks to advance a decolonised approach to communication studies. This study uses digital ethnography to collect data and conducts critical thematic analysis to illustrate the complexity of socially mediated fandom debates and flames. Consulting interdisciplinary literature in sports fandom and communication, athletic branding, and political communication, we propose a fresh critical approach to Chinese communication studies, which we have conceptualised as “fandom as method.” We offer a case study to illustrate this critical approach, which we argue is a contribution to decolonising scholarship by promoting inclusivity of alternative approaches, in communication studies in the global south. “Fandom as method” can excavate new terrain, rather than simply adding to West-centric theoretical advances. Findings underscore that critically analysing the complex interplay between fans, anti-fans, and the authorities through “fandom as method” can reveal previously undetected communication patterns. More importantly, fandom as method can help us interrogate the nuances of communications situated within complex, dynamic, evolving patriotic and nationalistic social media discourses. This approach helps to explicate opaque clashes of “mainstremeist belief and action” in the name of patriotism and nationalism which, in the Chinese context, are subject to intervention from the authorities as the ultimate other. It reveals how social media activity politicises a sports personality, a fandom trend that seems likely to spill over into other spheres of the entertainment industry
Deploying Bottleneck Management Strategies for Ameliorating Critical Delays in Building Construction Projects: A Case for Developing Country of Iran
Get PDFOne of the primary concerns and challenges encountered in the construction industry is the emergence of crucial factors instigating project delays throughout the construction project lifecycle (CPL). The critical delay factors (CDFs) are the significant factors that not only cause project delays but also create obstacles and bottlenecks for the projects. Hence, the current study aims to determine CDFs affecting project completions and ameliorates the adverse situation by developing relevant bottleneck management strategies. To achieve this goal, a desktop review of previous research studies was undertaken to identify the CDFs in the CPL. The brainstorming technique was further utilized to filter the identified CDFs and match them to the context of developing countries, using Iran as a case example. Finally, an empirical questionnaire was created that included 22 CDFs divided into three distinct groups. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were checked and validated before massive distribution to target respondents. Sixty industry experts appraised the identified CDFs in the CPL based on two assessment criteria: the severity of impact and probability of occurrence. The findings revealed that the groups with the most significant level of impact (out of 5 points) are project planning and design (2.29), construction and delivery (1.99), and policymaking and legislation (1.72). Similarly, the groups of project planning and design (2.30), construction and delivery (2.20), and policymaking and legislation (1.5) were ranked from first to third based on the probability of occurrence. According to the survey findings, the project planning and design stage is the most optimal time to mitigate the impact of project delays. Moreover, the study posited some pragmatic recommendations as bottleneck management strategies for ameliorating the identified CDFs for future projects. The study deliverables can serve as an effective tool for project stakeholders and decision makers to diminish the impact on and penetration of CDFs into building construction projects and enhance the delivery path leading to project success
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