5 research outputs found
Title: Buckling of thin brittle films from polymer substrates Author(s): F. van Zon
No full textAbstract: To protect the display effects in flexible displays a brittle coating is required to prevent air and water from reaching the display effect. The problem of the brittle coating is that it is not able to withstand high levels of stress. Since the most important aspect of a flexible displays is being ‘rollable’, the brittle layer will be very often subjected to compressive stress. To get a better insight of the resilience of the brittle coating against stress, residual stress and critical stress measurements where done. In addition, the buckle propagation was studied, which is the result of compressive stress. The buckle was continually growing in width, while increasing in length showed more jumping. Every time after the buckle had jumped, the new buckle top only increased to a certain width, after which it made a new “jump ” and the cycle started again. If exposed for a longer time, the buckle stopped growing, and then jumped over the entire substrate width. The experiments were also preformed on substrates with different material systems, to determine the influence of the substrate thickness and the brittle coating thickness
Avoiding dry reforming control in direct CH4 and CO2 conversion operating at low-temperature below ambient pressure over AgPd4-Fe3-δO4 nanocomposite
No full textSignificant activity for the direct transformation of methane and carbon dioxide into coupling products (acetone and dimethyl ether), avoiding the dry reforming reaction which mainly dominates the processes reported so far, is proved. The approach has consisted in the development of a rationally designed multifunctional catalysts with capability for activation and selective transformation of methane and carbon dioxide at low reaction temperatures and below ambient pressure. The developed material integrates three distinguished phases (non-stoichiometric mixed iron oxide, Pd and Ag alloy, and noble metal oxide), as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy of areas selected (SA-EDS) by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), as well as by synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopies (EXAFS-XANES). Using a closed recirculating reaction system with a CH4/CO2 reactant gas mixture of 50/50 M ratio at 20 mbar, reaction rates within the order of 10-1 mol of CH4 converted per hour and kilogram of catalyst were achieved for the 25–150 °C studied temperature range. Combining experimental reactivity results with theoretical simulation studies, acetone and dimethyl ether were determined as primary and secondary reaction products, respectively. This study has an actual potential to revitalize the economic interest in the harnessing of methane and carbon dioxide, as a thread of hope towards eradicating their indiscriminate emissions, mainly involved in the relentless global warming and its devastating consequences. © 2023 The Author(s)F. Ivars-Barcel´o gratefully acknowledge Comunidad de Madrid for the
funding through the project/grant ref. 2017-T1/IND-6025, within the
program “Atracci´on y Retenci´on de Talento Investigador” of the V PRICIT;
and the support from the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigaci´on (AEI)
through both the “Ram´on y Cajal” excellence program for recruitment
(grant ref.: RYC2020-029470-I/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the
“Consolidaci´on Investigadora” program (grant ref.: CNS2022-136177).
E. Montejano-Nares acknowledges the support from the predoctoral
fellowship UNED-Santander 2022.
An acknowledgement also to the Spanish AEI projects with ref.:
PID2020-119160RB-C21 and PID2020-119160RB-C22; as well as to
CELLS ALBA Synchrotron for funding through the proposals/experiments
AV-2020024346 and -2020094626, and more specifically to the
BL22-CLAESS beamline where the XAS experiments were performed,
with a special mention for Dr. Laura Simonelli (our local contact). Our
acknowledgement is also for the Electron Microscopy Service of Universidad
Polit´ecnica de Valencia (UPV), and to SPECS Surface Nano
Analysis GmbH for their efforts invested in the XPS analyzer refurbishment,
and very specially to Alex Marco Gil. Moreover, we acknowledge
the support from Rosa Mª Martín Aranda (Vicerrectora de Investigaci´on,
Transferencia y Divulgaci´on Científica, UNED) and the administrative
support from Mª Dolores Fern´andez, Cristina Ramos, Mª Antonia Castilla,
Mª Teresa Mu˜noz, and Mª Elisa Est´ebanez (PAS, UNED).The data that has been used is confidentialPeer reviewe
Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development. Conference Proceedings – PCF11 Selected Papers
No full textThis book of proceedings presents selected papers from the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF11), co-hosted by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Government of Botswana in Gaborone from 10–12 September 2025. The purpose of this publication is to curate and disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed contributions that reflect both scholarly insight and practical innovation. It serves as a resource for advancing policy, practice and research in open and distance learning (ODL) in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning.
The central theme of PCF11, also reflected in the title of this book—Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development—highlights the role of openness in building social resilience, widening access, reducing inequities and supporting sustainable economic growth. The book is organised around four interrelated sub-themes that structure the proceedings and frame contemporary debates in the field: (1) changing mindsets for inclusive open education; (2) gender, technology and innovation in open education; (3) skills development through lifelong open education; and (4) sustaining communities of learning and practice in innovative open education.
The volume includes a carefully selected set of papers identified through a rigorous two-phase blind peer review process, with sub-theme leaders nominating the highest-ranked contributions for publication. Together, these papers illustrate diverse experiences, evidence-based practices and policy-relevant insights from across the Commonwealth.
The primary target audience for this book comprises policymakers, development practitioners, academics, researchers, technology innovators, COL stakeholders and partner institutions engaged in open, online and flexible learning. As such, the proceedings aim to inform decision-making, inspire innovation and strengthen collaboration in pursuit of resilient, inclusive and sustainable education systems.
Title: Recognition of Prior Learning and Micro-credentials for Enhancing Inclusion, Access and Success in the UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Blended and Online Learning Design: A Social Justice Lens
Author(s): Tabisa Mayisela; Shanali Govender; Daniela Gachago Pages: 11–22
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.001
Title: Changing Mindset for Open and Distance Learning System: University of The Gambia Experience
Author(s): Kayode S. Adekeye; Ousainou Sarr; Raphael K. Ayeni; Mbemba Hydara; Jane-Frances Agbu; Francisca U. Ezike
Pages: 23–42
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.002
Title: Unlocking the Potential of Open Educational Practices in Bangladesh — Why Mindset Shift Matters
Author(s): Mostafa Azad Kamal; Jane-Frances Agbu; Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
Pages: 43–54
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.003
Title: Pedagogy of Care in a Blended Teaching and Learning Distance Teacher Education Programme
Author(s): F. R. Aluko; M. A. Ooko
Pages: 55–64
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.004
Title: Enhancing Teacher–Student Interaction through Open Education in Hybrid Learning in Cameroonian Universities
Author(s): Shaibou Abdoulai Haji; Jane-Frances Agbu
Pages: 65–77
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.005
Title: Leveraging Technology-Enabled Learning and Open Educational Resources for Educational Equity: A Case Study in a Small Island State
Author(s): Romeela Mohee; Anjusha Durbarry
Pages: 79–88
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.006
Title: Empowering Future Teachers: Skills Development and Training Needs for AI Integration in ODL Teacher Education
Author(s): Geesje van den Berg
Pages: 89–99
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.007
Title: Leveraging AI-Driven Chatbots to Enhance First-Year Student Support: The USP SEM ZERO-GPT Initiative
Author(s): Raveena Goundar; Rajni Chand; Mohammed Hussein Pages: 100–110
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.008
Title: The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education Students’ Assessment Practices in Open Distance E-learning
Author(s): Patience Kelebogile Mudau
Pages: 111–124
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.009
Title: Gender and Disability-related Influences on Teachers’ Access to Technology-Mediated Professional Learning in Tanzania
Author(s): Sara Hennessy; Kristeen Chachage; Saalim Koomar; Calvin Swai; Taskeen Adam; Fika Mwakabungu; Winston Massam; Jonathan H. Paskali; Nidhi Singal
Pages: 125–139
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.010
Title: The Vocational Training Development Institute: An Investigation into the Utilisation of Digital Learning Strategies in TVET to Facilitate Accessibility, Flexibility, Engagement and Skills Development
Author(s): Jacqueline Solomon-Wallder; Mark McKnight; Roxanne Hinds
Pages: 141–164
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.011
Title: Implementing Blended Delivery in TEVET: Insights from a Preparatory (PBDT) Course in Zambia
Author(s): Twaambo Chiinza; Alice P. Shemi
Pages: 165–178
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.012
Title: Engaging NEET Youths through Vocational Education: A Case of the Open School of Bangladesh Open University
Author(s): Md. Mizanoor Rahman; Santosh Panda
Pages: 179–187
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.013
Title: Open Schooling in Southern Africa: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities
Author(s): Ephraim Mhlanga
Pages: 188–197
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.014
Title: Building Resilient Graduates: Moi University’s Model for Enhancing Employability and Lifelong Learning in a Dynamic Labour Market
Author(s): Lumala Masibo; Jako Olivier
Pages: 198–208
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.015
Title: Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Adoption of E-apprenticeship Programmes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria
Author(s): Michael Shittu; Robert Okinda; Anthony C. Achuenu; Alabi M. Olowo
Pages: 209–223
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.016
Title: Towards a Commonwealth Credit Transfer Framework for Micro-Credentials: Advancing Education for a More Resilient Workforce Author(s): Jako Olivier; Jane-Frances Agbu; Schontal Moore; Sanjaya Mishra; Betty Ogange; Evode Mukama; Robert Okinda Pages: 225–236
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.017
Title: Collaborative Approaches in Open Education: Leveraging OER Creation, Adaptation and use for Sustainable Development Author(s): Shepherd Mlambo; Nokulunga Sithabile Ndlovu; Thabo Gina
Pages: 237–248
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.018
Title: Empowering Voices in Open Education: Reflections and Future Directions from the Global OER Graduate Network’s 10th Anniversary Author(s): Robert Farrow; Carina Bossu; Beck Pitt
Pages: 249–257
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.019
Title: Collaborative Peer Learning for International Course Development in the Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) Project: Challenges and Lessons Learned Through this Case Study
Author(s): Philip Uys
Pages: 258–268
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.020
Title: Building Sustainable Communities of Practice Through Mentor-Supported OER Development: An Iterative Approach in Pacific STEM Education
Author(s): Amanda Grey; Betty Ogange; Rajni Chand; Ashish Agrawal
Pages: 269–282
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.02
Inspirado por la IA
No full textEl proyecto "Inspirado por la IA" es una campaña educativa diseñada para estudiantes de diseño en la Universidad de los Andes, enfocada en fomentar una nueva perspectiva sobre la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) y su implementación en procesos creativos. La iniciativa busca inspirar confianza en el uso de la IA en el diseño, proporcionando recursos educativos actualizados y relevantes alineados con las últimas tendencias en IA. A través de estrategias creativas como la combinación de tecnología y diseño, se promueve una experiencia educativa que desafía concepciones tradicionales sobre la IA, convirtiendo conceptos complejos en narrativas visualmente atractivas y accesibles.DiseñadorPregrad
